RALEIGH For the second consecutive year, N.C. earned the number two spot on Forbes’ “Best States for Business” list. The only state in the southeast to rank in the top five, N.C. was recognized as a state with a pro-growth business climate and a low cost of operating a business in the state. “This ranking is further affirmation that our pro-growth economic policies and excellent business climate have once again made North Carolina a top destination for jobs,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “Our economy continues to outperform the nation as we are home to the most improved tax climate in the country and have added more than 300,000 new jobs since 2013.” Utah ranked first on Forbes’ list and West Virginia ranked last behind Alaska and Maine. N.C. and Utah were two of only eleven states with AAA bond ratings.
