News for our profession

September 2025

The President's Corner

Laura McMillan, President


I’ve always loved office supplies. I think it comes from the years of collecting school supplies at the start of the school year. They always signaled the start of an exciting unknown year. Can’t you just smell the crayons, Elmers glue, and fresh spiral notebooks? Then the thrill of finding your new classroom and organizing all those treasures in the desk you would occupy for the next year? Or in later years, packing your back-pack or locker so you could have everything at your finger tips? I think that having the right tools, gave me confidence that I could tackle what lay ahead.

We may not all be heading back to school this fall, but as professionals we are constantly facing a ‘new semester’ of challenges in our work. Are you short-staffed? Is your company down-sizing or growing? Has your A/R slowed down? Are you implementing new systems? Are you trying to figure out how AI and Automation will impact you? See below and click on the green links for more information.


One of the best benefits of being an NACM member is that you have access to learning opportunities to help you through these challenges. There are the monthly webinars – like one scheduled for September that will provide regulatory updates to bankruptcy laws.

Or the instructor led Business Credit Principles class we are offering through NACM North Central – perfect for the newest members of your team or those wanting to pursue credit certifications.


And of course, it’s time for our annual credit forums which are great opportunities to learn with and from your colleagues in the credit profession. We have a great line-up of speakers at the forums scheduled in Anchorage, Honolulu and Seattle, as well as time set-aside for networking and socializing. You will come away with knowledge that will help you feel better equipped to meet your challenges head-on. You’ll also be reminded that you’re not alone- others face the same challenges and many are one step ahead and ready to share what’s worked for them. Take a minute to register today!


I’d love to hear from you—what was your favorite part of starting school? Do you love new office supplies like I do? What topics do you wish NACM would cover in future educational sessions? Write me at lauram@nacmbcs.org—I promise I’ll reply.


Education

September Webinar


SB 1286 News & Subchapter V Bankruptcy

Members – FREE / Non Members – $25


Tuesday, 9/16/2025 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (PT)



Join us for a timely legal update exploring recent developments that could impact commercial collections and bankruptcy strategy. Our expert presenter, attorney Christopher Ng, will provide insights into evolving legislation and procedural shifts, including key considerations under California's Senate Bill 1286 (likely to be taken up by other states) and Subchapter V. This session is designed to help credit professionals stay informed and prepared in a changing regulatory environment.


About the Speaker


Christopher Ng

Managing Partner

Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt LLP


Christopher Ng is an equity partner, executive committee member, and the managing partner of Gibbs Giden. Chris primarily represents companies in a wide range of business, commercial and construction negotiations and disputes. Chris is a member of the State Bar of California and District of Columbia and licensed to practice in all California state and federal courts. Chris is also an educator, active speaker, published author and frequent contributor to local, regional and national legal publications. 


Trade Credit and Liquidity Management

A new learning opportunity from a new partner


We are pleased to announce a new partnership with a new educational resource created just for credit professionals. The new Trade Credit & Liquidity Management (TCLM) provides a wide range of resources, best practices, and community features, as well as economic and technology trends for the benefit of credit, treasury, and finance professionals. The articles, webinars, and podcasts are designed to help our NACm BCS members and customers meet their company’s trade credit and liquidity challenges and uncover opportunities as forward-thinking, value-added advisors.


This new benefit to membership in our affiliate will soon be offered at a special subscription rate just for members and customers of NACM Business Credit Services. Take it for a test drive. If you like what you see, you will soon be invited to subscribe to this new service at special NACM BCS rate.


Here's a sample article from the current edition that will be a good example of what's to come. Click on the title below to see what TCLM is all about.

The Role of Dispute Management in Accounts Receivable


We are excited to offer this to you and hope you find it useful. Look for more information soon.


Save these Dates...and register today

Register now for in-person Fall education programs. We will be presenting excellent professional education and urge you to take advantage of it.


Save these dates and click on the links below to register:


Alaska Forum - September 25th, Anchorage


Credit in the West, October 8-10, Spokane


Island Insights - October 17th, Honolulu


Western Washington Credit Forum - November 5th,

Seattle's Museum of Flight



Do you need scholarship help?

Reimbursement of education expenses. Scholarship vector 3d icon isolated. High school tuition illustration. Graduate cap and stack of golden coins

Do you need assistance with your Continuing Education and professional development? Look no further. Our Scholarship Programs were established to provide financial assistance to business credit professionals striving to continue their education. Click the link below for more information on what's available:


Business Credit Foundation

Reminder: Make Sure Your IT is Transitioning

In October, Microsoft is ending mainstream support of Windows 10. The great news is that Microsoft is providing the upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost!


Windows 11 includes advanced security features such as enhanced encryption, hardware-based isolation, and secure boot processes, which are crucial in protecting against modern security threats.


Windows 11 includes more focus on enhancing multi-tasking optimization and improved battery life for laptops and tablets.


Upgrading your operating systems ensures that you are equipped with the latest security capabilities and helps to reduce the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

What to Do With Employees Calling in Sick Too Often

We occasionally hear from members about having to deal with employees who frequently call in sick. Missing wok is an expensive and, yes, an annoying matter, so what are some good ways to deal with the issue?


NACM BCS uses The Hartford insurance company for our retirement program. They offered up some suggestions in their September newsletter which seemed worth sharing with you. Here's a link to read their story: The Hartford



Business News

solar_panels_3.jpg

Seattle hopes to build its future in Oregon’s desert — or blackouts may follow


Seattle’s appetite for electricity is growing, whet by charging stations and data centers, electric buses and new apartments. Residents and businesses consume more than ever, and more extreme weather has pushed the power grid to the limit. The city wants and needs to mine 400 miles southeast for its own.


It’s a new line of work for a department that, even five years ago, only knew surpluses.



Drought has sucked water from behind the concrete walls of the dams of Seattle City Light, which for much of the past century offered a seemingly endless supply of cheap and clean power.


For More: Seattle Times

WA businesses caught between high costs, tariffs — and weary consumers


In the face of stubborn inflation and higher costs from new tariffs, many businesses in Seattle and across Washington face a tough choice:

Eat those rising costs or pass them along.


For more: Seattle Times

Trans-alaska pipeline in the taiga

Alaska’s biggest oil project in decades set to begin production ahead of schedule


The Pikka oil project that has sparked industry interest in Alaska’s North Slope oil fields will begin production in a matter of months. The field will reach peak production of 80,000 barrels of oil daily. That will boost long-sagging production in the 800-mile trans-Alaska pipeline, an economic lifeline for Alaska.


For more: Anchorage Daily News

Hawaii Businesses Tell Us About Recovery, Hiring and Buying Local


In the BOSS Survey and 808 Poll, Hawaiʻi business owners and executives revealed some surprising opinions on a range of topics. Click below to check out the survey data.


For more: Hawaii Business Magazine

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Hawaii joins West Coast Health Alliance


Hawaii has joined forces with the newly launched West Coast Health Alliance, which includes California, Oregon, and Washington.


Together, these four states will “provide evidence-based immunization guidance rooted in safety, efficacy, and transparency — ensuring residents receive credible information free from political interference.”


For more: Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Calendar

Puget Sound Area Groups


Tuesday, September 2

Seattle Suppliers Group

11:30 a.m. Duke's/Teams



Tuesday, September 16th


HVAC

11:30 a.m. Duke's /Teams



Wednesday, September 17


Tacoma Construction

11:30 a.m. Mama Stortini's/Teams


Food

10:00 a.m. Teams



Thursday, September 18


Wiring

11:30 a.m. Duke's/Teams



Alaska Group


Thursday, September 25


Alaska Suppliers

Reharu Sushi / Teams



Hawaii Groups


Thursday, September 18


Hawaii Hospitality

11:30 a.m. Teams


Friday, September 19

Hawaii Building

11:30 a.m. Hawaiian Cement / Teams

Webinars


Tuesday, September 16


SB 1286 News & Subchapter V Bankruptcy

Chris Ng, Attorney at Law

12:00-1:00 PDT



Other Programs


Alaska Forum

September 25

Anchorage


Credit in the West (Click to register)

Hosted by NACM Commerical Services

October 8-10, Spokane


Island Insights

October 17th

Waikiki Yacht Club, Honolulu

9:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.


Western Washington Credit Forum

November 5th

Museum of Flight, Seattle



Plan Ahead


NACM National Credit Congress


June 7-10, 2026

America's Center

St. Louis, MO



 
 

206-728-6333

www.nacmbcs.org