I

f beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then apparently so is a state's business climate.
   When corporate executives are asked to give their opinion on Maryland's business climate, one thing becomes clear: Executives

The first phase of MedImmune's biologics manufacturing expansion in Frederick will see an investment of $250 million. The company hopes to create 840 new jobs by 2008.

who already do business in Maryland give the state higher marks for being pro-business than do executives from around the country.
   When Site Selection surveyed about 150 national site selectors and corporate real estate executives last fall, the respondents rated Maryland's overall business climate as 27th best among the 50 states.
   Respondents to Chief Executive Magazine's January 2006 survey of business leaders gave Maryland slightly higher marks. The respondents placed Maryland at No. 21 in the magazine's annual "Best States for Business" poll, up four spots from last year's showing at No. 25.
   The most recent Maryland Business Climate Survey, conducted in late 2005 by the University of Baltimore's Jacob France Institute, found that 62 percent of the 250 Maryland businesses surveyed view the state as business-friendly.
   Among other findings by the Jacob France Institute, 75 percent of Maryland businesses said they expect revenue growth in the coming year and 57 percent expect job growth. About 58 percent said that Maryland's geographical location is the greatest advantage to doing business in Maryland.
   "This survey is validation that we are accomplishing our mission of listening to businesses and giving them the tools and resources they need to grow and succeed," Maryland Secretary of Business & Economic Development Aris Melissaratos said, citing the commitment the Gov. Robert Ehrlich administration made three years ago to be more responsive to the business community.