`Career Development Day' Caps Commitment by Medtronic to Find, Welcome and Accommodate Employees with Disabilities

Business Wire, Oct 20, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS -- Awards, Events, Employee Initiatives Characterize Years of Effort to Include People with Disabilities in the Workplace

Celebrating the company's mission-driven resolve to tap the talents and enthusiasm of people with disabilities, Medtronic, Inc., today hosted "Minnesota Career Development for the 21st Century Day" at its headquarters in Fridley.

The Medtronic event is held in conjunction with "Disability Mentoring Day," which was proclaimed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities. The Medtronic event is expected to draw more than 200 participants for an introduction to careers in medical technology and other industries represented by members of the Minnesota Business Leadership Network. The keynote speaker is Ollie Cantos, special assistant in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. A panel discussion and one-on-one meetings with Medtronic employees also are on the agenda.

The Minnesota Business Leadership Network, including the State of Minnesota and such leading corporations as Medtronic, 3M, American Express, Northwest Airlines, Fairview Health Services and Cargill, aims to promote best practices in the employment of people with disabilities and enhance competitive opportunities for skilled candidates.

Senior executives welcoming the attendees included Dick Ploetz, Medtronic vice president of Global Business Solutions, who noted that people with disabilities represent a significant, largely untapped talent pool for "knowledge industries" in a tightening employment environment. "As a growing company, Medtronic recognizes the continuing need to attract and retain a skilled, well-educated and increasingly diverse workforce to contribute to the innovation and service that have resulted in leading medical technologies for patients and physicians worldwide. Everyone benefits when we reach out to people with disabilities and encourage them to consider careers with Medtronic," said Ploetz.

The company's commitment has resulted in:

Awards and Recognition

--Medtronic is a recipient of the Secretary Recognition Award from Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This prestigious recognition, the department's highest award, is scheduled to be presented in Washington as part of the President's Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 27.

--The Minnesota State Council on Disability named Medtronic its "Employer of the Year" on September 30, 2004.

--Medtronic received the Distinguished Community Service Award from ARC Minnesota on October 9, 2004.

Supportive Activities

Such commendations recognize the ongoing commitment by Medtronic and its businesses to an environment receptive, inclusive and supportive of employees with all disabilities. Medtronic Emergency Response Systems, headquartered in Redmond, Wash., the world leader in external defibrillation technologies, launched an organized program of incorporating people with mild to severe cognitive disabilities into its workforce in 1976 and was a founding member in the Business Leadership Network of Wash. state.

Medtronic regularly participates in awareness activities, recruitment events and disability career fairs. Its continuing emphasis on diversity and inclusion was highlighted on Oct. 12, 2004, with a performance by Interact Theater of "Nothing Sacred Cabaret," billed as a "frank discussion about living with disabilities."

In January, Medtronic hosted a "Career Exploration Day" for Minnesota students with disabilities attending colleges and transitional education programs. The nearly 170 attendees heard Roy Grizzard Jr., Ed.D., assistant U.S. secretary of labor for disability employment policy, discuss his office's focus on the goal of increasing employment of persons with disabilities. The day included presentations on the medical device industry, opportunities for students to explore related interests, discover potential mentors and focus on abilities they offer.

Medtronic employees also led the establishment of two employee resource groups, ABLED (Awareness Benefiting Leadership and Employees with Disabilities) and Parents of Children With Special Needs, which support employees, raise awareness about experiences of people with disabilities, and consult with Medtronic executives in implementing wellness programs and jobsite accommodations.

Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Its website is www.medtronic.com.

Any statements made about the company's anticipated financial results and regulatory approvals are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2004. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.