The Economy:
California Is Worst State for Business, Survey of CEOs Finds

California is the worst state in which to do business, according to Chief Executive magazine's 2009 survey of 543 chief executive officers. California has been ranked worst for four consecutive years. Ranking just below the Golden State on the "worst" list are New York, Michigan, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The best states are Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

One CEO told the magazine: "Michigan and California literally need to do a 180 if they are ever to become competitive again. California has huge advantages with its size, quality of work force, particularly in high-tech, as well as the quality of life and climate advantages of the state. However, it is an absolute regulatory and tax disaster, as is Michigan." (Source: Chief Executive magazine news release, March 17.)

Cal-TaxReports, March 23, 2009

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