FOLEY, Ala. — Foley ranks number three in the state on a list of business friendly cities, according to a new list compiled by the Alabama Policy Institute.

Two other Baldwin County cities also fared well in the study, with Daphne and Fairhope following Foley in the rankings, at number four and number nine, respectively.

With an overall score of 74.91 out of 100 possible points, Foley ranked highest in the low business tax burden category, at 91.47, and in economic vitality 78.06.

The list is based on scores in four key areas: economic vitality, a low business tax burden, community allure and transportation infrastructure. These broad categories cover areas including recent job growth, population growth, crime rates, per capita income, student performance and cost of living.

Foley is experiencing an upswing of new businesses slated to open during the coming year. During the first months of 2014, businesses that began construction on new locations in Foley include Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, Whataburger, HCP Pumps and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen. Gulf Coast Distributing, a grocery supplier, is remodeling an existing building. Foosackly’s Chicken Fingers opened in Foley in mid-April.

Jeff Rouzie, economic development director, said Foley has been targeting national retailers, restaurants and developers to consider relocating in the city for the past four years.

“We believe that our concentrated efforts are starting to pay off,” he said.

Other recent announcements in Foley include the building of Blue Collar Country, an entertainment destination that includes hotels, restaurants, specialty retail stores, attractions, rides and an RV park. The city is also building a 104,000 square-foot, multi-use sports and events center that will be a part of the Foley Sports Tourism Complex, to be located within the Blue Collar Country development on Baldwin County 20 between Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express.

“There are thousands of towns vying for these retailers and developers, and in today’s business climate you have to get out and sell your town every chance you get. Good data and knowledge of what retailers and businesses are looking for is another very important aspect to gaining their respect and getting them to consider our area,” Rouzie said.

Following Monday’s Foley City Council Work Session, Councilman Ralph Hellmich expressed appreciation of the rating.

“I think it shows we’re trying to move forward,” he said. “It’s a big honor.”

Maylor John Koniar echoed those sentiments.

“Baldwin County is really progressing and moving,” Koniar said during Monday’s Council Meeting. “It was based on business environment, quality of life, things like that. We did quite well.”

In addition to that rating, Koniar was honored with an award from the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance during Monday’s Council Meeting. Alliance President/CEO Lee Lawson presented Koniar with the award for Koniar’s service with the Alliance.

— Foley Onlooker Editor Cathy Higgins contributed to this article.