Every year after convention I always reflect how great an event this was, and I always wonder how you could ever make next year’s even better. This is the goal of your Board of Directors as we begin the work of making your next convention a memorable one, and maybe the best one ever.
I want to congratulate our new Champions and invite them to be a part of our ambassadorship that represents our association and our industry. When it is all said and done all participants who competed are winners, showing courage, confidence, and talent that represents themselves and their craft.
I do want to talk to you about your Board and the commitment they make on representing the Association and our industry. The sacrifice they make on attending meetings, working on projects, being away from family and work are to ensure that your Association is among the best in the country. I have attended the National Leadership Summit and visited with other state Associations and I can assure you the Texas Auctioneer Association ranks high in organization, preparation, participation, and education for its members. It makes me proud to serve alongside some of the most talented and hardworking people in the auction business today.
I also want to thank Krista Richter for her hard work and commitment to your Association as Executive Director. I could not begin to tell you how important her role is and the work she does in her position to serve your Association. Be sure to “Thank” these people who serve the Texas Auctioneer Association, it really means a great deal to them to be able to hear that from the members.
I have set some goals for this upcoming year that I believe will improve and protect your Association for years to come. We will initiate more education on the fiduciary responsibilities of your board, its officers and staff. We are also creating a committee to be prepared for any situation that could occur from decisions made by our State Government, our banking institutions, and our obligations to the members of the Texas Auctioneers Association. Things change and we, as your elected board, need to be prepared to adjust and keep our features and goals intact. Your board was elected by you to lead, and make just decisions that are for the benefit of the Association and its members. The Staff is hired to put these decisions into action. The Members obligation is to support these actions and to continue supporting the Association and the auction industry. This is what makes the Texas Auctioneers Association so important in our industry today.
The board is also working hard to improve the education offerings that are in the best interest of Auctioneers all over Texas. The TCAP program is preparing for the third year of auction education. Participants who singled out and identified as “Texas Certified Auction Professionals”. We hope this serves as a benchmark to those who are looking to hire an auctioneer in the state of Texas.
Finally, we have already started in the planning and preparation for next year’s convention. Mark your calendar for next May 14-17, 2020 in San Marcos, TX at the Embassy Suites. If you have any ideas that you would like to share, please contact any board member and feel free to put your two cents in.
In conclusion, I want to thank you, the members and sponsors, who attended the Convention in Waco this year. Without you, nothing would be accomplished, no one would be educated, no one would be our champions, nobody would receive support from our compassion fund and no one would be part of this great family that we call the Texas Auctioneers Association. Thank you again for your support and your membership to this great organization.