Byron Bina places in world championship
Byron Bina of Lincolnville was named division second runner-up auctioneer and first runner-up ringman Oct. 27-28 at the 2006 Pacific Open World Auctioneers & Ringman Championship at San Diego, Calif.
"It's all about the people," Bina said. "I love the auction business. I'd do it no matter if I was selling bowls and plates or selling million-dollar real estate."
The auctioneer's competition was open to auctioneers from across the U.S., including current and past state, national, and world champions. The purpose of the contest was to recognize auction professionals for their unique and versatile chants and to promote the auction method of marketing.
In the competition, each contestant was required to auction three items to the crowd. The field then was narrowed to the top finalists, who again auctioned three items. A panel of judges representing a cross-section of the auction industry judged the event.
A portion of the proceeds was donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.
Bina has cried 24 sales in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and parts of Colorado during the 2006 season. He has placed as one of the top 10 Kansas auctioneers for the past five consecutive years and was named Nebraska's 2006 rookie of the year.
"While it's fun to travel and do the larger sales," Bina said, "I'd rather be back home selling old farm houses, John Deere (equipment), and Grandma's collectible plates. It's where my family is and where I want to raise a family."
