Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association Holds Successful 64th Annual Conference & Show
Nearly three hundred auctioneers, apprentices, support personnel, vendors, presenters, and guests attended and participated in the 64th annual conference and trade show of the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association, January 11-13, 2012, at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey.
2011 PAA President Kenneth A. Hansell, Jr., of Perkiomenville, Montgomery County, described the 3-day event as an “excellent conference of speakers, seminars, activities, and events … from personal property appraisals, American antique firearms, Duncan & Miller Glass, a presentation of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, treasures to be discovered under 19th-century outhouses, updates on auction legislative initiatives in the Commonwealth, and a variety of technical and online auction information. Fellowship, food, fun, and networking—there were events to appeal to the novice auctioneer as well as the seasoned professional.”
Conference participants took part in twelve educational seminars during the course of the event that will allow them to better serve their buyers and sellers. A total of fourteen (14) accredited continuing education units were available to auctioneers to maintain advanced auctioneer certifications or auctioneer licenses held in other states requiring education.
L: Michael Martin; C-Jonathan Hummer; R-William Bering Jr.
Several Pennsylvania auctioneers came up winners during the event. Jonathan B. Hummer, of Manheim, Lancaster County, garnered the prestigious “Pennsylvania Auctioneer Champion” on January 11 at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exhibition in the nation. He competed against 29 auctioneers to be the best bid caller and auctioneer in the state as well as for the top prize of cash, a large silver trophy and paid registration at the International Auctioneer Championship set for July 2012 in Spokane, Washington. The runner-up is Michael J. Martin of New Holland, Lancaster County. The PAA also named a “Rookie Auctioneer Champion,” an individual who has been an auctioneer less than 2 years. This honor was bestowed on William N. Bering, Jr., of Lebanon. The auctioneers were judged by a panel of eight judges on their bid calling ability, overall presentation, speech, appearance, and salesmanship. A majority of the proceeds from the contest and benefit auction went to the Farm Show Scholarship Fund to support students entering the agricultural field. Mark L. Ferry and members of the Southwest Chapter spent an entire year planning and carrying out one of the highest grossing auction contests in the history of the PAA.
An exciting fun auction organized by Matt Hostetter, CES, GA, GPPA, and members of the PAA Northwest Chapter, was held on Thursday evening where auctioneers and guests bid on classified advertising, trips, services, antiques, and other items. The fun auction helps offset the overall cost of the conference which, in turn, provides quality education for auctioneers. Since auctioneering is a consumer-driven industry, PAA auctioneers are always striving to improve their services to the public.
One special auctioneer, nominated by auctioneers in his area and selected by his peers, was named PAA Auctioneer of the Year for 2012. This individual has shown excellent leadership, high ethical standards, willingness to share with others, participation in community affairs, and outstanding contributions to the PAA and the auction profession in 2011. Gerald A. Rader of Skippack, Montgomery County, was the recipient of this year’s prestigious award.
Likewise, two auctioneers were named to the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. This award is given to individuals based on integrity, honesty, high moral character, acute fairness, and distinction, and is bestowed on auctioneers each year who, over the course of his or herprofession, has committed him- or herself to fostering excellence in the auction industry.
The award winners were Ted A. Maurer, of Pottstown, Montgomery County, and Harold K. Keller, of Lancaster.
New officers for the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association for 2012 include Randy A. Betton, President, of Greensburg, Westmoreland County; Matthew S. Hurley, President-Elect, Greencastle, Franklin County; Mark L. Ferry, Vice President, of Latrobe, Westmoreland County; and Robert A. Ensminger, Treasurer, Ensminger Auctioneers, Harrisburg, Dauphin County. Kenneth A. Hansell, Jr., of Perkiomenville, Montgomery County, as PAA President in 2011, will serve as Chairman of the Board.