News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Watch the PDX People Customer Service Awards Tomorrow at Noon
To recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary, we hold the quarterly PDX People Customer Service Awards. Winners in each category – along with their managers and members of our volunteer working committee – are invited to attend the event in person while it's live-streamed on YouTube. To watch, head to the Port of Portland YouTube page on Tuesday, April 25, at noon.
Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX People website. You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service for next quarter – submit a nomination now.
Nominate a PDX Employee
In celebration of last quarter's amazing customer service stories, we're giving some extra applause to our previous nominees:
Keraleen Antonius (Fenix Logistix Inc.) went out of her way to make sure an elderly passenger was taken care of before clocking out for the night.
Tom Baffery (SP Plus Corporation) provided consistently pleasant interactions with drivers exiting the airport: "He is just a nice, consistent way to exit the airport. Thank you!"
Asher Berlynn (Burgerville) helped a hungry family get a meal quickly: “With his help, we made it to our flight with exactly the food I knew my hungry children would be happy eating."
Garrett Brown (Tender Loving Empire) assisted a customer who spoke Ukrainian by using Google Translate, helping bridge the language barrier and complete the transaction.
Erick Carranza (Tillamook) was recognized by co-workers for regularly receiving compliments from guests: "Thank you, Erick, for leading with our values here at PDX!"
Miguel Chaparro (Hoffman-Skanksa JV) helped a woman in a medical emergency, staying with the passenger, calling her family and translating for the paramedics.
Linda Cooper (TSA) received this compliment: "In all my travels, I have never been so struck as I was by Linda's kindness, smile, wonderful attitude and genuine interactions."
Michelle Debartolo (SP Plus) was commended by multiple customers for her kindness, enthusiasm and assistance while on her bus route.
Lesley Dobbins (LaTrelle’s Galley) helped a guest with a military check at Stumptown: "This was a great moment at PDX! Thank you, Lesley."
Ahamade Dolley (SP Plus) worked hard to get passengers out of the cold on a busy, icy day, driving cautiously and skillfully, which was greatly appreciated.
Vladislav Donighevici (HMS Host) helped transport some of Starbucks' milk supplies to Portland Coffee Roasters during the ice storm. Vlad's efforts allowed the cafés to share resources during a common hardship.
Judiana Eter (Prospect) went above and beyond for a traveler: "A kind and sincerely helpful heart like Judiana's does not go unnoticed by the passengers they serve."
Christopher Freeman (TSA) received this note: "Christopher was so helpful when I lost my ID and didn't have any verification to get through security. He was helpful, calming and fun."
Junior Granville (ABM) helped locate a passenger’s missing cell phone and was extremely kind and generous with his time and assistance.
Jesse Hardin (Port of Portland) helped a woman and her husband who were struggling with their luggage through the rental center and the terminal.
Anita Hardy (Capers Café) earned this compliment: "Her friendly smile and warm customer service was a wonderful way to start my morning."
Andrea Lewis (Alaska Airlines) helped locate a passenger's missing bag: "Andrea was most helpful and is a credit to Alaska Airlines."
John Malone (Fenix Aviation) brought laughter to a distraught passenger who missed their flight, sorting out the customer’s booking and helping them reserve a hotel.
Amanda Martinez and Will McCracken (Tender Loving Empire) helped an international traveler access Wi-Fi during the winter storm delays so they could contact their family.
Jody Martini (Capers Café) provided a great guest experience: "I highly recommend visiting Capers Café to experience the top-notch service that Jody Martini offers!"
Moses Mbona (Enterprise) leads by example and offers respectful service, like taking the time to help familiarize a customer with their car's complex technology features.
Ashli Meno (LaTrelle’s Galley) came in during the snowstorm and a co-worker specifically thanked Ashli for having a can-do attitude, picking up shifts and staying late to help the team.
Lisa Mendiola (LaTrelle’s Galley) and her family braved it through the snow to help their respective teams push through the chaos of the storm: "Thank you so much for your dedication!”
Richard Myers (LaTrelle’s Galley) greets everyone with an effusive smile. He leaves customers laughing with his booming baritone "Good Morning!" and his Scooby Doo impressions.
Christina "Nina" Perry (HMS Host) puts customers first at every opportunity and builds a supportive atmosphere: "Nina truly understands hospitality and PDX is lucky to have her."
Joshua Songsong (Sky Chefs) guided a customer through the airport who needed directions: "Joshua was informative and a nice fellow." 
Verla Stanley (LaTrelle’s Galley) supports and champions every shift at Stumptown: "I want to say a huge thank you! You set a great example for the team!"
Dan Suckow (Port of Portland) helped a couple who were struggling to juggle their luggage and a wheelchair through the rental car center and the terminal.
Rachel Verry (SSP America) raced through the airport to return a lost item before passengers departed. Rachel does her utmost to make sure everyone has a pleasant experience at PDX.
Bobbie Walton (United Airlines) received this compliment: "Bobbie was a delight to encounter. She helped our family have the best travel experience around the holidays."
Matt Waugh (Enterprise) always takes on the most difficult tasks and Matt’s initiative and personal touch are testaments to his passion for serving his team and customers.
Jen Wick (Port of Portland) was praised for her contributions to the Port and PDX: "I’m sure the murals Jen has brought into the space have made everyone who sees them smile!"
Cora Wolken (SSP America) brought outstanding customer service and a pleasant attitude to customers at Lardo, even with the stress of running the entire space by herself. 
Kody Youmans (Hudson) put aside his lunch time to assist a lost passenger in their search for the baggage claim area.
What's New with PDX Next: April Forum 
Have you ever wondered what exactly the overhead work in the ticket lobby is all about or what's next for baggage claim? Every month, Jen Reynolds with the Port of Portland along with Pat Bifone and Bri Leiblie of Hoffman-Skanska share the latest construction updates, give you an early look at architectural renderings and behind-the-scenes photos and videos – all in under 30 minutes! You can call in or watch online, just email PDX People Communications before Tuesday, April 25, for the meeting link. 
Last Chance: Get Sensory Inclusive Certified and Enter to Win $100!
Increasing accessibility at PDX is an ongoing endeavor and part of that effort is increasing the knowledge of the PDX People team. With this in mind, KultureCity (our partner in creating the sensory room on Concourse D) offers an educational video to help you learn more about sensory rooms and sensory needs. We encourage you enhance your inclusivity work, whether this is a refresher or your first time. All you need to do is watch a 30-minute video and take a short quiz. Score 80% or higher and you’ll be rewarded with sensory inclusive certification! Bonus? Take the training by Sunday, April 30, and you'll be entered to win $100 gift card – just email your completed certificate to PDX People Communications.
Food and Wine: The 10 Best U.S. Airports for Food 
Getting a good meal ahead of take-off can make all the difference between a good day and a really bad day. Food and Wine asked travelers around the world about airports – airport food, in particular. Check out the top 10 domestic airports for good eats, as voted by their readers, and see where PDX lands on the list.
 "Atlas" sculpture installation in the Rental Car Center circle.
Photo by Robert Potter, Port of Portland
PDX in Pictures
If you work over at the RCC, you've likely passed this sculpture in the Rental Car Center circle. You may have also admired it while waiting for your lunch from Taqueria La Merced. The steel honeycomb-like structure, "Atlas," is by DeWitt Godfrey and it's one of the most recent additions to the art collection at PDX.
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