ServNet Leaders Honored at NAAA
        Seven presidents of the National Auto Auction Association were honored during ServNet's A Presidential Affair held at the NAAA's 60th Annual Convention in Washington, DC. Several hundred ServNet members, auction clients and guests gathered in the Marriott Wardman Park's newly remodeled Lobby Bar area to celebrate service to the auto auction industry by ServNet members. 

Guests were entertained by Presidential impersonators, Barak Obama, John McCain and their not-so-secret service entourage. ServNet President, Keith Lelux, welcomed the candidates as they mingled with the delighted group, who crowded to have their pictures taken with the Presidential look-a-likes as they "campaigned" for every vote. 

Honored at the event were past NAAA Presidents Frank Brasher and Larry Brasher, (Brasher's Auto Auctions), Ray Nichols (BSC America), Henry Stanley (Carolina, Charleston and Indiana Auto Auctions), and John Rea (Rea Brothers Mid-South Auto Auction); current NAAA President Bob McConkey (DAA Northwest); and NAAA President-Elect Dave Angelicchio (Pittsburgh Independent Auto Auction). 

"We have lots of Presidents here tonight," quipped Lelux, "but we're most proud of our ServNet members who have served the industry as NAAA Presidents past, present and future. ServNet members have a long history of service in their communities, and in the auction industry. We're proud of that heritage and salute their efforts."

McConkey Leads NAAA in 2008-2009
        In an unprecedented three-term "ServNet string", this year's NAAA President, Bob McConkey accepted the presidential gavel from ServNet auction owner John Rea, and will pass it on next year to Dave Angelicchio, owner and general manager of ServNet's Pittsburgh Independent Auto Auction. 

"Serving in leadership positions with the NAAA is a lesson in collaboration, and I've learned a great deal as I've worked with John Rea and Dave Angelicchio over the past year," said McConkey. "It has been a unique opportunity to work so closely with two other ServNet owners, both of whom I admire for their knowledge of the industry and their leadership abilities. I look forward to the year ahead as we expand the work that John Rea began, and implement new ideas." 

McConkey's plans for the coming year include working with NAAA's membership to further strategic cooperation among the industry's various entities. Indicating that several industry initiatives are already underway, McConkey notes that he will "work with all of our auctions to serve the remarketing industry and to facilitate the implementation of systems that will serve the common good and to maintain the highest level of integrity." 

"I'm proud of NAAA's history and heritage, and the role that ServNet auction owners have played in the industry over the years," concluded McConkey. "It's an honor for me to serve the Association."

Lelux to Serve as NAAA Southern Zone President 
        Continuing the tradition of ServNet leadership in the industry is Keith Lelux, who will serve double duty in the coming year as both ServNet's President and the new President of the NAAA Southern Zone. Keith Lelux has worked in the auction industry since 1995, when he went to work for Henry and Patty Stanley as general manager of ServNet's Carolina Auto Auction. In 1999, he joined with a group of Wall Street Investors to roll out the Canadian Auction Group, with the purchase of five auctions. Over the next three years, he saw the group grow to13 auctions prior to its sale to ADESA Corporation in June of 2000. Shortly thereafter, he partnered again with Henry and Patty Stanley to develop a Greenfield site in Charleston, SC. Opened in the Fall of 2001, the Charleston Auto Auction has experienced tremendous growth, expanding its office building lot and auction lanes to accommodate its growing customer base and consignment. Two auction lanes added in the Spring of 2008 bring the facility's total to six lanes of auction selling. 

In addition to overseeing his own rapidly growing business, and serving as ServNet's President, Lelux has been an active member of the National Auto Auction Association. He has served on NAAA's dealer affairs committee, independent auction committee and marketing committee. 

Nichols Inducted in to NAAA Hall of Fame 
       During the Grand Banquet at this year's NAAA National Convention, ServNet owner Ray Nichols stepped to the podium as he was inducted into the NAAA Hall of Fame. Chuck Stepter, NAAA General Counsel, introduced Nichols as "a leader with family, friends, business and NAAA, who is frequently relied on by many of us as a confidential advisor." Highlighting Nichols' life in the industry, Stepter praised Nichols' devotion to his family, his business and the industry, noting that he "built a group of businesses that includes wholesale auto auctions, asset management, liquidation, floorplanning, remarketing services to lenders and lessors, and residual and specialized insurance services for major lenders and lessors, including major financial and automotive companies in addition to various other real property partnerships and interests." 

Stepter reminded the audience that Nichols served as NAAA President in the year following the tragic events of 9/11, and skillfully led NAAA through a troubling year for all of America. He led many strategic and long range planning efforts that continue to benefit NAAA. Since the conclusion of his presidency, he has devoted a great deal of time and energy to industry efforts such as growing and maintaining AuctionNet, which has generated a great deal of income for the NAAA. The NAAA Hall of Fame award is given annually to an auction executive with long-term service to the industry, who has improved the industry as a whole, and who has worked with other NAAA members to improve the industry, following the high standards of the NAAA Code of Ethics.

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