Virginia #1 state for business

[Kreutz]

The Old Dominion State returns as America's Top State for Business in 2011, and we're starting to detect a pattern here.

Virginia topped our inaugural study in 2007 with Texas at number two. In 2008, they switched positions and Texas took the title. In 2009, it was Virginia/Texas. In 2010, Texas/Virginia.

This year, Virginia powers back to the top spot with the best overall score in the history of our study — 1,660 out of 2,500 points. Texas slips back to number two with a respectable 1,578 points.

rest at:

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/ar ... -cnbc-2011

[zephyp]

VA and TX...two states where freedom still reigns for the most part...

[allingeneral]

we're starting to detect a pattern here.

Too bad our elected leaders can't detect the pattern here...

[Kreutz]

Somewhat related is an interactive map on debt by state.

http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/20/states ... e-map.html

[Diomed]

And we're not even that great, which tells you just how much we as a country have tried to strangle private business...

[dorminWS]

Thing is, Virginia's economy benefits greatly from the presence of the federal government in and around DC. Northern Virginia is a bedroom community for a lot of well-paid government employees that have nearly absolute job security. The feds also draw other high-tech, high dollars support businesses. Then there is the military presence in Northern Virginia and especially in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. This gives Virginia an advantage in economic stability because of the disproportionately large federal presence. Truth is, Texas would probably be the hands-down winner if not for that.