Texas Auctioneers Association | Block Talk | April 2020
Your TAA Monthly News and Updates
TAA Scholarship Submission Deadline - MAY 1
TAA will be awarding a Scholastic Scholarship and the Jim Sample Endowment Scholarship at the Convention in 2020. More details can be found here.

Deadline for submission is MAY 1, 2020.

The purpose of the TAA Scholastic Scholarship is to advance education by providing a scholarship to be awarded to a deserving candidate who is a student with a parent(s) or grandparent(s) holding a current TAA membership. The candidate must be enrolled in an institution of advanced education of higher learning, including junior college, college, or vocational educational schools. All applications will be reviewed by the scholarship committee chairman to verify eligibility. The winner will be selected by a committee of four TAA full-member auctioneers. The winner will be required to forward proof of enrollment.

The J im Sample Endowment Scholarship honors the memory of those who impacted the auction industry and the Texas Auctioneer Association organization. The scholarship will provide the winner full tuition to America's Auctioneer Academy.
Helpful Resources for our Members
Online Auction/Software Resources
Many companies offer assistance and resources for conducting online auctions. If you are converting to online auctions during this time and have questions or need assistance, please email info@texasauctioneers.org or post a comment to the Texas Auctioneers Association Facebook page.
TDLR Notice: CE waived for license renewals
TDLR is waiving continuing education requirements for all licenses expiring in March, April, and May 2020. Licensees will still submit their renewal applications, pay the required fees, and have their criminal histories checked but they will not need to complete any required continuing education requirements this licensing cycle.

TREC Notice: All license applicants and license holders within their renewal period are automatically granted an extension to complete their initial application or renewal requirements until May 31, 2020. TREC and TALCB will be monitoring and assessing the need for further exceptions and extensions on an ongoing basis.  trec.texas.gov

TAA Compassion Fund
If a TAA member is experiencing a dire emergency and are in need of assistance, please contact TAA for options of a donation or support. Requests are reviewed. Email: info@texasauctioneers.org

Small Business Emergency Loans
On April 3, the SBA will being accepting applications for the Payment Protection Program (PPP). IMPORTANT: As the loan capital will be allocated on a first come first serve basis, small businesses are highly encouraged to apply ASAP. Some of these are forgivable dollars. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

First Quarter 2020 Report and payment deadlines extended to May 15
In response to the recent impacts of COVID-19, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will be extending the due date for the First Quarter 2020 report filing and tax payment until May 15th, 2020. This extension applies to ALL employers in accordance with the emergency declaration made by Governor Greg Abbott relating to the pandemic. In an effort to assist with the unprecedented amount of internet traffic that both our claimant and employer systems are experiencing, we ask that all employers PLEASE DO NOT START FILING your 1ST Quarter 2020 TAX REPORT UNTIL after APRIL 15, 2020. This will allow uninterrupted internet access for individuals filing for unemployment and help ensure employers have access to their online accounts. If after May 1, 2020 you feel that you will be unable to file by the extended deadline of May 15, 2020 please email tax@twc.state.tx.us with your proposed filing date and COVID 19 justification. You may also follow along and check for updates HERE.

Government Resources
•   CDC COVID-19 General Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
•   World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
•   Texas Health & Human Services: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Welcome First Timers
By: Montie Davis, HOF, PRI
TAA Secretary/Treasurer
With our annual convention rapidly approaching, I wanted to remind everyone what is offered for "first timers". If you have any questions, contact the TAA office.

The TAA has several activities just for our First Timers. The First Timer’s Breakfast is a fun event in which you can connect with our Hall of Fame members, Past Presidents, and our current Board of Directors. Not only will you have an amazing breakfast, you will also have two opportunities to win a free registration to the next year’s convention. The Hall of Fame will conduct a drawing among all of the First Timers at the breakfast for a free 2021 convention registration. Also, details will be given regarding the First Timer’s Scavenger Hunt. This is a fun way to get involved and meet many different members. After you complete the scavenger hunt, a drawing will be held for another registration to the 2021 convention. You definitely don’t want to miss the breakfast!

I highly recommend participating in the mentorship program. We will pair you with a Hall of Famer, Past President, past champion, or auction industry leader to be your personal contact during this year’s convention. They are there for you, whether it’s just helping you navigate your way around the convention, giving you more information about competing in the contests, or to discuss the auction industry with you. With the current state of our nation, the auction industry is changing. This will be a great way to network with other auctioneers and discuss new and creative ideas.

I look forward to seeing you at the 2020 TAA convention in San Marcos!
The TAA staff is working remotely and replying to communications as possible.
  • For direct or urgent questions, contact TAA Director, Krista Richter via text on cell 512-626-3674.
  • For ONLINE CE or membership questions, contact Christina at cmdpace@gmail.com.

For web or auction posting questions, contact auctionlook@gmail.com .
TEXAS AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION
512-285-2727