Megan Borndes
ABM

Nominated by PDX employees and Nicky, a PDX traveler

Nomination 1:
"Megan exemplifies the PDX values of being friendly, knowledgeable and respectful every day. She is a role model for what we want from the customer service representatives serving travelers at PDX. 

 A great example is how she went above and beyond to help a mother struggling to navigate PDX with two young children. Megan proactively approached the mother to find out how she could help. The mother explained she had just arrived but wouldn't be picked up for several hours. Megan informed her about what facilities were available pre-security, and the different areas available for her to go to with her children. Megan then took it upon herself to find juice, snacks and two sensory bags to help occupy and soothe the children...and their mom. She did this without being asked – simply with a caring heart. We need more Megans at PDX!"

 Nomination 2:
"Our bag was left behind in a car that had been arranged by our hotel. Megan rang the hotel, was extremely patient and managed to get the driver’s number. She then rang the driver and waited with us until he came back. She was absolutely fabulous to two distressed Kiwis [New Zealanders]. Thank you so much for your help, Megan. You deserve an accolade or two from the airport and your company."

Chris Box
Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture (HSJV)

Nominated by David, Port of Portland employee

"A traveler at PDX was having physical difficulties getting on an escalator. Chris Box with HSJV was nearby and quickly stepped in to help her and her companion.

Chris got a wheelchair, and then assisted her to the elevator. This is not the first time I witnessed Chris assisting members of the public. He continuously goes out of his way as part of his daily duties to assist the public at PDX."

Hannah Lowes
Westward Whiskey

Nominated by PDX employees

Nomination 1:
"Hannah consistently serves customers with the utmost care and professionalism. She always goes above and beyond to ensure a fantastic guest experience."

Nomination 2:
"Hannah is such a wonderful manager and friend. She always welcomes customers and employees with great energy and a warm smile. She works so hard to care for everyone and deserves recognition for her efforts to provide top-tier customer service for our guests."

Nomination 3:
"Hannah always goes the extra mile for her co-workers and the passengers that come through the shop. She is always trying to brighten travelers' days and is a real shining star to be around."

Debby Mulligan
Alaska Airlines

Nominated by a PDX traveler

"Another traveler accidentally took my bag while I was on my way from the plane to the baggage area. Debby was efficient and empathetic as she tracked down and contacted the person who thought my bag was theirs. The bag was returned to the airport and delivered to my home the next morning!

Debby stayed in touch with me by phone after I arrived home and updated me on the status. She is a keeper. Treat her well!”

Chris Odom
SP Plus Corporation

Nominated by Tasha, PDX traveler

"I wanted to send a letter of praise regarding Chris, the shuttle bus driver. He was honestly the best shuttle bus driver I've experienced at PDX – or anywhere!

Not only did he help with our bags – a welcome treat – he was also quick and friendly in the process. He stacked the luggage so perfectly that everything fit nicely on the racks. During the ride, he was personable and cracking jokes! He even helped with getting the luggage off the bus.

Seriously, Chris was fantastic. Taking the shuttle after a long trip can be a slog, but he made it enjoyable."

Jayden Pomeroy
TSA

Nominated by Jessica, PDX traveler

"My family and I were flying out of PDX on a trip to Disneyland. It was a stressful time as there were seven of us including my two children (ages six and one) and my 84-year-old grandmother who was using a wheelchair. We had a lot of baggage between the carry-ons, personal items, two car seats and a stroller. Plus, I had medical supplies that needed extra screening, so I was stressed out.

When we arrived at TSA, we discovered my boarding pass didn’t have my lap infant printed on it and I had to return to the airline counter to get it reprinted. I told my family to go through and I’d take the baby and my bag of medical supplies with me as I went back to get a new pass. After getting a new boarding pass, I was exhausted and very flustered. When I got back up to TSA, I was in a panic and in tears.

The TSA agent was the absolute kindest person I could have ever imagined. She stopped and told me that it would be okay and to take some deep breaths with her. She said, 'You got this. You made it this far and you’re almost there!' Her kindness was something I desperately needed. I am still just overwhelmed by her friendliness and compassion towards me in such a stressful time. Please thank her for what she did for a very stressed-out mom. I will never forget her."

Jonnie Rodriguez
Port of Portland

Nominated by Lisa, PDX traveler, and an anonymous PDX traveler

Nomination 1:
"My son arrived in Portland and couldn’t find where to catch his Uber. I called the airport and was lucky enough to speak to Jonnie. She spent at least 10 minutes (if not more) on the phone with my son and me, walking him through the airport. She was patient and kind.

I ordered another Uber and when my son found him, I asked him to hang up so I could speak to Jonnie alone on the line. I was incredibly emotional and so very grateful for everything she did. She went out of her way to make my son feel safe, and also calm me down. I felt so helpless but having her there made me feel so much better. I cannot tell you how much comfort she gave me. Being a mom so far away from her son, who was lost, tired and frustrated was very scary and disheartening. No amount of words will suffice when it comes to my gratitude for all she did for us."

Nomination 2:
"Jonnie was kind, patient, really searched for the answers I needed, and it didn’t take long at all – she seemed to really know her stuff. I only had to explain my situation once. She totally went above and beyond giving me super helpful info, and she sent it to me immediately via text!"

Cozette Rowan
Tillamook Market

Nominated by a PDX employee

"Cozette has impeccable, outstanding customer service. They consistently strive for excellence – welcoming guests, team members and anyone in the community. Customers always leave Tillamook with a smile on their faces after a chat with Cozette – they end their fun conversations with a good laugh and excellent product knowledge.

Ask any team member at Tillamook who the friendliest team member is, and Cozette will be at the top of their list. They truly exemplify PDX's values of being friendly, respectful and knowledgeable."

Max Unger
Dollar Car Rental

Nominated by Sean, PDX traveler

"I showed up to get my rental in a bad mood and was a little rude to Max, who was helping me. Max took it professionally and without an ounce of attitude. A little while after leaving, I came back so I could apologize to him. He was very professional and kind the whole time. He even sold me an upgrade! Max is a keeper."

Doreen Champaco
Port of Portland
 
Jonathan Peltz
AGI/Icelandair

Nominated by Victoria, PDX traveler

"My son lost his wallet on an Icelandair flight landing in PDX. I called PDX Lost and Found the next morning and learned it wasn’t there. After some frantic searching, I called Lost and Found again a few days later and spoke with Doreen. She then contacted Jonathan at AGI/Icelandair to help look for the wallet.

Jonathan must be a great co-worker to make another PDX employee feel comfortable asking him to do a stretch from his usual job description. Even as a manager, he still went to look for the wallet himself. He took my phone number from Doreen and called me back to arrange a weekend pick-up. He had the wallet ready at the check-in desk and appraised other employees of the pick-up to make it as smooth as possible. 

It is so wonderful that he went the extra mile to help reunite my son with his wallet. So much gratitude and thanks to both of them. Please sing their praises!"