Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from My Family to Yours! As the holiday season approaches during a COVID-19 year I could not be prouder of our TAA members and their resilience to the constant changes in our industry. Professional auctioneers have learned to conduct auctions virtually, simulcast, and online. These tools are working beautifully during these trying times and have opened up new doors and opportunities for nonprofit organizations, auto auctions, estate auctions, and more. The live auction method of marketing is being conducted with strict COVID-19 guidelines with proven results. All of these available methods and practices have strengthened the auction professional as we have proven our worth and adaptability to change.
TAA 2020-2021 Board of Director Update: Your TAA Board of Directors met in October to brainstorm and collaborate on new ideas for our membership based on current events and processes. Main topics of discussion: scholarship program, marketing, membership mentoring, recruitment, retention and benefits, bylaw changes, Championship Contest, TLSO, HOF along with Convention Topics: sponsors, exhibitors, logistics, speakers, and more. It was a successful and beneficial meeting for our membership.
TLSO Update: It is unfortunate that we had to cancel the Texas Lone Star Open Bid Calling Contest this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The TLSO committee is gearing up for another great national contest in 2021.
TAA AUCPAC Challenge: The AUCPAC challenge deadline concluded on December 01, 2020. A Big “Thank You” to all of the members who have submitted donations so far! We are still in need of monetary personal donations because our $20,000 goal has not been met! We are moving into a legislative year in 2021 and need your support. Your current auction license is in jeopardy and is under review by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission through TDLR. Please help your lobbyist Todd Kercheval and the legislative committee fight to retain your auction license. You can donate online or download the form. This information is available on the TAA website at auctioneers. org. *Reminder: Please use personal cards or checks, not corporate, when making your donation towards the PAC. Call or text the TAA office to make donations over the phone: 512-626-3674.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Children’s Auction: The TAA in conjunction with America’s Auction Academy have been supporting TSR for 15 years. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions the hospital is not allowing visitors in person this year. Our membership cannot be there in person, but we can still support this wonderful and rewarding cause by mailing a check in care of the TAA office marked for “TSR donation”. All donations will be forwarded to TSR in December. You may also donate to the Texas Scottish Rite Amazon Wish List, or donate online with TSR and note in “comments section” that you are with the TAA.
In Conclusion: Through all of our hardships this year we must remember that God is in control. Try to spend more quality time with your family and friends during the holidays. Embrace and treasure every moment with them. I can honestly say that the one thing I have learned from this year is that we are tougher and more resilient than we think.
God Bless you and your families this holiday season and God Bless the Texas Auctioneers Association!