South holds business-friendly top spot

Jul 6, 2011

CNBC has released its 5th annual list of the top places to do business in America.

Each state received points based on their rankings in 43 categories. The initial categories were then separated into 10 categories and were then weighed by how often they were referenced in state economic development marketing materials.

Taking the #1 slot is Virginia, followed by North Carolina at #3 and Georgia at #4.

Other Southern states placed as follows:

#18: Florida, Tennessee
#32: Arkansas
#35: Kentucky
#37: South Carolina
#41: Alabama
#42: Louisiana
#47: Mississippi

The list comes complete with information regarding where each state ranks in various categories from transportation, cost of doing business, quality of life, economy, work force and infrastructure to business friendliness, education, technology, innovation, access to capital, and cost of living.

Read more:

America’s Top States for Business 2011