FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         CONTACT:  Trent Stewart

November 7, 2005                                   (541) 480-5540
                                                                Ashley Herman
                                                                CSAA Executive Services Mgr.
                                                                (888) 541-8084, ext. 22                                                                                                                              
Auctioneer From Redmond Takes Second
in Pacific Open Auctioneer Bid-Calling Event

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – A Redmond, Ore., auctioneer has been named Reserve Champion in the first Pacific Open Auctioneer Bid-Calling Championship sponsored by the California State Auctioneers Association (CSAA).

   Trent Stewart took the second place title in the Oct. 29 event which matched up 34 professional auctioneers from throughout the nation in a friendly bid-calling showdown. It was held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center, San Diego, as part of the CSAA’s 2005 Conference.

   The event was strictly a bid-calling exhibition, open to auctioneers throughout the Pacific Coast and all around the country (including current and past state and national champions). The purpose was to recognize auction professionals for their unique and versatile chants, and to promote the auction method of marketing.

   Stewart received a $1,500 cash prize for his win plus a trophy. He said “luck” was his key to winning, but his resume might prove otherwise. With a 13-year history in the auction business,  he has two bid-calling titles under his belt. He was named Reserve World Champion Livestock Auctioneer in 2002, and this year he took the title of International Champion Livestock Auctioneer.

   Livestock is his passion and his business specialty. He is co-owner of Central Oregon Livestock Auction, in Madras, and is a representative for Superior Livestock Auction, in Brush, Colorado.

   The Pacific Open Championship included a pro division and a rookie division, for auctioneers with five or fewer years of experience in the field. Taking the championship title in the pro division was Rowlan Hill, Goodyear, Ariz. Other winners in the pro division were: Ralph Wade, Chickasha, Okla., first runner-up; and Mark Fisher, Mokelumne Hill, Calif., second runner-up. Rounding out the top 10 were: Paul Ramirez, Tucson, Ariz.; Paul McCartan, West Bend, Iowa; Merv Hilpipre, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Jim Glines, Santa Maria, Calif.; Eric Jordan, Carrollton, Ga.; and Michael Imbrogno, Fresno, Calif. The rookie division champion was Rusty Rhynalds, Upland, Neb. Others placing in the rookie division were: Mitch Jordan, Phoenix, Ariz., reserve champion; and Justin Hargrave, Mesa, Ariz., first-runner up. Rounding out the top five rookies were: Oscar Jarmillo, Tucson; and Eddie Lugo, Chino, Calif.

   In the competition, each contestant was required to auction three items to the crowd. Then the field was narrowed to 10 pro finalists and 5 rookie finalists who, again, auctioned three items to the crowd. A panel of judges representing a cross-section of the auction industry judged the event. A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.

   For more information about the CSAA, go to www.caauctioneers.org.
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   The California State Auctioneers Association is a professional organization for auctioneers which strives to promote professionalism, growth, and competency in the auction profession, and to provide vision and leadership in the industry. California ranks as one of the largest auction markets in the country. For more information on the CSAA and its members, log onto www.caauctioneers.org.

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