Here Comes CNBC's Top States For Business 2009
From unemployment to taxes, economic conditions will play a role in the rankings of CNBC’s third annual America’s Top States For Business study due out Thursday, July 23.
And given the dramatic change in the nation’s economy in the past year, you can expect more than the usual number of surprises in this year’s edition.
You’ll also find changes in our methodology, from the total possible score to the weightings of the ten categories containing the dozens of criteria on which the states are judged.
These changes reflect how states themselves pitch their attributes as a home for business. Given the state of the economy, many are emphasizing quality of life, while playing down cost of living. (See chart).
One thing hasn’t changed, though. We’ll be counting down the top five states throughout the day on CNBC TV, starting with “Squawk On The Street” and culminating on “Street Signs” when we’ll reveal the winner. Of course, we’ll help you along with way with clues and hints.
Once the big news is out, however, check CNBC.com for the complete, state-by-state rankings, using our interactive grid, which allows you to sort by category or state. You’ll also find handy economic snapshots of all 50 states and a host of related features.
In the meantime, take our poll and take a fresh look at 2008's results.