Maggie's Farm

California has an oft-bragged about economy that is the ninth largest in the world, but the benefits of its girth also make it a prime target for job poachers. Governors of multiple states, like Rick Perry of Texas, Gary R. Herbert of Utah, and Bob McDonnell of Virginia have made or have plans to make highly publicized trips to the Golden State with the aim of luring manufacturers away.

But while much has been said about these safari trips, just how much game have these governors come back with to their home states?

According to Brook Taylor, Deputy Director of Communications and Policy at GO-Biz – The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development – the statistical reality on the relocation of California companies doesn't align with the sensationalized words of the press and governors.

"I think the narrative of companies leaving California in general is overblown entirely," Taylor said. "The data is not there. I know people like to take shots at California, but the fact is in the last year, California was the national jobs leader."

By Taylor's calculation, it would take 20 years for California to lose even one percent of the number of firms that are in the state.

"We see anecdotal stories that are highlighted in the press of firms that have the ability to move to other states," he said. "What we think is the issue is different from what we'll read in the newspaper. We're the number one state for manufacturing, for total jobs, for total firms."

In fact, the fabled California manufacturing exodus comes with critical details that don't always reach the front pages. "My perspective is that there are a couple things going on," Kevin Klowden, managing economist and director of the California Center at the Milken Institute said.

"First and foremost, very few companies leave California," added Klowden. "What they do instead is they expand elsewhere."