Whereas, it is necessary, in order to fit ourselves for the responsibility of Auctioneers, to cultivate the spirit of co-operation, improve our profession and protect the interest of the Auctioneer, to protect the public against unscrupulous practices; therefore, we do constitute ourselves the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association, we would like to personally invite you to become a member.
Join the OSAA today! Click Here for membership application.
Renew your 2011 OSAA Membership today! Click Here for renewal application.
Contact Us for more information.
The Statement of Purpose
- To provide a means by which the members of the auction profession may coordinate their efforts for the advancement of their profession and/or services relevant to the auction industry.
- Establish the highest standards of business ethics among its members. Develop and promote equitable trade practices and high standards of ethics in the auction profession.
- Develop through responsible promotion, new understanding and wider acceptance for the auction method of selling.
- Improve the efficiency of service performed by all segments of the industry.
- Collect information relating to the auction profession and disseminate such information to the public and to members of the Association.
- Represent and act for the auction profession before all departments and agencies of the State of Oklahoma and other public and private organizations whose activities affect the profession
- Contribute to the progress and advancement in every lawful manner and do lawful acts and things to promote the welfare of the auction profession.
The auction business is said to be the medium through which the lifeblood of the nation attains greater momentum and brings to the nation greater balance, prosperity and stability. It chases the ghost out of the ghost town. It brings hope, confidence and joy to individuals and communities. It turns the loss of an unsold business into profit for both seller and buyer. The Auctioneer should ever hold aloft the dignity and importance to the nation of his profession. He should never lose sight of his personal and professional integrity, his great responsibility and his sense of patriotism.
The auctioneer realizes that his profession is both competitive and co-operative and that he shares with others a common responsibility for its honor and that be being true to himself, he is true to all men.
With these principles ever before him, the Auctioneer pledges himself to their observance and to conduct his business in conformity to the following Code of Ethics adopted by the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association.
CODE OF ETHICS
PART I
- Professional Relations
- Article 1 In the best interest of the public, of his fellow Auctioneers and of his own business, the Auctioneer should be loyal to the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association.
- Article 2 The Auctioneer should so conduct his business as to avoid disputes with his fellow Auctioneers, but in the event of a controversy between two Auctioneers who are members of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association, he should not resort to a law suit, but submit his differences to arbitration by the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association, and the decision of such arbitration should be accepted as final and binding. If the dispute should be with a non-member, he should offer the services of this Board to arbitrate.
- Article 3 Where a member is charged with unethical practice, he should promptly and voluntarily place all the pertinent facts before the proper committee for investigation and report.
- Article 4 A member should never publicly criticize a competitor, and where an opinion is specially requested, it should be rendered in conformity with strict professional courtesy and dignity.
- Article 5 A member should not solicit the services of an employee of a fellow Auctioneer without his knowledge and consent.
- Article 6 In the best interest of society, of his associates, and of his own business, the Auctioneer should at all times be loyal to the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association and active in its work; and he should willingly share with his fellow members the lessons of his experience
PART II
- Relations to Clients
- Article 7 In justice to those who place their interests in hi hands, the Auctioneer should endeavor to keep abreast of business conditions, to keep informed in matters of law and proposed legislation affecting such interest, so as to give intelligent business advice and effective service.
- Article 8 In accepting the sale of real or personal property, the member pledges himself to be fair to both seller and buyer, and to protect the owner’s interest as he would his own.
- Article 9 When consulted for an appraisal of value or liquidation problem, a member should give a well considered opinion, reflecting expert knowledge and sound judgment, taking requisite time for study, inquiring and deliberation. His counsel represents a professional service which he should render in writing and for which he should made a reasonable charge. A member should not undertake to give an appraisal or offer an opinion, on any proposition on which he has a direct or even indirect interest, without a full disclosure of such interest.
- Article 10 Before accepting a sale it is the duty of the Auctioneer to advise the owner intelligently and honestly regarding the market value of the business or proposition and the reasonable chance of selling at value or above.
PART III
- Relations to the Public
- Article 11 It is the duty of every member to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in connection with the sale, disposal or liquidation of any real or personal property the Auctioneer is called upon to dispose of at public auction.
- Article 12 It is the duty of a member to ascertain all pertinent fact concerning every sale for which he is engaged, so that in offering he may avoid error, exaggeration and misrepresentation.
- Article 13 An auctioneer is a confidential trustee of the information given by the seller or gained by him through relationship, and the Auctioneer must never disclose the gross receipts of a sale or any information that would tend to be a violation of the profession.
- Article 14 No special conditions, real or assumed, or inducements or directions from anyone relieve the member from his responsibility strictly to observe the Code of Ethics in letter and spirit.
Bylaws
Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association
Standing Rules
1. Dues are to be paid annually on January 1.
2. The rate of dues is currently $75 per year payable in advance.
3. Delinquency notices must be sent to members.
Status
Original 1971
Amended 1987
Amended 1990
Amended 1991
Amended 1992
Revised 1995
Amended 1999
Revised 2003
Article I. NAME
The official name of this organization shall be Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association. The use of the letters OSAA and the Association used herein are authorized.
Article II. OBJECT
The object of the OSAA is to concisely express in the following sections the various aspects, interests and aspirations of our organization.
Section 1. The promotion and advancement of our members in the profession of auctioneering as a viable business marketing system is a primary goal.
Section 2. This Association will strive to protect the interest of all of our members in matters of legislation that affects our profession.
Section 3. The Association is dedicated through continuing education to advance through technical training, general instruction, exchange of ideas and frequent meetings, and the development of individual members.
Section 4. This Association will encourage patriotism and loyalty to the government of the United States.
Section 5. This Association will exclude discussion on all questions, which verge on immorality, sectarianism and racism except as such topics become legislative issue affecting the profession.
Section 6. This Association must advance the established goals and strive at all times to make the public more auction-minded by advertising the advantage of selling at auction, by conducting charitable auctions, promoting auction publicity, by being auction salesmen and by utilizing the phrase “Member Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association” within the regular advertising program of the membership.
Section 7. The official emblem of this Association shall be the American Golden Eagle (Aquila chysetos) with wings spread wide in an effort to raise aloft, carrying in his talons the crossed gavels of the auction profession, and, in his beak, a waving banner emblazoned with the name “Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association.”
Section 8. This Association shall present an annual Hall of Fame award to the person, who through outstanding effort, complete dedication and service, contributed to the advancement of the auction marketing system and the Oklahoma State Association of Auctioneers.
Article III. MEMBERS
This article sets forth the requirements for eligibility of members, describes the method of application and details the classes of membership.
Section 1. Eligibility for membership
Any auctioneer or other person actively engaged, directly or indirectly, in the auction marketing profession is eligible to complete a formal application form for membership.
A. The applicant must be honest, upright and worthy of confidence.
B. The applicant must be of good moral character.
C. The applicant must be recommended by a member of the Association.
D. The applicant must be willing to affirm that he (she) will support these bylaws or amendments thereof, that he is not affiliated with any subversive organizations and that he does not advocate the overthrow of the United States Government.
1) The applicant must complete a formal application to be submitted by the sponsor of the applicant to the Secretary-Treasurer who will in turn present the application to the Board of Directors at a regularly scheduled meeting.
2) The first year’s dues as stated in Standing Rule 1 of the bylaws must accompany the application for membership.
Section 2. Membership Categories
A. Regular members. This category of OSAA membership includes all members paying dues and not otherwise classified.
B. Affiliated members. This category of membership in OSAA is open to those corporations, firms or individuals that are not classified as auctioneers but are involved directly or indirectly with the auction marketing system.
1) This category of OSAA members includes, but is not limited to cashiers and assistants, sales managers, concessionaires, printers, equipment leasing/rental companies, insurance agents/companies, financial institutions and audio engineers or sound technicians.
2) Affiliate members shall not be eligible to vote, hold office in the Association nor participate in the business of the Association.
C. Honorary members. Honorary memberships in OSAA may be granted by action of the Board of Directors to members and non-members in recognition for outstanding service rendered to or on behalf of OSAA or the auction marketing profession.
1) Honorary members are not required to pay dues.
2) Honorary members shall not be eligible for office nor shall they vote or take part in the business sessions of OSAA.
D. Life members. Life membership shall be made available at a rate of fifteen (15) times the current membership rate.
Section 3. Dues paying members of OSAA shall find information on the current dues or fee structure in Standing Rule Number 1 of these bylaws.
Section 4. The Treasurer of OSAA is authorized to accept fees for members of this Association when they are paid by individuals, firms, companies, or corporations.
Article IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A. Board of Directors
Section 1. The Board of Directors of this Association has full authority to act for the Association between Annual Meetings. The Board shall annually review all policies and procedures established by the Board.
Section 2. Composition: The Board of Directors shall be composed of five members elected at the annual meeting of the membership. The term of office of each director shall be staggered so the terms of not more than two (2) directors shall expire in any one-year. As the term of office of each of these directors expire, a successor shall be elected who shall serve for three years. A full term shall be defined as three (3) years.
Section 3. Eligibility: All directors shall have a minimum of two years experience as a regular member of this Association, and meet any other requirement as set forth by Board policy.
Section 4. Term Limits: No member may serve more than two (2) consecutive full terms.
Section 5. Removal from Office: Any director of the Association may be removed from the office without cause by vote of not less than two-thirds of the members present at any annual or special meeting if the notice to the members for the meeting indicates that such a vote will be taken to remove a director. The director shall be informed in writing of the charges proffered against him/her at least ten (10) days before such meeting and at such meeting shall have an opportunity to present witnesses an be heard in person or by counsel in answer thereto.
Section 7. Board Organization. The Board of Directors shall hold a meeting within ten (10) days after the adjournment of the annual meeting of the membership for the purpose of organizing the Board of Directors and electing the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person.
Section 7. Installation: The elected directors shall be installed at the Annual Meeting.
1) Affirmation of duties. All directors, as a part of the installation ceremony, shall be required to make the following affirmation. “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office to the best of knowledge and ability.”
2) The newly installed directors will assume their duties immediately after adjournment of the Annual Meeting in which they were elected and installed.
3) An exception is made for the Secretary and Treasurer (or the Secretary-Treasurer) who are given thirty (30) days to get their books in order and the Treasurer’s books audited.
Section 8. Vacancies on the Board. Whenever a vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, other than from the expiration of a term of office, the remaining directors shall elect a member to fill the vacancy until the next regular annual meeting of the membership, at which time the membership shall elect a director to serve any unexpired term.
Section 9. Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet at each meeting of the Association on a schedule and at a place agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
1) The Secretary shall send out notice of the regular meetings giving a place, date and time. The room number of meeting assignments should be included if available.
Section 10. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President at any time. The President, upon the request of three Board members shall be required to call a special meeting of the Board of Directors.
1) The meeting notice must specify the purpose or purposes of the meeting.
Section 11. Geographic Representation
1) The state of Oklahoma has, for purposes of establishing geographic representation, been arbitrarily divided into six (6) districts as follows. North West (NW), South West (SW), North Central (NC), South Central (SC), North East (NE) and South East (SE).
2) Geographic representation over the state should be considered in the election of members to the Board of Directors and appointment of committee chairmen. This process attempts to provide equal representation in the Association.
Section 12. The Board of Directors acts on all applications for membership submitted by the Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 13. Disciplinary Action. The Board of Directors shall be guided by Chapter XX of Roberts’ Rules of Order Newly Revised on situations requiring such action.
Section 14. Quorum of the Board of Directors shall be three members.
B. The Executive Committee
Section 1. The Executive Committee of this Association is composed of the president, vice president and secretary.
Section 2. The duties of the Executive Committee.
1) The Executive Committee is authorized in an emergency situation to act for the Board of Directors.
2) The President is authorized to use electronic or postal facilities to reach a consensus for action in an emergency situation.
The Board of Directors must be informed on any action taken by the Executive Committee.
Article V. OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers & Responsibilities: The officers of this Association shall be a President, Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Secretary and Treasurer may be one person.
Duties of Officers
A. The President
1) The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and shall preside at all regular meetings or special meetings, and at all meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
2) The President shall represent himself to the public as the Executive Officer of this Association.
3) The President is expected to follow these bylaws and amendments thereto and observe and conduct business according to the rules of order adopted by the Association (See Article X, Parliamentary Authority.)
4) The President shall appoint all committee chairmen except the Nominating Committee.
5) The President is authorized to appoint all Special Committees with the approval of the Board of Directors.
6) The President is authorized to create new Standing Committees with the approval of the Board of Directors.
7) The President shall appoint an Auditor or Auditing Committee.
8) The President shall start all meetings on time and encourage punctuality by all members.
9) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors; or which may arise in the course of business.
B. Vice President
1) The Vice President shall assist the President in his agenda and perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the President or Board of Directors.
2) The Vice President shall preside in the temporary absence of the President in all meetings scheduled during the absence of the President.
3) In the event of a vacancy in the Office of President, the Vice President shall assume that office immediately.
4) The vacancy thus created in the office of the Vice President shall be filled by the Board of Directors.
C. Secretary
1) The Secretary shall take minutes of the Annual, Regular and Special meetings of the Association, meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
2) The Secretary shall record the minutes of the annual meeting and present these minutes for approval by the membership at the following annual membership meeting.
3) The Secretary shall record the minutes of the Board Meetings and distribute them to the officers and or board members only.
4) The Secretary shall issue or cause to be issued notices of all Board of Directors and membership meetings.
5) The Secretary shall receive membership applications and present them to the Board for consideration.
6) Perform such other duties that are generally associated with the position of Secretary of an organization or required by the Parliamentary authority (See Article X).
D. Treasurer
1) It is the duty of the Treasurer to receive all money (dues, fees, gifts) and to place the money in a bank account approved by the Board of Directors. Receipts must be given in all cases for the receipt of money with a retained copy for record purposes.
2) The Treasurer is responsible for the payment of all requests for money approved by the Board of Directors.
3) The Treasurer shall perform all such duties with respect to the finances of the Association as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
4) The Treasurer shall prepare his books for Audit at the Annual Meeting and at such other times as may be directed by the Board of Directors.
E. Secretary-Treasurer
1) When only one person is given the position of Secretary and Treasurer, the combined responsibilities shall be accomplished.
Section 2. Appointed officers: The following officers may be appointed as deemed necessary by the President. They are a corresponding Secretary and a Parliamentarian. The Parliamentarian need not be a member of the Association but must have credentials with a National Association of Parliamentarians.
Section 3. Eligibility: All officers except as noted must be regular members of this Association with a minimum of two years experience as a regular member of the Association.
Article VI. MEETINGS
Section 1. The meetings for this Association shall have both business and continuing education purposes. Meetings for the Association are classified as follows.
A. Annual Meetings
1) The Annual Meeting shall be held each year at a place and time approved by the Board of Directors. In an emergency, the Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote in the affirmative, may change to another time. Communication by electronic or postal facilities is authorized.
2) The Annual Meeting is for the purpose of nominating, electing and installing directors, hearing reports of officers and committee chairmen, presenting for resolution such items of business that may have accrued and giving officers and chairmen an opportunity to transfer files, records, equipment and such other items that may have accrued, to their successors.
3) The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to have educational workshops, seminars or presentations by some personality having an educational message.
4) The quorum for the Annual Meeting shall be the members present.
B. Regular Meetings. This class of meetings is a regularly scheduled event on a monthly, semi-monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis. The purpose is to transact business, have an educational program and adjourn. Care must be taken in planning and scheduling these meetings to geographically diversify meeting places so that the membership in the entire state can attend such meetings. Problems which arise from the different geographic areas of the state can be recognized and reconciled.
C. Special Meetings. This type of meeting may be called by the President or any three members of the Board of Directors to resolve specific problems that have been presented for resolution. This is a specially called business meeting for a specific purpose or purposes.
Article VII. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. The Nominating Committee shall be composed of a chairman and two (2) members. Geographic distribution of members shall be considered in the formation of the committee.
Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall be elected by the Board of Directors ninety (90) days prior to the annual meeting.
Section 3. Duties of the Nominating Committee
1) It shall be the primary duty of the Nominating Committee to interview each candidate selected for a director position.
2) Any nomination made from the floor shall have the prior consent from the nominee that they will serve.
3) Each candidate shall, during the interview, be informed of the duties of a director.
4) The candidate shall sign a statement indicating that the duties of the position have been explained by the Nominating Committee member(s). The statement of the candidate shall include a sentence that if elected the candidate will serve and will attend Board meetings.
Article VIII. COMMITTEES
A. Standing Committees
Section 1. Advisory Committee
a. Composition: This committee is composed of all past Presidents of the Association. The immediate past President becomes the chairman of the advisory Committee
b. Duties: This committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President. Communications shall be in writing covering past or future policies or other questions referred to the committee by the President.
c. The Advisory Committee assists the President when consulted and may assist in recruitment of new members.
Section 2. Education Committee
a. This committee consists of a chairman and two members and serves as a clearing committee for continuing education and training or re-training of members. It initiates programs for the meeting of the Association.
b. The Committee promotes advanced professional training for members.
c. Reports at meetings on status of training activities.
Section 3. Bylaws and Resolutions Committee
a. This committee may be appointed when necessary and is responsible for the preparation and processing of amendments to these bylaws. (See Article XI, Amendments)
b. The committee shall present to the Board of Directors any resolutions or bylaws changes proposed by members.
Section 4. Living Memorial Committee
a. The Duties of this committee is to establish rules promoting and administering funds, which are contributed.
b. Title to real property donated to the fund shall be taken in the name of the Association.
c. This committee is also responsible for making recommendations concerning memorials for deceased members.
Section 5. The President is authorized with Board of Directors approval to appoint all standing committee chairmen and to create new standing committees when needed. (These bylaws are then amended accordingly)
Section 6. Special Committees. The President is authorized to appoint special committees for the purpose of investigating and /or reporting on situations, which may arise in the course of business.
Article IX. DISSOLUTION
In accordance with the Internal Revenue Service regulations upon a vote of this Association to dissolve as an organization, a committee of five members shall be appointed to inventory the total assets of the Association and all funds, and after the payment of outstanding bills, the remaining funds if any, be distributed to charitable or benevolent organizations deemed to be appropriate recipients.
Article X. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules of order contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this Association in all cases to which they are applicable and not inconsistent with these bylaws or other adopted Special Rules of Order.
Article XI. AMENDMENT
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at the Annual Meeting of this Association by a two-thirds vote (2/3) in the affirmative provided the Bylaws Committee has submitted a written report of such proposed amendment(s) to the members of the Association thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
Section 2. These bylaws may be revised upon the approval of the Association acting upon a resolution offered at a Regular or Annual Meeting of the Association.
Section 3. These bylaws shall be reviewed for action every three (3) years.
Article XII. Resolution
Whereas, the original Constitution and Bylaws of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association were adopted in 1971 and,
Whereas, the original Constitution and Bylaws have been amended twenty seven (27) times making it most difficult to research an item and,
Whereas, there is a real need to have the Constitution and Bylaws revised and combined into one document as recommended by the adopted parliamentary authority and,
Whereas the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers meeting on October 6, 2002 did approve of new revised Bylaws,
Resolved: that the Membership of the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association at the Annual meeting in February 2003 follow the Board of Directors recommendation to adopt the revised bylaws.
