Washington rated No. 3 for doing business
Forbes report puts Idaho at No. 7
Washington is the third best state for business, according to a national ranking by Forbes. That’s up from fifth place last year and 12th in 2006.
Washington was one of three states to finish in the top 10 in four of the six categories: It ranked second in labor growth, second in business growth, sixth in regulatory environment and seventh in economic climate.
“Our third-place ranking … confirms that Washington is where you want to do business,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement Thursday.
“By highlighting our future capacity, Forbes has told the world Washington is open for business. Not just now, but far into the future.”
Idaho was ranked the seventh best state for business, down from sixth in 2007. Montana and Oregon both moved up the list, to 24th and 16th, respectively.
The rankings echo a March report from the Pew Center in partnership with Governing Magazine. Washington earned an A- grade in that report for its performance in managing public resources and tied Utah and Virginia for first place.
“It’s always good be recognized as a great place to do business,” Bruce Kendall, CEO of the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County, said in a statement. “This is just the kind of independent recognition we need for recruiting businesses to Pierce County and the rest of the state.”