3rd Qtr 2020 President Update: Jackie Lemons Shillingburg, CAI, AMM, PRI, TCAP
“We Did It!” We successfully conducted our 63rd Annual Texas Auctioneers Association Convention and State Champion Contest during a major pandemic. Our attendance numbers exceeded all expectations and the funds raised were generous and phenomenal.
I want to congratulate our 2020 Texas State Champion Auctioneers! Texas State Champion Cody Shelley, State Ringman Champion Levi Meier, Auction Team Champions Craig & Levi Meier, State Rookie Champion Austin Jet Jones, and Senior State Champion Joel Lemley. What an amazing group of ambassadors to represent the Texas Auctioneers Association in 2020-2021.
A HUGE Thank you to all of the Sponsors and Exhibitors that supported the TAA Convention and State Champion Contest this year. We could not have succeeded without you and we greatly appreciate your support.
I also want to congratulate the first inaugural graduating class of the Texas Certified Auction Professional (TCAP). TCAP is a 3-part course that was established by the TAA in 2018 to help the new or seasoned auctioneer strive for excellence in the auction profession. A hearty congratulations to Sheryl Bates, Charlie Bradshaw, Lori Lemons-Campbell, Doug Bradford, Natalie Dietz, Elizabeth Drake, David Drake, Scotty Gibbs, John Hebert, Daniel Lewis, Christina Pace, Jacquelyn Lemons Shillingburg, Stan Young, Lou Ann Young, and Dustin Wood.
Regardless of how unpredictable the year 2020 has presented itself, the TAA attendees were able to bring a little bit of normal back into their lives for a treasured moment through the Leadership of Past President Joel Lemley, Executive Director Krista Richter, and the Board of Directors.
As your new President, I feel confident that your elected board will work harder than ever to keep up with the ever-changing needs and demands of the auction industry. Over the next few months, we will be working on our future goals for the TAA and its membership. Some of these goals include: to boost membership, engage our members more, provide quality education, bylaw changes, as well as work closely with the legislative committee concerning the survival of our auction license in the State of Texas. TAA Lobbyist, Todd Kercheval, met with the members during the conference and answered questions concerning the future or our auction license. He mentioned that the movement in the House for now is in stale mate due to Covid-19. Stale mate is good due to non-activity, but we must be ready when regular activities move back into full swing. Todd highly recommended that we continue to raise funds for AUCPAC before November 3, 2020. Due to this need, I would like to challenge every member of the TAA to give what they can towards the AUCPAC as requested. If every member could give at least $50.00, personally, towards AUCPAC, it would raise $18,400.00. Please note that all donations need to be given through your personal accounts and not corporately. If you have questions concerning how to donate, please contact Krista Richter at .
Mark your calendars for next year as we prepare to get ready for our next conference in May 20-23, 2021 at the Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX. We will also be working on area meet ups in the future based on the Covid-19 pandemic updates.
I’d also like to welcome our newest Board members, Erica Black, PRI, Jedd Trice and Chad Hodges and Jarod Hamm moved up to the 2nd Vice President position.
Great things happen when we work together as an association. I believe that we need to focus our energy on adapting to change, rather than resisting it. I could not be prouder to be a part of the TAA and what we represent.
Thank you and God Bless the Texas Auctioneers Association!
2nd Qtr 2020 President Update: Joel Lemley, CES, CAGA
What a weird world we now live in. Maybe the word weird is not appropriate, but with all of the changes we have made in our daily lives and sacrifices we have made, it seems to me a pretty appropriate description. Practicing safety for our families is our responsibility, so putting safety first in our businesses is also a critical responsibility we make for our association. By now you have heard that we re-scheduled our 2020 TAA Convention to August 13-16 in San Marcos, TX at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center. Making this decision was made difficult not knowing what our safety protocols were and when we could once again make our plans. At this time the re-scheduled convention is now ready for your registrations and your reservations. I want to take this opportunity to thank your Board of Directors for working hard this past year putting the convention together and then being asked to re-schedule and make the changes to re-fit the new time frame. We also put together a Convention task force to assist in making the convention fit into its new schedule. This task force along with the TAA staff and the board put a lot of work into making this happen in a very short period of time. I hope everyone makes their plans to attend and support the convention this summer. Your support to the TAA is so important to the task of representing our industry throughout Texas and the United States.
I also want to take this time to thank our Legislative Task Force in working for you during this period of Sunset Commission evaluations. The Task Force has submitted to the Commission our goals for professional representation via our license and requirements from TDLR.
We should be seeing the results of the Commissions decisions, hopefully, very soon. Thank you to Jim Swigert for heading up this group and keeping everyone informed and updated.
Lastly, I want to thank Krista Richter and her staff for all the hard work they put in on behalf of your association. Their dedicated work and direction have been such a value to me, the Board of Directors and the TAA. When you see these folks at convention please take the time to personally thank them for the job they do for all of us.
Have fun this summer. Please stay safe, and I look forward to seeing everyone in San Marcos in August.
1st Qtr 2020 President Update: Joel Lemley, CES, CAGA
I want to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR. 2020 will be designated as the year of the “Professional”. Every aspect of what we do as auctioneers, ring men and women, clerks, and management specialists should always have that in the back of their mind and on the front of their business card. With the TAA Convention coming up in May, the focus of our education, marketing, and actions will have “Professional” put at the forefront.
Now, just saying the word does not make you a professional. How do you know yourself to be a professional? What makes you a professional? Where do you become a Professional? These questions have answers that are sometimes lost in its meaning. Being a professional in any occupation has three main components: competency, skillfulness, and assurance (CSA). These components (CSA) are not handed to you at auction school, even though it is the best bet to the path of a professional. You don’t receive them (CSA) if you qualify for a license, even though you are required to have them. You especially don’t receive them (CSA) if you participate or win a contest, yet it takes tremendous talent to compete. These valued components are earned with experience, education, practice, determination, and representation.
We recently received from an Auction Company questions concerning legal, policy, and protocol procedures concerning auctions within the State of Texas. This Auctioneer was not a member of the TAA yet was asking us for guidance. We, as professionals did answer those questions. But, one wonders, what if the TAA or NAA did not exist? The value of membership continues to rise when membership offers you, in return, those valued opportunities to become competent, skillful, and assured. Membership adds VALUE!
As I mentioned, May 14-17 will be our Annual Convention this year held in San Marcos, TX at the Embassy Suites Hotel. This is going to be a great time as well as an important tool for “Professional” Texas Auctioneers. Your attendance will put you in with other professionals coming to learn, share, and have fun. This year we want to really focus on the Fun Auction that will be held in conjunction with the President’s Welcome Party. The Fun Auction serves as an opportunity to showcase your skills or just plain ole show off, selling neat, one of a kind items with proceeds benefitting the TAA.
This year’s President’s Welcome Party is a Cowboy Luau. That’s right, a real Hawaiian Luau with a touch of Texas thrown in. Hawaiian shirt contest, hula skirts, pineapples, coconuts and cowboy boots. Get Ready! We will also be offering TCAP this year adding the third and final class that will be receiving the designation as a Texas Certified Auction Professional. TCAP 1, and TCAP 2 will also be available. These and the required continuing education classes will add, once again, those components to assist in becoming a “Professional”.
If you have children or grandchildren interested in applying for the TAA Scholastic Scholarship, offering assistance for upper education, please have those applications in by April 1, 2020, for review and selection. Once again the Jim Sample Endowment Scholarship will also be available for people interested in attending the American Auction Academy. This is a generous gesture given by Board Member and Past State Champion, Trey Galloway giving someone the opportunity to attend auction school. The applications are available online at www.texasauctioneers.org and are due by April 1, 2020.
2019 was a great year for the Texas Auctioneers Association once again, and 2020 is looking great adding tremendous value to be a member of this association. Make sure your dues are current and get your registrations in for convention. Hope to see everyone in San Marcos!
4th Qtr 2019 President Update: Joel Lemley, CES, CAGA
Auctioneers who hold a license in the State of Texas are fortunate to hold a distinguished permit to conduct an event that singles out professional practices under the law. Ever thought what it would mean to have a lawyer represent you or practice law without passing the BAR; or a CPA that is not peer reviewed every year to audit your business and create financial statements? How about asking a real estate agent to sell your house without a license to do so. What does having a license of any kind mean? These permits are issued to only those who have taken the time to study, learn, and exhibit the correct, proper, and ethical way of conducting business. These permits separate us from those who are just going through the motions in their practice; and when it is time to correct a wrong, that person is usually long gone.
Understanding the importance of having a license and the c o n t i n u i n g e d u c a t i o n i s what brings us to the word “Professionals”. What makes you a professional? A coat and tie? A shiny watch or a fancy car? Of course not! What makes you a professional is your conduct under the proper and legal way of the business you practice. It includes your follow up, your checking and double checking for proper procedure, and the correct protocol to ensure your customer has had the best performance conducted from a person who has taken his or her job seriously. Be proud of your auctioneer license, put it on your business card, your website, your Facebook page, and always carry your license with you to prove you are a licensed professional.
I want to congratulate our new 2019 Texas Lone Star Open Grand Champion, Angie Meier. She won against some of the best auctioneers in the country and at the best auction contest in the USA. Her grand prize of $10,000 and a Hyo Silver championship buckle proves she is the best not only in Texas but in the entire country. Congratulations Angie! I especially want to thank my co-chairman and co-founder, Troy Robinett for his hard work in putting this event together. We also could not have done it without Krista Richter, and Jackie Shillingburg and all the volunteers who came and helped in putting this event on. This event in the past 4 years has grown into the best representation of the Auction Industry bringing in the best auction professionals from around the country. We look forward to our 5th Annual Texas Lone Star Open in 2020.
On December 9th in Dallas, TX, we visited the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital for the Annual Christmas Auction. This event has become the highlight for so many children whose lives depend on the donations of Texas Masons, and many other people who work hard in making this Hospital available to families. Thank you to those who helped us out in selling toys to these great kids.
Don’t forget! Before you know it we will be once again having our annual TAA Convention scheduled for May 14-17, 2020, in San Marcos, TX. This is going to be a great time for all in the auction industry. Be sure to put this on your calendar. We will also be having, once again, our TCAP sessions available for anyone looking for more and valuable education in the auction business. See you down the road and keep selling.
2nd Qtr 2019 President Update: Joel Lemley, CES, CAGA
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.
1st Qtr 2019 President Update: Travis Kaddatz, CAI
Fellow Auction Professionals,
I HOPE you and your auction businesses are off to a great start for 2019. Things are really popping here in your association. We are gearing up for the 2019 Annual Convention in Waco, TX. This year, back by popular demand, we are going to the Thursday, Friday, Saturday format. I highly encourage you to attend. I am anticipating this to be our best convention yet. The board and their committees are working hard to ensure we provide you with knowledgeable speakers that will help propel your auction career, auction industry vendors/exhibitors that can provide tools to take your business to the next level, and of course, invaluable networking opportunities and loads of fun with the greatest auction professionals in Texas!
THIS IS also a Texas legislative year. Once again, our industry is being targeted. A House Bill has been submitted to eliminate auctioneer licenses (HB 910). Your association and AUCPAC are working diligently to protect the auction industry in Texas. We are planning an Auctioneer Day at the Capital this spring, as well as developing a strategic plan to communicate to your elected officials to effectively bring their attention to this bill. Be sure to watch your inbox for further details.
I WANT to thank each of you for your membership in this association. I appreciate your continued support to Protect, Promote, and Educate the Texas Auctioneer.
4th Quarter President Update
Fellow Texas Auction Professionals,
I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. What a year 2018 has been! Your Association is ending the year in a great place. Your board has taken advantage of some great opportunities to Promote, Protect, and Educate for the Texas Auctioneer.
Our PR campaign has been a huge success thanks to Heather Kasper and her PR committee. We have made great strides in educating the public to “Think Auctions First” and bring TAA Auctioneers front of mind.
I would also like to thank the Texas Lone Star Open Committee for all the hard work they have put into pulling off another extremely successful event. If you were at the stockyards for this contest you know what I’m talking about. Premier contestants from across the country, great public exposure, appealing items, phenomenal bidding and wonderful judges made this auctioneer open the best I’ve seen.
It’s that time of year again! I would like to encourage you to renew your membership now! You can save 20% on your yearly registration if you signup early. Wait, there’s more… For every NEW member you sign up, you will receive $25 off your dues up to the full cost of your membership. Wait, what!?! Yes, you could be a member for free just for signing up a few of your fellow auctioneers. We want more amazing auctioneers like you in this Association. "If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." --Henry Ford
I am honored to serve as your President and I am so proud of what you have accomplished in your businesses this year and what we have accomplished as an Association. I am looking forward to, and sincerely wish you a blessed 2019.
3rd Quarter President Update
Hello Texas Auctioneers!
I hope this finds you and your auction business doing well. This summer has flown by. It seems like yesterday we were in College Station together. We received excellent feedback on the TCAP (Texas Certified Auction Professional) course. We appreciate those who attended the inaugural class. We hope you have been able to implement what you learned and that you and your business are more successful because of it. The TAA will continue to offer great education courses like this to continue to raise the professionalism of our industry.
This year, as I mentioned at the convention, we are doing a big PR promotion and we are going to need your help. We want the public to “Think Auctions First” and more specifically to recognize TAA members as their first choice for an auctioneer. The Texas Lone Star Open bid calling contest is just around the corner and I encourage you to compete. It is a great way to improve your chant as well as educate the public to “Think Auctions First”. If competing isn’t your thing, come on out and support your fellow auctioneers. I look forward to seeing you there!
This year the Texas legislature will be in session. We will be having Auctioneer Day at the Capitol This is an opportunity for us to meet with legislators and educate them about the importance of the auction industry and auctioneers. AUPAC is working diligently to put us in the best position to get favorable legislation passed and prevent any bills that would have a negative impact. You have a voice in Austin and I look forward to working together to make this a successful sessions for auctioneers.
Lastly, I want to encourage you to get involved in the TAA. I challenge each of you to participate on a committee. As an association we have some extremely talented people. You don’t have to be a board member to make an impact. You ARE the TAA and you CAN make a difference. Let’s work together to continue to Protect, Promote, and Educate the Texas Auctioneer!
Travis Kaddatz, CAI
President
Texas Auctioneers Association
2018 TAA President Travis Kaddaz
TAA Members,
We have had an amazing year and, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to that success.
2017 has been a great year for the Texas Auctioneers Association especially regarding education, marketing/PR and financial strength which I am very confident we will continue. We have been involved in many public activities such Auctioneer Day at the Capital, Scottish Rite Children’s Auction, and the Texas Lonstar Open all of which promotes Texas auctioneers and helps create public awareness of the auction method of marketing.
The present success of the TAA would not have been possible without the leadership of our outgoing President Lance Swigert and this team. Job well done! He and the board deserve a big applause for all their contributions. It will be difficult to match the success of this year.
I sincerely accept this important role as your President and together with the strong support of the new board and you the membership, 2018 will be another great year! We have some big plans for this year that we will be rolling out. We will continue to Promote, Protect and Educate for the Texas Auctioneer and the auction method of marketing.
Before I end, I would like to share a quote from Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
With this I would like to wish everyone a blessed and prosperous year.
Thank you - Travis Kaddatz, President
Texas Auctioneers Association
