AUCTIONEER CHAMPIONSHIP

I sincerely hope everyone had a joyous and blessed Christmas and New Years Holiday!  Now, it’s back to normal I guess.  In a way it’s nice to get a little break from the busy schedules but it’s also nice to get back at it again with a brand new year ahead of us.

In a matter of a couple of weeks, I will officially give up my title as 2007 Minnesota State Champion Auctioneer.  One of my duties as the champion is to plan and coordinate the 2008 contest.  Although it’s been a lot of work, it has been enjoyable as well.  If you’ve never been to an event such as this, I invite you to attend this year’s event if you’re in the area!

This year, the 2008 Minnesota State Championship Auctioneer contest will take place on January 24^th, at the Airport Marriott in Bloomington, Minnesota.  We’ve got a great slate of contestants and I’m looking forward to a wonderful event.  The contest is limited to the first 40 entrants, and those entering must be a member of the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association.

My past year as president has been a fantastic experience.  For someone who never intended to ever enter a contest, I sure have enjoyed myself.  I have spoke to a dozen groups about this great industry, been interviewed on radio and featured in a number of magazine and newspaper articles.  I really did enjoy my “goodwill ambassador” duties associated with the honor.  Plus, to compete in the International Auctioneer Championship in San Diego was unforgettable!  I can’t wait for the 2008 IAC in Nashville, and I’m working hard to make the finals!

But in a couple of weeks, Minnesota will have a brand new champion.  From the list of contestants, it’s anybody’s contest to win.  I believe we have some of the best auctioneers in the nation right here in the Midwest.  For those of you not familiar with the contest, it’s a real auction.  Basically, here’s how it works; the contestants will each sell three items in the auction.  A panel of five judges will score each contestant on presentation, chant/voice and effective auctioneering.  After the first round, five finalists will be chosen.  Those five auctioneers will than answer a series of 3 questions on stage relating to the auction industry.  After the interview portion, the contestants will sell three more items.  Once the judge’s scores are tabulated, I’ll announce who the 2008 Minnesota State Champion Auctioneer is.  This truly is Minnesota’s Showcase Auction Event!

I have to admit, I will be a little more at ease this year than I was last year as a contestant.  It is a little stressful, but the dividends are many to all of those who compete in a contest such as this.  So with that, I invite anyone interested to come and watch some of the best auctioneers compete for the state title.  I also want to wish each and every contestant the very best of luck in the contest.  Whoever wins the championship will have a memorable year ahead of them.

As for me…yes, I will give up my Minnesota Championship.  However, I can still enjoy being the Wisconsin Champion for another EIGHT MONTHS!  Man, I love this business!

Happy New Year….Happy Fundraising….and may your benefit auction be the best it’s ever been in 2008!