MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Not all the news was bad in a Wisconsin Taxpayers’ Alliance report which showed that Wisconsin’s workforce and business start-ups are growing slower than the national norms.

One positive nugget reveals the long-term success rate of businesses which get their start here.

Of those started in 1997, 45 percent are still operating in Wisconsin – much higher than the national average of 34 percent. And the fastest-growing business sectors are those which normally pay the most – like manufacturing, professional firms, and business services.

Lower-paid jobs grew at a smaller pace – including retail and service posts in common places like restaurants and hotels.