A new survey ranks Tennessee No. 1 among site selectors asked to rate their experience in locating projects in each state.
In its annual business climate ratings, Site Selection magazine said its survey of site selectors rated Tennessee as their top choice, just ahead of neighboring North Carolina and Georgia.
The same executives were asked to prioritize their site location criteria, which reveals the attributes they consider to be present in states with a strong business climate. Workforce skills, meaning the availability of skills their companies require today and in the future, is the most important, as it was in last year’s tally. The tax climate and workforce development resources tied for second.
In an overall ranking of the business climates by Site Selection magazine based upon all of the business climate criteria, Tennessee ranked No. 15 and Georgia ranked No. 2. Site Selection magazine ranked Virginia overall as the state with the best business climate.
“Our state’s top-tier ranking among site selectors is proof that our business climate is attracting companies from around the globe,” Tennessee’s Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said in a statement Monday.
Site selectors’ ranking of best business states:
1. Tennessee
2. North Carolina
3. Georgia
4. Texas
5. Alabama
6. South Carolina
7. Ohio
8. Indiana
9. Arizona
10. Florida
Source: Site Selection magazine based on site selectors’ responses to rankings of states for their experience with new projects.
— Compiled by Dave Flessner