News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Watch the PDX People Customer Service Awards Live on Tuesday, Jan. 25
To recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary, we'll hold the next PDX People Customer Service Awards tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan 25, 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 is live-streamed on Facebook. Our guest speaker Dan Pippenger, Chief Operating Officer with the Port of Portland, will provide an update on airport operations and what we might expect to see in the coming year. We'll also share a short video made in partnership with Timberline Lodge about the benefits of outdoor winter activities. To watch, head to the PDX Facebook page on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at noon.
Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX People website.
Nominate a PDX Employee
In celebration of last quarter's amazing customer service stories, we're giving some extra applause to our previous nominees:
Debra Allen (Bags Inc.) received a warm message of thanks from a passenger: "She helped my wife in her wheelchair get all the way to her gate. Debra made our day!"
Andy Berreth (Enterprise Rent-a-Car) is consistently helpful in every facet of service, from assisting with lost items to helping a customer find their car to cleaning vehicles with a smile.
Charlie Berry (Port of Portland Police Department) bought lunch for a distressed mother and her children when the parent's credit card didn't work.
Sangtawan (Tawan) Bernkopf (TSA) had this note from a visitor: "Tawan assisted us with our extra screening needs through TSA Cares. In my mind, Tawan is one of the best officers you have!"
Joanne Bishop (Port of Portland Volunteer Program) acted quickly to assist someone experiencing a medical event and contacted the Communications Center to dispatch paramedics.
Karissa Burris (SP Plus Corporation) goes the extra mile to be knowledgeable and consistently exceeds customers’ expectations. 
Nikolay Chernyshev (SP Plus Corporation) helped a lost traveler locate their car and escorted them to their vehicle.
Chris Deay (SP Plus Corporation) has devoted himself to learning and asking for feedback in his new supervisor role. He sets the bar high and encourages others to do the same. 
Nicole Graham (LaTrelle's Galley) always has a positive demeanor and shows the true meaning of teamwork.
Horacio Garcia Juarez (SSP America) is friendly and respectful to everyone he interacts with, all while doing an outstanding job representing SSP. 
Keishanna Jackson (Alamo Rent-a-Car) constantly found solutions for customers during a recent inventory shortage.
James Lowder (Travel Oregon) received this comment from a visitor: "Because of you, we saw some amazing parks, sites and memorials we wouldn't have considered. Thanks for all you do!"
Lexie Nicklin-Knecht (Hudson News) worked a very busy store, all while providing great customer service. Her performance earned a letter of commendation from a customer!
Alberto Peirano (Port of Portland Volunteer Program) used his Spanish language skills to help a confused visitor find their way.
Cameron Seipp (LaTrelle’s Galley) extends the same friendly, respectful service and outstanding hospitality to both customers and co-workers. 
Antony Sullivan (Enterprise Rent-a-Car) ensures a top-notch customer experience, even assisting an elderly couple with a luggage cart all the way to the terminal. 
John Wilson (Port of Portland) helped a driver whose car was stuck on the roadway, remaining friendly and respectful throughout the ordeal.
Kao Yang (Worldwide Flight Services, Inc.) sets a great example for his colleagues. He assists customers by loading their vehicles, holding doors and is always mindful of customers’ feelings.
Ghenet Yohannes (SSP America) is caring to all customers, hustles her entire shift and regularly goes out of her way to help co-workers. Guests are often complimentary of her service.
The Market setting up in the new location by the C Concourse bypass.
What's New with PDX Next: Lardo, Hudson News Locations Open on Concourse C
Last week, The Market opened on Concourse C. This location will stay up for the next two years, until the weather wall is removed in 2024.
Later this week, the Corner Store by Lardo will open in the former Kenny & Zukes spot on Concourse C. You can look forward to a great grab-and-go selection, along with their menu items. 
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.
At home COVID-19 test in a box with swab, vial, instructions.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Now Available
Right now, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free and orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. As a reminder, if you or someone you know needs an in-person COVID-19 test, please don’t go to an emergency department – instead look for nearby Oregon or Washington testing locations.
The time to give blood is now. The
Save Lives, Give Blood This Winter 
The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. Your donation is desperately needed and, if you work at PDX, the opportunity to help is right down the street.
Our partners at Delta Air Lines have a winter blood drive scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Atlantic Aviation – 8103 NE Airport Way – and free parking is available. Plus, with the American Red Cross' RapidPass, you can reduce the time you spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes. On the day of your donation, just complete the pre-reading and donation questions online from the comfort of your home or office. Schedule your donation appointment now.
person wearing a sunflower lanyard
Sunflower Lanyards: Making the Invisible Visible
Starting next Tuesday, Feb. 1, sunflower lanyards will be available at all airline ticket counters. This is a perfect opportunity to refresh your knowledge of the sunflower lanyard program at PDX. The lanyard has one simple purpose: It indicates that the person wearing it – or someone with them – has a hidden disability and that they may need additional support. Take some time to learn more about the program, hidden disabilities and how you can help make our airport inclusive and welcoming to all travelers. 
Black and white photo showing a narrow divide between two tall parking garages.
PDX in Pictures
Finding majesty in the mundane, Airport Duty Manager Brian Burk captures the canyon between the north and south sections of the long-term parking garage. If you have a photo of life around PDX, email it to PDX People Communications – we might use it in a future PDX in Pictures.

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