Montana ranks first in the states in entrepreneurship and innovation and 10th in overall growth, a new U.S. Chamber of Commerce study shows.
The chamber’s report, “Enterprising States: Creating Jobs, Economic Development and Prosperity in Challenging Times,” concluded that state policies, along with governors, legislators and local officials, matter.
“Although the federal government has been driving stabilization policy during the recent recession, it is the states (and territories) that will lead a crucial new growth strategy in the next decade,” the report said.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer was pleased by the news, but said it was no surprise.
“As a state, Montana is a leader,” he said Monday. “By nature, Montanans are leaders. We are entrepreneurs. We make smart choices. We do more with less and we make it work. Like the report says, our successes are significant, and they’re getting noticed.”
He said Montana’s high ratings are testament to the innovations of Montana businesses and the state’s business-friendly tax and regulatory climate.
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