State Wins Prestigious Site Selection Award
Published Aug 26, 2008
Winning awards based on what you’ve accomplished is good, but winning awards based on where you’re headed is even better.
Tennessee has been designated the nation’s most competitive state for economic development, according to the editors of Site Selection magazine, one of the country’s most highly regarded development publications. Although the recognition is appreciated, state leaders say, the focus remains on what earned the award in the first place: more higher-skilled, better-paying jobs.
“We’re honored to be named the nation’s most competitive state for business,” Gov. Phil Bredesen said. “Site Selection’s recognition affirms Tennessee’s well-deserved reputation for a highly competitive business climate and shows we have laid the proper foundation for long-term economic growth. We look forward to meeting and exceeding all the expectations that come with this title.”
This is the second time Tennessee has won the Competitiveness Award since the award’s creation in 2003.
“Tennessee is continuing to prove its business acumen, and heads around the country are turning to see what everyone is talking about,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development. “This award is an honor, but it is also a motivation to work that much harder as we solidify our reputation.”
The Competitiveness Award goes to the state ranking highest in a matrix of qualifiers, including total new or expanded facilities and capital investment per 1 million population, ranking in Site Selection’s most recent business climate survey and number of top 100 metros and small towns in the magazine’s annual rankings.
“Tennessee’s leadership has taken important steps to make its business climate competitive,” says Mark Arend, Site Selection editor. “These include reforming the workers’ compensation program, creation of the Jobs Cabinet, retooling incentives and other programs at ECD’s disposal and revamping community development programs to make Tennessee communities more competitive.”
Story by Michaela Jackson
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