In an interview this morning with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, CNBC announced that Ohio has earned the title of America's Top State for Busine





Logos: Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Tressel, CNBC, JobsOhio, Ohio Dept. of Development




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
*July 9, 2026




*MEDIA CONTACTS:
*Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
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What They’re Saying:
Ohio Named CNBC's No. 1 State for Business

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—In an interview this morning with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, CNBC announced that Ohio has earned the title of America's Top State for Business in 2026. Read more about this morning’s announcement [ [link removed] ].

This achievement reinforces the longstanding work of the DeWine Administration, in conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly and other key partners across the state, to modernize Ohio's economy and improve the state's business climate. The rating affirms Ohio's growing reputation as the best place to start, grow, or expand a business – and as a place where people can build rewarding careers and bright futures.

Today, Ohio legislative leadership, along with leaders from Ohio's business and education communities, are applauding the recognition and highlighting the years of work and collaboration that have made Ohio’s No. 1 ranking possible.

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"LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP"

*House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima)
*“I want to congratulate the many members of the Ohio General Assembly who have supported legislation over the last 15 years that led to this accomplishment. Through responsible policies and investments, including the elimination of Ohio’s estate tax, flattening the personal income tax, business income deductions, regulatory reform, free market energy creation, substantial support for vocational training, tools for state and local economic development, and much more, we have continued to make Ohio the best place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.”

*Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon)
*“Ohio is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Our Republican leadership’s commitment to drastically cutting taxes and eliminating regulatory tape over the last decade has made Ohio a place where its businesses and citizens alike know they can grow and thrive. And we’re not done yet!”

"BUSINESS/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT"* *

*Patrick Tiberi
**President & CEO, Ohio Business Roundtable
*“Ohio's rise to #1 on CNBC's America's Top States for Business is the result of a deliberate and unique strategy. When Ohio ranked 34th in 2010, we made a choice to compete differently, and JobsOhio and their economic development partners have been the catalyst of this transformation ever since. Fifteen years later, other states are studying our playbook because it works. At the Ohio Business Roundtable, our members have lived this evolution firsthand, and we're proud of the partnership between the private sector and state leadership that made it possible. Going from 34th to 1st doesn't happen by accident.”

*Steve Stivers
**President & CEO, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
*“Ohio’s recognition as the nation’s top state for business reflects years of collaboration between the public and private sectors. We congratulate Governor DeWine and legislative leaders for helping to make this achievement possible. However, we can’t mistake this for a finish line – our challenge now is to build on this momentum and achieve sustained 3% economic growth, resulting in more jobs, higher wages, and greater opportunity for every Ohioan.”

*Ryan Augsburger
**President, Ohio Manufacturers' Association
*“Ohio did not stumble into the No. 1 spot. This ranking reflects decades of progress, investment, and hard work by Ohioans who produce what the country needs and solve problems others cannot. Manufacturing is not simply part of Ohio’s success story. It is the reason Ohio leads.”

*Gordon Gough
**President & CEO, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants
*“Ohio’s top ranking in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the vision, collaboration, and commitment that have made our state a national leader in economic growth. We applaud Governor DeWine, Legislative Leaders, and JobsOhio for fostering a business climate that attracts investment, fuels innovation, and creates jobs. A strong business environment benefits every sector of Ohio’s economy; Ohio’s retail and wholesale industries account for 1-in-4 jobs and 18% of Ohio’s GDP. We are proud to be part of the Buckeye State’s continued success.”

*Jared Weiser
**NFIB Ohio State Director
*“Ohio’s small business owners should be proud of this recognition. They are the engine of Ohio’s economy, and every day, they take risks, create jobs, and invest in their communities. Their hard work and resilience have played a major role in making Ohio the best state in the nation for business. This ranking demonstrates what happens when policymakers prioritize a strong business climate and pass legislation that strengthens Main Street. When government focuses on reducing barriers to growth and empowering free enterprise, this is the result. Reaching the top spot in the rankings is an accomplishment, but staying there will require a continued focus from lawmakers to foster an environment where small businesses can thrive. NFIB looks forward to working with policymakers to ensure Ohio remains the best place in America to own, operate, and grow a business.”

*Matt Szollosi
**Executive Director, Affiliated Construction Trades Ohio
*“In the CNBC ranking, infrastructure and workforce were two of the top three metrics considered, and our state’s overwhelming success with regard to data center construction was critical to this achievement as well. Remember, Ohio boasts one of – if not THE – top construction industry workforces in the country for efficiency, value, and quality of workmanship. Add the strength of Ohio’s Building Trades to the exceptional business culture here and it’s no wonder investors are flocking to Ohio. Congratulations to Governor DeWine, Senate President McColley, Speaker Huffman and the team at JobsOhio for this well-deserved recognition!”

*Matt Abbott
**President & CEO, OhioSE
*“We are honored that CNBC has recognized Ohio as America's Top State for Business in 2026. Achieving this milestone requires deep commitment and seamless collaboration across our state, regional, and local economic development and policy partners.”

*Alex Timm
**Founder & CEO, Root Inc.
*“The world is recognizing what we already know; Ohio is the best place to start and grow a business. Growth requires the right ecosystem, and Ohio offers the perfect blend of innovation, operational grit, and incredible talent. For any entrepreneur, Ohio is the best place to start.”

"HIGHER EDUCATION"

*Laura Lanese
**President & CEO, Inter-University Council of Ohio
*“Ohio's recognition as CNBC's No. 1 State for Business reflects years of strategic investments in talent, innovation, and workforce development. Ohio's 14 public universities are proud to serve as a strategic asset for the state, partnering with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, policymakers, employers, and communities to educate the workforce, advance research and innovation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and many other fields critical to Ohio's future. Together, Ohio's public universities generate nearly $70 billion in annual economic impact and help ensure that businesses can find the skilled talent they need to succeed. We congratulate Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and all those whose leadership and partnership have helped position Ohio as the nation's top state for business.”

*C. Todd Jones
**President & General Counsel, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio
*“Ohio’s independent colleges are proud to provide the educated workforce necessary to earn this distinguished ranking. Located in every corner of the state, our institutions partner with emerging industries to help Ohio lead America's 21st-century economy.”

*Avi Zaffini
**President & CEO, Ohio Association of Community Colleges
*“Ohio being named CNBC’s top state for business is a proud moment and a validation of the work Governor DeWine’s administration, state leaders, JobsOhio, and JobsOhio’s regional partners have done to make Ohio more competitive. Ohio’s 22 community colleges are proud to help build the talent pipeline employers need through affordable, flexible pathways to many of the in-demand careers that Ohio has been attracting to the state. This recognition shows what is possible when economic development and workforce development are aligned, and our colleges are ready to continue helping power Ohio’s momentum.”

*Margaret A. Hess
**Executive Director, Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents
*“Ohio's recognition as CNBC's No. 1 State for Business reflects the strong leadership, collaboration, and commitment that have made workforce development a priority across our state. Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, educators, employers, and other partners have worked together to strengthen education-to-career pathways that prepare Ohio's workforce for success. On behalf of the Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents, we are proud that Ohio's career technical education system is helping drive this achievement. Every day, our career centers partner with business and industry to prepare students and adult learners for high-demand careers, strengthen local communities, and support Ohio's economy. We look forward to continuing this partnership to keep Ohio moving forward.”

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