Here we go again

Get ready for another fresh round of debates over just "how friendly is Washington's business climate?"

Forbes Inc. magazine, a relatively reliable periodical of everything business and finance, announced late yesterday its annual "Best States for Business" and Washington jumped up two places from 5th in 2007 to 3rd this year.

Even though our business costs remain below average (ranked 28th), we scored very high on labor rank which measures educational attainment along with population figures. Washington also scored high on growth prospects, defined by Forbes as "projected job, income and gross state product growth as well as business openings/closings and venture capital investments." We also scored well on regulatory environment and economic climate while coming in at the middle of the pack in the quality of life ranking.

There's enough information out there among other reputable sources that should temper the celebratory champagne popping, but the Forbes article tends to be the only one talked about. In my research into this matter it is pretty clear that Washington is at least a decent place to conduct business. But third in the nation? Forbes is pretty much the only outfit that thinks so. We're nowhere near the worst place, but according to most all the other data I've seen, we're certainly not third.

I recently wrote about the dangers of putting so much emphasis on any one ranking system.

During this political season we are going to hear a lot of talk about where Washington ranks in business friendliness, and people are going to argue over which ranking system takes into account the correct parameters, etc. My worry is that we will get caught up in ranking the rankings, instead of having a civilized discussion about how to improve the business climate regardless of how other, out-of-state media outlets and institutes think we are doing.

But for those of you who are interested in what some of those other institutions and media outlets are saying, here's a brief rundown, with links:

- Washington tied for 18th by CNBC
- Washington ranked 38th in Economic Freedom in North America by the Frasier Institute
- Washington ranked 31st in Economic Outlook Rank by ALEC
- Washington ranked 11th in 2008 State Business Tax Climate Index by the Tax Foundation
- Washington ranked 4th in Small Business Survival Index 2007 by the SBE Council
- Washington ranked 15th in highest cost of doing business by the Milken Institute
- Washington ranked 7th by the Beacon Hill Institute