Expansion Management

Texas, Florida, Georgia North Carolina -- Best Business States

Oct. 20, 2014

The Lone Star state was chosen by 49.7% of those surveyed as having one of the most favorable business climates in the nation.

Adrienne Selko

Whatever Texas is doing, it should keep doing it.

Since 1991 the state has held the No. 1 ranking as the top state to do business, according to an industry survey by Development Counselors International (DCI).

The Lone Star state was chosen by 49.7% of those surveyed as having one of the most favorable business climates in the nation.

The survey, "Winning Strategies”, talks to corporate executives and site selection consultants to get their perceptions of locations across the United States.

Florida ranked second with 18.1%; and Georgia and North Carolina tied for third with 17.6% of the votes.

South Carolina and Tennessee came in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

When asked why they selected the states they did as being best for business, the corporate executives frequently cited tax climate, "pro-business environment," incentives/financial assistance and workforce quality/availability.

“With competition for business more fierce than ever, this information is particularly important for communities as they look at how to influence corporate executives' decisions on where to locate, invest and create jobs," said DCI President Andrew T. Levine.

The survey also found that nearly half – 44% – of the corporate executives who responded indicated that their firm would make a location decision in the next 24 months – whether it is a move, expansion or consolidation of a manufacturing plant, office, distribution center or other facilities.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.