SWA declares 142nd quarterly dividend
THE REAL DEAL
By JERRY DEAL
I was told to invest, but I didn’t, at least not at the time.
Southwest Airlines in the early 1970s was just getting off the ground, really, and Camille Keith, then handling marketing and public relations, told me to invest in the company.
I did not listen. I was a fool.
I had a close relationship with the airlines (and still do somewhat, having known Herb Kelleher even before there was a Southwest, while he was a behind the scenes politician and I was a reporter for the San Antonio Express-News. (I have a good sized framed photo of Herb standing on the wing of a 737, hanging on my living room wall.)
Later, when Christine Ortega was Southwest’s area market director for San Antonio south to the Valley, the airline, through her, aided the Valley Morning Star 10K Run-5K Walk with many tickets for free flights to anywhere the airlines flew, which were used in drawings.
The reason I am rambling on is because I had a nice conversation with with Christine today (Thursday). She now has the prestigious position of manager of Community Affairs and Grassroots, Communications and Strategic Outreach, and is headquartered at the Dallas home office.
I did later invest but even later sold what shares I had.
What I am leading up to is, also today, I received a media release that states:
“Southwest Airlines’ (NYSE: LUV) Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2012 on all shares then issued and outstanding.
“THE 142nd CONSECUTIVE DIVIDEND WILL BE PAID ON MARCH 22, 2012.”
That is pretty fantastic, since most of the other airlines are losing money. I have no idea how many times the stock has increased, split and increased.
Harlingen is fortunate to have Southwest Airlines and we all better not forget it. McAllen would love for it to move its Valley operation there.
With the departure of so many I can see SWA leaving as well for McAllen. It would not surprise me at all. How many have we lost so far under the leadership and board to date?
John, I will gladly help you pack so you can move to McAllen. You are a toxin to those of us trying to work for a better Harlingen.
Let’s see Sally how many airlines have left under the tenure of the leadership and board that runs the airport. Please enlighten us with fact. I know that it has been presented here before and it does not look good at all.
Toxin is the people that have been putting the brakes on growth for Harlingen economic and industrial wise for years. This is nothing new for most Harlingen citizens and even people who live elsewhere in the Valley.
If you had the brains to click on most of the links that I present,you would realize I can back up my arguments with fact.
No John’s right, he’s being realistic. What was once the busiest and largest airport in the valley has been losing ground for years. Some will argue the population/business center in the valley shifts more and more west, however I still expect a lot from a geographical center especially with Padre Island close by. I think VIA dropped the ball with respect to AeroMexico; assuming they ever saw the ball. I know SW does good business in Harlingen, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if it was lured to McAllen someday. You may argue a downed economy is to blame for decreased passengers, but during this time McAllen added Delta and more flights with Alegiant. Brownsville added American Eagle and now AeroMexico. Subsidized? Maybe, but according to the Brownsville mayor it has payed off and the city no longer needs to subsidize Continental and American. Half the Harlingen Continental passengers went south to Brownsville. I am worried since the merger with United, that a consolidation of sorts may be in the future with respect to the valley airports; leaner and meaner. I say explore the scenario and offer Continental/United to consolidate at VIA.
On second thought, it might be better to double down on a large convention/civic center to attract trade shows and concerts. Statewide, regional and national audiences would get numbers up.
Thank you erlkonig, I believe it was you who gave us a list of departures from VIA back in 2011. I should have saved the comment/post/link. Great information. Thanks again.
Jerry Juan Montoya’s blog (rrun rrun )is reporting that Armando Villalobos has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury, my goodness, I can’t wait untill the Federal agents begin looking into Harlingen.
Jerry Deal comments: I have heard that and have been trying to find out something. I hate to put that unless I have some sort of confirmation.
Cough,cough. So where are you mayor supporters now? Hell, where are you board supporters?