CNBC Names Ohio Best State to Do Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2026

CONTACT:

Amanda Ehrmantraut

Press Secretary

567-203-8868

aehrmantraut@ohiochamber.com

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The below statement can be attributed to Steve Stivers, President & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, following today’s release of CNBC’s 2026 “Top States for Business” study, which ranked Ohio as No. 1.

“CNBC’s 2026 ranking is a testament to years of thoughtful leadership and collaboration across our state. We thank Gov. Mike DeWine, the Ohio General Assembly, JobsOhio and our many local and regional partners for their commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

But rankings aren’t permanent — they’re earned every year. States that stop improving eventually fall behind.

The Ohio Chamber’s 2026 Blueprint for Ohio’s Economic Future outlines six key policy priorities to keep Ohio competitive and achieve sustained 3% annual economic growth. That kind of growth means more jobs, bigger paychecks, stronger communities and greater opportunity for every Ohioan.

If Ohio wants to remain the best state for business, we can’t coast. We must continue to make smart, pro-growth policy decisions every day.”

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