Wisconsin Ranks 17th Best State for Business in New Survey

MacIver News Service | May 7, 2013

[Madison, Wisc…] Wisconsin ranked the 17th best state for business, improving its ranking for the third consecutive year, according to results from Chief Executive magazine’s “Best/Worst States for Business 2013” survey released today.

The state was ranked 20th last year, but ranked near the bottom of the list as recently as 2010, coming in at 41st. The state saw a big jump in the 2011 rankings, moving all the way up to 24th place. This was the largest improvement in the rankings by any state in the history of the survey.

One CEO was quoted as saying, “I live and own a business in Wisconsin. Our business environment has improved dramatically with Gov. Walker and the Republican legislature. Lower taxes and more incentives for new and relocating business are needed.”

The rankings were optimistic about Wisconsin’s future, giving the state a positive rating in its “Development Trends Indicator” section and noting that, “Gov. Walker’s reelection was positive signal business leaders were seeking.”

Governor Scott Walker commented on the survey saying, “Since taking office in 2011, my number one goal has been to help the private sector create jobs by establishing a favorable climate for economic growth. This three-year increase in ranking continues to show our economy is better off than it was a few years ago, and Wisconsin is on track to becoming one of America’s best states for business.”