Even as there is plenty of room for improvement, Ohio is making an impression, as CNBC has named it the country’s top state for business in 2026. It’s the first time the Buckeye State has topped the list.

Back in March, Gov. Mike DeWine used his State of the State address to talk about the efforts being made in Columbus:

“We’ve been strategically focused on making Ohio literally the go-to state for business,” he said.

Ohioans living in some regions can be forgiven for wondering what in the world is going on in other states, but according to CNBC, Ohio has not only low business costs, but the country’s best infrastructure.

“The Buckeye State offers companies broad market access, with more than 143 million people living within a day’s drive, low real estate costs, reasonable utility and insurance costs, generous incentives and shovel-ready sites,” CNBC said.

Steve Stivers, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, seized the opportunity to point out the ranking only means we need to keep trying harder.

“Rankings aren’t permanent — they’re earned every year. States that stop improving eventually fall behind,” he said. “The Ohio Chamber’s ‘2026 Blueprint for Ohio’s Economic Future’ outlines six key policy priorities to keep Ohio competitive and achieve sustained 3% annual economic growth. That kind of growth means more jobs, bigger paychecks, stronger communities and greater opportunity for every Ohioan.”

A short celebration and self-congratulation, then, and back to work. While those who helped Ohio reach this level are to be commended, it would be foolish to believe the job is done.

“If Ohio wants to remain the best state for business, we can’t coast,” Stivers said. “We must continue to make smart, pro-growth policy decisions every day.”

That includes holding public officials such as those at JobsOhio accountable through transparency, and maintaining the expectation that DeWine was serious when he said he hoped to bring a large employer to within commuting distance of EVERY Ohioan.

We’re the heart of it all, and the rest of the country is starting to notice. Now, let’s be even better.