The South Dakota Auctioneers Association (SDAA) recently held their 47th Annual Convention in Mitchell, SD. More than 100 auctioneers and their families attended the three-day meeting.

The purpose of the annual convention is to gather members together for educational opportunities and to promote and celebrate the auction industry.  This year's lineup included sessions presented by Jeff Nelson on Environmental Issues and Methamphetamine Awareness presented by Kevin Jensen. Mark Rogers, National Auctioneers Association Vice President (now President-Elect), was on hand to present workshops on Selling Commercial Real Estate at Auction and Interviewing Clients for Real Estate Auctions.

Additionally, several members of the SDAA presented seminars on various topics, including Gary and Rich Wieman, Wieman Land and Auction on Consignment Auctions; Farm Toys and Internet Auctions with Ken Girard, Girard Auction and Land Brokers; Western South Dakota Land Auctions with Martin Jurisch, Martin Jurisch and Associates and Antique and Gun Auctions with Jeff Goeman, Goeman Auction Service. 

Throughout the weekend there were a variety of programs for the ladies, including lunch and tours on Friday and lunch and a quilting program on Saturday.  A Fun Auction on Friday night let the auctioneers showcase their talents and raise money for the association while garnering lots of laughs and plenty of photo opportunities. During the Fun Auction, attendees vote for their favorite auctioneer, who is then presented with the People's Choice plaque during the banquet. The winner of the People's Choice award this year was Ben Meyer of Huron.

During the annual meeting of the SDAA, a number of items were discussed, including information about the SDAA's support of the National Auctioneers Association and its various projects; the Bid Calling Contest and concurrent South Dakota 4-H Foundation Auction and allocation of funds for various activities of the SDAA.

Election of directors and officers was the final item on the agenda for the business meeting. Rich Krogstad, Spearfish, was elected to the office of president; Dan Clark, Winner, will serve as president-elect and Ryan Wieman, Marion, will be the vice-president. Directors for the upcoming year include: Chisum Peterson, Chamberlain; Bill Eckert, Okaton; Val Luckett, Wessington Springs; Ted Petrak, Chamberlain; Randy Owen, Watertown and Bob Julson, Garretson. Outgoing president, Terry Haiar, Alexandria, was commended for his service to the association.

The highlight of the banquet was the induction of new members into the South Dakota Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. Inductees are selected by their peers based on their service to and promotion of the auction industry, longevity in the industry and service to the organization. Inductees for 2009 included John Owen, Watertown; Jack Sluiter (deceased) and Gilbert Wagner (deceased). Families of all three inductees were on hand to welcome the newest members of the SDAA Hall of Fame. Established in 2002, the SDAA Hall of Fame now includes 23 members who have all contributed greatly to the auction industry in South Dakota. 

The South Dakota Auctioneers Association will be hosting their annual Bid Calling Championship in Huron during the South Dakota State Fair. Contestants will pit their skills against each other on Sunday, September 6 at the fairgrounds beginning at 2:00 p.m. This year will also be the fifth annual SD 4-H Foundation Benefit auction, which will immediately follow the Bid Calling Championships. 

• competition is stimulated at an auction.
• the highest price is obtained.
• you sell when you want to.
• the auction method is fair because all have an equal chance.
• auction advertising is effective.
• at auction, bidders prepare for action.
• at auction, bidders appreciate using their own judgment.
• the auction method is a fascinating way to sell.

• The AUCTION method is recognized as a modern, quick, convenient, and efficient system to sell your property. 
• When you sell at AUCTION, the spotlight is on your property, giving it individuality above all others at
           the time of the sale. It is a fascinating way to concentrate attention, interest, desire, energy and ACTION. 
• The AUCTION GIVES ALL BUYERS AND EQUAL CHANCE. Bidders appreciate using their own judgment, but are often influenced to pay more when property is appraised by a gathering of several bidders. Being influenced by the judgment of others stimulates competition. One buyer wants what the others want, and the result is the highest possible price for property.