VA tops Forbes list 4th year in a row

Governor Tim Kaine announced Wednesday that Virginia once again tops the Forbes’ “Best State for Business” list. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Commonwealth has been in first place. The Forbes’ website says:

For the fourth straight year, Virginia nabs the top spot with the best business climate in the country. Virginia’s economy has deteriorated over the past year with the number of unemployed soaring 68%, while gross state product is flat and household incomes are expected to fall 4% according to West Chester, Pa.-based research firm Moody’s Economy.com. Relative to the rest of the country through, Virginia is booming.

From the governor’s release:

“With our low corporate tax rate, highly-skilled workforce, and great quality of life, it’s no wonder Virginia consistently attracts some of the world’s most innovative and corporate leaders to our borders,” said Governor Kaine. “In these tough economic times in particular, the recognition by Forbes today is an incredible affirmation that Virginia has what it takes to compete in the national and global arenas.”

I will, no doubt, hear about this release multiple times today. As a member of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, I will be attending the luncheon sponsored by that group and other local business groups where both gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell, will appear. I am also a charter member of the Greater Hampton Roads Black Chamber of Commerce and Senator Deeds will be attending our Fall Kickoff this evening.

Statements from others about the ranking are below the fold.

Gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds:

“I’m proud to have worked with Governors Warner and Kaine and Republican leaders like John Chichester to make Virginia the best state for business. Thanks to our bipartisan work, Virginia has consistently been recognized for our fiscal responsibility and good governance.

“In 2004, I worked with Governor Warner and a bipartisan coalition to pass budget reform that saved Virginia’s Aaa bond rating and made record investments in education. My opponent stood on the side of fiscal irresponsibility.

“The next governor will be in charge of keeping our economy moving forward, as we weather tough economic times.  As Governor, I will keep Virginia as the best state to do business. My opponent’s record shows that he will not.”

Lieutenant governor candidate Jody Wagner:

“I’m extremely proud to have been a part of the Warner and Kaine teams that made Virginia the best state in the country for business. This ranking reflects not just our strong business environment, but clearly demonstrates the importance of the investments we’ve made in education over the past eight years. For Virginians feeling the hurt of the current economic downturn, this announcement again shows that because of our strong fiscal management and commitment to create new jobs, the Commonwealth is prepared to emerge quickly, and stronger than ever.

While this ranking indicates the success we’ve had in recent years, it also is a reminder of the clear choice Virginians will face in November. As Treasurer and Secretary of Finance, I’ve played a key role in making the tough, bold choices that established and maintained our strong business climate. Yet at every turn, my opponent Bill Bolling stood in the way of this progress. If we keep Virginia moving forward, there will be many more awards to come, but more importantly, we’ll continue to create new jobs, grow the economy, and be able to further invest in education and transportation. Virginia can’t afford the move backwards that another four years of a no show Lieutenant Governor will result in.”

Attorney General candidate Steve Shannon:

“This award is a testament to the non-partisan, results-oriented economic leadership of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. As a member of the House of Delegates I am proud to have helped them maintain an exceptional climate for Virginia businesses and steer our economy through some extremely challenging times, especially in light of the fierce opposition we encountered from certain factions of the Virginia General Assembly. This is a day for all Virginians to be proud of the work we have done to keep our economy moving forward.”