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10 Best States for Business 2013: Slideshow

Here's a look at the best states in which to do business in 2013 and what CEOs had to say about them.

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Number 2

No. 1 Texas

Taxations & Regulations

Workforce Quality

Living Environment

Based on CEO Survey by ChiefExecutive.net

Key Metrics
State GDP 

  • % Growth ’10-’11: 3.3
  • % Growth ’10-’11 v. Nat’l Avg. (1.5%): 1.8

Unemployment

  • Unemployment Rate Dec. 2012 %: 6.2
  • Comparison with Nat’l Rate (7.80%): -1.6

Domestic Migration

  • Domestic Net Migration ’10-’11: 145,315
  • Rank: 1

State Government

  • Debt per Capita Fiscal Year ’10 ($): 1,679
  • State & Local Gov’t Employees per 10k Residents: 563.9

State-Local Tax Burden

  • Rate (%): 8.2
  • Compared to Nat’l Avg. (9.9%): -1.68
Key Companies
  • ExxonMobil Corp.
  • AT&T Inc.
  • Dell Inc.
  • ConocoPhillips
  • AMR Corp.
  • Fluor
  • Halliburton
  • Southwest Airlines
Development Trend Indicator: Positive
Amazingly, the Lone Star State hasn’t let up and keeps building on its lead.
CEO Comments
“Glad to become part of the great “TEXodus” and moved from CA to TX — been really terrific for us…”

“Texas still stands head and shoulders above others in their business climate, employee work ethics and living environment.”

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

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10
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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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