By RACHEL SHALLENBERG
Auction Exchange Editor LANSING, Mich. — For those involved in the auction industry, it was a great week Jan. 25-28, as industry professionals from across Michigan and surrounding states gathered for the Michigan State Auctioneers Assoc. 60th Anniver-sary Conference.
More than 160 auctioneers, staff, family and exhibitors gathered together to celebrate the event.
Each year the conference provides participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge from experts in the field, network with fellow auctioneers and maintain a sense of camaraderie with other members within the association.
There is also some healthy competition, with a marketing contest and auctioneer and ringman championships.
This year, the speakers highlighting the event were; World Champion Auctioneer, Ralph Wade; National Auctioneer Assoc. Director, J.J. Dower and marketing specialist, Ryan George.
Wednesday evening the auctioneer and ringman championships were scheduled. Sixteen contestants participated in the auctioneer championship. The five finalists were Romayne Graber, Jason Lamoreaux, Frank Leist, Robert McAdams and Donna Tuttle. Jason Lamoreaux took home the title. Joe Schmitt took home the Ringman Championship.
The President’s banquet and Auctioneer’s Making a Difference Fund-raiser Auction were held the final night. Timothy Narhi was inducted in as the 2011 MSAA President. The new officers of the 2011 board were also inducted; they are Scott Vander Kolk Jr., Dan Brodie, Rebecca Lawrence and Art Smith.
Hib Kuiper was posthumously inducted into the MSAA Hall of Fame.
His family was there to accept the award.
Also, special recognition was given to Richard Brodie with the 2011 President’s Award of Distinction, given to him by outgoing President Art Smith.
When asked about the convention, MSAA President, Tim Narhi, said, “If you’re reading this article and you’re in the auction business, look into becoming a member. It’s far more rewarding than you’d expect it to be and it’s a great thing to be involved it.”
For additional information, go online to www.msaa.org |
