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Indiana is the only Midwest state in the top 10 on a national ranking of the “Best and Worst States for Business.” Chief Executive magazine's rankings are based on a survey of more than 500 chief executive officers throughout the United States. You can see the full rankings by clicking here.

You can see Indiana's measurements by clicking here.

May 8, 2015

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana ranked first in the Midwest and sixth nationwide as the best place to do business by Chief Executive magazine. It is the only Midwestern state ranked in the top 10.

The magazine's “Best & Worst States For Business” ranking is based on surveys of more than 500 CEOs. According to Chief Executive, the results of the 11th annual survey show that CEOs favor states with progressive business development programs, low taxes and a quality living environment.

“We've worked hard to create a low-cost, pro-growth economic environment here in Indiana,” said Governor Mike Pence. “This ranking confirms what we already know as Hoosiers. With an honestly balanced budget, robust infrastructure and a top-notch workforce, Indiana is a state that works for business.”

As highlighted by Chief Executive, Indiana became the first Midwestern right-to-work state in 2012, a law that was upheld by the Indiana Supreme Court last year. Since its passing, more than 100 companies have indicated to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) that its passage was a factor in their decisions to locate or expand operations in Indiana. Collectively, these projects account for approximately 10,000 projected new jobs and more than $2.3 billion capital investment in the state.

Indiana's 6th place ranking makes it the only Midwestern state in the publication’s top 10. Among neighboring states, Kentucky ranked 28th, Ohio ranked 22nd, Michigan ranked 43rd and Illinois ranked 49th.

This Chief Executive magazine ranking is the latest in a series of national accolades for Indiana's business climate. Last year, Indiana was ranked best in the Midwest and 7th overall in Area Development magazine's “Top States for Doing Business” as well as best in the Midwest and 7th in the nation in the Pollina Corporate “Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2014” study.

Chief Executive magazine is a bi-monthly publication for top management executives published by the Chief Executive Group LLC. Founded in 1977, the Chief Executive Group LLC is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. The full survey results are available at http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-business/2015.

About IEDC

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana's economic development efforts, focusing on helping companies grow in and locate to the state. Governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.

Source: Indiana Economic Development Corp.

May 8, 2015

News Release

Greenwich, Connecticut — Chief executives, who favor pro-growth, low-tax states, ranked Texas, Florida and North Carolina as the best states in the U.S. for business, according to Chief Executive magazine’s 2015 “Best and Worst States for Business” survey.

In the annual survey, completed by 511 CEOs across the U.S., states are measured across three key categories to achieve their overall ranking: Taxes and regulations, quality of the workforce, and living environment, which includes such considerations as quality of education, cost of living, affordable housing, social amenities and crime rates.

In 2015, Texas remained the best state for business for the 11th year in row, followed by Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Since the recession began in December 2007, 1.2 million net jobs have been created in Texas, while 700,000 net jobs were created in the other 49 states combined. According to one CEO, “California and Oregon are essentially anti-business, whereas Texas and Tennessee do everything possible to make business comfortable and more successful.”

California ranked last in the survey, followed by New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Massachusetts. CEOs gave these states the lowest ratings because of their high tax rates and regulatory environments. Says one CEO, “The good states ask what they can do for you; the bad states ask what they can get from you.”

Compared with 2014, Idaho has made the largest improvement in the CEO survey, rising 10 spots to number 18, primarily due to high growth rates in GDP, while South Dakota dropped eight places in the 2015 results, even though quality-of-life attractions enhance the state’s low-tax bona fides.

State governments use the survey results to help determine how to improve their regulatory environments to attract more businesses, while corporations use the data to decide where to build facilities and attract vibrant workforces.

In addition to full rankings for all 50 states, the 2015 Best & Worst States for Business survey includes:

–Biggest Gains from 2014

–Biggest Losses from 2014

–Biggest Gains from 2010

–Biggest Losses from 2010

In addition to CEO ratings on taxation and regulation, workforce quality, and living environment, ChiefExecutive.net’s ratings also provide data on state GDP, unemployment rate, domestic migration, and state/local tax burden.

For complete results, including individual state rankings on multiple criteria, CEO comments, methodology and more, please visit http://go.pardot.com//e/37942/st-worst-states-business-2015-/rc5xy/272047284.

About Chief Executive

Chief Executive Group produces Chief Executive magazine (published since 1977)—the definitive source that CEOs turn to for insight and ideas that help increase their effectiveness and grow their business—ChiefExecutive.net, and conferences, roundtables and networks that enable top corporate officers to discuss key subjects and share their experiences within a community of peers. The Group also facilitates the annual “Chief Executive of the Year,” a prestigious honor bestowed upon an outstanding corporate leader, nominated and selected by a group of peers. Visit www.chiefexecutive.net for more information.

Cource: Chief Executive Group

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