Nov 18, 2022
The fall season has been packed with member interactions, activities, festivities, and planning! What a great experience getting back out with our member companies, visiting with credit individuals, and enjoying the personal interaction. I’ve missed the in-person opportunities and am inspired by getting to work around those who bring a passion for occupational excellence to their chosen profession. You all are Rock Stars! Associations are the cornerstone for personal and professional growth, and naturally, a credit professional looks to NACM Commercial Services as the industry’s leading expert in all things credit related. Knowledge is the key to a brighter future and NACM CS has provided a magnitude of opportunities to sharpen credit skills in 2022. I hope you’ve taken advantage of some of the offerings this year. I highly recommend registering for the upcoming webinar, 2023: Budgeting, Planning, and your Credit Department. Thea Dudley will be leading this program, and her outline says, “Credit departments are notoriously underfunded and often lack the tools, resources, and technology to perform to their full potential. Credit managers are quick to point out they can’t get any funding. But hold on–whose fault is that? Is it truly beyond your control, or is it the approach (or lack thereof)?” Every credit person should gain the tools, knowledge, and even courage to tackle this subject. The session is complimentary, and you should register for it here.
One of our favorite times of the year is when we stop to recognize and celebrate those individuals who have served as Chairman to the NACM CS Board of Directors in previous years. This is an annual event bursting with good stories, rekindling old relationships, and many laughable moments. It was particularly enjoyable after a three-year lapse in the gathering, and my cheeks were sore from all the laughing at the end of the events. Some days it’s making time for the small things that bring the largest sense of reflection and accomplishment. Each of these individuals served as Board Chair and had a larger personal interest in NACM because of it.
Speaking of interest in NACM CS, it’s that time of year when we are seeking individuals who would be willing to serve as a director on the NACM CS Board of Directors. Meetings take place every other month. The service does not start until April 2023, although our Nominating Committee will be preparing nominations for the board this next month. Service is rewarding and a chance to make lasting connections and relationships with other credit professionals already serving. If you are interested in discussing this further, please contact me. The Board of Directors just enjoyed a full day of 2023 planning, where we spent time together envisioning the future of NACM CS. These individuals bring an innate sense of responsibility, a flair for creativity, and a background of robust industry experience to their roles. There is nothing comparable to collaborating in person, and these directors were strictly forward-focused in their mission. I see good things coming to NACM CS in 2023!
We would be remiss not to stop and thank each of you for your patronage and involvement in NACM this past year. We are grateful for your trust and inspired by your passion for your credit career. Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and we are thankful for our relationships with each of you.
Jennifer L. Walsh, CCE
CEO
NACM Commercial Services