businessBISMARCK, N.D. (KCSi-T.V. News Sept 25, 2013)   – North Dakota ranks second in Forbes’ 2013 report of best states for business and careers, moving up one ranking from last year.

 Forbes annual ranking measures six vital categories for businesses: costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. Forbes factors in 35 points of data to determine the rank in the six main areas.

 “North Dakota consistently ranks among the nation’s best states for business and that is a testament to our dedicated workforce and the opportunities created by our diverse business community,” Gov. Jack Dalrymple said. “The state will continue working hard to provide for a business climate that fosters the creation of great careers and the quality of life that people desire.”

 North Dakota ranked second best among all states in the category of economic climate and third in business costs.  Virginia ranked first in the report’s overall ranking.

 The report states, “North Dakota has boasted the country’s most robust economy over the past five years. It is tops for job growth (3.7 percent annually), income growth (3.8 percent), gross state product growth (7.9 percent) and unemployment (3.6 percent average). With the nation’s third best economic growth forecast over the next five years, its outlook looks strong too.”

 The full report is available at:  forbes.com/best-states-for-business/