Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott was presented with Business Facilities’ 2016 State of the Year Award by Senior Account Executive Joyce Wasserman, along with a proclamation from Chief Business Officer Ted Coene. This was the third time the Lone Star State has won top honors since BF’s annual State of the Year Award was introduced in 2007.
The State of the Year designation is based on BF’s evaluation of Texas’ economic development strategy and the economic impact of the top projects the state secured in 2016. Specifically, Texas was recognized as the 2016 State of the Year based on the following achievements:
- Successful execution of its economic development strategy
- Quality and economic impact of top projects secured in 2016 in terms of capital investment and jobs created
- Diversity of its growth sectors
- Significant progress in workforce development and higher education
- Expansion of thriving high-tech clusters
- Leadership in 21st century infrastructure including the nation’s largest wind power grid in West Texas
The state’s achievements were also reflected in BF’s annual State Rankings Report, which Texas has consistently dominated with the largest number-of top 10 results of any state across all categories. In the 2017 State Rankings Report, Texas notched 17 top-10 rankings and was the top ranked state in five categories, including BF’s flagship Best Business Climate ranking. Metro areas in Texas also scored an unprecedented 35 top-10 results in the 2017 Metro Rankings Report.
“Business Facilities continues to be impressed with the Lone Star State’s leadership in establishing and expanding the nation’s most-dynamic state economy,” said Editor In Chief Jack Rogers. “This powerful economic engine, combined with an expanding skilled workforce and a business-friendly climate that welcomes innovation, promises unlimited growth potential in Texas for years to come.”
