If you run a business, Georgia’s a great place to do business.
So say CEOs in the latest annual survey by Chief Executive magazine.
Fifth-best in the U.S., actually, the second straight year in that spot.
Georgia’s business climate isn’t as good a that of No. 1 Texas, or three other Southern states that top it, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. But it’s a heck of a lot better than the environment in bottom-feeding California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Massachusetts, the poll of 511 top execs says.
So what do CEOs like and want?
Well, low taxes. That, and getting government out of the way.
The magazine focused on these key areas of desire: Taxes and regulations, quality of workforce, and living environment. The latter category factors in quality of education, cost of living, affordable housing, social amenities and crime rates.
“CEOs favor states that foster growth through progressive business development programs, low taxes and a quality living environment,” the magazine pointed out.
As one CEO put it, “The good states ask what they can do for you; the bad states ask what they can get from you.”
Georgia, it would seem, ranks with the first group.
Why does it matter? Companies, and the jobs they bring with them or add to the workforce, tend to go the way the CEO goes. So, if the top exec feels comfortable moving to Georgia, or settling in and expanding here, jobs may well follow.
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