Orlando, Florida - The National Auctioneers Association elected seven new officers during its 2006 International Auctioneers Conference and Show in Orlando, FL on Thursday, July 13. This regular annual election comes at a time the auction industry is growing and undergoing changes, including more auctioneers conducting simultaneous live and Internet auctions.

New President William Sheridan, CAI, AARE, GPPA, of Mason, Michigan. said he is excited about the future of the auction industry, which saw total revenues grow by 10.6 percent in 2005, with residential real estate as the fastest growing niche.

“One of my goals is for NAA to establish a closer relationship with the National Association of Realtors,” he said. Auctioneers and Realtors are working more often cooperatively to sell properties.

New president-elect Thomas L. Williams, CAI, of Bixby, Oklahoma is a real estate auction specialist. “This industry’s possibilities are endless,” he said about the growth potential of auctions.

Vice President Randy A. Wells, CAI, AARE, GPPA, CES of Post Falls, Idaho sells antiques and collectibles, and conducts benefit auctions and other types. Four auctioneers ran for the office of vice president. “Joining NAA can make a big difference for an auctioneer’s level of business success. It did for me,” he said.

Four new members of NAA’s Board of Directors were elected from a field of nine candidates. New directors include:

· Christie King Ray, CAI, AARE, of Gadsden, Alabama. Her top goal is to create a greater public acceptance of the auction method.

· H. John Kramer, CAI, AARE, GRI, of Eaton, Ohio. One of his goals is to help develop an “innovation center” for auctioneers and auction programs;

· Darron J. Meares, of Pelzer South Carolina, wants to help auctioneers use technology to its fullest potential.

· Lance Walker, CAI, CES, of Memphis, Tennessee, will investigate ways to promote auctioneering, including TV and radio programs.