Mississippi
State Hits Rankings Floor
When it comes to attracting and retaining businesses that contribute to economic growth, Mississippi is last in the nation, according to the eighth edition of the Beacon Hill Institute's Competitiveness Report. Mississippi's disadvantages include its high rate of high school dropouts, unemployment, crime, infant mortality, and people without health insurance.
Source: Associated Press

Minnesota
Governor Leads Trade Mission
A delegation including business leaders and Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) embarked on a trade mission to Israel to promote Minnesota businesses. Last year, Minnesota businesses shipped $121 million worth of manufactured goods, including computer products and machinery, to Israel, the state's 22 largest export market.
Source: Minnesota Public Radio

New Hampshire
Governor Plans Highway Projects
Gov. John Lynch (D) says $200 million in state highway projects would benefit from an economic stimulus package proposed by President-elect Obama. Lynch attended a national governors meeting with Obama in Philadelphia last week.
Source: Associated Press

North Carolina
Businesses List Concerns
Governor-elect Bev Perdue (D) held a discussion with business leaders in Jamestown last week, soliciting tangible suggestions for her administration. Business leaders asked the governor to simplify regulations, improve the state's educational and workforce training system, and tackle immigration reform.
Source: News & Record

Vermont
Quebec Law Drives Tire Buyers to State
Northern Vermont tire dealers are reporting a surge in business from across the border, thanks to a new law in Quebec that mandates winter tires on all passenger vehicles beginning Dec. 15. Some Quebecois are tire shopping in Vermont given the Canadian dollar's strength against the U.S. dollar. Drivers who don't comply with the winter tire law face fines of $200 to $300.
Source: Burlington Free Press