The following submission was provided from National Auctioneers Association’s Cheif Executive Officer, Ms. Haines Combest. We value the support our organization receives from NAA and encourage all our members and Georgia Auctioneers to get involved and take every opportunity to support our industry.  Thanks Hanes!

I have a new favorite quote – “You will never “find” time for anything.  If you want time, you must make it.”

This comes from a gentleman, Charles Buxton, who lived in the 19th century and was a public servant in England. He also was the same guy who said “if we do what is necessary, all the odds are in our favor.”

Wise man!

In March, NAA hosts the state leadership conference and every single year when we ask what the biggest challenge is for the state associations, they respond with “getting enough volunteers.”

I feel their pain! 

Currently, the NAA Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to run for Vice President of the NAA and for two director positions to serve on the Board.  The Committee is looking for people who have been involved with NAA, who understand what we are trying to do, and who want to serve.  In addition, the Committee has carefully defined what skills the Board needs. Beginning in November, you will be able to find that information in the “Spotlight” of our website (auctioneers.org).

Two years ago, the membership approved a change in the Articles of Incorporation that changed the way we conduct elections.  Candidates must now go through an interview process by the Nomination Committee and that Committee will only endorse up to two candidates per position (two for the Vice President position and a total of four for the Board of Director’s two positions).  An individual who is not endorsed may still run, however.  What the Nominating Committee is trying to do is to make sure that people understand that there is work involved in serving on the Board.

The state associations want the same thing.  They want people who are willing to MAKE time to serve.  And for those people who wait for the time to be right (I need my kids to be a bit older, I need my business to be a bit more financially secure, I need to have more time), please know that for every argument you make, I can make a counter argument.  For example:  I need my kids to be a bit older – kids deserve your time and your attention.  But they also deserve a role model and what better role model can you provide than serving as a leader within the profession that helps you make your living.  I need my business to be a bit more financial secure – one thing I know about Board service, you make connections – and that helps you AND your business.  I need to have more time – you need to MAKE more time.

I don’t just preach involvement, I try to live it.  I also try not to over-extend myself.  I usually have three volunteer positions – one at my church, one with my profession and one in my community.  By limiting myself to three, I know that I am not overextended. 

I would ask you during this autumn season to think about your involvement with your state or national association – how has your profession impacted your life?  Can you MAKE time to serve on the Board?  If not, can you MAKE time to serve on a committee?  If not, can you MAKE time to write one article, or help with one seminar or contribute to one event?

There is an old African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child.  Frankly, it takes a village to make a profession better.  Your contribution to your state association or to NAA is essential.  So please make time.  Get involved!  You will make a difference.

Hannes Combest, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
NAA, the association for auction professionals
www.auctioneers.org     www.naaauction.com

P.S. If you are interested in serving on the NAA Board of Directors as a director or as vice president, please email me.

Scroll to Top