"A passion for planning events and helping others." In 1986, Connie Vrettos was Microsoft Australia employee number 16 and the third member of the Melbourne branch office. She has spent almost half her lifetime working for Microsoft and celebrated her sixteenth year with the company with a trip to Seattle. Along with other employees celebrating 15- or 20-year anniversaries with Microsoft, she was invited to a gala dinner with Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

Connie describes the event as one of the most memorable experiences of her life: "Bill and Steve were very casual and personable and their socialising with all of us was a highlight. Bill's mischievous sense of humour shone through in his speech." Planning a great event is her forté. As a Sales and Events Coordinator, she has been involved with organising and managing some of Microsoft's biggest launches in recent years: Windows 95, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Bill Gates's tours in 1997 and 2000.

Her passion for helping others have a good time also extends to those who are less fortunate. Connie works tirelessly with a variety of local charities and is instrumental in involving the Microsoft Melbourne office in community events over her tenure. Asked why she has remained loyal for so long, she says: "The products, people and the culture are what makes Microsoft such an amazing and dynamic company! I am very proud to be a part of Microsoft."