KARL STORZ Imaging Receives Employer/Accommodations Award

Award Recognizes Significant Efforts to Provide Career Opportunities for People With Disabilities

GOLETA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KARL STORZ Imaging, a leader in the design and manufacture of medical imaging products, is honored to receive the Employer/Accommodations Award from Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo. The award recognizes exemplary efforts to provide opportunities for people with disabilities. Murillo presented the award at the 14th annual Mayor’s Awards breakfast on Oct. 23, 2019. Miles Hartfeld (president and general manager) and Rick Spitzer (director, Facilities and Technical Services) accepted on behalf of KARL STORZ Imaging.

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KARL STORZ Imaging received the Employer/Accommodations award for exhibiting the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. From left to right: Rick Spitzer (KARL STORZ Imaging), Cathy Murillo (Santa Barbara Mayor), Mark Parker (KARL STORZ Imaging), Patience NCube (PathPoint), Miles Hartfeld (KARL STORZ Imaging), Das Williams (Santa Barbara County Supervisor), and Tom Cruz (KARL STORZ Imaging). Photo credit: Photos by Priscilla.

The Employer/Accommodations Award goes to an employer “who reflects the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act in employment practices.” KARL STORZ Imaging was specifically commended for customizing a position to align with the strengths of a job candidate needing special accommodations. In seeking to fill a Facilities Assistant position, the hiring team tailored the responsibilities to match the skills and experience of Mark Parker, increasing the responsibilities beyond the original job description.

“We sat down and we discussed his skillset and had him describe what he’d done in the past,” said Spitzer. “We were able to give him additional duties beyond what we spoke about.” Parker continues to serve in the position, and has made a positive impact, Spitzer said. “More than anything, he integrates well with the employees. He kind of builds these relationships, and it is changing the culture within our company,” he said. “For someone who’s got disabilities and challenges, that’s the real success.”

KARL STORZ Imaging has been part of the local community for more than 30 years, Hartfeld noted, and has grown to be one of the largest employers in the area, with nearly 400 employees on staff. “We are proud to be actively expanding our role as a supporter for the local community, and pleased to play a role in providing meaningful employment to individuals who contribute to America’s economic success,” he said. “Mark Parker is a valued member of the KARL STORZ family.”

The award program is administered by PathPoint, a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering employment opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged individuals. PathPoint works directly with individuals to help them strengthen workplace abilities, build life skills, and maintain meaningful relationships. KARL STORZ Imaging has been working with PathPoint to expand opportunities for individuals needing special accommodations.

About KARL STORZ

KARL STORZ Imaging is an affiliate of KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, an international leader for nearly 75 years in reusable endoscope technology, encompassing all endoscopic specialties. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG is a family-owned company that designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets all its products with an emphasis on visionary design, precision craftsmanship, and clinical effectiveness. For more information, call 800-421-0837 or visit www.karlstorz.com.

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