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How We Celebrate Exceptional Service at PDX
At PDX, we believe in recognizing the moments that truly stand out – the ones that reflect our core values of being friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful. That’s why we host the PDX People customer service awards every quarter, and the next one is coming up at the end of this month!
Ever wondered, "How are winners chosen?" or even, "How can I win?" Here's everything you need to know:
Who can win?
Everyone who works at PDX is eligible. All it takes is consistently going above and beyond while embodying the PDX People values.
How do I nominate someone?
If you witness great service – whether it’s a small act of kindness or an amazing customer experience – you can submit a nomination. The ability to nominate is open to everyone: coworkers, managers, and even travelers. If you see something special, say something!
How are winners selected?
The PDX Working Committee, made up of 30 volunteers from across airport industries, reviews the nominations and selects the winners each quarter.
What's the awards event like?
Winners and their managers attend the event, and all nominees receive recognition. The event features a guest speaker, food, and an awards ceremony.
Is this the only opportunity to recognize PDX People?
You provide amazing service every day, so of course we want to recognize those efforts throughout the year:
- PDX People Appreciation Week: Every September, we dedicate a whole week to celebrating you! Think food trucks, music, swag, and good vibes all around.
- On-the-Spot Recognition: Sometimes great service happens in the moment...and we’re ready for it! Managers have $10 gift cards that they can hand out on the spot to say thanks when someone goes above and beyond.
- Annual Excellence in Service Awards: Each year, we throw a special event to celebrate standout employees, selected by their teams to be honored as customer service "superstars."
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What's New with PDX Next: Airport Way Road Work, D/E Bypass Closure, New Smoking Area, and Exiting the Sterile Area
Airport Way Road Work: Starting Monday, July 21, through Friday, July 25, road work will take place on NE Airport Way westbound, primarily between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Crews will be milling and paving the roadway as part of a rehabilitation project with lane closures, reduced speeds, and traffic diversions in effect. Flaggers and overhead signs will help manage traffic, and access to parking garages and rental car return will remain open throughout the work. Drivers should go slow, use caution, and leave extra time to account for potential delays.
D/E Bypass and Known Crew Member Lane Closure: On Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22, the D/E security bypass hallway and the Known Crew Member Lane will be closed from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., except to emergency responders.
New Airside Smoking Area: There’s a new smoking area airside, just east of Gate C4. A few reminders: Please use the designated bins for cigarette butts and trash, no eating in the area, and no chairs, buckets, and coolers. If the cigarette bin is full, call 503.460.4683 for service. Need a comfier place to take a break? Head to the PDX Community Room instead!
Exiting Sterile Area: To improve traffic flow during construction near the bypass doors – and to avoid the classic "bypass door tango" (you go, no, you go!) – PDX employees should use the Concourse Connector to exit the sterile area. Please only use the north and south security bypass hallways to enter the sterile area. Note: This guidance does not apply to first responders.
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.
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Into the Fire: Woodfire Ceramics from Eutectic Gallery
A captivating ceramics exhibit, curated and presented by Eutectic Gallery, is now on view post-security on Concourse D. Entitled “Into the Fire,” the exhibit showcases wood-fired ceramic pieces made by women artists who are masters of this labor-intensive method of production – Amy Fields, Shelly Fredenberg, Jessica “Squirrel” Komaromy, Anneliese Kiefer, Lilith Rockett, Ruri, Mandy Stigant, and Careen Stoll.
Wood-fired pottery is the oldest method of producing ceramics: Burning wood creates large volumes of ash which floats through the atmosphere of the kiln and falls onto the surfaces of the pots, melting and creating an ash glaze. The pieces in this collection are all hand-crafted, fired for up to a week, and food safe. They represent multiple types of wood fired kilns – a traditional anagama, a catenary arch wood kiln, and a catenary arch soda kiln. Many were fired at East Creek Art, a fantastic community outside of Willamina, Oregon, that helps make wood firing more accessible for all, including area high school students.
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You Asked, We Answered: Baggage Claim Restrooms
Q: Is it true the baggage claim bathrooms are getting a makeover?
A: Absolutely – bathroom glow-up incoming!
Here’s the scoop: First, north baggage claim will have all-new restrooms. Think modern, fresh, and fancy – more like the restrooms in the new main terminal. Meanwhile, over in south baggage claim, there’s also a restroom revamp in the works, but that renovation won’t kick off until the new north restrooms are open.
Bottom line? Better bathrooms are coming, and yes, they’re worth the wait.
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PDX Explores Using Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses for Backup Power
Should the lights ever go out at PDX, we want to know exactly where to find batteries to turn them back on, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is studying whether we need look no further than our bus fleet. PNNL and Sandia National Laboratories are jointly studying whether we should consider converting our fleet of natural gas-fueled shuttles to those using hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric buses, or FCEBs. Doing so could simultaneously meet airport passenger transportation needs and serve as a reliable bank of backup generators in an emergency, powering anything from landing lights to the main terminal.
So will we see these buses on the roadway? Researchers will deliver the final study soon, after which we’ll consider the findings and evaluate whether to pursue a switch to hydrogen buses. Read more about the research that could have benefits for resilience, particularly at an airport in an earthquake zone.
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PDX in Pictures
Our fluffiest frequent flyers were approached by Port of Portland Police for committing repeated acts of pure joy. With help from the nonprofit Kindness 911, our "Kindness Cops" are always on the lookout for good deeds…and apparently soft noses and soulful eyes qualify!
Curious about this program? Both the Port Police and Portland Airport Fire and Rescue are part of the Kindness 911 partnership and are always on the lookout for employees and travelers committing thoughtful acts. In addition to the citations, Kindness 911 makes a small donation to local charities in the name of these folks who exemplify kindness, compassion, and goodwill.
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