Michigan is among the top ten pro-business states of 2015,
according to an annual study by the Pollina Corporation, a real
estate firm specializing in selecting sites for international clients. In
addition, citing the dramatic climb from two years ago when the state ranked 24,
Pollina named Michigan as the Most Improved State of the Year.
“These two awards reflect political leadership that is
willing to make bold and significant changes,” said Brent Pollina, president of
Illinois-based Pollina Corporate Real Estate and author of the study. “Michigan
is now transforming into a prime example of how to turn a state’s economy and
economic fortunes around.”
The Pollina Corporate/AEDI study examined 22 factors in a
range of categories including taxes, labor and incentives in formulating its
rankings. Michigan received the highest overall grade of “A,” and specifically,
was given an “A” for corporate tax, right-to-work legislation, sales-and-gross
receipt tax and average teacher compensation. The state received a grade of “B”
for individual income tax, regulatory environment, workers compensation, crime
rate and long-term budget planning.
“This national recognition reflects our shared success for
the significant economic improvements over the last several years,” said
Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer Jennifer Nelson. “These positive and impactful changes are
the result of productive collaboration with the legislature, strong
relationships with our regional economic development partners, and dynamic
connections with the resilient and growing Michigan business community.”
Notable achievements in creating a business-friendly climate
over the past five years include elimination of Michigan Business Tax, building
the state’s rainy day fund, elimination of state’s structural deficit and reduction
of nearly 2,000 unnecessary regulations.
The reforms have led to a 5 percent unemployment rate (equal
to the national average), top state ranking for automotive employment and new
manufacturing jobs, diversification of agribusiness industries, unparalleled
leader in automotive research and development, nearly $8 billion invested in capital
projects by global companies since 2010, and a travel campaign that attracts
$6.87 for every dollar spent.
For read more about the annual Pollina study, please visit MICHIGAN TOP TEN STATE
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