We are back in our rightful place as the No. 1 state for business and it feels really good.

The NC Chamber team works tirelessly every day of the year to advance the policies that achieve this ranking. Our efforts on behalf of our members create a climate that our state’s economic developers can sell and, perhaps even more importantly, help our state’s existing businesses grow and invest in their people, products, and communities.

After missing the top spot by three points last year, this is North Carolina’s third win in four years. The CNBC criteria are divided into ten categories, and our state captured a top-five finish in three of those.

Our diverse economy garnered us the number three spot in the economy category thanks to our “healthy 3.7%” growth in state gross domestic product and more than 60,000 added jobs last year.

Our well-rounded workforce was also called out in the announcement, with Gov. Josh Stein reminding people that our state has some of the, “most talented, good, hardworking, friendly people.”

According to Census data, North Carolina finishes third in net in-migration of college-educated workers on a percentage basis and CNBC says that, “North Carolina finishes in the top tier both for science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, employees, and for its pipeline of vocational and career-educated workers.”

Workforce has long been a priority for the NC Chamber Foundation and the NC Chamber. This recognition validates those priorities and our incredible statewide partners as we work to connect people with good-paying jobs.

CNBC also recognized that, “North Carolina is not only winning the CNBC rankings, it’s also attracting a steady stream of new business,” which showcases the collaboration it takes to make that happen. We are proud to lead the private sector and appreciate the relationships with our public-sector partners, on both sides of the aisle, especially our policymakers in the North Carolina General Assembly and our education partners statewide who are critical to advancing this pro-growth climate.

As CNBC said, “While no state is more politically divided than deep purple North Carolina, both parties seem to agree on the importance of keeping business happy.” That has certainly been our experience, and we look forward to continuing to come together for the success of North Carolina, its people, and our economy.

Stay tuned as we dig further into the results and take a few more victory laps. In the meantime, dig out your foam finger—we appreciate your support and investment!