MINNEAPOLIS, Apr 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Medtronic, Inc., (NYSE:MDT) received yesterday a Beacon Award from The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's official economic development organization, in recognition for its outstanding contributions to the Miami-Dade economy in the areas of job creation, business expansion, corporate citizenship, and leadership in the Life Sciences Industry category.

The Beacon Awards were presented to one company in various industry categories such as Aviation, Fashion & Lifestyle, Financial Services, Healthcare Services, International Commerce, and more.

"During recent years, Medtronic has enjoyed rapid market expansion within Latin America," said James Hogan, vice-president of the Latin America region for Medtronic. "Current projections and economic indicators for our business continue to be positive and we are building capabilities in the Health Economics sector as well as in the Clinical Research and Medical Affairs area in order to provide all patients in Latin America access to our life-saving therapies."

Beyond the company's focus on physician support and patient care, Medtronic is also actively engaged in developing standards and policies for medical devices and advanced life-saving therapies in key Latin American markets.

"We are leading our industry associations and engaged in a number of committees, working groups, and policy-shaping organizations," added Hogan. "I am proud to say that our people are recognized as experts in their respective fields and are frequently consulted by government and non-governmental agencies."

"Medtronic is a thriving Miami-Dade company whose regional headquarters is truly taking advantage of what Miami-Dade County offers businesses with a global reach," said Frank R. Nero, president and chief executive officer of The Beacon Council. "We are proud to see that their Latin American operations continue to grow from Miami-Dade. Their presence and commitment to our community truly supports Miami-Dade County's growth as a major hub for the Life Sciences industry."

The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership, is a not-for-profit, public-private organization that focuses on job creation and economic growth by coordinating community-wide programs; promoting minority business and urban economic revitalization; providing assistance to local businesses in their expansion efforts; and marketing Greater Miami throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.beaconcouncil.com.

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.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.

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