KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, HastingsNebraska Ranks 5th in Pollina's Top 10 Pro-Business States

Nebraska Ranks 5th in Pollina's Top 10 Pro-Business States

(Lincoln, Neb.) Nebraska has been named one of America's 10 most business-friendly states for 2011 by Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc., a national leader in corporate site selection based in Chicago. The ranking is based on independent research conducted by Pollina.

Nebraska ranked fifth, only behind Virginia, Utah, North Dakota and Wyoming. It also moved up a spot from its 2010 sixth-place ranking.

States rounding out the top ten were Kansas, South Dakota, Missouri, South Carolina and Indiana. 

"You can't hold Nebraska back," said. Dr. Ronald R. Pollina. "Nebraska has once again climbed on the list of pro-business states, moving from number 6 to number five. In 2008, Nebraska held the number 15 position and has climbed 10 positions in just three years. Governor Dave Heineman's inspired political leadership coupled with economic development powerhouses give state residents much to be proud of."

"Nebraska again serves as a beacon for all states to replicate when it comes to retaining and growing jobs and businesses in the nation," said Richard J. Baier, director, Nebraska Department of Economic Development. "We have continued to improve our business-friendly atmosphere, and Pollina, among other national experts, acknowledges our state's economic development growth."

The report states that Nebraska had an excellent Stage I-labor, taxes and other factors, which ranked into its position. In addition, Nebraska has low unemployment and low state budget deficit, as well as right-to-work status.

In terms of Stage II-incentives and economic development agency factors, Nebraska continued its strong showing by placing tenth, reflecting its emphasis on providing tools necessary for businesses to grow.

"Many companies need to stop thinking about Nebraska as just an agricultural state," said Dr. Pollina. "With less than three percent of its labor force employed in agriculture, Governor Heineman is clearly focused on building diverse job opportunities for his state's citizens."

Courtesy: Nebraska Department of Economic Development