Virginia and Louisiana lead the list for states with the most economic growth potential, according to the Business Facilities' 2011 State Rankings Report.

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The report cites Virginia’s close proximity to D.C. and government contractors choosing the Commonwealth for corporate headquarters, including Northrop Grumman and ITT's Defense & Information Solutions unit.

Virginia has launched the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), a unique collaborative research facility in Prince George County. And Gov. Bob McDonnell issued an executive order creating a state Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission as one of his first acts in office.

"Virginia has staked a claim as a national center for advanced manufacturing," said Business Facilities Editor-in-Chief Jack Rogers. "The CCAM will be a job-growth engine for years to come."

The top 10 states in the report in order are: Virginia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Utah, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Nebraska.

Read the full article at Business Facilities.