Full Results: 2012 Top States for
Doing Business Survey »
OVERALL RANKINGS
2012
1. Texas
2. South Carolina
3. Georgia
4. Alabama
5. North Carolina
6. Louisiana
7. Tennessee
8. Indiana
9. Mississippi
10. Oklahoma
2011
1. Texas
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. South Carolina
5. Indiana
6. Louisiana
7. North Carolina
8. Tennessee
9. Mississippi
10. California
2010
1. Tennessee
2. Texas
3. South Carolina
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Indiana
7. Mississippi
8. North Carolina
9. Virginia
10. Oklahoma
CONSULTANTS COMMENTARY
North
Carolina was also ranked second in the country for
certified sites or shovel-ready programs - a result of
its recently updated Certified Sites Program. This
database is available to companies and consultants
and provides detailed information on all
shovel-ready sites, including environmental
tests, soil conditions, existing infrastructure
and utilities, pricing information,
etc.
North Carolina is securing
new projects across traditional
sectors such as lumber, agriculture,
furniture, and textiles,
as well as advanced
manufacturing industries
including aerospace,
defense, automotive,
biotechnology, pharmaceuticals,
alternative
energy, and information
and computer technology.
For example,
Linamar Corporation, a
Canada-based supplier
of engine, transmission,
and driveline components,
will undertake a
$75 million, 250-job expansion
of its manufacturing
operations in Asheville. In the
energy sector, Schletter plans
to manufacture solar mounting
systems at a new, $27 million facility
in Shelby, creating 305 new jobs.
One reason North Carolina was highly
ranked by the consultants for access to
capital (third) is the One North Carolina Fund,
a highly effective program that provides financial
assistance for companies that will have significant
economic development impact within the state.
Ralph Lauren Corporation, for example, received a
$500,000 One North Carolina Fund grant for the $97
million, 500-job expansion of its operations in High
Point. Other recent grants have been awarded to
Ashley Furniture for its $80 million expansion in
Davie County and Hospira's $85 million expansion of
its biomedical operations in Nash County, adding 200
new jobs. More than 60,000 jobs and $11 billion in
investment have been created since the One North
Carolina Fund was established in 2001.
"My first priority is creating jobs," says Governor
Beverly Perdue. "Hospira knows our highly skilled
work force and strong business climate have helped
the company thrive in North Carolina. It's always
great news when existing companies choose to
invest new resources in our state."
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