News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Susan Chun, smiling in front of a checkered blue and white wall.
Susan Chun Helps Passengers Using Friendly, Proactive Service 
After going the extra mile to provide a passenger with excellent and respectful service, Susan Chun (she/her) received this letter of thanks:
“I am writing to express our gratitude for Alaska Airlines customer service agent, Susan. Susan went above and beyond to help my 80-year-old mother reach her destination. We’ve experienced decades of wonderful service with Alaska and have so much appreciation for the airline and the people who make it so great, but no one has ever proactively cared for me or my family in such ways as Susan.
My mother’s Monday flight needed to be rebooked and Susan kindly did so, putting my mom on the same flight the following day. She walked me through the wheelchair assistance process and was determined to make sure my mom got to her flight safely on Tuesday.
When Susan heard my mom’s new flight was canceled, she rushed to find my mom, rebooked her immediately and made sure she and her luggage got on the next available flight. With only 15 minutes to spare, Susan personally transferred my mom’s luggage from one plane to the next. Her dedication and resourcefulness were incredible and unbelievable!
Susan Chun is now our guardian angel of safe flights! Her caring ways helps us know that we are going to be alright. Our sincere thanks to Susan and Alaska Airlines!”
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
Graphic showing the roof cassettes being moved into place over PDX.
What's New with PDX Next: Roof Cassette Transport and August Forum
Roof Cassette Transport: As the Y column installation wraps up, we can move on to the next step: bringing the roof cassettes over to PDX and sliding them into place. This work is anticipated to start at the end of this week. As you can imagine, transporting the roof pieces is no small task and it means that there will be temporary closures and reroutes during the moves. Here are some important things to know:
Watch the digital signage in the employee bypasses. We're running a daily slide on the employee digital signage noting any changes to baggage handling areas including bag road, OSCAR road and the baggage handling system.
Look out for puzzled passengers. There may be temporary changes to ticket counters – the Southwest ticket counter will be relocated on a few nights – and passengers will need a friendly and knowledgeable PDX employee to help guide them in the right direction.
Stay knowledgeable to help travelers affected by construction. While areas are closed, there may be delays to some parts of a passenger’s travel routine – including waiting for checked luggage and increased traffic on the roadways – and that’s where you come in! By staying on top of what’s going on, you can help inform and reassure PDX travelers.
Many teams are working hard to ensure there’s signage, extra staff and contingency plans to help with any potential disruptions. This week, expect impacts from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. This work will continue through October, so keep an eye on this newsletter, the PDX People website and digital signage for the most up-to-date information. 
August 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, Aug. 30, at 10:30 a.m.
Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339. 
VIP showing the new vest reading
PDX VIPs Make the Vest Dressed List in New Uniforms
You're likely familiar with the PDX Volunteer Information Program and the volunteers, or VIPs, who play an invaluable role assisting travelers at the airport. 
You might also have noticed a recent change: VIPs are now sporting a new look – spiffy vests! The vests are in the iconic royal blue the VIPs are known for and have an "Ask Me" graphic on the back to help passengers identify them as beacons of knowledge. 
Plane taking off at PDX on a clear, blue day.
Don't Lose Your Cool, Stay Safe in Hot Weather 
Summer weather is sticking around the Portland area and temperatures are predicted to be in the 90s this week.
Be protected: Dress for hot conditions in loose-fitting, light-colored clothes; drink water every 15 minutes to stay hydrated; and take frequent breaks in shady, cool or air-conditioned areas
Stay hydrated: Take a moment to fill up your water bottle before you get to work and stay cool, safe and quenched during your workday. For your convenience, there's a water station at the employee shuttle drop-off spot.
Know your risks: Those working in hot weather may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you see a coworker who is experiencing headaches, dizziness and nausea (heat exhaustion) or dry, hot skin, confusion and convulsions (heat stroke), act quickly and get help.
For more ways to protect yourself in hot weather, check out this tip sheet. In case of emergency at PDX, call 503-460-4000. For non-emergencies, call 503-460-4747. 
Community resources: If you use TriMet to travel, keep an eye on their alerts page, as temperatures above 90 degrees may impact transit operations. Multnomah County lists information for cooling centers on their website or by calling 2-1-1.
Section of the Land of Ports display showing
"Land of Ports" Historical Display Unveiled in PDX’s South Tunnel
Have you walked through the PDX South Tunnel lately? If so, you might have spotted our newest historic display called “Land of Ports." The result of several years of thoughtful collaboration among Port of Portland staff, Tribal partners and Dudek – a local cultural resources consultant – the display includes information about two historic hangars that were demolished at PDX and highlights the history and culture of the Native people who have lived on this land since time immemorial. A lot of work went into developing this display and we're proud to share the outcome: A beautiful display that shares the rich history of this region. 
Sweatshirt with pink and white American flag, pink breast cancer awareness ribbon and text reading
Show Your Support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 
Sure, it’s still August, but now’s the time to gear up to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Once again, the Port of Portland Police team will wear breast cancer awareness duty shirts…and you can too! They are offering two options this year – short sleeve t-shirts ($30) and hoodie sweatshirts ($45). Donations from the apparel sale go to the Pink Lemonade Project. If you'd like to order, email Suzette Pump by Monday, Aug. 31.
Collage of Good Coffee opening images: Good Coffee storefront; PDX employees holding coffee, pastries and swag; PDX People with the Plinko board.
PDX in Pictures
Last week, we said an official "hello" to Good Coffee on Concourse B. There were prizes, samples and smiles as PDX People stopped by to join in the fun. Keep an eye on the calendar on the PDX People website for more events and giveaways in September! 
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