Missouri Among Top Ten Pro-Business States

Online, September 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Missouri is among the top ten states in which to do business, according to a new study by Pollina Corporate Real Estate, based in Park Ridge, Ill. Pollina's study, "The Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2010: The Great American Job Purge," based its rankings on 31 factors, including taxes, human resources, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers compensation laws, economic incentive programs and state economic development efforts. These factors, along with job retention and job creation, helped move Missouri into the top 10.

"Missouri is continually recognized as one of the best places to do business in the nation," said Governor Jay Nixon. "Our diverse economy, unique resources and low costs of doing business truly encourage companies to grow here in Missouri. Our state recently welcomed nine new companies who have chosen to expand or relocate to Missouri, signifying our strong economy and pro-business environment."

According to Pollina, Missouri's slow, but consistent approach to creating a pro-business environment is paying off, because the state continuously adapts and changes to fit the needs of business. Missouri got high marks for unemployment insurance rates, inventory taxes, electric rates, and incentives.

This is the first year Missouri has ranked in the Pollina Corporate Top 10, but its standings in this and other national studies have been climbing steadily since 2006. Missouri was ranked 3rd for Business Energy Costs by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council this year. It also ranked 5th for Lowest Business Costs and 7th for Best Transportation System, according to CNBC. In addition, many Missouri cities have been recognized as top U.S. cities for job growth according to NewGeography's 2010 BestCities rankings.

The Pollina Corporate report ranked Virginia as the number one state in which to do business, with Utah, Wyoming, and North and South Carolina close behind. California was ranked last for the seventh year in a row.

About The Missouri Partnership:
Since 2007, the nonprofit The Missouri Partnership has worked in concert with state, regional and local economic development groups, as well as private industry, to attract new companies to Missouri by marketing the state's business advantages. Through effective branding, advertising, earned media, trade show attendance, and targeted relationship-building, the Partnership's team of seasoned economic development and marketing professionals seek to promote Missouri as a top destination for new capital investment and job creation. For more information about The Missouri Partnership visit: www.missouripartnership.com.