News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Mac Detgen's Customer Service Harnesses the Power of Positivity
Mac Detgen with SP Plus Corporation is precisely the kind of person you'd want to help you in a predicament: He's calm, knowledgeable and approaches the situation with kindness. Jennifer, a visitor to PDX who found herself in a bit of a pickle, wrote this letter praising Mac’s efforts:
"My car battery died while I was waiting at the curb to pick up my son. Thank goodness Mac showed up to assist. He didn’t make me feel stupid for not knowing anything about my own car, and he was really kind in a situation that I found very stressful. It’s wonderful to have people like Mac to help when things aren’t going well. I appreciate his gift for compassion and exemplary service!"
Mac was a winner at the PDX People Customer Service Awards, where we recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary. Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners.
You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service – submit a nomination now.
Nominate a PDX Employee
Swag, Sweets and Smiles: Celebrating PDX People
Every day, PDX People make sure visitors to our airport feel welcome. Whether they’re offering a kind greeting, pointing the way to a gate or pouring that much needed cup of coffee, it’s the friendly, knowledgeable and respectful service that continues to make PDX America’s Best Airport.
Those daily efforts don’t go unnoticed – it’s why every year we dedicate a week to celebrating and uplifting the reason our airport is so beloved: YOU!
It was evident throughout last week's activities that PDX People are proud to work at the airport, and beyond that, proud of each other. From roadway to runway and concourse to construction, your hard work and commitment to upholding our values are appreciated. Check out the article on our PDX People website to see more happy faces and read about the special moments that stood out
PDX People Newsletter Winners Announced! 
As part of our employee appreciation week events, we offered the opportunity for PDX People newsletter subscribers to win a $100 gift card!
Winners were selected and emailed on Friday, Sept. 24. Want to know if you've won? Make sure to check your inbox and junk mail folders for an email from Shannon McArthurWinners must reply to claim their prize by this Friday, Oct. 1. 
Also, if you signed up for the newsletter during the period of Sept. 13-23, you're eligible for a free PDX People hat! Pick it up at the Lost and Found office by Friday, Oct. 1.
What's New with PDX Next: Baggage Claim and Virtual Forum
Baggage Claim: Carousel 9 and oversized bag door 8 are now open. In a few weeks, carousel 4 will close as work continues.
PDX Next Forum: Want the inside scoop on construction at PDX? Jen Reynolds with the Port of Portland along with Pat Bifone and Caitlin Powell of Hoffman-Skanska will share the latest construction updates and answer your questions about PDX Next in just 30 minutes. The next update is set for Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Add this event to your Outlook calendar or use this link to access the meeting live on September 28.
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.
PDX Retro-Commissioning Project Saves Electricity, Natural Gas 
Have you ever heard of retro-commissioning? Simply put, it's a process to improve the efficiency of an existing building's equipment and systems, and the Port of Portland's energy management team did just that to ensure proper air conditioning for Concourses C, D and E. Over the course of the project, 23 air handling units were inspected for repairs or replacement, control settings were standardized and simplified, and comprehensive testing was done to ensure all systems are working properly. In the end, the team saw big electrical and natural gas savings: the equivalent of 23,354 gallons of gasoline – enough to drive to the moon and back – and energy to keep 25 homes powered for a year.
Am I Eligible for a
COVID-19 Pfizer Booster?
Last week, Oregon approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster for several groups of people ages 18-64. Among them, those who are at higher risk of exposure and transmission due to occupational setting.
This guidance may raise new questions: What if I got Moderna or J&J? Where can I get my booster? Are boosters free? You also must have had your second shot at least six months ago and may need to show your vaccine card to receive a booster. To learn more, check out this helpful FAQ from The Oregonian.
It’s OK to Get Your Flu Shot and the COVID-19 Vaccine
It’s true: You can get your flu shot and your COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time. When the first COVID-19 vaccines were starting to roll out, health experts were still wary about mixing and matching vaccines. Now the CDC says multiple vaccines can be given at the same time, though health professionals are advised to administer the shots at different injection sites. Ultimately, if you have any questions about your particular situation or vaccine, speak with your doctor first. 
TSA Introduces Spanish Language @AskTSA Automated Virtual Assistant
In exciting news, TSA recently launched a Spanish language automated virtual assistant to answer routine traveler questions via social media. The new system went live last week and allows Spanish-speaking travelers to obtain quick answers about airport security procedures by sending their questions to @AskTSA. The Spanish version of the @AskTSA social media virtual assistant represents the agency’s first fully integrated foreign language service on their social media platforms, and demonstrates their commitment to engage with passengers in ways that help prepare them for the most efficient checkpoint experience possible. 
PDX in Pictures
What's yellow and black and just hit the double digits? Spirit Airlines at PDX!
The Spirit team has shined bright for an entire decade, and 10 years in Portland certainly calls for a celebration. Here's to many more years of spirited fun at PDX!

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