July / August 2017 Issue (Volume 50, Number 4)

The July / August 2017 issue features our 13th annual rankings report, presenting the top states, metros and global locations from every possible economic development angle.

July / August 2017Business Facilities July / August 2017

ON THE COVER – 2017 Business Facilities Rankings Report | As always, the 13th Annual edition of the most credible and comprehensive rankings in our industry has evolved to give you critical benchmarks in emerging 21st-century growth sectors, including cyber security and offshore wind energy.

2017 Rankings Report: Best States | Texas, Utah, California and North Carolina posted strong overall results in our state rankings, with the Lone Star State grabbing first place in our flagship Best Business Climate category. Colorado achieved an unprecedented Rocky Mountain high as no. 1 in Economic Growth Potential.

2017 Rankings Report: Top Metros | We’ve refined our criteria and expanded our categories to give you the most detailed evaluation yet of the metros who are staying ahead of the curve—and ahead of the pack—in a wide variety of critical economic development priorities.


The Sky’s The Limit In The Lone Star State | In an exclusive interview with BF, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott explains how his credo of “restrained” government (especially when it comes to taxes and regulations) is fueling skyrocketing growth sectors, including a few that literally are aiming for the stars.

Tennessee: Energy Of The Future Live Here | There is a reason Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley in Tennessee is considered a mecca for renewable and alternative energy.

Florida: Sunny Side Up | Florida’s business climate is warming up growth with a favorable tax structure, streamlined regulatory environment and competitive costs.

Data Centers: Hyper-Serving The Cloud | Data Center projects expected to be completed this year may finally help meet the demands of expanding cloud providers.

Food Processing: Having Their Cake And Eating It | When taken together, all of the parts that make up the food processing sector have proven to be a formidable force, putting the icing on the cake for a 2017 feast.

Arizona: A Grand Ecosystem Out West | Arizona offers the tools and support that attract the early-stage entrepreneurs and tech-savvy talent necessary for innovation.

Less Is More: Patriots Run Up The Score | New England seems to have perfected the art of staying low when it comes to unemployment.

Surge In Southwest Louisiana | The Five-Parish area of SWLA has more than $44 billion worth of mega-projects under construction.

Minnesota: Expanding Exports | Strong export activity is helping to drive a healthy and growing Minnesota economy.

Kansas: Raising The Bar For Higher Ed | Kansas State University is aiming to become a top-50 public research university by 2025.

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