“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!