Serving Credit Professionals Since 1899

Victoria B.C. - Saluting our members in British Columbia

Here are some things I’ve learned lately:

•  How to create an AI agent to help with simple tasks.
•  That citizens of Lithuania were transported by Stalin’s army to work camps in Siberia during WWII.
• That a surgeon can do an ablation on a nerve to deaden the pain, and the nerve will come back in 2-4 months (a family member was in an accident and had to have surgery to fix his cracked ribs - he's doing well!).
• That interest in guaranteed ACH is growing as checks are used less.
• That Minnesota isn’t exaggerating when it claims to have 10,000 lakes.
• That it’s good to push through the discomfort of meeting new people and accept invitations to events that will help you learn and grow.

I’m sure that I’ve actually learned 80% of what I know outside of the classroom, and that’s saying a lot given all the years I spent there. If you’re paying attention and interested in what’s going on around you, there is lots to learn!

Of course, I can’t pass up the opportunity to remind you that there is a great learning opportunity coming up on November 5 at the NACM Fall Credit Forum, featuring keynote speaker Frank Abagnale. Have you seen the movie Catch Me If You Can? It is a Hollywood version of his life, but the truth isn’t that different. He has spent the last 50 years of his life atoning for the crimes he committed in his youth by helping consumers, law enforcement, and businesses understand how fraudsters think and how fraud continues to evolve. You won’t want to miss learning from him, as well as the rest of the great lineup of speakers we have that day.

What about you? What have you learned lately? I have a $5 Starbucks gift card for the first 10 of you who write and tell me something you learned that was interesting to you. I look forward to hearing from you! Lauram@nacmbcs.org

Back to School Time!

Credit Card Surcharging

Wednesday, 9/2/2026 from 12:00PM-1:00PM PT

FREE Webinar – Hosted by UTA

Join United TranzActions (UTA) for an educational webinar on credit card surcharging. Learn how surcharging works, key compliance considerations, and strategies that may help businesses offset credit card processing costs while maintaining a positive customer payment experience.

Sponsored by

AI Mythbusters:

Preparing Your Portfolio for AI That Actually Delivers

Tuesday, 9/15/2026 at 10:00AM PT / 1:00PM ET

Free Webinar – Hosted by Dun & Bradstreet

For years, automation was the hallmark of an efficient credit and accounts receivable operation. Today, that buzzword has been replaced by AI. But what does AI really mean for credit and A/R —and what is just hype?

In this session, Dun & Bradstreet’s Rhonda Buras will cut through the hype to explain how AI should be practically applied in credit risk management today. Attendees will learn why any initiative can only be as effective as the data behind it, and how teams can maintain their A/R portfolio’s integrity in the age of AI.

The Why of AI: Building the Business Case

Wednesday, 9/16/2026 from 11:00AM-12:00PM PT

Members – FREE / Non-Members – $25

AI is no longer a future concept—it’s already shaping how work gets done. But for many professionals, especially those working in risk-aware, compliance-focused environments, the real challenge isn’t what AI is—it’s how to engage with it confidently and responsibly. In this engaging, fast-paced webinar, Jamie Champagne cuts through the hype and fear surrounding AI and focuses on what actually matters: practical use, real business value, and smart conversations with leadership.

This session is designed for people who want to engage with technology—not avoid it or work around it. Register today!



From the Penthouse to the Outhouse

A Credit Manager’s inside view on key bankruptcy distress signals working for an employer who filed Ch.11 re-organization.

Tuesday, 9/22/2026, NOON-1:00PM-PST , 1-2pmMT; 2-3pmCST; 3-4pmEST

Get an “insider’s view” from Chris Birdwell who was the Corporate Credit Strategies Manager working for a 106 year family owned company suddenly in a Ch. 11 Bankruptcy. Chris will share his key takeaways, unique perspectives, important words and phrases to watch out for, and actions to pay attention to so that you can be cognizant of when a customer shows evidence of struggling and may be headed towards bankruptcy.

Jason Torf will highlight the legal issues and nuances that occurred throughout Chris’ journey, and provide perspectives and protective steps credit managers can take to position their companies for a better outcome during bankruptcy.

Reserve your spot: heidi@starentals.com or call 253-893-2609

Presented at no charge.

Make a note in your calendar about the following educational programs coming this Fall. Great speakers and presentations; and networking opportunities, too. Details will be included in upcoming enews editions.

Building Blacks Summit & Social - September 9

Alaska Fall Forum - September 24

Hawaii Fall Forum - October 16

Western WA Fall Forum - November 5

NACM National Credit Congress, Las Vegas - June 13-16, 2027

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and unwind with fellow credit and finance professionals—all at no cost to you, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Handle.com.

The BuildingBlocks Summit & Social begins with lunch, networking, and a welcome reception before four outstanding speakers share practical strategies, fresh industry insights, and ideas you can put to work immediately. The day wraps up with cocktails, dinner, and Topgolf, giving you even more time to build valuable professional connections in a relaxed setting.

This is not a sales event—it's an investment in the credit community. Whether you attend on your own, bring members of your team, or invite colleagues from other companies, you'll leave with new ideas, new relationships, and renewed energy.

Registration is complimentary, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today—and invite your team to join you!

Alaska Fall Credit Forum

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Join us for the 2026 Alaska Fall Credit Forum, a one-day conference designed to help credit and collections professionals prepare for what’s ahead. The day begins with a dedicated meeting for the Alaska Industry Group, followed by a program of expert-led education and networking.

Hear from industry experts on Alaska’s economic outlook and the latest business email compromise and phishing scams targeting organizations today. Then, connect with fellow credit professionals in a member roundtable dedicated to building a stronger Alaska credit community. Share experiences, discuss regional challenges, and collaborate on ideas that support the success of our industry.

Invite professional friends and colleagues, and help grow the profession and NACM.

Register Today

Hawaii Fall Credit Forum

Friday, October 16, 2026

Join us for the 2026 Hawaii Fall Credit Forum, a one-day conference designed to help credit and collections professionals prepare for what’s next. The day begins with dedicated meetings for the Hawaii Hospitality and Hawaii Building Industry groups, followed by a full program of expert-led education and networking.

Hear from industry experts on Hawaii’s economic outlook, strategies for maximizing technology investments, and the evolving cybersecurity threats associated with artificial intelligence. Connect with peers and leave with practical insights to help you make informed decisions and strengthen your organization.

Invite professional friends and colleagues, and help grow the profession and NACM.

Register Today

Western Washington Fall Credit Forum

November 5, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of Flight

The Western Washington Fall Credit Forum is one of NACM BCS's premier educational and networking events—and registration is now open.

This year's program features an outstanding lineup of speakers covering topics that extend well beyond commercial credit, including fraud prevention, cybercrime, business strategy, leadership, and emerging trends affecting today's business environment. You'll leave with practical ideas and fresh perspectives you can put to work immediately.

If you have colleagues who would benefit from these conversations, invite them to join you. Whether they work in finance, accounting, operations, leadership, sales, risk management, or another business function, they'll find valuable insights throughout the day.

Register today—and encourage business associates and others in your organization who may be interested, to attend with you.

Early Bird pricing goes through August 28th and there are special group prices! We look forward to seeing your team at one of the year's most valuable professional development events.

Register here

Featuring special guest, Frank Abagnale

You're never too old to learn

Are you trying to fill or find a position? Use our Job Center!

Take advantage of the Job Center at nacmbcs.org. If you're having trouble filling a position in your company or looking for a new job, use this opportunity to reach a lot of people!

It's easy to post an opening. Just fill out the form. After that, the most viewed part of our website will get attention to your needs. If you're looking for a job, the list of openings we know about is updated regularly.

Best of all, it's a free service that comes with membership in NACM BCS. Check it out today.

Click here for the Job Center

Monday, September 7th

www.nacmbcs.org

800-423-5710

Serving the commercial credit profession since 1899