An overwhelming 96% of respondents chalked up the state's high quality workforce as a key factor in choosing Massachusetts as a business location. In addition to workforce, the top three factors cited by respondents were top superior industry clusters and the community environment in Massachusetts.

“We are heartened by the validation of Massachusetts as an outstanding location for business expansion,” says Susan Houston, executive director of MassEcon, “but equally important, this study tells us that we can't be complacent. For Massachusetts to maintain—and grow—its leadership position, we must continue to nurture our key assets and address the challenges that could undermine our economic competitiveness.”

Business executives that participated in the survey also pointed out some areas of concern and challenges the Massachusetts economy faces now and could possibly face in the future.

The survey revealed that companies located in Greater Boston are concerned about highway congestion and public transit capacity, while businesses outside that region worry about a shortage of public transportation.

“MBTA reliability is vital to the ability to attract and retain workers, they said, expressing concerns that not enough is being done to accommodate a growing population,” MassEcon states.

Other key issues of concern included a statewide concern over the availability and affordability of housing; higher business costs, particularly labor, health care and energy related expenses; the quality of the future labor supply and the levels of economic development assistance.

WATERTOWN, MA—Many businesses that have expanded their operations in Massachusetts like it so much here that they would do it again.

A survey released by the non-profit economic development group MassEcon, reported that Massachusetts' “innovative economy” is a key driver in business expansion decision-making.

“This report is a valuable tool for us to use to measure our successes in creating a business environment that supports employer growth and uncover opportunities to strengthen collaboration across the state to help our cities and towns increase jobs and investment,” says Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “I look forward to the solutions that we can implement with our partners across business, non-profit and government sectors to improve the business environment for the benefit of all Massachusetts residents.”

The UMass Donahue Institute's Economic and Public Policy Research Group conducted the statewide survey of approximately 90 businesses that expanded or relocated within Massachusetts in the past decade. The study found that 77% of respondents would choose to locate or expand here again, if faced with the same decision. The survey also found that 64% rated the state as a “good” or “very good” place to do business.

An overwhelming 96% of respondents chalked up the state's high quality workforce as a key factor in choosing Massachusetts as a business location. In addition to workforce, the top three factors cited by respondents were top superior industry clusters and the community environment in Massachusetts.

“We are heartened by the validation of Massachusetts as an outstanding location for business expansion,” says Susan Houston, executive director of MassEcon, “but equally important, this study tells us that we can't be complacent. For Massachusetts to maintain—and grow—its leadership position, we must continue to nurture our key assets and address the challenges that could undermine our economic competitiveness.”

Business executives that participated in the survey also pointed out some areas of concern and challenges the Massachusetts economy faces now and could possibly face in the future.

The survey revealed that companies located in Greater Boston are concerned about highway congestion and public transit capacity, while businesses outside that region worry about a shortage of public transportation.

“MBTA reliability is vital to the ability to attract and retain workers, they said, expressing concerns that not enough is being done to accommodate a growing population,” MassEcon states.

Other key issues of concern included a statewide concern over the availability and affordability of housing; higher business costs, particularly labor, health care and energy related expenses; the quality of the future labor supply and the levels of economic development assistance.