Boston Scientific was recognized for its revolutionary advances in medical technology by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth this afternoon. The assemblyman also commended the company, which employs 700 people, for its commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations in our community.

Smyth presented company President Michael Onuscheck with a resolution from the California Assembly, that read, in part:

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“We commend Boston Scientific for revolutionary advances in medical technology that have saved and improved the lives of many but also for maintaining a strong presence in the state and keeping California at the forefront of innovative health care technology.”

“We feel great about it,” Onuscheck said. “We want to be a part of this community and make a difference, being recognized for it is kind of secondary to our mission.

“We have a mission to support those that are underserved or have significant needs,” he continued. “Obviously it’s important to the community that companies participate in the community that they work in.”

Asked about AB32, the Greening of California initiative that requires companies to reduce their carbon emissions and restrict greenhouse gases, Onuschuck said that it’s a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. He also said the company will probably stay in California and that he appreciates the benefits of the enterprise zone.

“It’s always difficult when legislators don’t think broadly about the impact that some of this legislation might have on our businesses,” he said. “We use technologies to build medical devices that are unique and we have to have those accessible in order for us to be successful. We have to be careful when we make decisions about our environment, and our responsibility to that environment, but at the same time we have to provide jobs and income for those folks who live within the state.”

He added that the company is very happy to be a part of Santa Clarita.

“It’s a family-centered community where kids are important, adults are important and seniors are important. The educational system is among the best in California and I think that those things make it a great place to live.”

Onuscheck isn’t surprised that Smyth recognized the company, but he’s still humbled and honored.

“We’ve been working on some initiatives around medical devices, good jobs and the environment,” he said. “Part of our legislative effort at Boston Scientific is to educate our legislators on businesses within their districts. We had an outreach day with him and he came and visited and was impressed with what we were doing. I think that caught his attention and we appreciate the support we get from him.