A new survey of location advisors that tracks trends for state and regional economic development cited the Missouri Partnership as “Best in Class” for state economic development organizations. The Missouri Partnership tied for fifth place (with Kansas and Oklahoma Departments of Commerce).
Conducted every three years since 1996 by Development Counsellors International (DCI), the “Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing” survey tracks trends in economic development to determine the best business climates among all 50 states. Key factors include tax climate, “pro-business environment,” incentives/financial assistance and workforce quality/availability.
The survey also ranked Texas, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina as having the overall best business climates domestically, and China, the United Kingdom and Germany as the top countries for international investment opportunities.
DCI conducted the survey online and received a record number of 356 responses from C-level executives and location advisors. Corporate executive respondents were equally divided among manufacturing and service industries, and nearly a quarter had gross revenues of $500 million or higher.