[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BILL GEORGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mrs. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bill George, 
an extraordinary American and one of our nation's most respected 
business leaders on the occasion of his retirement as CEO of Medtronic 
Inc.
  I have had the privilege of knowing Bill George and working with him. 
In fact, were it not for his leadership, the landmark FDA Reform bill 
which became law in 1997 would not have been the successful effort it 
was.
  As Chief Executive Officer of one of the world's leading medical 
technology companies, Bill George has displayed remarkable leadership 
and unparalleled vision. During his tenure, Medtronic has 
revolutionized its mission, transforming from a manufacturer of 
pacemakers to a diversified medical technology company with scientific, 
manufacturing, education, and sales facilities in 120 countries 
worldwide. Bill George plotted the course that has taken the company 
from revenues of $750 million to more than $5 billion, meeting 
analysts' earnings expectations time and again. The company now employs 
25,000 people and has consistently won the praise of investors, 
analysts and employees. Medtronic has been ranked by Fortune Magazine 
as one of the ``Best Companies to Work for in America,'' and first 
among its ``Most Admired Companies.''
  Through its Foundation, Medtronic has also fulfilled its mission to 
restoring people to full lives through full health. Under Bill George's 
stewardship, the Medtronic Foundation has been recognized by Business 
Ethics Magazine for its demonstrated leadership in ethics and social 
responsibility. The Foundation has reached out to patient groups in 
exceptional ways, last year alone, offering $12 million in grants to 
non-profit organizations in communities worldwide.
  Bill George's decision to leave the company comes at a time when 
Medtronic is well-poised to tackle the challenges of a new millennium, 
and to build upon its rapid developments in medical technology, 
computer technology, drug therapy and gene therapy. And there is 
perhaps no one better suited to launch the company's new vision than 
Art Collins.
  Art Collins has already played an integral part in Medtronic's 
success. As Chief Operating Officer and former President of the Board 
of Directors, Art Collins has helped to expand the company's global 
presence. He joined Medtronic in 1992, serving as Corporate Executive 
Vice President and President of Medtronic International with 
responsibility for all Medtronic operations outside the United States. 
He brings a unique perspective and a creative vision to his new post.
  Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of the millions of patients worldwide 
who have benefited from Medtronic's work in paying tribute to Bill 
George. He is a gifted leader, a proud American and a decent man. He's 
made our country better with all he's done and I shall always be 
grateful to know him and to have worked with him.

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