GC states in Biz Top 10

Three Gulf Coast states were among the ‘Top 10 For Doing Business’ with in 2014. Alabama ranked No. 4 and was followed by Louisiana (6) and Mississippi (10), according to Area Development Online’s fifth annual survey of consultants in three overall categories and 18 subcategories. In the big picture, Georgia unseated Texas for the top spot. The State of Alabama was given kudos for its long-term economic development plan known as Accelerate Alabama; United Launch Alliance’s factory in Decatur that turns out up to $1 billion in rockets to carry an array of satellites into space; and Airbus’ A320 passenger jet production facility at Mobile. Louisiana’s reputation is growing as one of the most accommodating state governments under Gov. Bobby Jindal. Mississippi’s rising status has been reflected in the areas of automotive and aerospace with Eurocopter expanding its helicopter assembly and test-site operations in Columbus, Miss. (Source: Area Development Online 09/14)