December is that time of year when we get together with family and friends and exchange gifts. For many of us, however, it’s also the most hectic time of year – especially if you work at an airport. Year after year, I’m amazed at your unflagging dedication to our customers as they descend on our airports in great numbers to make their way out into the far reaches of the world. I see this commitment to customer care every time I’m at any of our airports – which is why I’m personally inspired by people being recognized for their outstanding efforts to deliver excellent customer care. And it seems to me like there’s no better time of year to have your hard work acknowledged. Last month we praised the work of employees from JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia through our Reward and Recognition Program, which publicly recognizes employees’ outstanding service and acknowledges their accomplishments. These newest awardees received either the Consistency in Service Award or the Above and Beyond Award. Their achievements were acknowledged at each airport’s November Customer Care Council meeting and their photos appear on the front page of this newspaper. Seeing employees being recognized in front of their peers opened my eyes as those of a child who suddenly realizes that the spirit of the holidays is much more than the glitter and receiving of gifts – but that it’s also about reaching out to others and capturing the joy of the season all year long. Even if you don’t work in a position that’s considered glamorous, being “caught” in the act of doing good – whatever your responsibilities – makes you as magnetic and compelling as most any public figure, because you serve as a role model for the rest of us who work behind the scenes. The Port Authority has established a long-standing and proud partnership with Tokyo’s Narita International Airport with a commitment to share expertise on airport management and exchange important information affecting industry trends. We share some insights about the program and the airport this month. We also include a feature on the employee exchange program with a profile on Ryuichi Iizasa, current trainee and program manager from Narita. In the spirit of this season, I take this occasion to thank each and everyone of you for the dedication you bring to your job. My very best wishes to you for a wonderfully joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous new year for you and your loved ones.