More fuel for the fire in the political debate about whether North Carolina is losing its competitive economic edge.
CNBC on Tuesday named North Carolina as being the fourth best state for business in the country – down from third a year ago.
The rating was based on 51 measures of competitiveness developed with the input from business groups including the National Association of Manufacturers and the Council on Competitiveness as well as the states themselves.
The study looked at the cost of doing business such as tax burden, utility costs, labor costs, and rental costs for office and industrial space. It looked at the quality and availability of work force as well as government-sponsored programs to train workers, and union membership. It also took into account quality of life such as local attractions, crime rate, health care, air and water quality and pollution. It also considered infrastructure and transportation.
The CNBC announcement follows on the heels of a #3 ranking for the best states for business by Chief Executive, Site Selection and Forbes Magazine.
“Our top priorities are attracting businesses to invest and create jobs in North Carolina, and helping our existing businesses grow and expand here,” Gov. Bev Perdue said in a statement. “We're going to continue spreading the word about North Carolina's great business climate, and keep working aggressively to bring companies here.''
