Business Climate

"This ranking demonstrates that we are doing the right things to ensure long-term economic growth," Gov. Mike Easley said in a prepared statement. "Our challenge is to make future growth translate into good jobs for all of our families and strong investments in all of our communities."
-No. 1 ranking in magazine gives state something to celebrate; 11/11/01 Greensboro News and Record

"We're very proud of that honor and we are going to work hard to keep it another year," Easley said.
-NC ranked first in business climate; 11/18/03 Associated Press

"It shows that we are making the right changes to ensure long-term economic growth," Easley said, adding that he was attuned to "making our business climate the best in the country and, hopefully, the best in the world." Easley said even though the overall tax bill may please business leaders, that specific levy could scare off some prospects and should be addressed "when revenue allows."
-Easley boasts about ranking; 11/19/03 Greenville News and Record