|
 CHARLIE
BARRY
History with the
company (Sweet/Ortivus):
I started with Sweet Computer Services in 1993 as an intern during
my senior year in college. Upon graduation from College in 1994 I
was hired full time as a software developer. Over the course of the
last 14 years I have held a number of positions such as Software
Developer, Director of Development, Director of Technology and most
recently Product Manager.
Current position:
Product Manager
Most memorable event since you’ve been with the company:
Wow, there are so many it’s hard to pick just one; I’ve seen the
sunset of Ambulance 3.x, the creation of A2000, had the task of
making Dispatch 3.2 Y2K compliant, and overseen the creation of
Sweet-Billing and Sweet-Field Data. I’ve seen business partnerships
come and go: Sweet Computer Services change into Ortivus, the
addition of a site in Montreal, and the many changes in the EMS
industry, including HIPAA, Ambulance fee schedule and NEMSIS…not to
mention the many trade shows, training, customer visits and company
sponsored events.
Most enjoyable part of your job:
The most enjoyable part of working for Ortivus over the years has
been the great experiences, the great opportunities, challenges, and
most of all - the great people. While at Ortivus, I have been
afforded a number of opportunities, experiences and challenges to
grow as a person and build lasting relationships, all while
producing meaningful and useful software applications.
Other Relevant or Interesting Information:
I have been married for 13 years; together my wife (Lezlie) and I
have two daughters- Jamie (11) and Anna (9). I’m active in the
community by serving on the West Central Community School Board for
over six years, as well as on the board of directors for our local
youth Little League organization, while also coaching my daughter’s
softball team. I enjoy spending time with family, working with
computers, home remodeling, watching and playing sports.
 WELCOME GILBERT!
History with the company:
I started my adventure with Ortivus on February 21st 2007. I have
the pleasure of being surrounded by a very dynamic and professional
team, and on a personal note I am very happy to rejoin an older
colleague of mine.
Current position:
Business Analyst
Most memorable event since you’ve been with the company:
I got to work one morning and my working area was quarantined, my
chair was dismantled, and my drawers were filled with confetti…
After weeks of professional therapy, I am starting to get back to
normal.
Most enjoyable part of your job:
The nature of my job allows me to put my past experiences and
knowledge to the test, as well as using my creativity in order to
master what I do.
Other Relevant or Interesting Information:
I was a Rallye car racing driver, I was forced to quit after an
accident almost claimed my life. I am still a fan of anything that
goes fast!
WELCOME BRENDA!
History with the company:
Hello, I am Brenda Taylor and the most recent member of the Ortivus
family. I have joined the Sales Team as the new Account Manager for
Sweet-Billing and Sweet-Field Data. I bring with
myself over 18 years of work experience in sales, research
consulting and management.
Current position:
Account Manager
Most memorable event since you’ve been with the company:
Working with a company that is part of the EMS world has given me an
opportunity to walk in a medic’s shoes for the day. As part of my
training, I had the opportunity to do a ride-along with Midwest
Ambulance Service in Des Moines, IA. It was great seeing how
Ortivus’ software is being utilized from the initial call into
dispatching, to running that call with the medics, to how that
transfers to a billable service in the billing department. I even
got to experience the thrill of a “Priority 1” call complete with
the lights and sirens.
Most enjoyable part of your job:
The most enjoyable part of my job is being part of a team that is a
pioneer in its field. It’s amazing the resources I can tap into for
information among the individuals that work here. Besides being
proficient in our software, this team has knowledge that comes with
working in this industry for years. And as we all know, there is no
textbook written that can cover what you learn from experience.
Other Relevant or Interesting Information:
I
am excited about working with you and the opportunities Ortivus has
to offer.
 HUMAN INTEREST: BREAST CANCER 60 KM WALK
Name: Josée Gagnon
Age: 41
Project for 2007: Walk 60 km in two days
Reason: Let me explain…
My co-workers in the Montreal office know that besides being an
Administrative Assistant/ Receptionist at Ortivus, I’m also an Avon
Representative. What they don’t know however, is that a friend of
mine, who is also a Representative for Avon, suffers from breast
cancer. She’s only 34 years old and her chances of survival are very
low as she was diagnosed when the cancer was already in an advanced
stage. The mother of one of my co-workers and my sister in-law are
also suffering from breast cancer. If these women are strong enough
to fight for their life, why wouldn’t I be able to help? I might not
be in a perfect physical condition, but at least I’m healthy!
This past January, a friend of mine told me about the Weekend to End
Breast Cancer and asked me to join her for the walk. I realized at
that moment that I finally found a way to help!
The Weekend to End Breast Cancer is a walk of approximately 37 miles
(60 km) in the streets of Montreal. The event lasts two days and its
purpose is to raise funds for breast cancer research. In 2006, 2,556
extraordinary and motivated people who participated in the walk
collected over $7.9 million to help breast cancer patients fight
against this terrible disease. The Weekend to End Breast Cancer is
the most important fund-raising event in the whole Province of
Quebec. The money collected for that event will help support and
improve survival and research programs in order to eliminate the
threat of this fatal illness.
The walk is already a challenge in itself, but the biggest challenge
is being able to collect the minimum amount of $2,000 required in
order to participate in the event. Wow!! $2,000 is a big amount of
money, but I’m almost there! I have sent an E-mail to my friends and
family and to all Avon representatives in the Laval region informing
them about my project in order to achieve my goal. I have also
managed to get invited to a local radio station in order to spread
the news and ask for donations. I must admit that my co-workers have
been very generous. All these efforts have paid off ! I’m only short
$140 to achieve my goal! But my intention is not to stop at $2,000.
I want to raise as much money as I can.
Yes!! I can now officially say that I will be part of this event!
But how will I manage to walk 37 miles if I get out of breath while
only climbing the stairs at home? I have joined a team of
participants like me and we walk together on a regular basis to
start getting in shape. The organizer of the team is an aerobics
instructor. We (23 women), walk together 5 km once a week and we
increase the distance of our walk by 5 km on weekends. We are now at
15 km on weekends and 5 km on week days. I also walk 5 km on my own
twice a week. Interesting concept… my stairs at home do not seem as
exhausting anymore!
On August 25th and 26th I will be walking for the Breast Cancer
Research. Please think about me when I’ll be walking for this great
cause. While walking, I will not only send positive thoughts to my
sister in-law, my co-worker’s mother and my friend, but also to all
the women that are fighting for their life.
Interesting Fact : Did you know that one in every nine
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer – This means that three
women from our office will be diagnosed with this terrible disease.
If we add to this number all the spouses of our male co-workers, our
mothers and sisters, the number becomes quite frightening! And we
are only talking about the people from Ortivus! Beware, men also can
get breast cancer!
IT MUST STOP!!!
Update: At the
time of publishing, Josée reached her financial goal to collect
$2,000 for this great cause. We wish her good luck with her
walk! |
