No one can say New York does not try hard to compete for businesses looking to relocate.

That was evident not long ago when Team New York -- a group of economic development officials from throughout the state -- journeyed to Chicago for a convention attended by more than 3,000 corporate real estate executives and relocation consultants.

While 10 or 20 years ago many states and localities were content to accommodate whatever businesses decided on their own to move in, now most fiercely compete for them.

At this convention, scores of states and localities were using tools from booths to barbeques to banquets to try to attract the attention of the people who help decide where businesses will grow or relocate. New York did it with a lavish, $24,000 breakfast.

At the conference, New York got high marks for its efforts.

At the same time, conference attendees said the state has many obstacles to surmount: taxes and other costs of doing business that place New York at a significant disadvantage.

The state is trying to overcome that reputation, offering offering tax breaks, training grants and other incentives.

Is it enough? Jay Gallagher looks for answers to that question in this fifth installment of New York: State in Decline.