(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 22, 2006 ) Orlando, Florida –- John Nicholls of Fredericksburg, Va., was crowned men’s division international bid-calling champion at the 2006 International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) held July 14, 2006, in Orlando, Fla., during the 57th International Auctioneers Conference and Show sponsored by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA).

“Being honored with this award is the highlight of my life,” said Nicholls, who is vice president of Nicholls Auction Company in Fredericksburg.

Barbara Bonnette of Alexandria, La., took the women’s division IAC title. Nicholls and Bonnette beat out a group of 89 other auctioneers, including 31 first-timers, for the coveted titles. Their prizes included $10,000 in cash, a championship trophy and signature ring. They will spend the coming year serving as ambassadors for the auction industry.

Contestants were judged on the clarity, speed and rhythm of their chant, plus their appearance, poise, body language and eye contact with the crowd. After a day-long preliminary competition, the field of 91 was narrowed to seven women and 15 men finalists who once again showcased their bid-calling skills and underwent an interview process.

An auctioneer for over 16 years, Nicholls specializes in automobile and real estate auctions. He holds other bid-calling titles including the 1994 Virginia State Champion Auctioneer, and the 2003 World Automobile Auctioneering Championship.

Nicholls is a graduate of Bob Jones University with a BA in Psychology and a MS in Personnel Services. In 1990, he graduated from the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. He currently conducts five auto auctions per week and is a licensed realtor. Nicholls is a member of the Virginia Auctioneers Association where he has served on the Board of Directors and is also a member of the National Auctioneers Association. He has also served as a featured instructor at the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, IA.. In 1994, Nicholls was named Virginia State Champion Auctioneer and was an International Auctioneer Championship Finalist in the year 2000.

In 2003, Nicholls competed in the World Automobile Auctioneers Championship in Nashville, Tenn., where he was crowned the 2003 Champion. He was also named the Virginia Auctioneer Association’s 2003 Auctioneer of the Year.

Nicholls is active at Spotswood Baptist Church in Fredericksburg. He has been appointed to the Industrial Development Authority in Spotsylvania County, is a Board member of the Virginia Community Bank, and also serves on the Board of the Rappahannock Area YMCA.

For more information on Nicholls Auction Company, call (888) 357-2814 or visit www.nichollsauction.com. For a complete list of finalists or to view past IAC winners in action, go to the NAA web site, www.auctioneers.org.

Published by ASMarketingCenter.com a division of http://www.auctionservices.com and the http://www.nationalauctionlist.com.

Contact Information:
Nicholls Auction Co.
John Nicholls
Tel:
Email us


This is a press release. Press release distribution and press release services by EmailWire.Com: http://www.emailwire.com/us-press-release-distribution.php.