3 MSP airport workers win lofty praise, $1,000 as top employees

MAUREEN MCCARTHY; STAFF WRITER, STAR TRIBUNE (Mpls.-St. Paul) Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)

For getting travelers in and out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with speed, style and caffeine, three airport workers were honored Monday as 2010 MSP Employees of the Year.

THE WINNERS

Michelle Crow, customer service with Delta Air Lines
Gwen Gil, Caribou Coffee
Mike Jones, lead wheelchair assistant

Mike Jones receiving his award!

Mike Jones started at a Bag Runner June, 2007. In August, 2007 Mike transferred to a Document Verifier position. Since July, 2008 Mike has worked as a Wheelchair Assistant and a Concourse Lead. He takes excellent care of the traveling customer as well as our Delta customer. Mike works well with his co-workers and managers. We are proud to have him on our MSP team.
– Angel Benes – G2 Secure Staff General Manager at
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

THE PRIZE
A trophy, a certificate and a check for $1,000.

THE AWARD
The award by Airport Foundation MSP recognizes three workers who best exhibit a commitment to “customers, community building and leadership.”

Winners are nominated by their peers and selected by a committee that includes staff from the foundation, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Transportation Security Administration, airport tenants and the previous year’s winners.

THE BACK STORY
The award is nicknamed “The Dorothy” after Dorothy Schaeffer (1914-2006), a MAC employee who held many titles in 47 years at the airport. Schaeffer’s last position was Assistant Airport Director, earning her a place in history as one of the first women in an airport leadership role.

THE FOUNDATION
Airport Foundation MSP operates the Travelers Assistance program, through which more than 300 volunteers dedicate their time providing information and guidance to travelers at MSP. The foundation also administers MSP’s Arts and Culture program as well as airport beautification projects.