Hearing Loss Association of America Awards Ceremony

By Cheryl Heppner

Editor: Volunteers are the lifeblood of an organization like HLAA, and many of them were honored at the Friday morning Awards Breakfast. Here's Cheryl's report.

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HLAA gave awards to at a special breakfast this morning. The number of people, companies, and organizations being recognized was extensive, but it was readily apparent from the presentations that HLAA that each and every one was very deserving.

Event Host: Kathy Borzell, HLAA Board Member from Florida

Opening Remarks: Robert Engelke, President of Ultratec (Sponsor)

Keystone Award

Jeannette Kanter, NY; presented by HLAA Executive Director Terry Portis - For outstanding achievement by an HLAA member and/or contribution to the establishment, advancement and continued success of HLAA. In accepting the award, Jeannette said that for 23 years HLAA has been her strength with her hearing loss.

Special Friend of People with Hearing Loss Award
Dr. Matthew Bakke, DC; presented by Terry Portis - Dr. Bakke was unable to attend; the award was accepted on his behalf by Dr. Scott Bally. For working diligently over time to improve the lives and circumstances of people with hearing loss.

Outstanding State Chapter Coordinator Award
Liz Kobylak, MI; presented by HLAA Past President Anne Liming - For working tirelessly to to help others with hearing loss and living the HLAA mission statement.

HLAA Employer Award
Raytheon Company, MA (accepted by Steve of Raytheon, who recognized Beth Wilson, President of the Raytheon People with Disabilities Resources Group. Boeing Company, WA (accepted on their behalf by Lilia Smith, who cited some of the company's many accommodations for people with hearing loss)

Honorable Mention: Margie Gillean of ELGA Credit Union, MI (accepted on her behalf by Anne Liming) Presented by Terry Portis For significantly improving communication access for people in the workplace, furthering attitudinal change and improving the quality of the work environment for people with hearing loss.

Spirit of HLAA Award
Sandra Bunning, WA
Lois Johnson, TX
Larry Slaughter, OK
Danita Testerman, OK
Presented by HLAA Board President Anne Pope

Advocacy Award
Vic Krause, MI
David Branfield, NY
Jim Grennan, OK
Presented by HLAA Associate Executive Director Brenda Battat
For outstanding accomplishments in educating others about crucial issues important to people with hearing loss.

Family Involvement Award
Ron Hansen, WA (accepted by Lilia Smith)
JoAnne Wolfe, Williamsburg, VA
Presented by Anne T. Pope
For dedication and contribution by family members toward growth and development of HLAA.

Professional Advisor Award
Mike Cano, Tampa, FL
Mary Ellen Tait, Rochester, NY
Presented by Brenda Battat
For the professional advisors who have supported the self help movement.

Chapter Website Award
Ed O'Brien, Illinois Cochlear Implant Chapter
Presented by Toni Barrient

Chapter/State Website Award
Melissa Trauthwein, HLA of Florida (accepted by Joan)
Presented by HLAA Education and Marketing Coordinator Christopher Sutton

Chapter Newsletter Award
Betty Proctor, Editor of Choo Choo Signal, Chatanooga Chapter, TN
Honorable Mention: Joan Ireland, Editor of Message, Beaumont Chapter, TX
Carrie Welter, HLAA Augusta, Augusta Chapter, GA
Presented by Toni Barrient

State Newsletter
Judy Martin, Editor, Hear Ye, Hear Ye, HLA of Florida (accepted by Lynn Russo)
Presented by Christopher Sutton

Outreach Award
Hearing Loss Association of Rhode Island (accepted by Beth Wilson on behalf of Tina Thompson)
Southeaster Colorado Chapter, CO
Presented by Brenda Battat
For programs and projects that expand awareness.

Founder's Day Recognition
San Antonio Chapter, TX
Diablo Valley Chapter, CA
Fort Worth Chapter, TX
Lane County Chapter, OR
Rochester Chapter, NY
Shasta County Chapter, CA
Texas State Office, TX
San Francisco Chapter, CA
Presented by Toni Barrient
For chapters raising $500 or more.

Retiring State Organization Leaders Recognition
Penny Allen, Washington, 2004-6
Melanie Brand, New York, 2005-6
Jim Diaz, Florida, 2000-7
Carolyn Lance, New Jersey, 2003-6
Connie Stratigos, Georgia, 2005-7
Maurice Wilson, Texas, 2005-7
Presented by Brenda Battat

Retiring State Chapter Coordinators Recognition
Milt Anderson, Oklahoma, 2004-7
Virginia Carr, New Mexico, 1991-2007
Louise Cremeen, Arkansas, 1991-2007
George Kosovich, Maryland, 2000-7
Philip Smith, Texas, 2005-7
Presented by Toni Barrient

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