Texas, North Carolina and Georgia have the best business climates among the 50 states, according to a recent survey of executives by Development Counsellors International.

North Carolina ranked second among the 281 respondents, with 30 percent saying the state has the best business climate.

Texas was No. 1 among 41 percent of survey participants, while Georgia was third (20 percent). They were followed by Tennessee and Florida (15 percent each) and Nevada (14 percent).

Executives frequently cited a strong labor market and low operating costs in selecting the top states.

The poll placed California, New York and Michigan at the bottom.

China, India and Mexico were selected as the top countries outside the U.S. for investment.

Development Counsellors’ “Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing” survey has tracked development trends since 1996.

The New York-based organization specializes in economic development and tourism marketing.

For more information about Pinehurst Real Estate, contact Bill and be sure to visit www.ForeProperties.com.