South Carolina Ranks No. 4 Best State for Business
October 20, 2014
NEW YORK, NY – South Carolina ranks fourth among the 50 states for having the best business climate, according to a new survey of U.S. corporate executives released at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference.
South Carolina was identified by 12.6 percent of the 356 respondents to the 2014 survey as having the most favorable business climate. Texas ranked first with 49.7 percent, Florida ranked second with 18.1 percent, Georgia and North Carolina tied for third with 17.6 percent and Tennessee ranked fifth with 11.6 percent.
Conducted by Development Counsellors International (DCI) every three years, the “Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing” survey has tracked trends in economic development since its inception in 1996.
When asked why they selected the states they did as being best for business, the corporate executives frequently cited tax climate, “pro-business environment,” incentives/financial assistance, and workforce quality/availability.
Best States for Business
| 1. Texas | 49.7% |
| 2. Florida |
18.1% |
| 3. Georgia; North Carolina | 17.6% (tie) |
| 4. South Carolina | 12.6% |
| 5. Tennessee | 11.6% |
The South Carolina Department of Commerce ranked No. 3 “best in class” state economic development organization, with 19 percent of site selection consultants who participated in the survey identifying it as a top economic development organization.
“Winning Strategies provides a glimpse into the minds of corporate executives and site selection consultants and their perceptions of locations across the United States and the world,” said DCI President Andrew T. Levine. “With competition for business more fierce than ever, this information is particularly important for communities as they look at how to influence corporate executives’ decisions on where to locate, invest and create jobs.”
For a free copy of the full “Winning Strategies” survey report or an executive summary, visit www.aboutdci.com/winning-strategies.
About DCI
Considered the leader in marketing places, Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes in economic development and tourism marketing. The agency has worked for more than 400 cities, regions, states and countries since it was established in New York City in 1960.
