Business

KEEPING WASHINGTON'S ECONOMY MOVING

From Wall Street to Main Street, businesses in every industry and of every size have been hit hard by the world-wide recession.

We know that Washington is routinely ranked near the top of the list for business-states, and when our economy needs all the help it can get, we intend to stay at the top of those lists:

Ranked 6th by the 2008 State Competitiveness Report of the Beacon Hill Institute at Suffolk University

Kauffman New Economy Index: Washington is #2 for embracing the innovations in today's economy

Bizjournals.com: Seattle Metro area is #3 for small business

US News and World Report: Washington is the #1 state to start a business

Forbes: Washington is the 2nd best state for business (up from #3 in their prior ranking)

The Small Business and Entrepreneur Council announced in December 2008 that Washington ranks 5th best in the nation on its Small Business Survival Index, and 4th best for business taxes.

In 2008, the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation ranked Washington 2nd in the nation for innovation and growth potential over the next decade.

Washington has the 12th best tax climate in the country, according to an October 2008 study by the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C.

The Pew Center on the States named Washington the best-managed state in the nation in April 2008.