History
The Montana Auctioneers Association was founded in 1961-1962 by a small group of state auctioneers. The ultimate purpose of the association was to aid member auctioneers to improve auctioneering skills and to grow in the auction profession. This purpose has not changed. For many years, the State Association supported a reciprocal agreement with the National Auctioneers Association, with membership in both associations a requirement. Although this requirement no longer exists, the Montana Association continues to support the goals, objectives, and activities of the NAA. The state bylaws, goals, and objectives are closely linked to those of the National Association.
Why Join the MAA?
One requirement of professionalism is continuing growth and education, as well as knowledge of current trends within a profession and those professions which effect it. Such growth and knowledge is facilitated by membership in any association formed for the purpose of achieving such goals and objectives. The rapid changes occurring in auctioneering make membership in an association a MUST for the auctioneer who is truly a “professional.”
Goals and Objectives
The Montana Auctioneers Association is an Association of professionals who have organized to promote and advance the auction profession.
- Promote the mutual interests of its members.
- Formulate and maintain the high ethical standards of its members’
- Encourage the enactment of just and reasonable laws, ordinances and regulations affecting auction selling and the auction profession.
- Make the public more aware of the advantage of auction selling.
- Improve the business conditions affecting the auction profession.
Membership
The Montana Auctioneers Association – your professional organization – will enlarge your circle of professional contact and associates. However, your entrance into the association is by sponsorship only. Just as you will be asked to sponsor new MAA members, an MAA member who knows of your integrity and professionalism will be glad to sponsor you.
For membership in the Montana Auctioneers Association, you and your sponsor must meet the following requirements.
- Your sponsoring MAA member must be a current member in good standing and you must be an auctioneer, either part or full time.
- Your MAA sponsor must sign the application, not necessarily in your presence, but as confirmation of genuine sponsorship. The MAA office will cooperate with both you and your sponsor to process your membership as quickly as possible.
- You cannot be sponsored by an auction school, an auction business, yourself, or an auctioneer who is not an MAA member. You cannot leave the sponsorship line blank.
The MAA is guided by an elected Board of Directors and Officers. Officers and Directors are chosen at the Association’s annual convention, usually held the last week in January, at various locations throughout the state. The convention offers members the opportunity to compete in a “Fun Auction”, to grow and learn through educational workshops, to share and to socialize and to provide professional input and direction for the coming year. Each MAA member in good standing is a voting member of the Association.
Many MAA members are finding that the Internet is a valuable tool and have invested in their future by developing their own websites. The MAA goals are to keep current with technology and assist its members with the tools to list statewide auctions on the MAA Calendar. All good standing members that have access to the Internet and would like to publish their auction(s) and/or events are encouraged to request an Account Name and Password. To request your account, go to the Auction Calendar and click on the Members button, follow the instructions to submit your information. You will receive an email with complete instructions on how to post on the MAA Calendar when your account is activated. MAA members who list auctions on the MAA Calendar are also encouraged to use the MAA web address on their brochures to promote this site. With the high printing costs and price of postage, we know that the MAA Calendar will save you money, even pay for your yearly dues. More auction enthusiasts are using the Internet to view upcoming auctions and will travel that extra mile when they know about your auction.
The Association publishes a state newsletter four times a year. The newsletter presents articles, minutes and reports, and state and national auction news. Each member is urged to contribute to the newsletter content. The subscription to the newsletter is included in state dues.
Each member will receive a membership card, lapel pin and reproduction of the MAA emblem, which may be used for advertising purposes. From time to time, other promotional items are available to members.