PRESS RELEASE
(From the office of the North Carolina governor)

Southern Business & Development, a leading publication covering and promoting economic development in the American South, announced that North Carolina has been named the “2012 State of the Year.” North Carolina is being honored as State of the Year based on its performance in 2011. North Carolina also received this accolade in 2005 and 2006.

“This recognition is further proof that North Carolina is a great place to start or grow a business,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “Our investments in education, highly skilled workforce, and low cost of doing business are major reasons that people and businesses thrive in North Carolina. I’m going to continue touting all of the great things that North Carolina has to offer and keep encouraging companies to invest and grow here.”

Southern Business & Development joins the list of publications that have recently recognized the state’s successful business recruitment efforts. CNBC, Forbes, Site Selection and Chief Executive have all ranked North Carolina as one of the best states to do business. For more information about the accolades North Carolina has received as a great place to do business, please visit: http://thrivenc.com/whync/accolades.

Since 2009, companies have pledged to create more than 100,000 jobs and make capital investments of more than $23 billion in North Carolina communities.

Southern Business & Development ranks states based on each project announced with a minimum of 200 jobs and/or $30 million investment. In 2011, North Carolina was successful in landing 89 projects that met or exceeded the publication’s threshold, more than any other state.

Noted for its diverse economy, North Carolina landed projects in nearly every industry sector, including furniture, data centers, headquarters, financial services, health care, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and automotive.

In addition to the state’s top ranking, Charlotte was named the 2012 Major Market of the Year and Greensboro-High Point garnered the top spot in the Mid-Market category.

For more information on Southern Business & Development’s annual rankings, visit http://www.SB-D.com.