Utah Tops Forbes List of Best States for Business and Careers

PR or News Wire Friday October 15, 2010

 After finishing in the top five each of the past four years, Utah ousts Virginia from the top spot it has held over the same period. The rankings take into account economic data over a five-year period.

“This ranking doesn’t just show that we’ve weathered the storm better than the rest of the nation,” said Beattie. “It shows that we have been good for a long time and that is very attractive to businesses looking at our state and for businesses that are already here.

Utah’s high ranking plays an important role in the ongoing economic development of the state. Over the past year many businesses have chosen to expand in or relocate to Utah.

“ Just like a good college football coach uses bowl victories and national TV exposure to recruit better players, we use these rankings to recruit businesses that economically strengthen our state, “said Beattie.

The Forbes ranking also helps locally owned businesses understand how Utah’s situation is better than the rest of the nation.

“This tells our local businesses that Utah is on the right path,” said Beattie. “If they have been reluctant to expand or to hire, this helps show them that now may be the time to take that step. That confidence is so critical.”