Highlights of the National Auctioneers Association's 55th International Auctioneers Conference and Show

Highlights of the National Auctioneers Association's 55th International Auctioneers Conference and Show

MADISON , WIS. – Results of a comprehensive industry study, the naming of a new president and the International Auctioneer Championship were among the many highlights of the National Auctioneers Association's 55 TH International Auctioneers Conference and Show held July 13-17 in Madison , Wis.

Nearly 1,400 auction professionals were registered for the annual event to attend the dozens of educational seminars and a number of special and first-time programs to recognize the professionalism, integrity and commitment of the NAA's members.

At a State of the Industry breakfast, the results of a comprehensive industry research study were released. The study, which was conducted for the NAA by two of the world's top research firms, revealed a number of positive and important statistics about the auction industry.

They include:

More than half a million U.S. auctions generated $200 billion in sales last year.
63% of consumers have attended a live auction in the past year.
Gross revenues for live auctions are on the rise, up four percent since 2002.
In 2003, the value of goods and services sold at live auctions in the U.S. exceeded $200 billion.
The full results of the study are available online at www.auctioneers.org .

NAA CEO Robert Shively, CAE, also announced the organization's plans to launch a website soon, www.OnlyAtAuction.com . The website will be the hub of a community comprised of the auction industry and consumers. It will also have easily accessible information about auction sites and the auction experience for the public.

On July 16, 85 men and women vied for the coveted International Auctioneer Championship titles in a bid-calling showdown. Each contestant was judged on style, chant, presence and persuasive sales ability by a panel of auctioneer judges. Dawn Wilfong, of Goshen, Ind., claimed the women's division title, and Merv Hilpipre, of Waterloo , Iowa , claimed the men's division title. Along with their titles, each received $10,000 in prize money, a championship trophy and signature ring. They will spend the next year in the spotlight, making a variety of public appearances on behalf of the auction industry and the NAA.

Another highlight of the Conference was the election of new NAA officers and directors. Mike Jones, CAI , of Dallas , Texas , was elected president. He is a former director and vice president of the Board, and replaces Larry Theurer, CAI, GPPA , of Wellington , Kan. , who will serve a second term as chairman of the Board. (Theurer took the presidential reins for a second term in October upon the death of President Larry McCool.)

Completing the slate of officers for the coming year are: Dennis K. Kruse, CAI, of Auburn Ind., president-elect; William Sheridan, CAI, AARE , GPPA, of Mason , Mich. , vice president; and Steve Lewis, of Morehead , Ky. , treasurer.

Four new directors also were elected to the Board: W. Ronald Evans, CAI, AARE , CES, Washington , D.C. ; John Hines, Ellsworth , Wis. ; Thomas McInnis, CAI, AARE , Rockingham , N.C. ; and Scott Swenson, CAI, Austin , Texas . The directors join a group of eight existing directors on the Board. All directors serve three-year terms.

In recognition of their membership recruitment efforts, several members and groups were recipients of Gavel Awards. Their names and the number of members they recruited or sponsored are: Worldwide Auction School, 80 members ; John Roebuck, CAI, AARE, Memphis, Tenn., 101 members ; Stan Crooks, CAI, CES, Lantana, Fla., 26 members; and Joe R. Wilson, CAI, Hot Springs, Ark., 13 members.

Other special awards presented at the Conference included the President's Award of Distinction, given to members who have supported and worked to advance the industry in a number of ways. Recipients were: Steve Proffitt, Staunton , Va. , and Chris Pracht, CAI, AARE , CES , Anderson , S.C.

Three long-time auctioneers were honored by being inducted into the NAA Hall of Fame. They are : Keith Babb, CAI, AARE , GPPA, of Monroe , La. ; Louis B. Fisher, Jr., CAI, of Pompano Beach , Fla. ; and William Kurtz, CAI, of Owensboro , Ky.

The National Auctioneers Foundation presented Diamond Gavel Awards to several generous members who each have made significant contributions and commitments in excess of $100,000 to the NAA, the NAF and Auxiliary during recent years. Receiving the awards were: Dean Parker, Logan, Utah; Richard Kiko, CAI, North Canton, Ohio; Dean Kruse, Auburn, Ind.; James G. Murphy, Edmonds, Wash.; J.L. Todd, CAI, Rome, Ga.; Marty Higgenbotham, CAI, Lakeland, Fla.; Terry Dunning, CAI, GPPA, Elgin, Ill.; and John Roebuck, CAI, AARE, Memphis, Tenn.

More than $3,100 was raised through the annual Children's Auction. The event was open to the public to help young people learn and experience the auction industry first-hand.

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With more than 7,000 members from throughout the world, the National Auctioneers Association is the largest organization of its kind dedicated to promoting the auction method of marketing and enhancing the professionalism of its members. Member benefits range from federal legislative representation to comprehensive continuing education programs, including coursework to earn the following professional auctioneer designations: Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI), Accredited Auctioneer, Real Estate (AARE), Graduate, Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA) and Certified Estate Specialist (CES). The organization was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kan. For more information on the NAA and its programs, log on to www.auctioneers.org.