Magazine Gives State Top Ranking For Business Climate

In its November issue,

Site Selection

magazine chose North Carolina as the nation's top state for doing business in its 2003 rankings. The designation is North Carolina's third consecutive top ranking and its fourth in five years.

"As the Site Selection Business Climate has shown for the past several years, the overwhelming majority of business executives say that they are receiving a very good return on their investment when they choose to do business in North Carolina," said Ron Starner, Site Selection's director of publications. "The results are in the hard facts, and in this case, North Carolina certainly has the facts to prove the legitimacy of its No. 1 Business Climate Ranking."

Easley credits the ranking to education, work force development and improvements to infrastructure.

"While this is no surprise to me, the top ranking serves a reminder, both outside and inside the state, that North Carolina is the best place to do business," he said.

Easley said although the state has lost 50,000 jobs, he claims the state has gained 61,000 jobs for a net gain of 11,000. He said that North Carolina is one of 22 states that can boast such a claim.