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States go head-to-head to lure businesses

Las Vegas is running ads in California warning businesses they can "kiss their assets goodbye" if they stay in the Golden State.

In New Hampshire, economic development officials pick up Massachusetts business owners at the border in a limousine and give them VIP treatment and a pitch about why they should relocate there.

Indiana officials, using billboards at the borders and direct appeals to businesses in neighboring states, are inviting them to "Come on IN for lower taxes, business and housing costs."

As states struggle to keep jobs in a continuing recession, they are no longer hoping businesses in other states happen to notice their lower taxes, cheaper office space and less-stringent regulations. They are taking the message directly to them and taking shots at their neighbor’s shortcomings.

"It’s ‘I win, you lose,’ " said Philip Kotler, a marketing professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in Illinois.

By Keith Matheny, USA TODAY

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-08-25-state-raiding_N.htm

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