The South is hotter than most of the rest of the U.S. in more ways than one. The map on this issue’s cover could just as easily be a mid-summer temperature map as one depicting, in general terms, the states with the best business climates in 2010. The top five states — with North Carolina at the top of the list for the ninth time in 10 years — are solidly southern, and three more are, for a total of eight, in the top 10 (see the chart).
Site Selection evaluates the states annually using a four-part index of criteria linked to the magazine’s proprietary New Plant database of new and expanded facilities and a survey of corporate site selectors indicating
their preference for state business climates. The index and the survey each weigh 50 percent in the final point score and ranking.
Jobs and economic growth are every state’s Holy Grail in 2010, with unemployment well into double digits in some states and on the threshold of that measure nationally. On average, businesses were reluctant to expand during the year as energy and healthcare costs were debated and legislated in Washington. But many did expand, and many announced new facilities, especially in those states whose governors and economic development teams kept their eye on the ball.
To read the full, original article click on this link: COVER STORY -- Site Selection magazine, November 2010
