FRANKLIN, TN - ServNet's President, Keith Lelux, announced that the auction group has expanded its Board of Directors. At ServNet's annual owners meeting, held recently in Newport Beach, CA, the decision was made to expand the Board from six to seven seats, and R. Charles Nichols, president of BSC America, was elected to fill the new position.

"The ServNet owners recently met to plan for the coming year and discuss the challenges presented by a turbulent market," reports Lelux. "We determined that adding another director to the Board would enable us to be more responsive to the industry and better align the organization's leadership team with current market trends."

"I am very happy to announce that Charles Nichols has been elected by the owners to fill the newly-created seat," Lelux continued. "In the short time that his auctions have been members of ServNet, we have appreciated his contributions to our organization. His experience, his understanding of the industry, and his enthusiasm for the business will be of great benefit to ServNet as he serves on the Board of Directors."

Nichols is the president of BSC America, which operates two auction facilities: Bel Air Auto Auction in Maryland, and Tallahassee Auto Auction in Florida. The BSC America auctions joined ServNet in May of this year.

"Joining ServNet this past year was a very positive step for us, and the focus that our affiliation with ServNet has brought to both our auction locations has been great from our perspective," said Nichols. "We continue to benefit from the opportunities we have to share ideas, services and networking opportunities with the other ServNet auctions, and are pleased that our customers recognize the benefit of working with ServNet auctions as well."

"It will be a great opportunity for me to work even more closely with the other ServNet owners as I serve on the Board of Directors," said Nichols, noting that the Board has been charged with developing new initiatives for 2009 that target various dealer groups. "I'm looking forward to furthering ServNet's brand recognition around the country."

Nichols serves on the Board of Directors with John Brasher (Brasher's West Coast Auto Auctions) and John Luce (Flint Auto Auction). Bob McConkey (DAA Northwest) is chairman; Keith Lelux (Charleston Auto Auction) is president; Jeff Brasher (Brasher's Reno Auto Auction) is vice president; and Bruce Beam (DAA OKC) serves as treasurer.

ServNet CEO, Pierre Pons, commented that expanding ServNet's Board of Directors capped a year of advances within the ServNet organization, which marked its 20th Anniversary in 2008.

"In 2009 we will continue to support the ServNet Auction brand by illustrating that these independently-owned auctions are among the best auto remarketing businesses in the country," concluded Pons. "In the coming year, expect to see a number of ServNet auctions receiving high honors from national consignors, and look forward to the roll-out of innovative programs to help dealers achieve superior results with their inventories. Despite uncertain economic times, ServNet Auctions continue to expand their operations, add staff and command leading service levels in their market areas."