MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2005--Medtronic, Inc., announced today that it has been recognized as one of two "Minnesota Child Friendly Employers of the Year" in a program co-sponsored by Minnesota Business for Early Learning (MnBEL) and Minnesota Work Life Champions.

"Medtronic has long been recognized for leadership in medical technology," said Janet Fiola, senior vice president, Medtronic Human Resources, "but we especially appreciate recognition as a company that understands the needs of employees with young children and supports them by providing a variety of parenting programs and resources to help balance daily demands as caregivers with their personal and professional lives."

The award's selection committee referenced several company initiatives that make Medtronic a child-friendly work environment, including the nationally accredited child care center at its headquarters campus in Fridley, Minn.

In addition, the company negotiates employee discounts at other child care centers and offers back-up child care and sick child care options subsidized at 80 percent of the cost. The company's Adoption Assistance program provides a $5,000 per child assistance grant, plus a week's paid vacation, to new adoptive parents.

Fully equipped "Mother's Rooms" also are available at all facilities to assist mothers who continue to nurse upon returning back to work, and the company's work policy allows employees the option to negotiate a flexible work arrangement to help balance work and home life demands.

Awards to Medtronic and the Madelia Community Hospital will be presented at the "2nd Minnesota Business Forum on School Readiness"
Friday, Nov. 18 in the Jackson Room of St. Paul Travelers Company. The MnBEL organization was founded in March of 2004 to address, primarily from an economic and workforce perspective, the school readiness needs of entering kindergarten students. Minnesota Work Life Champions is in its first year of operation. It is located at the University of St.
Thomas' Center for Ethical Business Cultures and funded largely by the McKnight Foundation to recognize effective employer-employee work programs.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Copyright Business Wire 2005

Medtronic

Medtronic

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We lead global healthcare technology and boldly attack the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 90,000+ passionate people. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world.

In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary.

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