From Area Development Magazine Online, January 3, 2012.

For the second year in a row, Area Development has conducted a survey of a select group of highly respected location consultants who work with a nationwide client base. We asked the consultants to name their top-5 state choices in 12 site selection categories. Here are the top overall states:

States were ranked in each of the 12 site selection categories based on the number of times they were named as a “top-5″ choice by the responding consultants. Next, a top-5 state’s ranking in each of the 12 categories was assigned a weight in accordance with its position in these individual categories. Based on these total weighted scores, Texas is far and away the consultants’ #1 choice for doing business, followed by Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina (with weighted scores only a point apart), and finally Indiana in the #5 spot. Taking the #6–#10 rankings based on weighted scores are Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, and — surprisingly — California, in that order.

2011 Top States for Doing Business

1 – TEXAS
2 – GEORGIA
3 – ALABAMA
4 – SOUTH CAROLINA
5 – INDIANA
6 – LOUISIANA
7 – NORTH CAROLINA
8 – TENNESSEE
9 – MISSISSIPPI
10 – CALIFORNIA

Larry Gigerich, Managing Director
Ginovus

When evaluating overall business environment, it is no surprise to see Texas come out on top. The combination of a very appealing corporate and individual tax structure teamed with excellent transportation infrastructure and a large deal-closing incentive fund has resulted in tremendous growth throughout the state. In particular, the life sciences and information technology industries continue to build momentum in different areas of the state.

Indiana, ranked fifth in overall business environment, has continued to rise in the rankings during the past several years. The state is leading the Midwest in economic recovery. Changes to its tax structure and incentive programs, along with outstanding transportation infrastructure, have attracted many companies to the state. Despite the current economic conditions, Indiana’s automotive sector has remained strong due to the presence of Chrysler, GM, Honda, and Toyota.