1) American Electronics Association (AeA)
Cyberstates 2007: A Complete State-by-State Overview of the High Technology Industry
This annual report provides national and state data on high-tech employment
trends and venture capital investments. There are separate reports on most
of the states.

2) Best Places
Cities Ranked and Rated
Using ten categories, this book compares and ranks more than 400 metro areas in the U.S. and Canada. It's considered the “bible” of city rankings and is available in bookstores for approximately $24.99.

3) Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED)
Economic Development Report Card for the States
For 20 years, CFED, a non-profit group, has put out an annual report card rating each state’s economic strengths and business climates. Ratings are based on performance of economy, business competitiveness and development capacity of the state for future growth. 

4) Entrepreneur Magazine
Best Cities for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneur Magazine has been doing an annual ranking of the best places to start and grow a company for the past 12 years. This ranking measures young company formation along with the growth patterns of young businesses. 

5) Fast Company Magazine 
Fast Cities 2007
In its July 2007 issue, Fast
Company magazine identifies 30 cities throughout the world that are centers of creativity, where most of the important ideas and the organizations of tomorrow are, or will be, created. This rating praises Richard Florida’s “The Rise of the Creative Class” philosophy when it comes to defining what makes great cities tick.
 

6) Forbes Magazine 
Best Places for Business and
Career Best States for Business
Forbes Magazine annually ranks the 200 largest metro areas and 175 smaller cities, largely based on growth in jobs, the cost of doing business and educational attainment. In addition, the publication also releases a Best States for business report, which measures six main business climate categories. The report does not appear in the magazine, but runs solely on their web site.

7) Foreign Direct Investment
North American Cities of the Future
fDi, a Financial Times publication on inward investment, names its selection of North American Cities of the Future bi-annually. Cities are invited to compete, by submitting information on 50 items concerned with inward investment, location costs and regional economic statistics. 

8) Governing Magazine 
Grading the Governments Reports
Since 1999, Governing Magazine has produced five report cards grading the management of states, cities and counties. A new states' management report, done in conjunction with the Pew Center on the States, will be published early in 2008.

9) Inc. Magazine  
Boomtowns
Inc. Magazine annually examines statistics on 393 metropolitan areas, looking at employment data, job growth and other signs to identify where businesses are thriving. A searchable database, divided into large, mid-size and small cities, helps one identify and compare pertinent facts regarding these population centers.

10) Milken Institute
Best Performing Cities Index: Where America’s Jobs are Created and Sustained
Milken Institute’s annual index ranks America’s cities in terms of job creation and economic performance. There is one ranking for the largest 200 cities and a separate one for the smaller metros. All of their statistical reports are available on their Web site.