News, Information and Commentary
March 2018
STAY UP TO DATE
A few thoughts from
Jon Flora, President & CEO

What's with all the political messaging?

In recent weeks, our Washington members have received requests to contact state legislators about bills having a negative impact on NACM member companies and employees. You have made a difference.
The Washington Legislature now has a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate. Governor Jay Inslee leads the charge. The majority is very slim but this new control has resulted in attempts to force through a lot of legislation that isn't necessarily in the best interest of the taxpayers or our NACM members. We needed your help and you delivered.

We asked you to help defeat a capital gains tax - which is really an income tax - which is unconstitutional in Washington. Aside from impacting your companies, it may have also delayed your retirement if passed. The good news is that bill finally died in committee and is done for this year. Representatives heard from a lot of voters including many of you about how the tax was a bad idea. Your calls and emails made a difference. Thanks for your help.

We also sought your help in defeating a new Energy Tax. It was forecasted to add nearly 88% to gas, propane and natural gas costs over a ten year period and heavily tax many of our members in manufacturing. The State Senate was working to get this passed largely as a favor to the Governor at a time when the State does not need more money. It will likely be back in some new form but, for now, it's gone. T hank you for helping.

Last Thursday night, the Governor vetoed a bill that would have exempted the Legislature from current law that requires public access to legislative and public records. The bill was quickly pushed through the House and Senate in an attempt to eliminate public debate . It was supported by both D's and R's. In a time when trust and transparency in government is already severely lacking, the bill made no sense. It was bad public policy.

Although we didn't seek your help on this one, NACM BCS was one of the 20,000 calls, letters, and emails that Governor Inslee received imploring him to veto the bill even though the Legislature had enough votes to override his action. He ultimately made the right call and legislators wisely has second thoughts about the bill and their process. It's dead for this session but likely will rear its head again next January.

(See the Seattle Times story in our news section about the bill and the Governor's veto.)

NACM BCS encouraged you to call your elected representatives for a couple of reasons.

First, these bills would have been detrimental to our member companies and employees. Taxation in Washington is growing fast and it has to stop. Tax after tax is being levied and, because of a thriving Washington economy, the State has plenty of money. Almost $1.3 billion in surplus is forecast over the next two years. Most Washington homeowners are experiencing double digit increases in property taxes this year. (My own is up 20%.) The State doesn't need more tax revenue.

Second, an attempt to keep public records inaccessible to voters is incomprehensible. When trust of lawmakers is at an all time low, doing away with transparency in government raises the specter that they're doing something wrong, even if they're not.

Part of our work at NACM BCS is to inform you and encourage your participation in these important issues. We all need to pay more attention. The last month, I've spent a fair amount of time reading bills and, with the help of our own lobbyists, have watched out for our members' collective best interests. We had some successes but we all need to be vigilant of what's happening in our communities and states. Without this involvement, we deserve what we are getting in some elected offices. When we all step up together, we can make a difference and we've just proven it.

To our friends in Hawaii and Alaska, let us know what we need to be watching in your world. We will lend a hand if you tell us what's happening.

March is a month of educational opportunity: locally, online and in Hawaii. There is something for everyone. I encourage you to take a look at the descriptions and schedules below. Also don't forget to register for NACM National Credit Congress. June is just around the corner.

Have a great month and thanks for being part of NACM Business Credit Services

BOARD ELECTIONS
Annual Board elections are coming up this month. In just a few days, you will be receiving an email with a link to this year's Board electronic ballot. Voting will be open from March 9-19.

We encourage you to be an active part of your association by voting. This is an important part of membership, so please participate. If you would be interested in serving on the Board in future years, we would enjoy talking with you. Just drop a note to: feedback@nacmbcs.org.

Thanks, in advance, for your time and participation
MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to Congress-bound scholarship recipients

See you in Phoenix!
We extend our congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients who will be attending Credit Congress this June. Each will receive an award to pay for their full registration. These awards are made by the Business Credit Foundation, our independent philanthropic organization, that supports scholarships and other educational programs for our affiliate members as well as some occasional community programs.

The recipients are:

Shoni Tiede, Thrifty Supply
Rebecca Talavera, Star Rentals
Lisa McCarthy, Keller Supply
Paulyne Vandersloot, Mutual Materials

Well done and we'll see you in Phoenix.

For more information on our scholarship opportunities, check out our website at:

EDUCATION
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MARCH 6TH ONLINE WEBINAR

Next in our popular series:

Effective Customer Visits

Carolyn Peradotto, Ferguson Waterworks
Mark Zavras, SubZero

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (PST)
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (AST)
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m (HST)

Format: Online

Price: Free to Members

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In credit management, it is essential to have strong relationships with your customers. One way to build those relationships is through customer visits. How do you build those relationships? What are some key things you should do at every customer visit (and what should you avoid)?

Learn about the benefits of customer visits from two seasoned Credit Managers and why they see the customer visit as an essential tool. This will be an interactive discussion; bring your questions and your good ideas.  

Join with counterparts from Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, and California for this collaborative program. Our last program attracted more than 200 participants - so register early! First come, first served.

Note: Once registered, a log-in will be provided

Business Credit Principles Online class returns April 2nd
A growing number of our newer members have asked us to resume our Business Credit Principles Online course this spring. We're excited by this enthusiasm and are pleased to announce that it's back this Spring!!

Starting April 2nd , we will once again partner with Edmonds Community College to deliver this important professional credit class. Use it to work toward professional certification or - better yet - pursue a college degree if you don't yet have one.

Whether you're at the beach, hanging out at Starbucks, or aboard a Washington State Ferry, you can log in for the class anytime, anywhere. Meet other members while you learn more about credit basics.

BCP may be the best class you will take so register today by clicking the button below.
HAWAII WINTER CREDIT FORUM
presented by UnitedTranzactions

Friday, March 16, 2018
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii Winter Credit Forum
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii
March 16, 2018
Aloha nui loa!

The Hawaii Winter Credit Forum returns to Honolulu for a second year. Great speakers are lined up and we thank UTA, Experian and D&B for sponsoring the day-long program.

Whether you're kama'aina or coming from the mainland on business or vacation, join us on March 16th for a day of professional education. Registration is open! Register today!


We have an informative all-day schedule planned for you. Forum Presentations will include:

  • Keynote Presentation: Leadership, high performance in your work and career, and work-life balance
Presented by: Hiq Lee, President, Experian Business Information Solutions

  • Economic Forecast covering International, Hawaiian and Mainland markets
Presented by the University of Hawaii School of Business

  • Mechanics Liens: What do you need to know about Hawaii Lien laws?
Presented by Gerald Clay, Partner at Clay, Chapman, Iwamura, Pulice & Nervell

  • Hawaii Legislative review and the impact on business
  • TOTE Maritime's new shipping options between the Mainland and Hawaii
Presented by Roy Catalani, Vice President, Young Brothers
  • Credit Card Surcharging made easy
Presented by Dean Middleton, President, UTA

  • New opportunities in credit card processing & handling chargebacks
Presented by Matt Fluegge, Vantiv/Worldpay

  • Mobile apps and access for Credit Reports
Presented by Joyce Simas, Experian and Bob O'Brien, Dun & Bradstreet
  • Credit Roundtable
Bring your questions, problems and challenges; and get help from your colleagues

  • And more - including a Vendor Expo with Credit Reporting, Credit Card and Payment Processing partners.

  • Cocktails and live music wraps up the day

Meet our Forum Sponsors at the
NEWS IN OUR REGION
Washington Governor vetoes public records bill
After a week of fierce public outcry, Gov. Jay Inslee Thursday night vetoed a controversial public-records bill that Washington state lawmakers hurriedly approved last week . Click below to read more.

Six major companies interested in naming rights for Seattle Arena
The Oak View Group, which is leading the renovation of the historic Key Arena with private money, has received interest from six major companies for naming rights.

Construction on the project begins this fall. See more below from the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Hawaii leads nation in highest debt-to-mortgage ratio
Homebuyers in Honolulu have the highest mortgage debt-to-income ratio in the nation, while homebuyers on Maui have a ratio that’s third-highest in the U.S. Read more from the Pacific Business News.

PBN
Anchorage prepares for first ever gas and diesel tax
Life is changing in the 49th state as Anchorage prepares for its first ever, .10/gallon fuel tax. The goal is to reduce property taxes. See more from the Anchorage Dispatch .

Twitter CEO asks for help with "civility" on social media
Social media can be a very useful tool. It can also be harmful and damaging.

Twitter's CEO is seeking civility in the use of his company's global messaging service. This article from the Associated Press offers an interesting look.

EVENT & INDUSTRY GROUP CALENDARS
What's coming in March and this year
CFDD South Puget Sound Chapter Spring Conference

March 19, 2018, 12:30-7:30
Johnny's at Fife, Fife,WA
Fraud, Bankruptcy, and Sales working with Credit! CFDD South Puget Sound has it all on March 19th.

Afternoon Conference & Dinner Program Cost: $50.00

Afternoon Conference Only
Cost: $35.00

Payable at the door - cash & checks only

Everyone is welcome! For more information and to register, click below:

CreditScape 2018 Summit:
Change Management
April 4-5, 2018
Garden Grove, California

Presented by
Credit Management Association

Southwest Business & Construction Credit Conference
April 5-6, 2018
Phoenix, Arizona

Presented by:
Southwest Business Credit Services

NACM BCS Annual Seminar

May 7, 2018
Hilton SeaTac Conference Center
Seattle, Washington
Presented by your affiliate:
NACM Business Credit Services

SAVE THE DATE
NACM National Credit Congress
It's time to start planning for NACM's National Credit Congress. Join the biggest conference of the year as we head for Phoenix June 10-13, 2018.

Three days of exemplary educational programs and networking with professional colleagues.

Be part of driving results for the credit profession. Come to Phoenix!

For more information about Credit Congress and to register, click below.

Kick Off Credit Congress right with the exclusive NACM BCS Member Party - atop the Hyatt Hotel
Be sure to join our traditional Sunday night kick-off party at Congress. It's the only way to start off the biggest show of the year.

We have big plans to gather in the revolving lounge high atop the Hyatt Hotel in Phoenix. Plan to be part of this invitation-only introduction to the Valley of the Sun.

Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
Industry Trade Groups
Puget Sound Area

Mar. 8
11:30 a.m. Floor - Duke's Chowderhouse

Mar. 13
11:30 a.m. Transportation - Duke's Chowderhouse

Mar. 15
11:30 a.m. Ad Media - CBS-KSTW
11:30 a.m. Eastside Construction - 13 Coins, Bellevue
11:30 a.m. Wiriing - Duke's Chowderhouse

Mar. 20
11:30 a.m. HVAC - Duke's Chowderhouse

Mar. 21
11:30 a.m. Tacoma Construction - Johnny's Dock
11:30 a.m. Food - Duke's Chowderhouse


Anchorage   

Mar. 21    
12:00 p.m.  Alaska Suppliers & Food  - Doriola's


Honolulu     

No Group Meeting this month. Join us for the Hawaii Credit Forum on March 16th.


Upcoming Professional Programs
Online Webinar Schedule

Tuesday, March 6th --

Effective Customer Visits

Carolyn Peradotto, Ferguson Waterworks
Mark Zavras, SubZero


Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (PST)
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (AST)
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m (HST)

Format: Online

Price: Free to Members


Online Class

Business Credit Principles Online
Taught by NACM Member, Joshua Nolan CCE, Oldcastle Pre-Cast

Begins April 2nd

Offered in conjunction with Edmunds Community College. Students may receive college credit toward a degree as well as credit toward professional certification.


Seminars & Conferences

Mar. 16 - NACM BCS Hawaii Winter Credit Forum
Honolulu, HI

Mar. 19 - CFDD South Puget Sound Chapter Spring Conference
Fife, WA

April 4-5 - CreditScape 2018
Garden Grove, CA

April 5-6 - Southwest Business Credit Services Construction Credit Conference
Phoenix, AZ

May 7 - NACM BCS Annual Seminar & Meeting
Seattle, WA

June 10-13 - NACM National Credit Congress
Phoenix, AZ

October 10-12 - NACM Western Region Credit Conference
Salt Lake City, UT
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Need help with Collections?
If your company is light on Collections staff, call NACM Business Credit Services for help with your outstanding balances and A/R Management.

We have a proven performance record and offer competitive pricing.

Best rates, best service, best recovery

800-432-5710
It's tax time!

Do you need tax / accounting help?
With April 15th fast approaching, you and/or your company may have a need for sound tax and accounting advice.

Foster + Co, CPAs is a preferred provider of accounting and tax service for NACM Business Credit Services. New for 2018, the firm is offering special pricing for members and customers.

No matter where you're located, if you need help or advice, take advantage of this new offering for our members and customers.

Contact Cortney Foster, CPA, for a free consultation. Call 206-448-7500 or drop an email via the following link:


Latest Job Opportunities
Looking for a job or trying to fill a position? Check out the Job Bank!

If you are needing to fill a position or are looking for a job, the NACM Job Bank is for you. It gets a lot of traffic and - best of all - it's a FREE service for our members! 
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BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK TODAY

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