Summary: The International Hearing Society inaugurated its newly remodeled global headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring key industry leaders.

Takeaways:

  • IHS President Patrick Kochanowski at the ceremony emphasized the importance of collaboration in expanding and safeguarding the hearing aid specialist profession.
  • Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich highlighted IHS’s vital role in the community, underscoring the significance of hearing healthcare services.
  • The new headquarters represents a commitment to providing advanced facilities that support the education, promotion, and protection of hearing healthcare professionals.

The International Hearing Society (IHS) celebrated the official grand opening of its newly remodeled world headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on April 30, 2024, with a speaking program and ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

IHS Board of Governors, sponsors (including several leading hearing aid manufacturer executives), donors, past IHS presidents, local dignitaries, and staff, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which also included lunch and tours of the building and sponsored spaces. 

“The bond of providing more people with exceptional hearing healthcare is at the heart of why we are gathered here today,” said IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS, during the opening ceremony. “I am so excited to celebrate this outstanding achievement for the Society and what it means to the expansion and protection of the hearing aid specialist profession—which ultimately leads to greater access to hearing healthcare.”

IHS in Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich welcomed IHS as a new member of the community and shared her first-hand knowledge of the important work IHS members do. IHS Immediate Past President Annette Cross, BC-HIS, also presented at the occasion. She was joined by three other past IHS Presidents: Alan Lowell, ACA, BC-HIS; Thomas Higgins, ACA; and Todd Beyer, ACA, BC-HIS.

“It was very exciting to see the financial commitments we received from so many people, from those who purchased bricks for our entrance to those who contributed at Bronze to Diamond Levels, to the major donors who have rooms and spaces named on their behalf for the generous commitments they made to IHS and our capital campaign,” said Andreozzi of the event’s donors and sponsors

Executive Director Alissa Parady presented Andreozzi with a plaque and golden scissors to mark the occasion. 

Further reading: IHS and Beltone Announce New Membership Program

The new international headquarters houses the 73-year-old International Hearing Society that is devoted to the education, advancement, protection, and promotion of hearing healthcare professionals and the services they provide to help individuals hear better. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a three-year venture undertaken by the IHS Board of Governors to find, fund, remodel, and outfit a modern facility to conduct the business of supporting members who provide valuable hearing healthcare services in the communities they serve.

Featured image: IHS Immediate-Past President Annette Cross, BC-HIS; President-Elect Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS; President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS; Treasurer Leanne Polhill, BA, BC-HIS; Secretary Wayne Morris, BC-HIS; and Executive Director Alissa Parady. Photo: IHS