Texas No. 1 business climate, new survey says

TEXAS – For the sixth consecutive time Texas took the top spot on Development Counsellors International’s (DCI) "Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing" survey.

The survey, published every three years since 1996, tracks trends in economic development. DCI specializes in economic development and tourism marketing.

Of the 356 respondents in 2014 49.7 percent said Texas has the most favorable business climate.

Florida ranks a distant second, with 18.1 percent, and Georgia and North Carolina tied for third with 17.6 percent each.

The survey also listed Houston among the best cities for economic development.

Corporate executive respondents cited Texas’ tax climate (54 percent), "pro-business environment" (47 percent) and incentives/financial assistance (18 percent) as reasons for ranking the state so highly.

Site selection consultants who participated also ranked the Texas Governor’s Office of Economic Development the No. 2 "best in class" state-level economic development agency.

Texas has received a number of such accolades, including Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup for 2013, the fifth time the Lone Star State received that honor over the past decade.