The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) issued a press release on Friday announcing it has widened its focus to include Internet and sealed bid auctions in addition to live auctions. The move represents a significant repositioning of the NAA, which will now include eBay sellers and other people involved in Internet auctions and other new forms of auctions.

NAA will now become the umbrella organization to provide information, education and programs to serve all types of competitive bidding. "These changes will position NAA to help its members achieve greater success in today's world that is increasingly influenced by the Internet, new methods of auctions, and many types of professionals working in auction companies, not just the traditional bid-calling auctioneer," said NAA President-Elect William L. Sheridan, CAI, AARE, GPPA, of Mason, MI.

Since its founding in 1949, NAA has primarily served auctioneers involved in the live auction method. The NAA's new Mission Statement is "To promote, increase and build the trustworthiness of the competitive bidding method of marketing, including live, Internet and sealed bid auctions, and enhance the professionalism of its practitioners."

The NAA has over 6,000 members worldwide.

http://www.auctioneers.org