CEO Rankings of States

Chief Executive Magazine released its survey of CEOs, which ranks the 50 states (and DC) in terms of business friendliness. Pennsylvania ranks a dreary 37th (down ten spots from a year ago).

What is most important for CEOs?

Yet, in the minds of CEOs, the living environment does not differ drastically between the best and worst states. …. The real deal-breaker was taxation.
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Some CEOs expressed concern over states that have a culture of taxation rather than innovation. “States that hinder the ability of a company to create jobs and serve its customers will lose in the long run,” said Edward M. Kopko, CEO of Chief Executive Group. “CEOs are aware of which state governments are and are not friendly towards business, and they are not afraid to shift their resources accordingly.”