(RALEIGH) -- For the second consecutive year, North Carolina ranks second on Chief Executive Magazine’s list of the best states for business. The publication surveyed 50 CEOs from across the country.

The CEOs considered the factors most critical to an environment where business can thrive. Business leaders graded the states on a variety of categories that included workforce quality, taxation, regulation and living environment.

“Our transition from industries like furniture, textiles and tobacco to knowledge-based jobs in banking, high-tech and pharmaceuticals is possible because our workers are well-educated and well-trained," said Gov. Bev Perdue.

“North Carolina workers are 10 percent more productive than the average U.S. worker,” said Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco. “Combine that with leadership that makes strategic investments in infrastructure and technology and it’s no surprise that we land at the top of the list time and time again.”