I would like to start off by saying WOW, what a convention we had this year. Thank you to all of the Vendors, Sponsors & so many more who helped in any way to bring everything together. Also a special thank you to our Past President, Shannon Hunter, and Board Member, Nick Stover, for the endless hours you both put in to the association during your terms on the Arkansas Auctioneers Association Board. Shannon served as Board President for two terms and was very instrumental in improving the quality of the conventions by obtaining top notch speakers, bringing in fantastic vendors & increased sponsorships at all levels. With that, I would like to say it is an honor to be selected as the 2020 Board President for the Arkansas Auctioneers Association.
My goal is to continue to maintain the level of excellence that has been set for this association. As a board, we truly strive to bring quality speakers and information, not only to the yearly convention, but also to the continuing education classes scheduled throughout the year.
Every year, fellow board members are assigned to various committees, such as: membership, education, convention, etc. This year, we would like to invite any member who would like to be involved and volunteer time and help with any of these committees to please let us know. Each committee will have a Chairperson along with committee members. The chairperson and members of the committee will work together to help accomplish tasks that each committee is assigned. We become a much stronger and closer association when we can all work together and promote our chosen profession.
This year our focus is to promote and educate the public about our profession. I would like to invite all members to take photos of your daily duties as a professional auctioneer. Feel free to take photos of the "daily grind." Send us the photos of your auctions, but also send photos of the time spent in the trenches such as lotting, tagging, setting up your auction, moving the items around, sweeping the floor, etc. If you will send in your photos, we will post them to our association Facebook page with the goal of showing the general public what we do is so much more than calling bids. We want to emphasize the professionalism and pride that our members take in what they do. To send your photos, simply tag the association's Facebook page or you can text them to any board member. Also, feel free to email them to our Executive Director, Cali Crissup. Her phone number is 580-327-7525 & email is: arkauctioneers@gmail.com.
As I mentioned earlier, what a fantastic convention we had this year. We have received numerous phone calls from vendors who have already committed to join us at next year's convention. The success of the convention is not just due to the efforts put in by the board members, but in large part due to great attendance from you, the members. Without your participation at the convention and meetings, none of this would be possible.
We have a very strong association, so much so, that other associations are now calling and asking "What are you doing in Arkansas?" We definitely have others watching us. It's not only up to the board to help promote the association, but it's up to you as well. If you know of auctioneers in your area who are not members, please contact them and urge them to join and be a part of this fantastic association. Again, it is an honor to be selected as the Board President for 2020. My hope is everyone will have the best, most successful year you have ever had. Feel free to contact any board member if you have questions. If you are a new auctioneerThe person whom the seller engages to direct, conduct, or be responsible for a sale by auction. This... just getting in the business, don't hesitate to contact myself or a board member. We would be happy to try and answer questions you may have about what to do in a certain situation. If you are looking for help trying to find a second auctioneerThe person whom the seller engages to direct, conduct, or be responsible for a sale by auction. This... because you have a large auction, or you are looking for a ringman, clerk, set up help, etc., but don't know who to call, let us know. We have board members spread out across the state, and I'm sure we can find someone to give you a hand. Have a great year and if you did not attend the convention and will be attending the upcoming continuing education classes, I look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you,
Dennis Huggins, President