NAM Book provides data on key business/economic indices.
Press Release Summary:
Released by NAM, 2008 Competitiveness Redbook - National Edition provides rankings of 50 state economies according to 51 business and economic indices. It also contains updated data on economic indicators found in previous Redbooks, 2 charts providing expanded indicators on state economies, and results from 2 state liability systems ranking surveys. Data is based on efforts of WashACE, a nonprofit research institute focused on improving Washington State's economy and business climate.
Original Press Release:
NAM Releases 2008 Competitiveness Redbook
Includes Updated Data On Key Business/Economic Indices
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2008 - The 2008 Competitiveness Redbook - National Edition providing rankings of the 50 state economies according to 51 business and economic indices was released to the public today by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
First launched in 2005, the annual Redbook contains updated data on many key economic indicators found in previous Redbooks, two new charts providing additional and expanded indicators on state economies (e.g., a housing price index and the Wharton Residential Land Use Regulation Index) and results from two state liability systems ranking surveys.
The Redbook was produced by the NAM in partnership with the Association of Washington Business and BKD, LLP. Data in the Redbook are based on the efforts of the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE), a nonprofit research institute focused on improving Washington State's economy and business climate. WashACE was founded in 2000 by the Washington Roundtable, the Washington Research Council and the NAM's state affiliate, the Association of Washington Business (AWB).
NAM President and CEO John Engler said the motivation for publishing the Redbook was a report jointly produced in 2003 by the NAM's Manufacturing Institute and The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, How Structural Costs Impose on U.S. Manufacturers Harm Workers and Threaten Competitiveness. "While the cost study broke new ground in documenting structural costs eroding the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers," Engler said, "many NAM member companies and associations have asked for data on state-level structural cost factors, specifically the key indicators of a state's business climate. The Redbook answers that need."
Engler said the Redbook did not attempt to rank states overall according to their business climate, but rather to provide rankings of states in specific categories. "As a former governor, I know how important and useful the information in this book can be to individuals involved in forming public policy, companies looking to expand operations, economic development professionals and the media and general public."
Copies of the Redbook may be ordered for $10 (NAM members) and $15 (non-members) each, plus shipping and handling, and any applicable taxes, from the NAM Bookstore at nambooks.com; (1-800) 637-3005.
CONTACT: HANK COX (202) 637-3090
