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ServNet
Auctions Survey Growth in 2012, Plan for 25-Year Milestone in 2013
by R. Charles
Nichols
ServNet President
December
is a busy time for all of us, the year hastening to a close as we
hurry to complete annual reporting, financial reviews, and
forecasting for the coming year amid holiday celebrations with
colleagues, friends and family. Before we bid farewell to 2012, may
I take this opportunity to assess ServNet's achievements. We have
much to be proud of, and, as we examine our progress and plan for
the future, we have much to look forward to in the coming
year.
The
past year has been an excellent one for ServNet Auctions, which are,
in fact, tracking year-over-year sales stronger than the industry as
a whole. Serv Net's
market share is on the rise, showing growth of 11% over the past 12
months. Employment is up at ServNet auctions across the country,
with more 'boots on the ground' to offer our customers an
unparalleled level of service. Our facilities continue to upgrade,
the outcome of the group's entrepreneurial efforts and strong
capitalization. With economic indicators pointing to increasing
numbers of vehicles crossing the auction block in 2013, ServNet
auctions are well-positioned to handle the increase in business,
which will translate into even more growth for all our facilities
across the country.
I
am particularly proud of the work that we have accomplished as a
group over the past year by way of the various committees on which
the ServNet auction owners serve. Together we have planned industry
events, studied market trends and developed new applications for the
ever-evolving technological tools at our disposal. The synergy and
cooperation between ServNet's auction owners and these committees
has created a tremendous opportunity for dialogue and our own
"think tank" that is developing new ideas to propel us
into the future. Thanks to that think tank, we're watching for
exciting developments working in unison with AutoIMS and AuctionEdge
in 2013, which will give us the ability to link all of our
technology together on multiple platforms.
We
will, however, be moving ahead in 2013 without two key people in the
industry, and we mourn the passing of Matt Marks of IARA and Don
Meadows of AutoIMS. Their contributions to vehicle remarketing were
immeasurable, and they were both great champions of the auctions
that make up the ServNet family. We feel the loss of their
friendship and collaboration deeply, acknowledging with appreciation
the impact they have made on our lives and businesses.
As
ServNet auction owners, we celebrate a collective milestone in 2013:
twenty-five years as industry's "premiere network of
independent auto auctions working together to strengthen and build
relationships." We are pleased to trace tremendous growth in
ServNet as a group, and among ServNet auctions individually, since
its founding in 1988. What began as a cooperative marketing effort
involving 10 auctions 25 years ago has evolved into a network of the
nation's top auctions, now 30 members strong, which continues to set
standards for best practices and builds effective partnerships with
auction customers, from coast to coast. Our mission statement is
more than an ideal; it is in fact, a reflection of what we have
achieved and continues to influence the decisions we make moving
forward.
As
we approach the New Year, I want to express my appreciation to the
many people who contribute to the success of the ServNet auction
group: the ServNet auction owners for their unwavering commitment to
excellence; the auction employees who work so hard to maintain the
highest standards of service; the men and women who are dedicated to
maintaining the health of our industry; and our many valued
customers. I am thankful for my association with each one of you,
and wish you a wonderful holiday season, and a prosperous New Year.
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