The Communicator
MARCH 24, 2016
Page 5
Modernized Port Columbus terminal enhances passenger experience, expands capacity
Completion of a threeyear, $80 million terminal renovation and modernization program positions Port Columbus International Airport for future passenger growth and reinforces the airport’s $3.7 billion annual economic impact to the Columbus Region. The multi-faceted terminal modernization program in-
corporated a major facelift for the ticket lobby, baggage claim and Concourses A, B and C as well as extensive mechanical, technological and security upgrades. Funding sources for this progressive airport initiative, which is anticipated to be the last significant renovation to the terminal originally opened in 1958, include pas-
senger facility charges and capital reserves. No local tax dollars were used for the renovation. The upgraded terminal provides a contemporary, comfortable and convenient facility that delivers a positive passenger experience. Extensive terminal-wide renovations included adding local restaurants, unveiling one of the nation’s fastest airport Wi-Fi systems, enhancing the natural lighting, installing terrazzo flooring and comfortable seating, and upgrading restrooms. Renewal and replacement of vital mechanical systems and components constituted another major aspect of the program. “We’re especially proud that 15 percent of the work
was awarded to small and economically disadvantaged businesses,” said Elaine Roberts, A.A.E., President and CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “We recognize the importance of providing opportunity to businesses of all sizes. While under no federal requirement, this program provided a tremendous opportunity to partner with a wide variety of highly-skilled companies.” The modernization program also allowed the opportunity to incorporate more art displays and visual elements into the terminal. “Travelers are enjoying two lounges with museum-quality displays that trace the airport’s rich history, a 2,480 square-foot mosaic with cultural scenes from Columbus,
and an exhibit highlighting notable Ohio aviators,” explained Roberts. The addition of four new local concessions – Donatos Pizza, Bob Evans Express, Eddie George’s Grille 27 and the Short North Marketplace – introduces travelers to the Columbus experience. Meanwhile, new restrooms and expanded checkpoints provide additional capacity needed to accommodate future passenger growth. In 2015 Port Columbus experienced nearly seven percent growth in passenger traffic, serving 6.8 million passengers. Growth is expected to continue with the first quarter of 2016 tracking up about 6 percent. The airport offers over 150 daily departures to 33 destinations.
Registration now open for major international library conference to be held in Columbus,
COLUMBUS—The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is bringing its annual World Library and Information Congress to Columbus, OH, Aug. 13-19. It marks the conference’s first return to the United States since 2001 when it was held in Boston. The weeklong slate of programming and events gives American li-
brary professionals an opportunity to network on a global scale with over 110 countries represented. Registration is now open for attendees to the conference, which will be held at the Columbus Convention Center. Advance registration ends May 17. The IFLA Governing Board announced Columbus as the location for the 2016 event at its 2014 con-
gress, held in Lyon, France. Experience Columbus estimates that more than 4,000 attendees from 120 countries are expected to fill more than 11,000 hotel room nights and generate an estimated $8.2 million in direct visitor spending. “We are delighted to host IFLA in 2016,” said Carol Pitts Diedrichs, professor and director emeritus at The Ohio State University Libraries.
MARCH MADNESS AT SOCIAL SECURITY
TWEETING ISN’T JUST FOR THE BIRDS By: Darren Lutz, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Ten years ago, on March 21, 2006, the CEO of Twitter sent out his first tweet. It’s appropriate, with spring coming, that the famous CEO was chirping in a format that the world now embraces as a vital form of interactive communication. Similarly, Social Security is no stranger to social media. Updated regularly, Social Security Matters is our blog. It’s our hub for Social Security news, like new features to my Social Security, changes in policy, retirement planning, and benefit information. The blog allows us to address issues in a longer format than a tweet or typical social media post. Check out Social Security Matters at blog.socialsecurity.gov and select “Get blog updates” if you want to stay informed. Social Security uses social media just as you might. At www.facebook.com/socialsecurity we share information, post programmatic changes, and things you need to know. You can follow us and get regular updates on your computer or smartphone through Facebook. While
you’re at it, go and “like” a few posts or “share” them with friends and loved ones. Even though there’s a lot to say when it comes to retirement benefits and Medicare or disability, Social Security is great at condensing messages down to 140 characters. Our Twitter account is a valuable resource for news and updates. You can follow what we’re up to and even engage us at twitter.com/socialsecurity. Is all this on-screen reading making your eyes tired? Well, you can visit our YouTube page for fun and informative videos. In the past, we’ve had celebrities appear in our public service announcements. Visit www.youtube.com/socialsecurityonline to start watching. Remember, you can always share our social media pages with friends and family. They will be grateful to know about the many online services we provide. Feel free to send us a tweet and connect with Social Security! Darren Lutz is the public affairs specialist for Central Ohio. You can write him c/o Social Security Administration, 200 N. High St., Columbus OH 43215 or via email at darren.lutz@ssa.gov
“Columbus, in particular, is a diverse, innovative and progressive library environment that we want to share with librarians from inside and outside the United States.” Founded in 1927 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. Visit ifla.org for more info.
COTA Employees Surprise Young Man with Brand New Bicycle
COLUMBUS, OH— On Fri., Mar. 18, employees from the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) surprised COTA passenger Osman Mayo, age 14, with a brand new bicycle. Mayo had been riding a COTA bus that was in an accident on Mar. 9 and his bicycle, which was on the bicycle rack at the time, was damaged beyond repair. The COTA employees who responded to the accident noticed Mayo, who was visibly upset about the bicycle being damaged. His family lives more than a 30 minute walk from a COTA bus stop, so his bicycle serves as his mode of trans-
portation to the bus, as well as to the library and his chess club. Mayo had just received the bicycle last Christmas from The Buckeye Ranch. He was devastated by the loss. The vehicle that pulled out in front of the COTA bus and caused the accident fled the scene, so a claim could not be filed to replace Mayo’s bicycle. The COTA employees who responded to the accident were upset about how distraught the boy was, and could not stop thinking about him. A group of employees collected money to buy Mayo a brand new bicycle,
lights/reflectors and a lock! “We saw a need, and couldn’t sit back and not do something,” said Jimmy Pugh, COTA Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor. “We all came together with a plan to buy him a new bike.” The bicycle was presented to Mayo at COTA’s Fields Operations Facility where the employees who donated the money for the bicycle work.