|
|
Mimi Priest Earns Her Badge for Exemplary Customer Service
For PDX's VIP volunteers, returning to work at the airport was a welcome and long-awaited moment. But with time away, the pandemic and PDX Next construction, the many changes meant even seasoned volunteers had new routes and routines to relearn.
When a volunteer was struggling with her badge access, Mimi Priest, Port of Portland security badging coordinator, kindly took the time to verify the volunteer's badge was activated. She then personally walked the VIP to the enplaning level to show her how to use the badge.
Mindy Coolidge, the Port's volunteer program coordinator shared, "Volunteers are donating their time and helping us provide travelers with an exceptional experiencem and Mimi went above and beyond to support one of our VIPs. Thank you so much, Mimi, for being such a bright spot on the Security Badging team!"
Mimi was a winner at the PDX People Customer Service Awards, where we recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary. We'll hold the next awards ceremony from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26. The winners in each category – along with members of our volunteer working committee – will gather in-person for lunch, while the event is live-streamed on Facebook. We'll share more details, along with the link, in the next newsletter and 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.
| |
What's New with PDX Next: South Bypass Connector Opens and Concessions Updates
South Bypass Connector: The south bypass connector opens tonight. As with the north bypass, some important things will remain the same – namely, access to restrooms and concessions – but there will be a few changes. To get to Concourse C, you’ll now turn left after going through the B/C checkpoint. You’ll enter the bypass connector near B1 and will exit near C3. This walk will take a few extra minutes, so give yourself additional time if you’re clocking in for work. PDX red badge holders can still use the alternate access doors.
While there will be signage and barriers in place, there’s nothing as helpful to bewildered travelers as a kind and knowledgeable PDX employee. If you see a puzzled passenger, please take a moment to stop and help. If you work pre-security, giving passengers flying out of Concourse C a heads up before they go through the checkpoint is a great way to minimize confusion. You can advise travelers with mobility issues to contact their airlines for wheelchair service if needed. Additionally, you can help by contacting wheelchair dispatch at 503.460.4300 or using a white courtesy phone.
Just like in the north bypass, your new route will draw you in with dozens of delightful illustrations from artist Vee Chenting Qian. See if you can find the karaoke doughnut! As a reminder, the north and south bypass connectors will be in place until we open the new main terminal in 2025.
Concessions Updates: As you likely heard, there's a lot to look forward to in the coming months. In mid-October, you'll see the Lardo kiosk open on Concourse E and the InMotion kiosk open on Concourse D. In late October, get ready for the re-opening of the Hollywood Theatre on Concourse C. Later this fall, Starbucks, Bambuza, Stumptown and Blue Star will all open on Concourse E.
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.
| |
Red Line Disruptions Continue Through Saturday, Oct. 23
More TriMet upgrades are on the way this month with the Lloyd MAX Improvements Project. During the two-week effort, crews will continue to revitalize some of the original areas of TriMet’s light rail system. From now through the end of service on Saturday, Oct. 23, MAX Blue, Green and Red lines will be disrupted, and Red Line trains will only run between PDX and Gateway Transit Center.
| |
You Asked, We Answered: Opening Concourse B?
Q: "When will the new Concourse B open for Alaska Airlines?"
A: After saying goodbye to Concourse A almost two years ago, we’ve been working hard to replace it with a bigger, more beautiful Concourse B, filled with light, panoramic views and art (not to mention outposts of Screen Door Restaurant and Good Coffee, which open in Spring 2022).
You’ll finally get to see the results in December and welcome Alaska Airlines to their new digs as they operate short regional flights out of the six gates. If you have a little extra time, come have a look. And if you don’t want to wait until December, check out our preview on PDXnext.com.
Have a PDX Next question? Send it to hello@pdxnext.com – the most asked questions will be answered in a future issue.
| |
Real ID Deadline is Closer Than You Think
“May 2023 may sound like a long way away, but it's barely more than a year and a half away,” said David House, the spokesperson for Oregon DMV. House says if traveling by plane is important to you, you should replace your standard identification card with a REAL ID now, even before your license expires. Other forms of identification, like a passport, will also work after May 2023, but can take time to get or renew.
| |
Indigenous Peoples' Day Honored in Oregon
Today – Monday, Oct. 11 – is Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the first official statewide recognition of the holiday in Oregon, though Portland has honored the day since 2015. Lawmakers in Salem passed a bill earlier this year to make it a state holiday; this is also the first year Indigenous Peoples’ Day is marked by a presidential proclamation. This day recognizes the history and contributions of Indigenous people and acknowledges the harm caused by colonialism and past federal policies.
- Free admission to the The Museum of Natural and Cultural History
- A virtual celebration hosted by Portland Indigenous Marketplaces and Great Spirit Church
- A virtual event presented by Oregon State University featuring speaker Buddy Lane, OSU alumni and cultural education director for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
| |
PDX in Pictures
Last Friday, Alaska Airlines celebrated #CustomerServiceWeek by hosting an employee appreciation event for their PDX team. "Despite a challenging year, our remarkable employees continue to lift up our guests and each other, while also keeping everyone safe. From reservations, customer service agents, ground service, flight crews and everyone in between, we’re grateful for your nonstop dedication."
| |
|
|
|
|
