A Letter from the South Dakota Auctioneers Association President
“Hello, Fellow Auctioneers! First, I’d like to give a huge thank you to our 2025–2026 President, Megan Hammond. Megan did an outstanding job organizing this summer’s convention in Brookings. From the excellent speakers to the smooth organization of the event, it was one of the best conventions I’ve had the pleasure of attending. Thank you, Megan, for your hard work and dedication to the South Dakota Auctioneers Association! I am truly honored to serve as your SDAA President this coming year. It is a responsibility I take seriously, and I look forward to serving our membership to the very best of my ability. My top priority this year is to grow our association by welcoming new members while also encouraging our current members to become even more involved. The strength of the SDAA has always been its members, and together we can continue building an organization that supports, educates, and promotes auctioneers across South Dakota.
You’ll notice that we are no longer doing the mailed paper newsletters. We will now be sending monthly email blast! This will be our primary source of communication throughout the coming year. With the rising costs of printing and postage, this digital format allows us to stay connected while being much more cost-effective for our association. I encourage you to share this newsletter with your staff and with fellow auctioneers who may not currently be members or who have become less active over the years. Each month, I’ll keep you informed with updates on upcoming conventions, contests, educational opportunities, and association news. We’ll also feature stories highlighting the history of our profession by recognizing past and present auctioneers, along with an occasional “Where Are They Now?” spotlight. If there’s someone in your office who would like to receive this newsletter, simply send Mike Girard an email and you’ll be added!
Thank you for your continued support of the South Dakota Auctioneers Association. I look forward to working with all of you over the coming year!”
Mike Girard, CAI
SDAA President
Back: 2021 Ken Girard, Wakonda SD; 2015 Jared Sutton, Sioux Falls SD; 2012 Jeff Storm, Custer SD; 2023 Justin Dean, Artesian SD; 2018 Ron Bradeen, Custer SD; 2014 William Bill Eckert, Okaton SD; 2016 Randy Owen, Watertown SD;
Front: 2024 Nick Stormo, Hayti SD; 2009 Ben Meyer, Huron SD; 2007 Val Luckett, Wessington Springs SD
incoming President Scott Moore
Back Row: 2015 Jared Sutton, 2020 Tucker Petrak, 2009 Ben Meyer, 2007 Val Luckett, 2017 Clayton Keck, 2014 Bill Eckert, 2016 Randy Owen
Front: 2018 Ron Bradeen, 2021 Ken Girard, 2012 Jeff Storm
from the 2017 People’s Choice Winner Clayton Keck from St Lawrence SD.
Notice Proud Dad Moment as President Ted Petrak Chamberlain SD looks on.
2019-2020 South Dakota Auctioneers Association President
Ted Petrak, Chamberlain, SD
Wayne Bessman presenting 2019-2020 SDAA President Ted Petrak
the traveling briefcase in memory or Warren Bessman
Front L to R: 2015 Jared Sutton Flandreau SD; 2018 Ron Bradeen Custer SD; 2012 Jeff Storm Custer SD; 2011 Don Sweeter Worthing SD; 2007 Val Luckett, Wessington Springs SD.
Wayne Bessman presenting 2018-2019 SDAA President Ken Girard
the traveling briefcase in memory or Warren Bessman
Back L to R: 2016 Marlin Fjelland Clark SD, 2015 Dan Clark Winner SD, 2004 Don Sweeter Worthing SD, 2002 Dale McPerson Rapid City SD, 2015 Wayne Bessman Madison SD, 2006 Vernell Qualm Platte SD, 2016 Terry Haiar Alexandria SD, 2017 Judson Seaman Rapid City SD, 2017 Tom Souvignier Canton SD
Front L to R: 2011 Marvin Girard Wakonda SD, 2018 Richard Wieman Marion SD, 2007 Darwin Fox DeSmet SD, 2012 Chuck Sutton Flandreau SD
Front Row L to R: Dale McPherson, Tom Souvignier, Judson Seaman, Bob Penfield
Front Row L to R: Val Luckett, Clayton Keck, Jared Sutton
