PDX People Weekly Update: September 14, 2026

Katrina Ovalle's Superb Customer Service is Always On the Menu

Katrina Ovalle with The Country Cat was nominated by a PDX traveler:

"I had such a great experience at The Country Cat, and a huge part of that was Katrina.

From the moment we walked in, she was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell she really cares about making sure customers have a good experience. She handled everything smoothly, stayed positive even when it got busy, and made us feel taken care of the entire time.

It’s rare to come across someone with that kind of energy and professionalism these days. She’s definitely one of the reasons I’d come back again!"

Want to learn more about PDX People recognition? Check out the recognition programs and 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

Be Knowledgeable:
PDX Community Room

Have you checked out the PDX Community Room yet? It’s a break space for everyone who works at the airport.

The PDX Community Room is accessible to all airport employees and features vending machines, DIRECTV, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, a microwave, computer station, and board games.

You can find the room on lower Concourse D, under Gate D4. There are two routes to access the PDX

Community Room – from the D5 freight elevator or from the central waste area (red badge required for this route). There is also signage on lower D to point the way. Learn more about the space and its conduct guidelines.

PDX People Employee
Appreciation Week is Here!

PDX People Appreciation Week is here! Starting today through Friday, Sept. 18, we’ve got a full week of fun planned to celebrate YOU! From free food to exclusive PDX People gear (yes, the good stuff!), there’s something for everyone.

So come join the fun, grab some swag, score a deal, and let us say a huge THANK YOU for everything you do to make PDX a place travelers (and co-workers) love. Check out the full schedule of events and share the printable flier.

And don't forget about these fun additions to the week:

Two PDX employees cheers-ing at a PDX People appreciation event.

Monday, Sept. 14, get 25% off all purchases at Portland Gear.
Tuesday, Sept. 15, get 25% off at Smith Tea.
Thursday, Sept. 17, is Thankful Thursday. Tell us what (or who) you're thankful for at PDX and be entered to win a swag prize!

I-5 Southbound Closure Reminder

Heads up, Portland area commuters! All lanes of I-5 southbound are closed through the Rose Quarter between I-405 and I-84, around the clock for up to five weeks. One lane will remain open from I-405 to the Broadway exit at the Moda Center.

Plan ahead, leave home early, adjust your travel time if possible, and consider carpooling or transit. The

MAX red line drops you right at PDX! During the closure, overdue road repairs will be completed as part of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project – learn more on the project website and sign up for traffic alerts.

Help PDX Win USA TODAY’S 10BEST Awards

This just in: PDX is nominated for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards in the categories of Best Large Airport, Best Airport for Dining, and Best Airport for Art. Plus, Freeland Spirits and Loyal Legion were nominated for Best Airport Bar.

PDX may be a “large” airport, but we’ve worked hard to make it feel like your favorite neighborhood, complete with local spots you know and love. You can show your pride in what we built together by voting in each category once a day until Monday, Oct. 5, at 9 a.m.

Go #PDXPink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Models wearing mock-ups of the breast cancer awareness shirts.

It’s always a good time to wear pink, but it’s even better to show your support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Once again, The Port of Portland Police team is going #PDXPink…and you can too! They’re offering two options this year – short sleeve ($31.50) and long sleeve ($35) t-shirts. Donations from

the apparel sale will go to the Pink Lemonade Project, a local organization that provides support and resources to those affected by breast cancer. Fill out the order form before the deadline of Thursday, Sept. 24, at 11 p.m.; orders will be delivered in October.

PDX in Pictures

Images from the 9/11 commemorative event at PDX.

On Friday, our airport community gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and Portland Airport Fire and Rescue shared this remembrance:

Twenty-five years ago today, our nation changed forever.

On Sept. 11, 2001, 2,977 lives were taken in acts of terrorism that forever changed our country and the fire service. Among them were 343 members of the New York City Fire Department who answered the call and climbed toward danger while thousands were trying to escape it. They knew only that people needed help, and they went. We remember their courage, their sacrifice, and the families, friends, and fellow first responders who still carry their loss.

For those who serve today, September 11 is more than a moment in history. It is part of the legacy we inherited – a reminder of the responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform and the promise to answer when we are needed.

Today, we remember the fallen. We honor those who served.
And we will never forget.

Sept. 11, 2001 - Sept. 11, 2026

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