Boeing to submit tanker bid by Feb. 11
Published 12:01 am Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Boeing Co. is preparing to submit its final offer in a $35 billion Air Force tanker contest by Feb. 11, the company said Tuesday. Boeing officials met with the Air Force on Monday to discuss the company’s interim evaluation, wrote Bill Barksdale, Boeing spokesman. Boeing is making final adjustments to its bid before submitting it to the Air Force. The company is offering the Air Force a tanker based on its Everett-built 767. Boeing is competing against EADS and its A330-based tanker to replace 179 of the Air Force’s aging KC-135 tankers. “As the competition comes down to the wire, our tanker team is focused on one thing: providing the Air Force with the most capable tanker at the lowest cost to the taxpayer,” Barksdale wrote.
Burlington bank continues dividend
Washington Banking Co., the holding company for Whidbey Island Bank, announced a regular cash dividend of 5 cents a share payable March 1 to shareholders of record on Feb. 11. The company purchased Lynnwood-based City Bank and Arlington-based North County Bank last year.
Internet running low on numeric addresses
The spread of Internet use in Asia and the proliferation of Internet-connected phones worldwide are causing the Internet to run out of numerical addresses, which act as “phone numbers” to ensure that surfers reach websites and e-mails find their destination. The top-level authority that governs such addresses will distribute the last batches on Thursday. That doesn’t mean consumers will suddenly find websites unreachable, though.
UPS expects good growth in 2011
UPS expects to boost earnings above pre-recession levels this year by expanding in parts of the world where economic growth is strongest and keeping a lid on costs. The world’s largest shipping company believes the overall pace of global economic growth will slow. But export-heavy countries like Germany and China are going strong and UPS plans to push further into emerging markets. The company’s restructured U.S. business — its largest — has improved profit margins.
State offers amnesty for business taxes
A three-month amnesty program for businesses with overdue taxes has started in Washington state. The plan aims to collect revenue now by waiving any penalties and interest. Otherwise, the state Revenue Department could spend months trying to collect those past-due bills. The program was requested by Gov. Chris Gregoire and authorized by the Legislature during December’s special session. The state guesses about a fifth of 50,000 delinquent businesses will take advantage. Businesses have to submit an application by April 18 and taxes have to be paid by the end of April. Details are available at the website paymytax.org.
From Herald news services
