CNBC: Virginia Ranked "America's Top State for Business"
Virginia has done it again. CNBC has ranked Virginia America’s 2011 Top State for Business. The review, in its fifth year, ranks states according to 10 broad categories, including the cost of doing business, the strength of the economy, the cost of living and business friendliness. Not only did the Commonwealth win the highest ranking this year, but Virginia also received the highest point total in the history of the rankings, finishing in the top-half of every category ranked. Since the rankings began Virginia has remained a top state, claiming the number one spot in both 2007 and 2009, while receiving second in 2008 and 2010.

Forbes.com: Virginia is one of the Best States for Business
Virginia continues as a leading state in the Forbes.com Best State for Business review. The review examines multiple objective measurements, including business cost, regulatory climate, quality of the workforce, and economic growth. Virginia took the top spot in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 and ranked second overall in 2010 and 2011. Forbes.com is the official Internet site of the Forbes family of business publications.

Pollina Corporate Real Estate: Top Pro-Business State
Virginia is ranked the 2011 Top Pro-Business State by Pollina Corporate Real Estate. This is the third consecutive year that Virginia placed first, topping the 2011 ranking by the largest victory margin in the history of the study. The Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States study examines 29 factors relative to states’ efforts to be pro-business, and is the most comprehensive examination of states to date. The study is limited to factors over which state government has control. The list reflects state leadership that truly understands the importance of producing the best job opportunities available for their constituents. The state governments at the top of the list understand that they must be very proactive in the international battle to keep and attract jobs. In total, this marks the fifth time the Commonwealth has held the top spot with previous top rankings garnered in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2010.

Governing Magazine: Top Performing State
Virginia is one of the top-performing state governments in America. In Governing Magazine’s Government Performance Project, Grading the States 2008 survey, Virginia earned an overall grade of A- for management of state government. This is testament to Virginia's long-term planning and management of money, people, infrastructure, and information. Only two other states received an A- grade.

Presidential "E Star" Award
Virginia is a recipient of the President’s "E Star" Award in 2008, the nation’s highest award for the promotion of export business. The International Trade Division provides proven, innovative programs to assist Virginia companies sell their products and services into markets worldwide.