Boeing picks Chicago for new headquarters
Associated Press
SEATTLE — Boeing Co. has chosen Chicago as the site of its new corporate headquarters, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported yesterday on its Web site.
Chairman Philip M. Condit and other officials were to make the announcement Thursday from the Windy City, the newspaper said, citing unidentified sources.
Boeing would not comment on the report to The Associated Press. ``I have absolutely no knowledge of anything. I have nothing to add to that,'' spokeswoman Susan J. Davis said early Thursday.
Chicago, Dallas and Denver had been competing for the aviation giant's new headquarters since March, when Boeing announced plans to move from its home of 85 years. Each offered millions of dollars in tax breaks and other incentives, and enlisted the help of sports stars and business leaders in their efforts to woo Boeing.
Boeing spokesman John Dern had said Wednesday that the site selection team had completed its research and was meeting to discuss options, but the final decision rested with Condit.
All Boeing employees will be informed by e-mail, and Condit will call the governors of Illinois, Colorado and Texas to inform them of his choice before a public announcement is made, the newspaper said.
The new headquarters will be located in an office building along the Chicago River, according to the Seattle newspaper. Condit had said the new location would be leaner, employing fewer than 500 employees, half its current staff.
The company will keep its massive aircraft factories and design and development facilities in the Seattle area, where it was founded in 1916.
Boeing has said the relocation is meant to save money and establish headquarters more centrally located to its operations, spread over 26 states.
Chicago would have little trouble handling the transportation, with hundreds of daily flights at O'Hare International.
And Illinois Gov. George Ryan offered $4 million to $5 million in tax incentives. Boeing, which is expected to earn about $3 billion this year, also could receive 15 years of state income tax credits, estimated at $25 million to $30 million.
Boeing has said it would like to complete the move by September.
