Washington is the Top State for Business in 2017
CNBC recently released their annual list of top states for business and ranked Washington the top state for business in 2017. Since breaking into the top 10 just 3 years ago, Washington has continued to climb the list thanks to its economic growth, high number of STEM workers and lack of income tax. The report, which studies 66 metrics across 10 categories, reveals Washington ranks third in categories such as Economy and Technology & Innovation, fifth in Workforce and Quality of Life, and eighth in Access to Capital.
Not only is the state home to Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Costco and Expedia, CNBC says “Washington’s economy grew 3.7% in 2016, nearly two and a half times the national rate” and saw “nearly $1.6 billion in venture capital last year, the sixth-highest total in the nation.” Washington is also noted for top university programs to support STEM workers and for retaining college graduates of popular schools such as the University of Washington.
Governor Jay Inslee joined CNBC to celebrate the news and discuss current trends and events in the state from innovation and quality of life to intellectual talent growth and transportation infrastructure: