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Texas is the Best State for Business 2012

No. 1

Texas

Taxation and Regulations
Workforce Quality
Living Environment

Based on CEO Survey by ChiefExecutive.net

Key Metrics
State GDP 

  • % Growth ’07-’10: 3.13
  • % Growth ’07-’10 v. Nat’l Avg. (-0.33%): 3.46

Unemployment

  • Unemployment Rate Dec. 2011 %: 7.80
  • Comparison with Nat’l Rate (8.50%): -0.70

Domestic Migration

  • Domestic Net Migration ’00-’09: 838,126
  • Rank: 2

State Government

  • Debt per Capita Fiscal Year ’10 ($): 1,679
  • State & Local Gov’t Employees per 10k Residents: 563.86

State-Local Tax Burden

  • Rate (%): 7.89
  • Compared to Nat’l Avg. (9.8%): -1.91
Key Companies
  • ExxonMobil Corp.
  • AT&T Inc.
  • Dell Inc.
  • ConocoPhillips
  • AMR Corp.
  • Fluor
  • Halliburton
  • Southwest Airlines
Development Trend Indicator: Positive
Still a leading jobs magnet, but persistent drought pinches many businesses.
CEO Comments
“Texas—what else needs to be said—great people, low tax, low regulation, great central location.”

“Texas continues to develop and grow businesses. The state attracts top-level talent across the income divisions. Laws and taxation are creating opportunities that benefit expansion and job growth.”

Sources:
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Bureau of Labor Statistics
NewGeography.com
The Tax Foundation

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Chief Executive

Chief Executive magazine (published since 1977) is the definitive source that CEOs turn to for insight and ideas that help increase their effectiveness and grow their business. Chief Executive Group also produces e-newsletters and online content at chiefexecutive.net and manages Chief Executive Network and other executive peer groups, as well as conferences and roundtables that enable top corporate officers to discuss key subjects and share their experiences within a community of peers. Chief Executive facilitates the annual “CEO of the Year,” a prestigious honor bestowed upon an outstanding corporate leader, nominated and selected by a group of peers, and is known throughout the U.S. and elsewhere for its annual ranking of Best & Worst States for Business. Visit www.chiefexecutive.net for more information.
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