News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Working committee members standing in front of a screen reading
Mark Your Calendars for the PDX People Customer Service Awards on Tuesday, April 26
To recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary, we'll hold the next PDX People Customer Service Awards on Tuesday, April 26, from noon to 1 p.m. We're excited to host a hybrid celebration with both virtual and in-person attendees. The winners in each category – along with members of our volunteer working committee – will be invited to attend the event in person while it's live-streamed on Facebook.
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:
Ben Andreas (Boutique Air) went above and beyond on Christmas eve to make sure a passenger got could get home to her family, all while in his Santa suit!
Nate Ballard (Portland Coffee Roasters) uses a warm, welcoming approach to customer service. A guest wrote, “He was professional, kind, funny and kept the line moving while bringing joy to travelers!”
Sean Benton (Caper’s Café) received a commendation from a traveler: “Fantastic service – he even made us laugh at 6 a.m.! He is a great asset.”
Joanne Bishop (PDX Volunteer Information Program) was friendly, knowledgeable and respectful while going the extra mile for a passenger who misplaced their phone.
Angel Cortez (The Country Cat) provides outstanding service, “bringing his A-game every day! Angel really deserves recognition for his invaluable presence at PDX.”
Karen Crone (Port of Portland) was nominated by an airline employee after she helped some passengers who lost their phone. "She is knowledgeable, friendly, patient and embodies the true values of PDX with her willingness to go the extra mile."
Frank Estocapio (Relay Resources) received this note: “I observed Frank working diligently and with enthusiasm, projecting an attitude of friendliness. It made my airport visit feel warm and welcoming.”
Lois Jensen (Port of Portland) is knowledgeable about PDX, helpful when passengers ask questions, and keeps roadway traffic flowing and crosswalks passable to ensure the airport stays safe.
Juanita Jones (ABM) helped reunite a traveler with her lost cellphone, assisting with each step in recovering the misplaced device.
Hali Hesson (AtYourGate) was nominated by her manager: “Hali leads with genuine care. Every time I see her, she’s always making connections with people in a friendly, genuine way.”
Bronson Krutsinger (SSP America) helped a co-worker get a mis-delivered package to the correct business. “I’m thankful for his kindness. He's always very friendly and says hello to me every day. I appreciate him!”
Grace McAndrew (Bags Inc) provided exceptional assistance for a passenger by going above and beyond helping to contact a rideshare for transport home.
Lisa Mendiola (LaTrelle’s – Stumptown) was nominated by her manager for being “amazing, friendly and reliable. She’s consistently on time and willing to do whatever is asked…all while still in training!"
Duangkamol Panprom (Caper’s Café) received this compliment from a customer: "She is a wonderful server and her demeanor is bright and cheerful. You have a star server!" 
Jackie Reed (Evergreens) is always friendly, knowledgeable and respectful to everyone she meets and inspires her staff to provide the same high level of service.
Jeffrey Smith and Randall DeLaughter (SSP America) work well as a team and their dual efforts garnered these words from a guest: "They were so silly and friendly and made us smile while we waited for our food." 
Paul Tamlyn (Hudson Group) brings a great "can-do" attitude to work and is always ready to take on new responsibilities with a smile.
Gabrielle Ward (All About Foods Group) took the initiative to open the store when she saw a line starting to form before the official opening time.
Panoramic view from behind the B/C checkpoint showing construction.
Panoramic view from behind the B/C checkpoint. Photo courtesy of Aiport Duty Manager Brian Burk.
What's New with PDX Next: Roof Work, Demo Noise Updates and AtYourGate Delivery Service Pause
Roof Work: The noisy work overhead in the south ticket lobby area should end this week. You'll hear the work between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. while crews cut into the roof from above. This is to access beams inside and strengthen them in preparation for the new roof and main terminal. The noise impacts will be loud and frequent.
Demo Noise: This week, noise levels should be relatively low and will be most noticeable on the northside of the ticket lobby and the D/E checkpoint. Next week’s structural demo will get louder and will be more centrally located. We'll keep you informed of those updates here, on the PDX People website and digital signage.
AtYourGate: There is a temporary pause in delivery service for AtYourGate until Monday, May 2. You can still order ahead on the app and pick up yourself.
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.
ABM employee and passenger - both wearing masks.
Transportation Mask Mandate Extended Through Tuesday, May 3
Last week, TSA extended the security directive and emergency amendment. Through Tuesday, May 3, or until we receive updated guidance from the federal government, PDX indoor rules are unchanged: Masks must be inside the airport, on airplanes and on other forms of public transportation.
If you're working inside, riding the shuttle bus or just passing through the terminal, you must wear a mask. While you're no longer required to wear a mask outside, you are empowered to do so if you wish. Per the CDC and TSA, it is recommended that people who are not fully vaccinated wear a mask to protect themselves and others and be aware of physical distance where possible.
As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to follow the recommendations from our public health partners, including the Oregon Health Authority, and will keep you posted as guidance continues to evolve. Watch for updates in this newsletter and encourage co-workers to subscribe now if they haven't already.
Collage of PDX VIPs
Volunteer Appreciation: PDX Volunteer Information Program
Did you know that PDX is home to four volunteer programs? This month, we'll highlight each of these areas in honor of National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 17 - 23.
When the Volunteer Information Program (VIP) launched in 1993, it had just 13 members – now there are 102 volunteers. Over the last 12 years, our VIPs provided a total of 236,248 hours of service. Beyond the numbers, volunteers are a big part of how PDX creates a welcoming environment for travelers – greeting you with a smile as you come down the escalator or pass through the rotating doors. From staffing our information booth to assisting passengers with directions and welcoming international travelers, PDX VIPs provide a friendly face and helpful resources for travelers from all over the world.
left - emergency stairwell with trash on steps and landings. on the right same stairwell with no trash.
Be Respectful: Keep Emergency Stairwells Clear
Being respectful is a PDX People core value, and that includes your actions towards travelers, other airport workers and even shared spaces.
With that in mind, keeping emergency stairwells clear of debris and any obstructions – including furniture and people lying down in the area – is all part of maintaining a clean and safe airport environment. Additionally, following these guidelines upholds both state, federal and PDX regulations:
Fire Code: Emergency stairwells and doorways must remain free of obstructions, debris and be passable at all times. In case of emergency, first responders, passengers and employees need to be able to use the stairs as intended, safely and quickly.
TSA Rules: TSA requirements are clear – items can’t be left unattended in the airport. This includes leaving items in stairwells or any other areas at PDX.
PDX Rules: Appropriate disposal of trash is outlined in the PDX rules that you agree to as an employee: “Temporary storage, abandonment or disposal of waste in places other than the designated bins anywhere on Port property is not permitted.”
To comply with these rules and keep these areas clean and accessible, employees are not allowed to use the stairwells as break areas. Furniture should not be brought into these areas, and no one should lie down or sleep on the stairs or landings. Eating and drinking should happen only in employer-provided breakrooms or the PDX food courts – just remember to toss your trash. Thanks for being part of keeping PDX a clean, safe and comfortable place to work. 
Collage of 4 PDX comm center employees in their office
PDX in Pictures
Employees in the Airport Communications Center – including airport information and paging, maintenance dispatch and the communications center – serve as the hub of our airport. As we reflect on National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 10-16), we extend our thanks and appreciation to this team that acts as the trusted lifeline between travelers and emergency personnel. 

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