Pierre, S.D. -- South Dakota was named the sixth best pro-business state by the Pollina Report, increasing from a No. 7 ranking in 2007, according to Secretary Richard Benda, Department of Tourism and State Development.

 

Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States is a comparative evaluation of the job creation and retention efforts of all 50 state governments and the Federal Government.

"We were pleased to learn of our top 10 ranking,” Benda said. “We work hard to partner with our businesses to meet their needs and we're committed to retaining our businesses and our jobs. The fact that we have an educated workforce is a real plus for us in our development efforts.”

"South Dakota has once again continued its uninterrupted streak as one of the Top10 pro business states in the nation.  For the fifth year, South Dakota has retained a top spot as one of the prime locations in the nation to conduct business,” according to Brent A. Pollina, Esq., vice president of Pollina Corporate.

“A strong standing in the areas of low taxes, a well-educated workforce, and low workers compensation costs helps keep South Dakota in the Top 10.  It remains one of the most attractive states from a low tax perspective. South Dakota's favorable tax climate and very competitive workers compensation rates have allowed their current businesses to grow and provide a competitive business climate for attracting new companies," Pollina added.

The Pollina study evaluates and ranks states based on 29 factors including taxes, human resources, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers compensation legislation and jobs lost or gained. The evaluation also considers state government-controlled factors based on incentive programs and state economic development departments.

Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States is published annually by Chicago-headquartered Pollina Corporate Real Estate, one of the nation's leaders in providing site selection and corporate relocation services.

 

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