Benefit Auctioneer Requirements

For the past few months an issue has been building for auctioneers in the State of Minnesota. According to standing law all auctioneers conducting benefit auctions were considered professional fundraisers. Along with caring a $20,000 bond the State of Minnesota also required any professional fundraiser to provide ALL financial reporting including expenses and proceeds to the state in documented form.

Through the efforts of the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association and their lobbyist, a clear difference between professional fundraiser and benefit auctioneer was defined. This definition allows for auctioneers to conduct benefit sales without registering as a professional fundraiser as long as the auctioneer in question does not handle they do not handle the proceeds. This clarification has been passed by both the Minnesota State House and Senate as well as signed by the Governor.

"This is a great clarification for all auctioneers whether they conduct one or two benefits in a year to auctioneers who solely conduct benefit auctions," said MSAA President Joey Fahey. "It's always a goal for the MSAA to not only educate its members but to take a proactive stance and represent this profession with the State Legislature."

Benefit auctions have become a booming industry growing in gross annual sales 21.1% since 2003 to $16.2 billion dollars each year nationally.

2008 Hall of Fame Honored

For their dedication and their strong leadership within the auction industry, two long-time auction professionals have been inducted into the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. Herb Weber, of Elysian, MN and Frank Imholte, of St. Cloud, MN, received the honor during the Conference and Show held January 24-26, 2008 at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott, Bloomington, MN.

The Hall of Fame was created in 1987 to honor individuals who have demonstrated honesty, high ethical standards, a willingness to share with others, a high standing in his or her community and the Minnesota State Auctioneers, and made significant contributions to the auction profession. This select group of individuals is honored each year at the President's Banquet held during the annual Conference and Show. New inductees are selected by current Hall of Fame members and enshrined in the Hall of Fame during a special presentation held at the President's Banquet at the annual Conference and Show.

2008 Auxiliary Hall of Fame Honored

For her dedication and strong leadership within the auxiliary, Emily Burt, of Pepin, WI, has been inducted into the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association Auxiliary Hall of Fame. Emily received her honor during the 2008 Conference and Show.

2008 Best of Show

Mike Schultz, of Upsala, MN was awarded Best of Show for his entry into the Auction Proposal category of the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association Marketing contest. Annually, Best of Show is chosen from among the first place winners of each of the 21 categories in the Marketing Contest. This annual contest is a showcase event of the annual Conference and Show. This event showcases the creative efforts of member auctioneers. The contest currently has over two dozen categories in which first and second place are awarded.

2008 State Champion Auctioneer

Jolene Jokela-Veo, of Park Rapids, MN, was named the Minnesota State Champion Auctioneer at this year's Conference and Show in Bloomington, MN during the Champion Auctioneer Contest on January 24, 2008. As Champion Auctioneer, Jolene will serve as good will ambassador for the association.