I’d like to give a sincere Thank You to those members who participated in NACM’s Membership Survey a few months back. There was so much good information that came out of this project. We have a leadership team organized and working with a consulting partner, XYZ University. We are focused on analyzing the data and looking ahead reimaging value for our membership. It is an exciting time, and I invite you to follow along for updates and/or announcements of new and additional value for this premier credit community. We are currently looking for members who can give a couple of hours over the next six weeks to assist in strategic talks and planning for 2024. If you’re reading this and want to be a part of exciting change, please respond to me here, and I will gladly add you to the invite(s).… Read the rest

This Report is being republished with permission from RetailStat

Throughout 2023, consumers have maintained their spending resiliency amid macroeconomic headwinds. However, the data reflects spending has shifted to higher-priced essentials and back to leisure, travel and other services, while sales of discretionary goods have mostly declined. On the plus side of the economic ledger, in addition to strong consumer spending, the job market remains strong, real wages are growing and inflation is finally falling.  However, there is also plenty to worry about. Interest rates are the highest since the beginning of the Great Recession, the stimulus impact is fading, and savings, especially among the lower half of consumers, are being depleted while debt increases. Although most consumers were able to lock in the historically low mortgage rates during the pandemic, new home buyer budgets are being stretched: the monthly cost of a new mortgage is now 42% of the U.S.… Read the rest

NACM Commercial Services is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tawnya Marsh, CCE to the NACM National Board of Directors to serve a 3-year term.

Marsh is an accomplished Corporate Credit Manager at Pendleton Woolen Mills in Portland, Oregon, and has been in the credit field for over 30 years. Tawnya is a longtime member of NACM CS, serving on our local board for the last eight years and chairing the board in 2020 & 2021. She attended NACM’s Graduate School of Credit & Financial Management in 2015-2016, where she ultimately obtained her CCE certification. The appointment highlights Tawyna’s commitment to the credit industry and her continuous pursuit of excellence.

As a member of the national board of directors, Tawnya will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of NACM.… Read the rest

Equally, Kudos to Darrell Horton for his service on NACM’s National Board as a Director and ultimately Chairing the board in 2022. When asked about his experience on the board, he said, “Serving on NACM’s board and ultimately as the Chairperson has been one of the biggest honors of my career as a credit professional. I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to serve on the board of an organization that is 127 years old and has approximately 15,000 members. Thank you to all my fellow credit managers for giving me the opportunity. It has been an educational experience that has been filled with joy, pride, laughter, personal and professional growth, understanding, and, yes, some stress.… Read the rest

Kendall Payton, editorial associate, NACM National

All of us start our careers as a new professional with little-to-no experience, hungry for education and excited for what lies ahead. Mentorship is the bedrock of professional growth and development in the modern workplace. It is the bridge between experience and aspiration.

For those seeking guidance, mentors provide a unique opportunity to tap into the wisdom of those who have walked the path before, offering valuable insights, advice and a safe space to learn from both successes and failures. Mentors often find renewed inspiration and a sense of fulfillment in guiding the next generation of talent.

Mentors can help develop your personal professional development and set goals and hold you accountable to achieve those goals.… Read the rest

Congratulations to these members on their new CBA & CCE designations. Are you interested in education and getting a designation? Check out this guide on the certification program. If you have any questions, contact Shawna Axness.

CBA:
Lisa Burton, CBA – S. R. Smith LLC
Tim Cain, CBA – Keen Inc
Jessica Kempton, CBA – PNW Railcars Inc
Miranda Grossarth, CBA – Ferguson Enterprises LLC
Misty Menashe, CBA – LaCrosse Footwear Inc
Mary Millan, CBA – Foster Poultry Farms
Wendy Miller, CBA – Simplot AgriBusiness
Timothy Van Natta, CBA – Timothy L Van Natta

CCE:
Erin Stammer, CCE – PNW Railcars Inc
Annie Kopanski, CCE – ESCO Group LLC

Head over to our LinkedIn and CONGRATULATE these hard-working individuals.… Read the rest

Jamilex Gotay, editorial associate

Associations, like the National Association of Credit Management (NACM), play a pivotal role in fostering professional development by serving as hubs for networking, knowledge exchange, and collective growth. In the modern landscape, the role of association members has evolved significantly. Active involvement, from volunteering on committees to spearheading initiatives, not only benefits a professional’s own growth but also drives innovation and adaptability within the association itself. As a result, associations and their dynamic members have become powerful engines of professional development, capable of shaping industries and catalyzing positive change.

Educational Opportunities and Career Advancement

NACM’s Knowledge Center offers a vast array of educational opportunities that can make credit professionals an expert in their field.… Read the rest