Listening Sessions on Race and Racism QUICK LINKS IN THIS ...€¦ · the agency. In October 2019, the Board authorized a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) policy to

PAJune 26, 2020 | Volume 19 | Number 12

PA NEWS | 1

Moving Forward, Giving Back: The Community Aid Campaign

When crisis strikes, Port Authority employees don’t hesitate – they have a proven track record of acting selflessly and with unwavering determination, even when dealing with great hardships themselves.

In the spirit of charity, goodwill, and selflessness that has so often defined the agency’s workforce, we are pleased to launch the Port Authority's Community Aid Campaign. This campaign provides employees with the ability to easily make a donation, through a voluntary

CALENDAR >

STAFF NEWS >

PORTFOLIO BLOG >

QUICK LINKS

IN THIS EDITION

PA News Presents: You Know Who You Should Talk To?

ADA Spotlight: Service Animals and the ADA

New Media Relations Deputy Director Named

WTC Director Retiring, Interim Named

PAVA’s COVID-19 Initiatives a Resounding Success

Introducing the Employee Wellness Program

Resources for Learning, Reflection & Discussion

Check Out the New Online Hub for PA News

continued on page 6 >

Business Opportunities for SDVOBsThis year marks the second anniversary of the Port Authority Board’s adoption of the business diversity goal of 30%. To mark the milestone, PA News is running a series of articles to raise awareness on diverse business participation opportunities and increase local purchase power. The Office of Diversity & Inclusion’s (ODI) Compliance unit is sharing fundamental definitions, compliance strategies, and tools including outreach strategies, capacity building programs, and more.

The Port Authority is committed to expanding opportunities for veterans of the United States Armed Forces and has established a number of policies and programs for the agency. In October 2019, the Board authorized a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) policy to increase opportunities for SDVOBs to compete for and obtain Port Authority contracts.

continued on page 9 >

Listening Sessions on Race and Racism

Originally issued to agency staff via PA Broadcast on Thursday, June 25.

The Port Authority is committed to taking action to examine and address race dynamics within the agency through the Leadership Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is meeting on an expedited basis to ensure issues and recommendations are brought quickly to the forefront, and that appropriate actions are taken to realize meaningful and sustained change.

To address matters regarding racial injustice and other related concerns, we are creating space for conversations to listen and obtain strategies to ensure that the value of diversity and inclusion is realized. Starting this week, we will begin this dialogue with a series of WebEx Listening Sessions hosted by the Leadership Steering Committee.

These sessions are voluntary and open to anyone in the agency, and each will be moderated by two members of the Steering Committee, which includes John Bilich,

continued on page 8 >

PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 2

PA News Presents: You Know Who You Should Talk To? An employee feature with a simple premise — we spotlight an agency employee, who must then recommend the next person we should talk to. But there’s a twist — the next person can’t be in the same department.

“I would like to nominate Joann Spirito for the next issue. Joann is an awesome colleague who willingly collaborates and looks for opportunities to help others achieve success with their projects.” — Keith Wright, Senior Program Manager for Capacity Building for Business and Labor, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Joann Spirito Manager of Construction and Federal Procurement and Compliance, Procurement

How long have you been with the Port Authority, and how long have you been in your current position?

I have been with the Port Authority since September 2011. I began my career here as a Senior Contract Specialist for the World Trade Center redevelopment project. After two years, I was promoted to Assistant Manager for the centralized Federal Procurement and Compliance unit of Procurement. As my role at the Port Authority expanded, I was promoted to Manager of Construction and Federal Procurement and Compliance, where I manage all construction projects, federal and non-federal. In this capacity, my staff and I work with line departments and support departments in every aspect of procurement, from the beginning of planning and design development through award of each contract and contract administration.

Is there anything in your background or experience that helped you get to where you are today?

I have over 23 years of experience in construction, holding various positions from a construction project manager for major infrastructure construction firms to Manager of Third-Party Contracts for NJ Transit. I’ve always had a passion for projects that kept the region moving and improved transportation systems, but I felt something was missing. I later realized that I wanted to extend my reach and impact more projects than just the ones that I was working on firsthand. At the Port Authority, I can improve processes and streamline tactics, and partner with the contracting community to build the region more efficiently. In addition, I can work with firms, especially Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) and

What advice do you have for people who are new to the Port Authority?

Don’t let your title or position limit your learning or understanding of the Port Authority. Get to know people throughout the agency and leave your comfort zone often! I have been fortunate enough to be in positions where I could learn every aspect of the business and grow. One of my favorite things about working at the Port Authority is that I have made outstanding connections in other departments. My Procurement Chief, Lillian Valenti, encourages collaboration with other departments and shows us every day that the sky is the limit. On one day, I can work with Engineering on specifications and logistics planning, and on the next, I can work with Diversity and Inclusion to ensure that we are increasing local competition and advancing the region.

Do you have any secret hobbies or hidden talents that people would be surprised about?

My hidden talent is the lost art of crocheting. My great grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was a child. She wanted to make sure that there would always be someone who could welcome new babies into the family with a warm blanket to leave the hospital in.

Beyond crocheting, my hobbies include reading construction technical publications and attending seminars where I can expand my technical knowledge and keep up to date on new technology and innovative means and methods. Very frequently, my technical experience, skills, and ability enhance my ability to provide meaningful input regarding procurement strategies.

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), to help them break the barriers of contract administration.

What is Procurement’s role in the Port Authority’s mission to keep the region moving?

Procurement provides client services to the Port Authority and ensures procedural and operational integrity, compliance, consistency, and transparency of the procurement process through public disclosure. Procurement uses best practices and innovative techniques and tools to foster opportunities for participation in solicitations that provide the best value for the Port Authority while contributing to the economic viability of the region. In addition, the right Procurement strategy is integral to the bottom line of any project; cost and schedule are impacted immensely by the decisions we make along the way through project development. Procurement procures quality goods and services in a manner based on the principles of open competition, diversity and inclusion, and fairness applied with the highest level of integrity.

How important is teamwork and collaboration in fulfilling Procurement’s objectives?

The Port Authority comprises countless talented professionals who can accomplish any goal and overcome any challenge through teamwork and collaboration. To this end, Procurement must be involved in the planning of a project from the earliest stages so that the project team can brainstorm on procurement strategies and methodologies that could streamline project success and help advance project goals more efficiently.

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PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 3

ADA Spotlight: Service Animals and the ADA This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To mark the occasion, PA News is running a series of articles on ADA awareness and highlighting accessibility-related achievements throughout the agency. A special ADA 30th Anniversary celebration will be held on September 1 at 4 World Trade Center. For ADA guidance, please contact Paul Farber of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at [email protected].

Service animals are specially trained to assist people with disabilities in everyday tasks. Some service animals guide people who are blind. Others assist people with hearing disabilities or protect people who have seizures. Service animals can even be used to remind people to take medication.

To qualify as a service animal, the animal’s task must be directly tied to the person’s disability. Under the ADA, animals whose only purpose is to provide emotional support are not service animals. This is in contrast with the Air Carrier Access Act, which governs access in air travel, where emotional support animals are generally permitted, with some conditions.

Almost all service animals are dogs. Under current ADA regulations, the only other animal that can qualify as a service animal is a miniature horse – and only under limited circumstances.

Service animals can be brought into all facilities open to the public, even if there is a “no pets” policy. They can only be excluded for legitimate safety reasons – for example, if the animal is out of control or not housebroken.

As a general rule, restaurants cannot exclude service animals under the ADA, even if local laws ban animals from the premises.

There are few things to keep in mind when interacting with a customer who has a service animal. • Do not pet, feed, play, or make eye

contact with service animals.• No documentation or special vest is

required for the animal. • Under the ADA, only two questions may

be asked if the animal’s tasks are not obvious: • Is the animal required because of a

disability?• What work or task has the animal

been trained to perform?

DID YOU READ THAT GREAT PORTFOLIO BLOG? In addition to PA News, you can find great in-depth stories about the unsung employees of the Port Authority, interesting and often obscure agency history, and much more by subscribing to the agency blog Portfolio.

Queens Seniors Soaring to New Heights at LGABy Abigail Goldring

Suraiya Nawaz has always been eager to learn about aviation and to start on a career path that would allow her to turn her passion into reality. Now, that dream is about to take flight. Nawaz is one of five outstanding Queens high school seniors awarded full scholarships to Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, complete with the promise of a full-time job with the Port Authority upon graduation. Read more.

LGA’s New Terminal B is Open for BusinessBy Alana Calmi

Nearly four years since the start of construction, the main Arrivals and Departure Hall at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B has opened its doors to passengers. Travelers will be greeted with a roomy, 850,000-square-foot, four-story Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall providing the 21st-century airport experience New York deserves. Read more.

WORKING ADVANTAGE DISCOUNT PROGRAMPort Authority employees and retirees can take advantage of hundreds of discounts at stores, theaters, theme parks, and more through Working Advantage, the PA’s Employee Discount Program partner. Visit www.workingadvantage.com and use the PA Member ID number — 405042634.

GOT NEWS FOR NEXT TIME?Do you have news from your team, department or employee group to share in the next PA News? Send it to [email protected] by July 6 to be included in the July 10 issue.

PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 4

Amber Greene

Hugh McCann

Alan Reiss

STAFF NEWS

New Media Relations Deputy Director Named

WTC Director Retiring, Interim Named

The Communications team recently welcomed Amber Greene to the Port Authority as the Deputy Director of Media Relations.

While Amber embarks on her Port Authority journey at an unprecedented time, she comes with crucial experience in Emergency Management and Crisis Communications. Before joining the Port Authority, Amber was a Vice President with Ogilvy USA’s Public Relations and Influence department where she led communications and outreach for FEMA Region II. Before that, she led multidisciplinary teams at NYC Emergency Management that produced strategic communications campaigns for NYC’s Coastal Storm Plan, the H1N1 outbreak, and PlaNYC Climate Adaptation programs.

Amber also has a background in politics and worked on Bill Thompson’s mayoral campaign and in then-Public Advocate Tish James’ office. During her time as a trusted spokesperson for dedicated public servants, Amber

Hugh McCann, Director of the World Trade Center Department, will retire from the Port Authority on June 29 after 24 years of dedicated agency service. He has served as Director of WTCD since 2015, providing leadership over the day-to-day operations and management of the $15 billion World Trade Center complex.

 Hugh’s tenure at the Port Authority has been characterized by building strong teams wherever he served, drawing upon his deep operations and program management experience. His ability to deftly collaborate with diverse groups of stakeholders has enabled the World Trade Center campus to develop into the dynamic heart of the Lower Manhattan community. 

 He joined the Port Authority in 1996 as Deputy Director, PATH, managing rail operations, maintenance, planning and capital programs. He later served in Aviation as General Manager of AirTrain Rail Operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport, overseeing rail

Steve was a mentor, a friend, a dedicated staffer and a walking encyclopedia of Port Authority knowledge. We are ever grateful for his service.

We wish Steve the very best in his well-deserved retirement, and congratulate Amber as she joins the agency at a time when we have proven that not even a global pandemic can stop the Port Authority from keeping the region moving. 

developed a record of generating public support for complex policies. As the Port Authority seeks to learn from this most recent crisis — and prepare for future emergency scenarios — while leading the region through a strenuous recovery, Amber’s leadership in the Communications Department will be invaluable. Amber will also manage the World Trade Center Portfolio and Rapid Response messaging.  

She received her B.A. in Communications from the State University of New York at New Paltz and her Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

We welcome Amber to the PA family following the retirement of Deputy Director Steve Coleman, who provided 20 years of dedicated service to the Port Authority. Steve weathered many storms in those two decades, and he saw the department through them thanks in part to his professional and warm relationship with both the press and his colleagues.

operations, equipment, maintenance, safety, planning, capital programs, and management of the Bombardier contract. He became Director of WTCD in June 2015.

 Upon Hugh’s retirement, Alan Reiss, a 36-year veteran of the agency, will serve as Interim Director, WTCD. Alan’s experience makes him the ideal individual to ensure a smooth transition while we conduct an internal and external search for candidates. Alan currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Chief, Major Capital Projects, and previously served as Director, World Trade Center Construction, playing an instrumental role in the restoration of the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks. Prior to that he served as Deputy Director, Aviation, and before that as Director of the World Trade Department, as it was then known.

We thank Hugh for his leadership and service to the Port Authority, and wish Alan well as he steps into this critical role.

PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 5

PAVA’s COVID-19 Initiatives a Resounding Success

The Port Authority Veterans Association (PAVA) has been doing its part during the COVID-19 pandemic to help those in need and to show appreciation for frontline workers. We’re excited to share that its initiatives have been a resounding success.

PAVA and Port Authority Parents Working Together (PAPWT) joined forces last month to solicit pictures, paintings, photos, letters, and other notes of encouragement to cheer up veterans living in area Community Living Centers (CLCs, federal nursing homes for veterans). They had informed their coworkers that some veterans were sick and living in enhanced isolation due to COVID-19. Thanks to their efforts, they collected a fantastic assortment of “thank you” messages, “get well soon” sentiments, and some eccentric artwork that only children could design. All submissions were combined into one pdf file that was shared with various CLC facilities to be printed and handed out to veterans.

PAVA also spearheaded an overwhelmingly successful Meals for Healthcare Workers campaign. PA employees, including many members from PAVA as well as from the Hispanic Society (PAHS), Asian American Association (PA-AAA), PAPWT, PRIDE, Abilities Network (PAAN), and Network of Black Employees (NBE), were beyond generous. They received 110 donations totaling about $4,000, which allowed them to donate meals to six different locations (they originally anticipated enough donations for four). They were able to provide lunch to staff at: Brooklyn VA Medical Center, Mount Sinai Heath Systems, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Manhattan VA Medical Center, Lyons VA Medical Center, and East Orange Medical Center.

continued on page 6 >

TRADING POSTDid you know that you can use the Trading Post to request an item you’re looking for? Work with your fellow PA employees to get any supplies you may need. Get started here.

PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 6

PAVA’s COVID-19 Initiatives a Resounding Success continued from page 5 >

Moving Forward, Giving Back: The Community Aid Campaign continued from page 1 >

payroll deduction, to support the efforts of local charity organizations that are working hard to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency recognizes and is inspired by the significant positive impact Port Authority employees have already had on the region through the coronavirus crisis and recovery. In addition to the role each of you play in supporting the essential mission of the Port Authority, many of you have made charitable contributions – through Employee Business Resource Groups or individually – to community organizations dealing with the impacts of the coronavirus. We applaud your early action on this front and aim to provide an additional, convenient option for making a charitable gift towards coronavirus relief efforts.

The Community Aid Campaign is a one-time voluntary payroll deduction, in which you can donate $5 or more from your paycheck to one or two of the regional charities listed below. We

Those in our retiree community who are looking to make a difference can also participate in this great cause by visiting the charity websites directly to make their contribution.

This is not like other charity drives the agency has organized. When we mobilized for the hurricane relief effort back in 2017, we were several thousand miles away from the disaster zones. But this pandemic has hit all of us, our families, our friends, our financial stability, and our personal health and wellness.

Recognizing these realities, it is critical that we remind all employees that this is a voluntary campaign and that first and foremost, you and your family’s wellbeing is top priority. And remember that a small act of kindness, even just a $5 donation, can have a major impact.

Challenge after challenge, we must come together as a community to answer the call. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and all you do for the Port Authority and the region it serves.

encourage you to read up on the mission of each of these charities, which reflect the various communities that we are hoping to help. You can participate by filling out this form. New York • 100 Suits • Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc. • Global Giving — Coronavirus Relief for

NYC’s Children and Families • United Way of New York City —

COVID-19 Community Fund New Jersey • Center for Food Action • Community Food Bank of New Jersey• NJ State PBA's Survivor & Welfare Fund • NJ Firefighters Mutual Benevolent

Association Foundation • Palisades Emergency Residence

Corporation Employees who wish to make a

donation must complete the form by Friday, July 10 at 5 p.m. The payroll deduction will be reflected in the August 6 paycheck for PATH staff and August 7 paycheck for Port Authority staff.

PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 7

Introducing the Employee Wellness Program These last several months have

brought wellness and health to the forefront of everyone’s minds. Together, we are all facing an unprecedented pandemic, daily stressors and anxieties, disruptions to our home and work routines and much more.

It is so important that we all have the resources we need to take care of our physical and mental health and wellbeing, especially in these trying times. As a commitment to further our support for employees, we have launched the Employee Wellness Program — a voluntary, virtual experience designed to help manage work-life balance and support your health and wellbeing, and the newest program in the agency’s Employer of Choice initiative.

The Employee Wellness Program encompasses a variety of offerings, from 2020 Virtual Wellness Events to a new corporate fitness discount and more, and we will be sharing further details on these resources and events in future HR Broadcasts.

First, we’d like to focus on the cornerstone of the Employee Wellness Program — UnitedHealthcare’s Rally platform — and the emotional and mental health resources that are available to you, as well as share an upcoming webinar on wellness hosted by Weight Watchers.

All eligible employees and their spouses enrolled in UnitedHealthcare‘s medical plans can participate in the Employee Wellness Program through UHC’s Rally platform.

Rally is designed to help you set goals by identifying areas for health improvements you’d like to make; making recommendations for missions and programs to achieve your goals; and creating challenges that allow you to compete against others in activities like walking for a specified timeframe. By participating, you can earn Rally Rewards, which are redeemable for prizes, special offers, or donations upon completion of major milestones. Watch this quick video for an overview of Rally.

Start your wellness journey by completing a Health Risk Survey, after which you will be entered in a raffle to win a Fitbit.

You can also access two additional apps through the Employee Wellness Program: • Talkspace offers on-demand support

to individuals coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD and compulsive disorders by connecting them with a licensed clinician via text, voice or video from a smartphone or their desktop.

• Sanvello provides clinical techniques designed to help you dial down symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression at any time.

Partner with WW for Weight Loss & Wellness Help

After months of being limited in physical activity, who couldn’t use a tried and true program? Weight Watchers offers eligible employees and spouses currently enrolled in any agency healthcare plan a discounted membership.

To learn more, see the Weight Watchers Overview with PANYNJ Pricing and visit our Port Authority + Weight Watchers FAQs. To sign up, simply follow the Weight Watchers Registration Instructions.

Throughout the remainder of this year, we will keep you updated as we enrich the offerings made available to you through the Employee Wellness Program. We encourage you to join this Wellness journey.

If you have questions, please contact HR Service Delivery at 212-435-2870 or [email protected] or Anthony Lisciandrello, Program Manager for Wellness, at [email protected].

How Do I Get Started?Enroll in the Employee Wellness

Program through UHC’s Rally. If you are a first-time user, you will need to register, so have your UHC medical ID card handy. If you are a returning user, simply sign in at www.myuhc.com. Or get the mobile app by going to RallyHealth.com/GetMobile. After installing the app, use the code PORT20 when asked for your Rally Mobile Code.

Check out additional resources on eNet and program FAQs if you have more questions.

Emotional & Behavioral Wellness Resources

We want to help you find the support you need to live your best life. Together we are all coping with balancing new routines in work and life, and we are all affected by national tragedies and global anxieties. The Employee Wellness Program’s emotional and mental health resources can connect you to useful information and techniques, and to licensed clinicians for one-on-one support.

The Employee Wellness Program includes resources on a variety of critical topics at LiveandWorkWell.com, including:• Crisis Support (Suicide Prevention,

Abuse, Disaster Recovery)• Mind & Body (Substance Use Disorder/

Addiction, Recovery & Resiliency)• Life & Work (Parenting, Caregiving,

Military & Veterans)For 24/7 confidential access to

behavioral health benefits and resources for your work, health and life, visit LiveandWorkWell.com and sign in using your UHC account. Or download the “My Live and Work Well” app and use access code UHC.

PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 8

Check Out the New Online Hub for PA News

Have you seen the new online home of PA News?

With more and more of us consuming our news on mobile devices, it’s only natural that we bring PA News along with us on the go. The new website, which we’re currently piloting on SharePoint, gives readers a new way to access the latest employee news from any device, and a mobile-friendly way to read the latest updates — something many of you requested in our reader survey. We can also share more types of content, like videos, social media feeds, and photo slideshows, on a more frequent basis.

You can access the site by logging in with your PA username and password from any device. If you’re one of our retiree readers or an employee who doesn’t have an account, be assured we’ll still be publishing this newsletter every other week, and during our pilot period we’ll be working on a solution so you can view the site too.

We encourage readers to check out the site and send us your feedback at [email protected] so we can introduce new features and content that you’d like to see.

Listening Sessions on Race and Racism continued from page 1 >

Chief Security Officer; Janet Cox, Director, Management & Budget; Clarelle DeGraffe, Director, PATH; Michael Farbiarz, General Counsel/ Acting Inspector General; Mary Lee Hannell, Chief, Human Capital & Labor Relations; Huntley A. Lawrence, Director, Aviation; Michael G. Massiah, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer (Steering Committee Chairperson); Jim Starace, Chief Engineer; Debra M. Torres, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer; and Derek Utter, Chief Development Officer.

To join a session, simply use this link to register for one of the following WebEx sessions. You will have the opportunity to join in a discussion with colleagues to share your concerns, sentiments, and suggestions.• Friday, June 26 from 4 to 5 p.m.• Monday, June 29 from 1 to 2 p.m.• Tuesday, June 30 from 4 to 5 p.m.• Wednesday, July 1 from 2 to 3 p.m.• Thursday, July 2 from 9 to 10 a.m.

We will also be hosting additional smaller sessions for groups of 7-10 people for those who may want to participate in a smaller setting. We encourage timely registration as these slots will fill up quickly. These sessions provide you with an opportunity to join these smaller chats with two Steering Committee members and a small circle of colleagues. These sessions are

by registration and will occur on the following days – use the links below to sign up for a date. • Friday, June 26 from 3 to 4 p.m.• Monday, June 29 from 3 to 4 p.m.• Tuesday, June 30 from 3 to 4 p.m.• Wednesday, July 1 from 10 to 11 a.m.• Thursday, July 2 from 10 to 11 a.m.

In addition to the above, and as an alternative, feedback may also be shared at any time via our feedback form or by email at diversity&[email protected].

I would like to emphasize that these sessions are important because they provide us with information that will help form our programs and initiatives in order to build an organization that is truly an employer of choice by all, and an organization that is recognized by the diverse communities, within our region, as one that provides meaningful business and job opportunities and respectful engagement.

On behalf of the entire Steering Committee, I thank you. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they are vital, and together we can forge solutions to more fully embody our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Michael G. MassiahChief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Chair, Leadership Steering Committee

Resources for Learning, Reflection & Discussion

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) remains committed to fostering an inclusive work environment, including offering resources and support for discussing race in the workplace.

For many of us, race isn’t an easy topic to talk about. But we all can play a role in creating an environment that is a safe space in which our colleagues may share their experiences, concerns and feelings around race and racism. And we can all cultivate empathy through the simple act of listening. By letting your teammates know that you are here to listen to their perspectives, you may learn more about what they are experiencing during this difficult time and how we can support one another.

ODI is continuously updating its Resources page on eNet with relevant information, including resources for managers, information on self-care, recommended books, articles, movies, podcasts and much more. We encourage you to bookmark this site and visit often.

ODI is here to listen and assist you. Please feel free to reach out to Shanique Holmes, Workforce D&I Executive, at [email protected] to discuss any of these resources. We’re here to support each other!

PA NEWS JUNE 26, 2020 | 9

CALENDAR

PAHS Home WorkoutSunday, June 28 from 9 to 10 a.m.

Via WebEx. Join the Port Authority Hispanic Society for a workout with PAHS Treasurer, Scott Herrmann. To register, please email [email protected] by June 25.

PA-NET Fundraiser for Jamaica Hospital

Tuesday, June 30. The Network for Emerging Talent is holding a fundraiser for Jamaica Hospital frontliners. We will be sending food during the July 4 Holiday Weekend. The plan is for the board to deliver food, a thank you card, and flowers the morning of Thursday, July 2. If you would like to contribute, please be sure to get your donations in by no later than Tuesday, June 30 via Venmo @PA-NET. Any amount is greatly appreciated and goes a long way in thanking frontline staff for helping the region bend the curve!

PAWC Emerging Leaders Training Series with WTS

Tuesday, June 30. Event invitation and time will be shared closer to the date. The Port Authority Women’s Council is hosting a virtual adaptation of Women in Transportation’s Emerging Leaders Training Series. The series blends leadership skills training with advice from speakers who are senior-level women leaders in transportation.

the season, the annual Twilight Golf League resumed May 20. The league plays 9 holes every Wednesday at 4 p.m., May through August. Venues alternate between South Shore Country Club and Silver Lake Golf Club in Staten Island, and Skyway Country Club in Jersey City. It is a handicap league with six teams comprised of up to 11 golfers per team. Active and retired staff are welcome. $120 annual dues cover year-end pizza party and golf outing at Farmstead Golf Course; weekly greens fees are approximately $25 to walk. To register or learn more, contact Erik Lombardo ([email protected] or 212-502-2470). See the flyer here.

PAHS Book AwardApplication deadline extended to

August 14. The PAHS Annual Book Award Scholarship is in honor of former PAHS President Elizabeth Reyes, who passed away in 2016. Scholarships range from $300 to $1,000 for college-bound high school seniors and current college students. Winners are selected based on several criteria, including academic performance, demonstrated community service, merit, and professional goals. If you know someone who may want to apply for the scholarship, please share the application. Applications are due by August 14. For more information, please email PAHS at [email protected].

The session will be focused on practical tips to developing professional and career skills with an opportunity for virtual networking among participants. You can register via this link.

Healthy Relaxing & Fun Staycations Wellness Webinar

Tuesday, June 30 from 12 – 1 p.m. Via Zoom. HR recently announced the new Employee Wellness Program that eligible employees are able to leverage through the Rally platform. A great feature of the Employee Wellness Program is the monthly events we will be offering – one of which will take place on June 30! We recognize the relationship between wellness and taking time to unwind. We’d like to suggest that you take an edifying and guaranteed-to-please staycation this summer or at least take an hour out of your day to relax. Why would you want to take valuable days off work and go nowhere? Oh, there are many reasons and in this wellness webinar, Healthy Relaxing & Fun Staycations, you will hear about how to have a healthy, relaxing and fun staycation. Register here. *Since this event takes place via Zoom, we ask that you please use a personal device to view the webinar.

Twilight Golf LeagueEvery Wednesday through August at

4 p.m. A 28-year Port Authority tradition continues. After a delay to the start of

Business Opportunities for SDVOBscontinued from page 1 >

The SDVOB policy includes:• A good faith SDVOB sub-contracting

participation goal of 3% on contracts, subject to availability of firms;

• Participation in our established SBE set-aside program for prime contracting opportunities;

• A 10% price preference allowance on publicly advertised bid solicitations up to $1 million;

• Participation in other programs associated with our SBE programs,

services are not available from preferred sources or from already existing contracts. Please confirm the viability of this and other purchasing options and with your Procurement representative.

Be sure to refer to our directory of certified SDVOBs to identify suppliers. For further information about the SDVOB program and for help with the directory, contact Trisha McKenzie ([email protected]) or Peter Penaflor ([email protected]).

including special outreach and training for the SDVOB community.

How can you help?Employees will be encouraged to use

SDVOBs for ProCard purchases up to $5,000. Another tool that can be used to increase opportunities for SDVOBs is the utilization of informal bids to purchase goods and services having a value of up to $100,000 from SDVOBs. Both informal and ProCard purchasing authority may be exercised by employees when goods and