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David Cappella Makes Friendly Service His Job
One of the PDX People core values is that we're friendly – and it's also one of the best ways to make visitors to our airport feel welcomed. David Cappella (he/him) with TSA keeps this value in mind, and his joyful attitude at work earned this message from a passenger:
“I wanted to leave a compliment about Mr. Cappella. He was an absolute delight during the security process. I know it’s not easy and I’m sure people can make the job frustrating, to say the least. He was very kind and had a great attitude.
After interacting with him on a recent trip, I thought, ‘Wow this guy is great.’ Today, when I saw him again, I was thrilled. Once again, he had a great attitude and a person behind me even commented about how friendly he was.
I’ll always fly out on Sundays from now on if that means I get to deal with Mr. Cappella. He’s such a cool person and you’re very lucky to have him.
Please pass this onto him and let him know that he’s very appreciated!”
Reminder: Nominations for the next PDX People Customer Service Awards are due Thursday, June 30. Nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service – submit a nomination now.
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What's New with PDX Next: Noise Update, Baggage Claim and New Concessions
Noise Update: Much of the demolition on the roof level is complete and crews are moving down to the mezzanine level. Noise may be most noticeable Monday, June 20, through Wednesday, June 22, especially in the central ticket lobby due to demolition on the concrete deck, beams and columns. You may also hear some demolition sounds by the B/C checkpoint. Active work hours are Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Baggage Claim: Temporary walls around carousel four come down this week. You’ll notice a semi-permanent structure, which will remain in place for the next few years until the main terminal and new roof are completed.
New Concessions: Jackson Shine Co. opened their second location on Concourse E today! At the end of June, Good Coffee will bring beans and brews to Concourse B.
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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Building PDX’s Wooden Roof, From Forest to Frame
When ZGF Architects presented us with a proposal to build a 9-acre wooden roof over PDX’s new main terminal, we responded with a question: Can we source all this wood in a way that is better for the land and better for our local communities? Together, the team came up with three goals: 1) All the wood would come from sustainably managed forests in Oregon and Washington. 2) With equity in mind, we should source from small landowners, community forests and tribal lands all over the region. 3) Just like “farm to table” cuisine, we should trace as much of the wood as possible all the way from forest to frame. It took two years and many, many phone calls to build a network of foresters, mill owners, brokers, truckers and construction firms who could join our quest to supply forest-to-frame timber – here’s a look at how we did it.
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Where the 'X' in PDX Comes From
While the airport is well-known as PDX, where the 'X' comes from may not be common knowledge. First, the three letters aren't random: They're assigned by the International Air Transport Association. The 'P' stands for beginning of the word Portland and the 'D' is for the end of the word...but what about that X? According to Carl Abbott, a retired urban studies professor at Portland State University who wrote about the history in an article for the Oregon Encyclopedia, the 'X' is...well, you'll have to read the KGW article to find out!
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You Asked, We Answered: Will the Concourse Connector Return?
Q: I miss the concourse connector. When is it coming back?
A: We love everyone’s favorite shortcut at PDX, too – we just had to close it for a few years during construction. The good news is that you’ll be able to zip between Concourses B/C and D/E again in Spring 2024.
In the meantime, remember to let passengers flying into PDX know that if their next flight is departing from a different concourse, they can use the express lanes to speed through security. If they're craving a favorite dish from a restaurant in another concourse, they can use AtYourGate. And, if you work somewhere that sells liquids larger than what can go through security, make sure customers aren't going to the opposite concourses before they purchase.
Got something on your mind? Send us your questions (hello@pdxnext.com) and we’ll do our best to get you answers.
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Juneteenth: Celebrating Progress and Change
Yesterday, June 19, was Juneteenth. The day – named by blending the words June and nineteenth – is the commemoration and oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with the proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free” – two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday – the first new national holiday since the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
As you take a moment to learn about the history and importance of Juneteenth, reflect on this message from former President Barack Obama: “Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible – and there is still so much work to do.”
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PDX in Pictures
Last week, we celebrated Pride Month with a spirit day at PDX. Representatives from the Port of Portland walked the terminal handing out rainbow-themed candy and fliers about gender inclusion and using pronouns. Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #FlyPDXPride!
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