Apr. 16, 2010 (Eau Claire, WI) – Eau Claire, WI, was ranked No. 48 on the list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers by Forbes.com. The latest Forbes article, released on Apr.14, 2010, ranked the top 184 cities for small business and careers in the United States (U.S.).

Cities were ranked based on multiple factors including the cost of doing business, educational attainment, and job growth (past and present). Other factors included cultural opportunities and quality of life issues. It also highlighted Eau Claire’s largest private company, Menards, and named National Presto Industries “best small company”.

Eau Claire is the highest ranked Wisconsin city, followed by Appleton (No. 53), La Crosse (No. 60), Oshkosh, (No. 62), Wausau (No. 95), and Racine (No. 96).

The Best Small Places for Business and Careers is an extension list of the twelfth annual Best Places for Business and Careers list. It was developed after reviewing the 200 largest metropolitan cities across the U.S. Research was provided by Moody’s Economy.com.

See full list and additional information about Forbes’ Best Small Places for Business and Careers at http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/5/business-places-10_Best-Small-Places-For-Business-And-Careers_Rank.html.

About The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation:

The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization, is a public/private sector partnership that facilitates the growth of quality job opportunities by working with entrepreneurs, governments and businesses seeking to retain, expand and recruit quality jobs in the Eau Claire area. For more information contact the EDC at 715-834-0070 or visit http://www.eauclaire-wi.com.