News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Jeremiah Pacheco, Salima McRae, Matt Rosales, Said Mehamli
This Team Makes Great Service a Coast-to-Coast Experience
Jeremiah Pacheco (he/him) came across two travelers trying to reach Portland, Maine. The duo – traveling from Phoenix and originally from the Congo – were inadvertently booked to PDX by mistake. Neither spoke English and neither had enough money to purchase another ticket.
Jeremiah spent a considerable amount of time piecing together the details of their situation using a translator app on his phone. He got them snacks and made sure they were comfortable while they waited for assistance.
His colleagues Salima McRae (she/her) and Matt Rosales (he/him) were quick to step in and help. Jeremiah also recruited TSA agent – and fluent French speaker – Said Mehamli (he/him) to assist with translation.
Salima worked with the airlines to secure seats using the travelers’ limited funds while Matt scoured the internet trying to find the best flight deals. Additionally, Jeremiah got approval to donate funds to help the tired travelers get to the East Coast.
As the manager submitting the nomination said, “The determination of Jeremiah, and the teamwork provided by Salima, Matt and Said should not be taken for granted and is a testament to the work ethic associated with PDX People.”
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
Screen Door logo across the temp wall in Concourse B
What's New with PDX Next: New Main Terminal Roof, Baggage Carousel Closures and Concessions Updates
New Main Terminal Roof: Installation of the Y columns continues, and crews are taking advantage of efficiencies in the process to get additional work done when possible. This means crews will do additional work in already closed off areas if there is time. This won’t change much for you, though if you receive construction notifications, watch for those daily updates. Y column work is targeted for completion in late August.
In general, you can expect this work to happen Monday through Friday – and occasionally on Saturday – between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. You may see closures to a few areas, including the restrooms by Gate D2, the freight elevator by Gate D2 and the D/E bypass door. If the bypass door is closed, signage – along with a spotter – will guide you to an alternate route. You can also use the D/E checkpoint, but remember, you can’t bring prohibited items through the checkpoint.
Baggage Claim: Expect some daytime closures of baggage carousel 9 between 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 8-11 as well as Aug. 15 and 16.
Concessions Updates: Have you been waffling about where to grab a bite to eat? Well, when Screen Door opens on Concourse B in mid-August, you can finally decide...on waffles! (Not to mention fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and the rest of their southern-inspired menu.)
Taqueria La Merced – out on the PDX roadway – adjusted their hours to Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find them on the south end of the lower roadway near pick up area one. Check out their current menu and keep in mind that you can always order in advance by calling 971.803.0688.
Looking for more PDX Next information? We're keeping you in the know on what's new on the PDX People website. Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339.
Group of airport employees in hi-ves vests walking across the airfield.
FOD Walk: Prizes, Food and Fun!
Join the Port of Portland's airport operations, waste minimization and PDX business & properties teams picking up foreign object debris (FOD) on the airfield. Enjoy food, fun and prizes while learning how eliminating FOD creates a safer airport for all of us. If you have a red badge, sign up now for one of two sessions on Friday, Aug. 19 – 11 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. – and enjoy time with colleagues while playing an important part in keeping PDX safe.
Sign Up for the FOD Walk
Good Coffee at PDX - people ordering at the counter
Good Times at Good Coffee's Grand Opening
We're excited to celebrate with Good Coffee at their grand opening event on Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Stop by for coffee and pastry samples, giveaways and to play PDX People plinko for amazing prizes and PDX People swag!
Don't work that day or aren't able to go post-security? Keep your eyes on the PDX People website, where we'll add new events to the calendar with varying days, hours and locations so everyone can enjoy a piece of the fun!
Find out why Good Coffee is so good – from their seasonally influenced drinks menu featuring high-quality coffee from farmers around the world to their drink specials that incorporate fresh juices and syrups made from local produce and herbs.
Environmental Ops employee pusing a button on the trash compactor control panel
Be Respectful: Using the Trash Compactor
Being respectful is a PDX People core value, and that includes your actions toward travelers, other airport workers and even shared spaces.
With that in mind, keeping the waste areas organized and sorting your trash properly is part of maintaining a clean and safe airport environment. Additionally, following these trash compactor guidelines means we can continue to stay environmentally conscious and keep our equipment working efficiently.
  • Run the compactor every time you load it. Your co-workers will thank you when they arrive to drop off their garbage.
  • Make sure the compactor is clear before loading. If it’s full when you arrive, start the compactor and wait four minutes to see if it will empty.
  • Call the maintenance number on the compactor if the compactor won't clear. Take your trash with you and return later – don’t dump trash on the walkway if the compactor is full.
  • Put batteries and lightbulbs in the recycling buckets in the interior waste areas. Don’t put these items in the trash compactor as it creates a safety hazard.
Want to “talk trash” with the waste minimization team and be knowledgeable about the process? Your manager can book a training with the team by emailing lesswaste@portofportland.com. Take a moment to read all the tips on the waste areas and sorting trash, glass and food waste. Thanks for helping keep PDX a clean and safe place to work.
PACTT dogs and people at the appreciation event. Top Row: Dog in sunglasses, Walt Marchbanks speaking, dog laying in the grass. Bottom: Group photo of handlers and dogs.
PDX in Pictures
Do you see a fur-miliar face or two? DoveLewis recently hosted an appreciation party for the Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams (PACTT), the group that partners with us on the PDX dog therapy program. Port of Portland's Customer Program & Services Manager Walt Marchbanks joined in the festivities to say thank you to the teams that help fetch a little peace and comfort for visitors at the airport.
The program brings more than 20 highly trained canine therapy teams to a variety of airport locations. Along with their handlers, these dogs roam the terminal with grey DoveLewis vests and wagging tails. They're on the lookout for pets, cuddles, someone they can greet with a wet nose, and comfortable places for a little rest next to PDX travelers.
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