The Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association (PAA) is brimming with individuals who are passionate about the industry. One of the largest auctioneer associations in the country, the PAA, gathered recently for its annual conference. The popular event took place from Jan. 10 through 13 at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey. Several members were honored during this annual event. Outgoing PAA president Bill Anderson Jr., of Export, handed off the gavel to the second female PAA president, Kim Williams. Williams was chairperson of a successful conference with hundreds of auctioneers, apprentices, students, support personnel, vendors, presenters, and guests.
Conference participants had access to numerous educational seminars during the course of the conference that will allow them to better serve their buyers and sellers. Continuing education units were available to auctioneers to maintain advanced auctioneer certifications or auctioneer licenses held in other states requiring education.
The conference kicked off with the PAA legal counsel George Michak speaking of the new changes in the Auctioneer Law, Act 88. Throughout the event there was a wide range of diverse and numerous seminars by industry leaders, including National Auctioneers Association director David Whitley; a representative from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Jean Zabel; Cyber Liability expert Chris Bradley of Apogee Insurance; Harry Strausser III of Remit Corporation; Jennifer Douglass; Dennis Williams; Deb Schafer; and a handful of PAA members who were willing to share their knowledge. The PAA is grateful for members Bob Dann, Dominic DeSpirito, Michael Dilliard, Matt Hostetter, Tim Keller, Ray Knecht, Jason Reed, and Jamie Shearer for sharing valuable business building information.
The PAA traditionally hosts the PA Auctioneer Competition at the Farm Show Complex during the PA Farm Show. Many of the best auctioneers in the state were on-hand at the event. This year, there were 23 contestants, with Daniel Reeder of Beaver Falls coming out as champion. Runner-up was Josh Mayhugh of Chambersburg, and the rookie champion was Joel Gavaletz of Pottsville.
The PAA is honored to have so many members who have dedicated their careers to the industry and who have strived to make it the best it can be for everyone. Several awards were given to honor those members. The recipient of the prestigious award of Auctioneer of the Year was awarded to Beth C. Hillmar of Mercer. The nominations for this award are chosen by auctioneers in his/her area, and the winner is selected by his/her statewide peers. Hillmar has shown excellent leadership, high ethical standards, willingness to share with others, participation in community affairs, and outstanding contributions to the PAA and the profession in 2016. She was unable to attend due to illness, but her daughter was in attendance to accept her award.
Two auctioneers were inducted into the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. This award is given to an individual based on integrity, honesty, high moral character, acute fairness, and distinction, and is bestowed on an auctioneer each year who, over the course of his or her profession, has committed him or herself to fostering excellence within the industry. The award-winners were Gordon W. Kinzinger of Honesdale and Michael Charnego of Homer City. The PAA also honored representative and auctioneer Mark Keller for his dedication and efforts in the eventual passing of the new auction law, Act 88.
Several auction companies garnered awards in the traditional first-place categories in the PAA Advertising/Marketing Contest, including Matthew S. Hurley Auction Co.; Barry S. Slosberg Inc; Hostetter Auctioneers, Alderfer’s Auctioneers and Appraisers; Cordier Auctions and Appraisals; Shamrock Auction Services; Fortna Auctioneers and Marketing Group; Ken Geyer Real Estate Auctioneers; and Pook & Pook Inc. Judged and chosen by all auctioneers in attendance was the award of Auctioneer's Choice. The winner of this award was Hostetter Auctioneers, of Beaver Falls. Best of Show is strictly a judges' award and was bestowed to Fortna Auctioneers and Marketing Group of Annville.
Officers for the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association for 2017 include Kim Williams, president, of Bloomsburg; Tim Keller, president-elect, of Lancaster; Jeff Pennington, vice president, of New Castle; and Robert A. Ensminger, treasurer, of Harrisburg.
Bill Anderson Jr. of Export, as PAA President in 2016, will serve one more year on the PAA Board of Directors as immediate past president. Kimberly K. Hemingway of Boyertown is administrator.
To learn more, call 215-679-3526 or visit either www.paauctioneers.org or www.facebook.com/paauctioneers.