MSP Nice Awards again honor top airport employees

The top 1 percent of MSP Airport's (MSP) 16,000 current employees were feted Jan. 11 at the eighth annual MSP Nice celebration at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Bloomington.

In all, 215 employees were presented with 278 awards (some received multiple traveler compliments) for providing excellent customer service in 2022 – more than all the awards (258) given in both 2020 and 2021.

"It's incredible to learn that we have more MSP Nice Award winners this year than the last two years combined," said MAC Board Chair Rick King, who spoke at the celebration along with MAC CEO Brian Ryks. "That's a testament to MAC staff, our many corporate partners, and YOU."

The event was emceed by Phil Burke, assistant director of Customer Experience, and featured a performance by local musician Nur-D and a chance to win several prizes including an Apple Watch, AirPods and a 65-inch TV.

To be recognized with an MSP Nice award, employees must receive an unsolicited compliment about their exemplary service. Winners receive a framed recognition certificate, a $25 Target gift card, an MSP Nice pin and an invitation to the MSP Nice celebration.

Despite the ice storm Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning (Jan. 10-11), a record 350 people attended this year's MSP Nice celebration. That led Katlyn Schenck, the MAC's Customer Programs specialist, to predict a banner 2023.

"The most awards we've ever had was 335 in 2019," said Schenck, who manages the MSP Nice program, which began in 1999 with the creation of the Customer Service Action Council. "I'm just putting it out there that I'm hopeful we'll be over 335 this year – so I think we have great things coming in 2023."