Internet Intelligence, Dina Amadril (A)

The Internet is a two faced tool. It can be the best time saver, and the biggest time waster. Increase your productivity, or slow you to a crawl. In this session Dina will explore many ways to use the Internet intelligently to save you time and increase productivity.

We will review websites that offer great credit information, networking, and productivity tools. We’ll tour technologies that are hot now, and those to watch for in the future.

Dina will point out the black holes lurking out there to suck you in and waste your valuable work time. Finally we will review Internet terminology; i.e web 2.0, clouds, tagging etc. and find out what it really means for the business user.

Be prepared with your Internet war stories and triumphs. This interactive presentation will have you approaching your computer in a whole new way.

Anti-Trust Laws, Mikel Bistrow, Esq. (N)

Often in today's business climate, a simple collection action becomes a litigation quagmire when the debtor responds with a counter suit for alleged antitrust or business tort damages.  Defending these claims inevitably costs thousands of dollars of attorney fees while also delaying the creditor's collection action. This program discusses the practical issues of antitrust law compliance and the legal restrictions on “unfair” business practices.  The program reviews steps creditors can take to reduce the likelihood of being sued using audience participation hypothetical's to highlight the problems.

Using Security Documents To Increase Collections, William Creim Esq. (E)

A practical how-to-do it presentation designed for all credit professionals, including those who haven't used security documents. The program explains the different types of security and documents used by creditors and alternatives to the documents most frequently used by creditors. Topics covered in the presentation include: 1. Setting up the credit file. 2. Advantages of being a secured creditor. 3. Types of security: Standard collateral security agreements; Broader collateral security agreements; Consignment agreements; Guarantees; Pledges; Letters of credit; Leases; Fixture security; Real property security; Field warehousing; Lock boxes; Using third party intermediaries; Assignments; Trade acceptances. 4. Perfecting security interest: UCC mechanics; UCC searches; Purchase money notification and Problem situations.

Effective Email Communications, Janis Fisher Chan, Writeitwell (A)

Natasha Terk, a partner in the training and consulting firm, Write It Well, will deliver an interactive presentation focused on getting results from your workplace e-mail.  Prepare to talk about all the annoying things people do when they send YOU e-mail.  Natasha will offer tips and techniques for getting your message across clearly; managing your e-mail; and presenting a professional image. 

Understanding and Utilizing An Effective Credit Application, Scott Blakeley, Esq. (N)

A credit application can be central to setting forth the rights of the vendor in the event of a dispute with the customer. In this presentation the following will discussed:

• What your credit application should include to form a binding contract with your customer;
• The credit application as a source of information, including trade and bank references;
• The statute of frauds and signature requirements;
• Various business forms, from LLC’s to corporations to partnerships and what the different business form may mean with the credit application;
• Winning the battle of the forms: conflicts with the credit application, PO’s, invoices and order acknowledgments;
• The electronic credit application: the technology and the laws allowing for them;
• Key terms and conditions, such as attorneys fees, collection costs, venue selection, late charges and default interest, waiver and duty to inspects, escheatment/inactivity fee, arbitration clause, terminating the credit sale, approval to check references and share information;
• The Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the credit application;
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act and the credit application;
• Privacy rights and the credit application; and
• Form personal guarantee included with credit application.

How To Beat The Bank: A Checklist for Defeating The Legal Positions and Security Interests of Banks and Other Secured Creditors, William Creim, Esq. (E)

Trade creditors and their creditors' committees generally fail to challenge the legal positions and security interests claimed by banks, finance companies and other secured creditors in litigation, bankruptcy, workout and foreclosure situations. Banks and other secured creditors have received thousands and thousands of dollars that would have gone to the trade creditors if the trade creditors had merely followed the checklist presented in this program. This short but important presentation reviews an easy to follow checklist program that covers items frequently overlooked by attorneys, bankruptcy trustees and experienced credit managers. In addition, the speaker discusses the approaches that have most often succeeded in forcing banks to surrender cash and assets to trade creditors. A group participation workshop is held which presents practical real life examples of many of the issues discussed in the presentation.

The Art of the Deal Featuring Keynote Speaker – Barry Elms (A)

This dynamic and entertaining presentation will demonstrate a special 5 point formula to show you how to control the outcome of all interactions and get the best deal every time you negotiate with anyone. Attendees will be able to improve their negotiation skills in all aspects of their business and personal lives.

Trends In Payment Processing, Rudet Fountain & Robert Day (A)

Are your credit card fees out of control? Do you want to pass the processing fees along to your customers? Do you receive requests to accept payments by phone? Can your customers pay via your website? Is there an advantage to Remote Deposit? In this session we will discuss these and many other issues in the rapidly changing world of payment processing.

Setting Credit Limits and Making Informed Credit Decisions, Jim Menard (N)

We will discuss how the credit line set by you coincides with your company's philosophy for extending credit. Some factors influencing lender's comfort level:
. QUANTITATIVE vs. QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
. REASONS FOR CAUTION
. LIKELY DEAL KILLERS

Credit is like a puzzle. The pieces fit together to form a picture. The more pieces you have, the clearer the picture. It is possible to understand the essence of the picture without having all of the pieces in place. Although no one piece is enough to make you comfortable, you can become uncomfortable based on a single item.

The credit line is, an investment. a loan, but most of all - a privilege

The Electronic Credit Department: The Technology, The Law, The Latest Developments, Scott Blakeley, Esq. (E)

Mr. Blakeley will discuss the legal aspects of electronic, or digital, signatures. What are they? Are digital signatures on credit applications and guarantees valid? State and federal legislation of e-signatures; legal aspects of e-mail; what are the federal and state laws that protect privacy on the Internet; documenting the e-commerce open account sale. E-invoicing; e-credit contract disputes. E-mail admissions; securitizing the e-credit sale: Impact of purchase money security interest, L/C's and guarantees; computerized searches for lien filings; antitrust issues of concern to the credit professional in the e-credit era; automating the courthouse, and electronic filings with the court.

Afternoon Break - Sponsored by NCS

Professional Designations, Cheryl Hammond (A)

Ms. Hammond will review the NACM Certification process and what steps you need to take to walk down a fulfilling career path. She will review the following awards: CBA (Credit Business Associate) Award; CBF (Credit Business Fellow) Award; CCE (Certified Credit Executive) Award. She'll also include information regarding: The NACM Credit Administration Program; Filling out the Accreditation Roadmap and Tips on achieving your educational goals. In addition, there will be a roundtable discussion on the reason why Credit Professionals Get Certified.

You Make The Credit Call: An Interactive Study of A Non-Cash Company, Gyan Maharaj, CCE, Jim Dunn, CBF, Graybar, Melissa Kobus, CBA, Anixter(N)

Using the case study method, attendees will discuss/debate all facts relating to a fictitious company. After defining the problems, gathering and considering the pertinent facts and weighing alternatives, the attendees will arrive at a decision whether a) No Cash Company is in violation of certain credit principles; b) credit is to be extended; or c) credit should be denied.

NACM Affiliate Collection Managers Round Table Discussion, Moderated by Raul Mendoza, CMA Business Credit Services

This year we are fortunate to have all the NACM Collection Managers across the nation hold their annual conference in conjunction with the Western Region Credit Conference. Come participate in this open forum of "Asking the Experts." These are seasoned Collections Managers --- everything you've ever wanted to know about "working in the trenches" but were afraid to ask!

National Mentor Training Workshop presented by CFDD, Adrienne Murphy, CCE & Kathleen Tomlin, CCE

Make a decision to make an investment in the profession of which you are a part. Become a mentor. Professions only improve as people invest in the people and the profession. Take the time and give back. This seminar will help you learn how. Program to include: Definition of a Mentor; Value Doctrines; Developing Your Listening Skills; What does a Mentor Do?; Why Be a Mentor? Mentoring Skills and so much more.

Following completion of this national program, attendees will receive A Certificate Of Completion And A Pin

You have been working hard learning new ways to reduce credit risk, and turn company sales into money in the bank. Now it’s time to party! Put on a mask and take a turn on the dance floor at the Mardi Gras!

WRCC (optional) Evening events are always a conference highlight and a great chance to network with other Credit Managers is a relaxed atmosphere

Dinner, Dancing, Parade, Music, Costumes, Games, Prizes!

Entertainment sponsored by American Check Management

Go to FRIDAY SESSIONS

The Western Region Affiliates reserve the right to change the program as advertised due to speaker conflicts or unforeseen events. We will, to the best of our abilities, keep to the program and time frames listed.