Utah tops Forbes list for business

Utah has claimed to the top spot in Forbes magazine's annual ranking of "The Best States for Business and Careers." The Beehive State pushed Virginia out of the top slot — where it had been for four years running. According to local business insiders, this recognition could mean a great deal as the state works to attract more companies that bring with them more jobs and economic development. Prior to this most recent list, Utah had consistently ranked in the top five for several years, but reaching the top is a major milestone, said Jeff Edwards, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah.

The magazine's "Best States" ranking measures six categories for business, including costs, current economic climate, growth prospects, labor supply, quality of life and regulatory environment. Deseret News