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Some states lost more ground than others, but that doesn’t mean they’re not competing. Indeed, one CEO survey respondent had this to say about Oregon, which fell five slots, from No. 39 last year to No. 44 in 2017: “Oregon, with the presence of huge companies like Nike and Precision Castparts Corp. pumping billions of dollars into the economy, wouldn’t surprise me if they were in the top 10 GDP of the entire country.”
Wyoming moved down the most—10 slots, from No. 14 to No. 24. However, for the fifth year in a row, Wyoming ranked No. 1 in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. In addition to its lack of corporate and income tax, Wyoming also has no inventory, franchise, occupation or value-added taxes. The state also offers tax exemptions for manufacturers and data centers.
Businesses headquartered in Wyoming include Bighorn Airways, Buckskin Mining Co., Great Lakes Airlines, Suncor Energy Pipeline Co. and Taco John’s.
“With the presence of huge companies like Nike and Precision Castparts Corp. pumping billions of dollars into the economy, it wouldn’t surprise me if Oregon was in the top 10 GDP of the entire country.”
Other states on the Biggest Losers list include Washington, which fell eight slots, from No. 31 to No. 39; North Dakota, which fell six slots, from No. 22 to No. 28; and Alaska, which fell four slots, from No. 30 to No. 34.
But here’s something you might not know about these states:
The development of the Bakken shale oil fields in the western part of North Dakota has fueled the state’s growth, and potato stocks are up 22% year over year. However, North Dakota is also suffering from constant oil spills, and they need to find a solution that includes both prevention as well as clean-up.
Washington is experiencing year-over-year growth in nearly every sector. A construction boom is driving employment gains, including a 4.6% rise in King County, which encompasses Seattle.
An oil explorer is planning a test in Alaska’s North Slope. It could prove a boon for the state if he is successful. Also, Anchorage’s local government is exploring ways to grow and reform the sluggish downtown area, and could be ripe for a making a deal.
How CEOs choose the right state for their business can include a number of factors, such as proximity to customers, suppliers, talent and infrastructure. However, taxation, workforce quality and quality of living continue to be the top factors.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
