YesVirginia Business Blog

It seems like a lot of what we hear about the state of the U.S. economy is negative; it’s inconsistent, sluggish and unpredictable. But, being hardworking Virginians, we know the Commonwealth is constantly working to expand our economy and raise the quality of life for our citizens. So this week when we got the news that Pollina Corporate Real Estate ranked Virginia the Top Pro-Business State (again) we were thrilled.

The Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States study looks at 31 factors focusing on states’ efforts to be pro-business and is one of the most comprehensive examination of states to date.  Virginia’s business friendliness, great tax and regulatory climate, and strong education system are just a few of the reasons we set ourselves apart from the competition and this isn’t the first time—the Commonwealth scored the top spot in 2003, 2007, and 2009. While it’s great to be No. 1 again this year, it’s not the first place ranking that really tells Virginia’s story. Our consistent commitment to economic development, even in a troubled economy, has kept Virginia among the top states for business.

Pollina isn’t the only study to award Virginia top honors. CNBC voted Virginia among the “Top States for Business” again this year. Since the rankings began Virginia has remained a top state, claiming the number one spot in both 2007 and 2009 while receiving second in 2008 and 2010. The fact that multiple sources keep reaffirming Virginia’s Pro- Business climate makes these awards even more noteworthy.

It’s certainly nice to bask in the winner’s spotlight and you can bet that we’ll continue to spread the word about Virginia’s Pro-Business climate, but most importantly, we’ll keep doing what we do best- focusing on ways to make Virginia a better environment for businesses, growth, and economic development.  

Virginia is the proud new owner of three—yes three—top national business rankings all at once.

We were notified last night that Virginia reclaimed its “Best State for Business” title for the fourth straight year. This latest accolade comes on the heels of No. 1 rankings from Pollina Corporate Real Estate and CNBC. Never before has a state held top business climate rankings by all three of these reputable business brands at one time.

We’ve always been proud of our accolades, but we’re especially proud to achieve such a feat when economic times are tough.

Virginia was the only state ranked in the top 20 in each of the six categories examined in the Forbes.com survey. The Commonwealth finished in the top three in half of those categories—taking the lead in the quality of life ranking, second place in the regulatory environment ranking and third in labor issues.

Top U.S. corporation site relocation expert Pollina Corporate Real Estate ranked Virginia its “No. 1 Pro-Business State” in June after examining job retention and creation by all 50 states and the federal government. Virginia also held the top spot in the Pollina study in 2003 and 2007. The Commonwealth ranked second from 2004 to 2006 and third in 2008.

CNBC’s July best-in-the-nation validation was based on a range of factors, from workforce quality to broadband infrastructure, and reaffirms that "Virginia has what it takes to emerge from an economy turned upside down." Virginia also received CNBC's top ranking in 2007 and was ranked second in 2008.

If the Commonwealth can perform this well in a recession, imagine the possibilities.