The trouble with California and New York is that some businesses simply have to have a presence there. But according to the latest survey of states ranked by their business climates, most CEOs wish it weren't so.
The Golden State and Empire State are once again at the bottom of the list of the 10 worst places to do business, as reported by Chief Executive Magazine.
In fact, nine of the 10 worst states were in the bottom 10 last year, suggesting that these states just don't care if you want to conduct business there or not.
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There were some downward shifts on this year's list: South Dakota and North Dakota both fell significantly, dropping eight slots and seven slots respectively. Alabama also dropped down seven rungs, to No. 24. But only two states — Vermont and Oregon — slipped into the bottom 10, with Maryland and Pennsylvania escaping this ignoble list.
So, from the bottom, let's take a look at the 10 worst states for doing business:
No. 50: California
Last year: No. 50
The Golden State remains badly tarnished in the eyes of CEOs.
No. 49: New York
Last year: No. 49
There are just so many reasons why CEOs don't love this state's business climate.
No. 48: Illinois
Last year: No. 48
Chicago may be a wonderful town, but the big bosses would rather avoid it.
No. 47: New Jersey
Last year: No. 47
New Jersey's only marginally better than New York, if you must locate in this neck of the woods.
No. 46: Massachusetts
Last year: No. 46
The bosses want to stay far away from the Bay State's negative business vibe.
No. 45: Connecticut
Last year: No. 44
Wow, improvement in New England!
No. 44: Hawaii
Last year: No. 43
Hawaii's great for vacations or conferences but not high on anyone's list as a place to do business.
No. 43: Michigan
Last year: No. 45
Only a major economic boom could move this state up two notches.
No. 42: Oregon
Last year: No. 38
Apparently Oregon thumbed its nose even more vigorously at businesses during the past 12 months.
No. 41: Vermont
Last year: No. 39
Congratulations! You made the bottom 10!
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
