SDIA garners two prestigious awards for small business outreach efforts
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A top commitment of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is to support small businesses, and those efforts were recently recognized when San Diego International Airport received two prestigious awards for its small business outreach and involvement efforts.
On July 14, the San Diego chapter of the American Subcontracting Association (ASA) recognized the Airport Authority for its outstanding contribution toward and support of the San Diego subcontracting community's issues and concerns. The award was presented by Anne Wright, Chair of ASA's Government Affairs Committee, to Bryan Enarson, Vice President of Development for the Airport Authority. According to Wright, this recognition is not given out annually but only when ASA chooses to recognize efforts by a public agency for outstanding efforts.
And on June 22, the Airport Authority received a prestigious national award known as the "Award of the Organization" from the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) for its significant contributions toward the inclusion of historically underrepresented businesses. 
AMAC bills itself as the only nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting the full participation of minority, women and disadvantaged business owners in airport contracting and employment. AMAC, along with the FAA, held its 26th annual Business Diversity Conference last month in New Orleans, where AMAC presented the Airport Authority with the award.
AMAC praised the Airport Authority for its Bonding & Contract Financing Program, its small business education program and the success of its Ready-Service Contracts, which have had more than 50 percent participation by historically underrepresented businesses.
Airport Authority Board Member Bruce Boland accepted the award on behalf of the Airport Authority. |
Pile driving to begin at airport in August
| Beginning in August, test pile driving for the foundation of the Terminal 2 West expansion will get under way, with increased pile driving activity for this phase of construction starting in September and lasting for about three months. The piles are needed to provide support for the framework of the 460,000 square-foot addition to Terminal 2 West, pictured in this rendering:
 Noise and/or vibrations from this activity may potentially impact adjacent airport neighbors and airport users. However, to minimize disruption, the piles will be pre-drilled in order to lessen the amount of driving needed, and sound-dampening measures will be taken. Pile driving activity will take place to the west of the existing terminal during daytime hours only, from approximately 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and only from Mondays through Fridays.
The terminal expansion will provide a more comfortable traveling experience for airport users, with enhancements including: - Larger passenger waiting areas at the gates
- A dual-level roadway to separate arriving and departing passengers and reduce curbside congestion in front of the terminal
- Curbside check-in, where most passengers can check in, print boarding passes and check baggage before entering the terminal
- More shopping and dining options
- More security lanes
Visit www.san.org/greenbuild for more information about The Green Build and to sign up for e-alerts. You can also become a fan of SDIA on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/SanDiegoAirport) or stay connected via Twitter [@SanDiegoAirport]. Questions or comments can also be submitted via e-mail to greenbuild@san.org or via a construction hotline at (619) 400-2288.
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Not your typical airport art
| "Sewer Man" by Greg Brotherton is among the Creatures of Industry greeting passengers at SDIA's Commuter Terminal, starting Friday, July 24.
 | "Oracle" by Greg Brotherton.  |
According to the artist himself, Brotherton "creates meticulously detailed sculpture, using steel, wood, glass, concrete and unusual found objects. Greatly inspired by the dystopian and political fiction of the early part of the 20th century, his pieces emerge from Kafkaesque imagery around themes of escape and discovery. His vision is one of lonely isolation in a post-industrial world where one being, tinkering away with silent genius, could become the hope of the future."
Creatures of Industry -- including two new works created by the artist just for the airport exhibit -- can be seen in the Commuter Terminal lobby at SDIA, pre-security.
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Summer air travel tips
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Summer is here, and for many that means special getaways and vacations with family and friends. The Airport Authority has some important information for those using San Diego International Airport during the busy summer travel season.
Plan Ahead - Flight status can be checked at www.san.org/flights TSA Tips - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website provides helpful tips on how to reduce wait times at security checkpoints, such as how to pack and what items are permitted and prohibited. These tips are available at www.tsa.gov.
Remember
3-1-1 - Follow 3-1-1 for liquids in carry-ons: - 3-ounce
bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols placed in
- 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
- 1 bag per passenger, placed separately in a security bin for X-ray screening
The
liquid restriction applies only to carry-on bags. Passengers can pack
larger quantities of liquids and gels in checked baggage.
At
SDIA, passengers who forget to bring a 1-quart plastic zip-top bag can
receive one at the checkpoint, courtesy of the Airport Authority.
Valet Parking - The valet service was created to aid travelers in situations where time, convenience and parking availability are a concern. When coming to the airport, drive into the designated valet areas marked in front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. When arriving back in San Diego, pick up your luggage first on the way to the valet cashier. Take the receipt to curbside valet and your vehicle will be brought to you. Or send a text to 619-888-6675 with your ticket information once your plane lands, and your car will meet you curbside (please specify which terminal). The cost is $30 per 24-hour period. Short- and Long-Term Parking - The parking options available at SDIA include color-coded short- and long-term SAN Park lots: - Orange is for SAN Park
NTC, located west of the airport
Green is for SAN
Park Harbor Drive, located east of the airport Blue
is for SAN Park Pacific Highway, located north of the airfield
Free shuttle buses from long-term lots to all airport terminals are also color-coded and sport scenes of popular San Diego County destinations. Cell Phone Lot - Located at 2701 North Harbor Drive. Motorists can wait in this parking lot for up to 60 minutes free of charge. Once cell phone contact is made between the driver and incoming passenger, the motorist can drive over to the terminal for quick, convenient traveler pick-up.
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SDIA videos now airing on YouTube
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San Diego International Airport has an active YouTube Channel available to the public with a variety of videos covering airport topics. Since its launch in 2008, videos on the site have received nearly 14,000 views from visitors the world over.
Among the more popular videos on the channel is a joint production between the Airport Authority and the Transportation Security Administration that uses popular San Diego costumed characters to remind passengers of important tips to ease their way through security checkpoints at the airport.
Another popular video shows a tiny California Least Tern, the endangered species protected on airport grounds.
Recently added to the channel is a news video giving a good overview of The Green Build Terminal 2 West expansion program now under way at SDIA.
Those viewing the videos in YouTube can leave comments or ask questions using the comment feature connected to each video.
Check out these and many other SDIA-related videos at the official SDIA YouTube Channel. |
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In 2009, passengers rated San Diego International Airport 89% in overall passenger satisfaction, the highest in six years of surveying. For more information visit www.san.org. |
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