Chief Executive magazine’s 10th annual survey ranking the best and worst states in which to conduct business resulted in a significant leap for the state of Wisconsin. Based on a poll of more than 500 CEOs, the Dairy State jumped 27 spots, from 41st place five years ago to 14th place in this latest 2014 survey. Last year, Wisconsin placed 17th. Among the key metrics cited in the report was the state’s unemployment rate of 6.2% (December 2013), which compared to a national rate of 6.7%. The CEOs were asked to grade states they were familiar with on measures including tax and regulatory practices, the quality of the workforce, and the quality of the living environment.
For the 10th year in a row, Texas led the pack (No. 1), with Florida running a close second, while New York (49th) and California (50th) pulled up the rear.
