Pennsylvania Licensed Auctioneers Celebrate For 77thYear States Auctioneers Association (PAA) Holds Conference In Harrisburg
By Kim Douglass - February 07, 2025
The auction industry is one of the oldest industries, and Pennsylvania is part of that history. The Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association (PAA) began in 1948 and is still meeting every year for its annual Conference and Trade Show.This year marks 77 years!From Jan. 7 to 10, the organization met in Harrisburg to celebrate, network, and attend seminars to better the industry and its members. Back in 1948, the PAA was formed to help professionals in the auction industry to continually improve the standard of education, ethics and performance of its members. The PAA is one of the largest auctioneer associations in the country, meeting once a year in Harrisburg, with local chapters meeting multiple times a year.Their conference consists of educational seminars, an Auctioneer Competition, Advertising & Marketing Contest, and a Fun Auction. The PAA is dedicated to making the auction industry stronger. The membership of the PAA is made up of auctioneers, trade members and other auction professionals who are passionate about the auction industry and the auction method of selling. The industry in Pennsylvania is regulated by the State Board of Auctioneer Examiners, which is one of the many Pennsylvania boards that requires a license. What this means is that anyone selling through the auction method in Pennsylvania (online or live) is required by law to hold a state issued license. Focusing on education, the PAA provides continuing education to the many auctioneers who maintain advanced auctioneer certifications or auctioneer licenses held in other states that require continuing education. This annual conference allows the attendees to better serve their buyers, sellers, and the industry as a whole. Over 200 auction professionals were in attendance, including auctioneers, apprentices, auction students, support personnel, vendors, and presenters. Twenty-five presenters from around the countryoffered a wealth of information throughout the event. Yes, you read that correctly, 25 presenters! Although the conference hosted speakers from around the country, the highest concentration was from right here in the state from PAA members. The membership of the PAA consists of a wealth of knowledge and take networking seriously. In fact, over half of the presenters are valued members of the PAA. Many readers of Antiques & Auction News would know them. Below is a list and the subject matter on which they lectured. Christian Answini Comic Books Dana Balsamo Quilts Shawn Carbaugh Bid Calling Lon Clemmer Real Estate Darin Cole Baseball Cards Beth Hillmar Livestock Matt Hostetter Bid Calling Sherm Hostetter Real Estate John Hums Model Trains Patrick Morgan Real Estate, Ethics/Professionalism Kevin Smith Vintage Records Brent Souder Ethics/Professionalism J. Meryl Stoltzfus Real Estate, Bid Calling John Tyminski Vintage Electronics Additionally, Mike Fisher from the National Auction Association was present for a session on Partnering for Profit; Matt Fridg from Auction Pro Marketing shared his insight into AI; Mike Gribbin and Downing Jake Jacobs spoke about instruments; Bob Lucas shared his knowledge about historical trinkets; Roxanne Morison spoke on antique dolls; and Tim Sweet from Grove City College discussed efficiently using AI for research. The PAA also hosted a session about legislation and legal concerns presented by PAA Legal Counsel, Attorney Ryan Gonder and the PAA Governmental Affairs Consultant, Jessica Kemmerer. One of the largest trade shows of any state auctioneers association is hosted by the PAA during the conference.This year, the list of vendors included some faithful repeat vendors and also some new companies.The attendees were able to interact with companies representing the industries of publishing, sound, recycling, auction bidding platforms, auction marketing, auction accounting systems, insurance, credit card processing, real estate listings, AI cataloging, moving, communications, shipping and more. The events vendors included All Points Sound, Antiques & Auction News, ATH Mechanical & Recycling Inc., Auction Look, Auction Techs, Auction Technology Group (ATG), AuctionWriter, Auction Pro Marketing, BidWrangler, Commonwealth University, CRS Recycling Services, ER Munro & Co, Good Sound Co., HiBid, Lancaster Farming, Listernaut, MarkNet Alliance, Mobiz, Mt. Everest Moving, My State MLS, Sanford Alderfer Real Estate/Tranzon, Shearer Printing & Office Solutions, Shetron Auction & Equipment, Shipping Saint, and United Merchant Processing Association. Of Course, this event would not be what it is without generous sponsors. The highest level sponsors included E. R. Munro & Company, who was the Corporate Registration Sponsor, and Platinum Sponsors United Merchant Processing Association, Sanford Alderfer Real Estate/Tranzon Alderfer, Lancaster Farming, AuctionTime, ATG and ATH Mechanical and Recycling Inc. There were many other sponsors at various levels, all of which the PAA is appreciative to for their generosity. Several awards are given out each yearto honor some of those who have dedicated their careers to the industry and who have made the industry better for all. There were three inductees into the PAA Hall of Fame: Robert Ensminger of Harrisburg, Fred Peters of Brownsville, and Scott Younkin of Linden. This award is given to individuals 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 in the auction industry. Additionally, the title of Auctioneer of the Yearwas given to Les Beyer of Hellertown, an auctioneer who 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. Annually, the PAA hosts the Pennsylvania Auctioneer Championshipat the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg during the week of the PA Farm Show.There were many hundreds in attendance and participating in the live auction. The competition was held on the evening of Jan. 8, highlighting the best auctioneers licensed in the state. Out of the 22 contestants competing, Colin McPeak of Needmore came out on top as the overall Champion. The Runner-up was Chase Noll of Manheim, and the Rookie (licensed for less than 2 years) was Alphie Stoltzfus of Gap. The highest level sponsors for this years competition included Alderfer Auction, BL Oberholtzer Auction Service, and Patrick Morgan Auction Services. The PAA Officers for 2015 include President Michael Calvert of Linesville; President-Elect Brian Oberholtzer of Reinolds; Vice President Jason Reed of Greensburg; Treasurer Kim Douglass of Boyertown; and Thomas Saylor of Felton who will serve on the PAA Board as the immediate Past President. Kim Douglass is the executive director for the association. To find a PAA Auctioneer in your area or to find out more about the association, go to www.PAAuctioneers.org or contact the association at info@paauctioneers.org.
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