Alabama ranked top 5 state for business

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September 6, 2013

Alabama is ranked one of the top five states to do business for the fourth year in a row by Area Development magazine.

The magazine, on Friday, revealed Alabama as fourth in the nation in their “2013 Top States For Doing Business.”

Creating new jobs and keeping business in Alabama is something Governor Robert Bentley said they have been working on since he took office.

“Alabama has a positive business climate, and we’re always working to attract more new jobs,” Bentley said. “We have a strong workforce, and our job training program is recognized for excellence throughout the business community. We have a statewide economic development plan called Accelerate Alabama, which focuses on recruiting high-paying jobs from a variety of industries. We’re spreading the message that Alabama is a great place to do business, and I’m proud that, once again, Area Development is recognizing Alabama’s progress.”

The magazine highlighted the major investments by several automotive companies like Mercedes and Hyundai, and also mentioned the recent Airbus facility currently under construction in Mobile. Airbus is expected to start building A320 jets in 2015.

“Alabama has a proven track record in economic development,” the magazine wrote. “Alabama is well known for its skilled workforce and AIDT, one of the top training programs in the country that provides innovative solutions for Alabama’s new and expanding businesses, especially manufacturers.”

Area Development is a national business publication covering site selection and facility planning. The magazine solicited feedback from economic development professionals around the country before selecting the top 5 states in several categories.

The top-ten states were all from the south except for one, California, which came in at number ten. The top five states were: Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and North Carolina.

Here is a list of where Alabama ranked in 15 specific categories by Area Development:

#1 for Competitive Labor Costs

#2 for Right-to-Work Environment

#2 for Speed of Permitting

#3 for Overall Labor Climate

#3 for Cost of Doing Business

#3 for Competitive Utility Rates

#3 for Most Favorable Regulatory Environment

#3 for Incentive Programs

#4 for Consultants’ Site Location Choice – States Most Mentioned by Respondents

#4 for Overall Business Environment

#4 for Overall Top Ten State for Doing Business