DES MOINES – This year’s Iowa Auctioneers Association annual convention was jam-packed with classes, competition and camaraderie. The Iowa Auctioneers Association announced the winners of the multiple competitions held Feb. 1-3 at the annual convention.
Rookie Champion: Michael Witten of Trenton, Missouri; first runner up – Jake D. Goecke of Marshalltown
Also competing in the rookie competition: Carley Sweeney of Waukon, Mason Holvoet of Wever, Even Shike of Boone and Douglas Head of Derby.
Ring Person Champion: Chad Bals of Ames; first runner up – Kam Hartstack of Clarinda
Also competing in the ring competition: Burton Prunty of Allerton, Barbie Doering of Hubbard and Heath Downing of Creston.
The Iowa Auctioneers Association was established in 1949 to enhance the skills, knowledge, professionalism and image of all Iowa auctioneers; while seeking to elevate the standards of the auction industry and promote a good public image. For more information about the Iowa Auctioneers Association, go to www.iowaauctioneers.org.
Twenty-one contestants to compete for Iowa State Champion Auctioneer
The Iowa Auctioneers Association (IAA) held their preliminary auctioneer contest at the annual convention on Saturday, Feb. 2, in West Des Moines. Twenty finalists made it through to the Iowa State Auction Contest Finals.
Auctioneers from all over the Midwest participated in the preliminary auctioneer contest in February. The Iowa State Fair finalists’ will show off their skills and talents. The Iowa State Fair finals will be held on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at 9 a.m. Aug. 13.
The 2019 finalists include: Chris Richard of Mt. Pleasant, J.J. Wise of Klemme, Chad Shepard of Cedar Falls, Dan Hershberger of Lime Springs, Leon Martin of Ionia, Kam Hartstack of Clarinda, Daniel Wilson of Redfield, Trenton A. Forrest of North English, Clay Stetzel of Guthrie Center, Justin Steward of Wyoming, Zachary Laurie of Indianola, Dylan Webb of Osceola, Joseph Bair of Elkhart, Chad Bals of Ames, Heath Downing of Creston, Riley Sieren of Washington, Rodney Perry of Moravia, Robert A. Barker of Keosaqua, Justin Brant of Glidden and Quest Flesner of Taylor, Missouri.
During the finals, each contestant will auction off three items each and the contest is held under actual auction conditions. The public is invited to watch and bid on items. Contestants are judged on speed, bid calling ability, salesmanship and professional appearance.
The top five finalists receive a ribbon and trophy. Cash prizes are awarded to the champion, reserve champion, first runner up, second runner up and third runner up. The Iowa State Champion Auctioneer will take home $1,000 grand prize, presented by the association.