(Grand Island, NE) The Nebraska Auctioneers Association, a state trade organization representing the auctioneering profession in Nebraska, conducted their Annual Auctioneer State Championship on Monday, September 2, 2013. The Championship Competition was held at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, Nebraska. Fifteen finalists, who previously qualified at the Association’s Convention in Kearney, Nebraska, competed for the title of Nebraska Auctioneer Champion in a live auction before fair attendees.
The Auctioneer competitors were judged on presentation, chant, voice quality, body language, and other elements of effective auctioneering along with a personal interview. Regina Andrijeski, Old West Realty Auction, Curtis, NE, won the title of Champion, also making history as the first female to hold the title. The Reserve Champion was David Whitaker, Steffes Auctioneers, Ames, IA. Placing Runner- up was Curtis Wetovick, CW Auction, Fullerton, NE. Receiving the Rookie of the Year award was Adam Marshall, Adam Marshall Auction, Elm Creek, NE.
Rounding out the top ten auction finalists were: Ora Adler, Adler Auction Service, Juniata, NE; Gary Juranek, Gary Juranek & Associates Auctioneers, Council Bluffs, IA; Duane McClain, Lashley Land & Recreational Brokers, North Platte, NE; Wayne Morris, Morris Auctions, Columbus, NE; Courtney Nitz-Mensik, Jack Nitz & Associates Auctioneers, Fremont, NE; Colt Pope, Pope Auction Co., Sutton, NE.
The Nebraska State Auctioneer Champion will now compete in the 2014 International Auctioneers Championship to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Annual Jon Moravec Memorial Ringman Award was presented to David Whitaker, Ames Iowa during the preliminary round in Kearney. The Ringman competitors were judged on presentation, enthusiasm, audience observation, and communication with the auctioneer along with an personal interview.
The Nebraska Auctioneers Association promotes the auction method of marketing by providing professional training and support for auctioneers in Nebraska. Alton Heimes of Creamer, Heimes, Janssen Auctioneers in Hartington, NE is the President of the Association which is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.