2006 IAC winners: John Nicholls and Barbara Bonnette

Orlando, Florida -Their bid-calling skills have been judged the best in the world. Two auctioneers have been crowned international bid-calling champions at the 2006 International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) held Friday, July 14 in Orlando, Fla. The event was part of the 57th International Auctioneers Conference and Show sponsored by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA).

Winning the men's division IAC title was John Nicholls, of Fredericksburg, Va. Barbara Bonnette, CAI, AARE, GPPA, of Alexandria, La., took the women's division IAC title.

"Being honored with this award is the highlight of my life," Nicholls said, upon being named the winner.

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

Bonnette, of Bonnette Auction Co., LLC, has participated in the IAC since 1998 and is the 2000 Louisiana State Champion Auctioneer. Her auction specialties include real estate, business liquidations and antiques. She has been in the auction industry for 19 years.

"I'm truly honored to represent the NAA," Bonnette said, "and will uphold this honor with the utmost integrity."

The two beat out a group 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.

First runner-up in the men's division was C.D. "Butch" Booker, of Colfax, Wash. Second runner-up was Troy Orr, Ypsilanti, N.D. In the women's division, Terri Walker, CES, of Memphis, Tenn., was named first runner-up, and JoEllen Taylor, CAI, of Orlando, was named second runner-up.

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. Among the finalists were a husband and wife, Matt and Rose Backs, of Post Falls, Idaho; a brother and sister, Anita Espey and Mark Younger, of Maryville, Mo.; two brothers, Trev Moravec, of David City, Neb., and Matt Moravec, of Lincoln, Neb.; and an uncle and niece, C.D. "Butch" Booker, of Colfax, Wash., and Camille Booker, of Eltopia, Wash.

For a complete list of finalists or to view past IAC winners in action, go to the NAA web site, www.auctioneers.org.

The auction industry continues to see steady growth each year. In 2005, the industry experienced a 10.6 percent growth, with real estate being the fastest growing specialty segment. More statistics are available at the NAA web site.