Newly appointed 2007 MSAA President Mike Bliss presented the final report to convention goers Jan. 31-Feb. 3, noting during a luncheon awards banquet that the first of many steps have been taken to bring to light a viable and fair licensing procedure for auctioneers in Michigan.

"MSAA has been trying since 1958 to set this legislation into motion, and now we are on the other side of making viable connections and signing these bills into law," Bliss, who has headed the legislation committee for two years, said. The bills were signed on Dec. 22 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Prior to Bills 603 and 604 - the first being the actual legislation and the latter, penalties to the clause – it has been literally an open market for those in the Michigan auctioneer industry. Previously, there were no formal requirements to becoming an auctioneer in Michigan, so consumers looking to hire auctioneers did not know who might have had formal training and who had not. This, along with a new claim on reciprocity with other states, are the biggest changes that the current law brings to state auctioneers. The ultimate end result, according to Bliss, is that people of indiscriminate backgrounds will soon be kept from invading "honest" auctioneers territory.

"This is a win, win situation," he said. "Those of us who are following the rules and will continue to abide by Michigan mandates are the ones who will really prosper because our client base will not be tainted by those doing bad business deals."

The bills themselves came at a very crucial time; in December, 2005, there were proposals set to go to the House of Representatives for legislation that MSAA and others had to scramble to fight. The basic outlines of that legislation stated enacting a $100,000 bonding of every auctioneer, as well as a clause that stated that every piece set to be sold at auction had to be advertised.

Bills 603 and 604 are a far cry from that original proposal that died on the floor of the House; Bliss says that the new legislation is what the state really needs.

"Perseverance accounts for what we did. We heard negative comments throughout the process, but we just kept the car on the road and between the ditches, rolling. The end result is voluntary registration legislation that will hold auctioneers accountable for their actions, an increase in awareness and ethical behavior and ultimately, an offering of more services to the public."

The ideas at the basis of Bills 603 and 604 followed a long route to get a signature from Gov. Granholm; Bliss said that there are many to thank for the successful journey, starting with MSAA executive director Tricia Wiltjer.

"From me and Tricia to our representative Diane Byrom, then on to Senator Ron Gilinick, as well as state representative Hoon-Yung Hopgood – they were all champions for the cause. When we came out of the committee, with our lobbyist Manny Lentine, we got back into the House with a good vote, then got our hearing in the House, after a second meeting, and a good vote again. The house floor passed, and then Gov. Granholm signed. It was an amazing experience, and one that we will now begin to build on - this legislation is merely a foundation and building block for us. We are definitely now focused on the future."

The registration bill, at this point, is voluntary, Bliss noted, however, at some point it will probably become mandatory.

"Ultimately we want to further the auction industry in Michigan," he said. "By launching an educational campaign, informing folks about membership benefits and reciprocity with other states, we also will focus on making sure that auctioneers understand this "voluntary period." It is important for all auctioneers to understand the faster they get in this registration, the easier the licensure will be. We are headed to licensure for all … it is going to happen. First, of course, we will make sure our education, rules and regulations are in place."

A committee is being formed to facilitate the needs of those registering with the State of Michigan; that board will consist of a commissioner elected by Gov. Gilinick, state auctioneers, and a non-industry person. The cost of the voluntary registration is $200 per year, but the fine details are still being considered. With that fee also comes exposure by the MSAA to the buying public.

"This really is nothing but an advantage for those who are registered with us because we will put the auctioneers name and information out there," Bliss said. "MSAA is 100 percent dedicated to that cause."

The initial hard work is completed, however, advocates of this licensing change have their work cut out for them.

"Now begins the process of educating, educating, educating," Bliss said. "We are preparing to launch a campaign that will hopefully get people on the wagon and understanding our purpose with this legislation. But, it is most definitely worth it. We have worked long and hard to get these requirements into viable law, and now we have done it. The future certainly looks brighter for both Michigan auctioneers and the buying public."

Starr Shuppert