In 1993, the Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (Big Sky AMES) was started as a way to protect the interests of independent medical equipment suppliers and promote the strictest standards of home medical care for Montana. In 1998 Big Sky AMES joined forces with the Idaho Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers, and in 2014 the state of Wyoming was inducted into the Big Sky Association.

By educating elected leaders and through legislative action, Big Sky AMES works to benefit patients and the independent medical equipment suppliers they trust for their home care equipment and services.

Our Mission

The mission of Big Sky AMES has four distinct parts:

• Promote dependable, professional, and ethical provision of Home Medical Equipment & Services

• Provide opportunity for discussion and lawful interchange of information regarding the HME Industry

• Provide education through the dissemination of pertinent industry information

• Provide members a legislative forum to work together for the benefit of the Industry, their patients and the public

Big Sky AMES members and our board of directors, help to shape our vision for the HME industry.

Become a member today!

Board

Our board members bring years of experience in the home medical equipment and health care industries. Please contact them with any concerns or questions you have about Big Sky AMES.

Officers

• President                     Eric Ecker, St. Vincent's Healthcare, Montana
• Vice President             Brad Garpestad, Benefis, Montana
• Treasurer                     Dedra Haworth, Harrington Surgical, Montana
• Past President             Alesha Rate, Norco, Inc., Montana
   

Current Board List

• Dustin McIntyre            Partners in Home Care
• Gary Rench                  SandCreek Medical, Idaho
• Jamie Shaw                 Wyoming COPD, Wyoming
• John Stalnaker             ACU-Serve
• Kelly Grahovac            vanHalem Group
• Kurt Bywater                Philips Respironics
• Mike Calcaterra           Norco Medical, Idaho
• Mike "Ike" Isaacson     VGM Group
• Shelby Friedrich          Sheridan Memorial, Montana
• Dan Harrington            Honorary Member, Montana
• John Gallagher            VGM Group, Honorary Board Member
• Barb Stockert               Executive Director

Big Sky Association State Chairs

• Montana                        Alesha Rate, Norco, Inc.
• Idaho                             Mike Calcaterra, Norco, Inc.
• Wyoming                       Jamie Shaw, Wyoming COPD, Wyoming