Best states, and worst.In the January/February 2006 issue, you published a brief report noting that 339 of your readers ranked California as the worst state in which to do business. Perhaps you would be interested to know that in a survey by the Bay Area Council, a group which represents CEOs in the greater Bay Area of California, 56 percent of the 549 local executives polled actually said that they expect the economy to improve in the next six months. The same survey also showed that Bay Area executives were over eight times more likely to plan work force increases than work force reductions (42 to 5 percent.) I've also had the opportunity to speak with CEOs from San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. and Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. and they are very bullish Bullish Word used to describe an investor's attitude. Bullish refers to an optimistic outlook, while bearish means a pessimistic outlook. bullish on the state of California's economy, which has been growing at a healthy and sustained pace. Our unemployment rate is at 5.1 percent, and Governor Schwarzenegger has recently proposed a strategic growth plan that will improve our transportation network and goods movement, and help continue long-term economic growth and development. Sean Walsh Sean Patrick Walsh is a producer on A Current Affair. He was previously a researcher on Today Tonight. He has also worked as a reporter for KMTR in Oregon, and as a News Assistant/Runner during the 2000 Summer Olympics for NBC Nightly News. Director Governor's Office of Planning and Research Sacramento, Calif. As executives representing some of Missouri's corporations, we would like to express our disappointment in your recent article entitled en·ti·tle tr.v. en·ti·tled, en·ti·tling, en·ti·tles 1. To give a name or title to. 2. To furnish with a right or claim to something: "50 Best and Worst States to do Business." While we understand this survey wasn't based upon specific scientific information, but based on your subscribers' opinions of Missouri as a place to do business, it is our pleasure to share with you some exciting facts about Missouri. Missouri, as the fifth most diversified economy in the nation, has had steady economic growth in recent years. We have enacted significant changes to our workers' compensation workers' compensation, payment by employers for some part of the cost of injuries, or in some cases of occupational diseases, received by employees in the course of their work. system and reformed tort tort, in law, the violation of some duty clearly set by law, not by a specific agreement between two parties, as in breach of contract. When such a duty is breached, the injured party has the right to institute suit for compensatory damages. litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. laws to keep our market competitive. Additionally, the recently passed Quality Jobs Act provided numerous advantages to companies deciding to locate in Missouri. Finally, our incentive programs are continually being reviewed and updated to maximize the benefits to prospective Missouri businesses. When considering the average cost of doing business, Missouri has been recognized as being 13 percent below the national average. This exceptional value for businesses is due to wage costs, a highly skilled and productive work force, a low tax burden (48th lowest business tax burden per worker), low electricity costs (14th least expensive state for electricity), and low industrial and office rent costs. Moreover, in 2004 the U.S. Economic Freedom Act ranked Missouri 10th overall for our policies, programs and incentives that promoted economic freedom to start business. In addition, our high quality of life indices offer many opportunities to business people and their families. Missouri has a low cost of living, lower cost of housing, multiple art and entertainment venues, a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities and a strong education system for our children. Our higher education higher education Study beyond the level of secondary education. Institutions of higher education include not only colleges and universities but also professional schools in such fields as law, theology, medicine, business, music, and art. system has also received recognition for its contribution to research and education. We believe your survey doesn't accurately reflect what the "Show Me State" offers. Our challenge is to transition the opinions of CEOs around the country to a point where their perception of Missouri's business climate meets reality. Andrew C. Taylor Chairman & CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Enterprise Rent-A-Car David N. Farr Chairman, CEO & President Emerson Richard H. McClure President UniGroup |
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