EC O N O M IC D E VE LOPME NT
REGIONAL REPORT
NORTHEAST & SOUTHEAST While employment still lags in some states, much of the country is on an economic rebound. BY CRAIG GUILLOT
*State’s rank in the 2021 Chief Executive Best & Worst States for Business (ChiefExecutive.net/ the-best-worst-states-forbusiness2021)
FROM NEW YORK TO FLORIDA, states in the Northeast and Southeast are rebuilding their economies and landing exciting projects in tech, manufacturing and logistics.
gies is adding 300 jobs in Jacksonville. And Scotlynn USA, a logistics subsidiary of Canada-based Scotlynn Commodities, opened a new headquarters in Fort Myers.
2 FLORIDA*
3 TENNESSEE
WHERE THE SUN IS STILL SHINING While Gov. Ron DeSantis’ moves last year often went against CDC guidelines, it helped the state weather the storm. “Florida’s economy was blindsided by a sudden recession and prolonged disruptions to supply chains because of Covid-19,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce and CEO of Enterprise Florida Jamal Sowell. “But jobs are coming back, commerce is on the uptick, and Enterprise Florida is in lockstep with Gov. DeSantis’s bold mission to retake the high ground of prosperity for all corners of Florida.” The Sunshine State, which ranked #2 in Chief Executive’s 2021 Best & Worst States for Business, landed several notable projects in the past year. Aviation manufacturer Aerion announced a $300 million capital investment that will create 675 jobs by 2025. IT consulting firm Synergy Technolo-
ELECTRIC GROWTH The Volunteer State maintained a spirit of resiliency in working to rebuild the economy, says Bob Rolfe, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. One promising area is electric vehicles. The state is now home to three OEMs and over 900 suppliers in an automotive industry that employs more than 123,000 residents. Tennessee produces more than 16,000 electric vehicles annually. GM announced in October 2020 a $2 billion facility in Spring Hill to build electric cars. “Tennessee’s central location, skilled workforce and pro-business climate are a few of the advantages we offer companies,” says Rolfe.
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4 NORTH CAROLINA CONTINUING MOMENTUM IN TECH With tech assets in the Research Triangle
