Starkey Receives Medical Technology Award at the 2009 Tekne Awards

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William F. Austin Inducted into Minnesota Science & Technology Hall of Fame

Minneapolis, Oct. 30, 2009 - The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), in partnership with Enterprise Minnesota and LifeScience Alley, has named Starkey Laboratories, Inc., as the recipient of the 2009 Tekne Award in the Medical Technology award category. Held last week at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Tekne Awards honor companies and individuals who have demonstrated superior technology advancement and leadership in Minnesota.

Starkey, one of the world's leading hearing technology companies, received the award for its new S Series^™ hearing aid line, which offers two innovative new features - T2 and Sweep^™ Technology. T2 allows patients to control their hearing aids' volume or setting using any cell or touch-tone phone without the need for additional hardware, while Sweep Technology gives patients the ability to adjust the volume and settings on their behind-the-ear hearing aids with the simple sweep or touch of a finger.

"We are so proud to accept the Tekne Award for our innovative work in the hearing industry," said Tim Trine, Chief Technical Officer for Starkey. "It is an honor to be associated with Minnesota companies like Ecolab and Honeywell, who have long standing reputations for innovation."

Playing a significant role in bringing new technology to life, the 2009 Tekne Award recipients represent large global companies, as well as small startup ventures, that have positively impacted the quality of life in Minnesota and throughout the world. Judges selected one recipient out of the three finalists in each of the 14 Tekne Award categories, recognizing the best and brightest in development, education, commercialization and management of technology. Company awards included separate categories for small and growing businesses (with annual revenues under $50 million) and established businesses (with annual revenues of $50 million or more).

"Over the past 10 years, we have seen the quality and originality of each entry improve. This year's winners are no exception in setting outstanding examples of innovation and leadership," said Kate Rubin, president, MHTA. "Starkey impressed the judges in how it is helping to secure Minnesota's place as a center of innovation in the global economy."

In conjunction with the Tekne Awards, the Minnesota Science Museum and the MHTA inducted William F. Austin, founder and CEO of Starkey, into the Minnesota Science & Technology Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors Minnesotans whose achievements in science and technology have made a lasting impact on Minnesota and the world. Austin joins Earl Bakken, Lawrence Perlman and many others who have made a difference in technology over the years.

About Starkey®

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Founded in 1967, Starkey employs over 3,500 people, operates 22 facilities and conducts business in over 100 markets worldwide. For more information, visit Starkey.com.

About Minnesota High Tech Association

The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public-policy advocacy, member collaboration, and education and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size - involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with TechAmerica, which represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. Find out more online at mhta.org or follow MHTA on Twitter at twitter.com/MHTA.