News, Information and Commentary
September 2017
BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK TODAY
Be prepared

A few thoughts from
Jon Flora, President & CEO
In the areas we serve, the idea of preparing for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions is part of the culture. We’ve seen the power of Mother Nature. (Note to self: Check the Emergency Preparedness Kit this weekend.)
In the last week, we have seen that power hit the Gulf States with a vengeance. I have spoken with family members outside of Houston bailing water out of their homes. My counterpart at NACM Gulf States has been unable to get home to Houston until this Sunday. All she knows at this point is that her home has suffered a partial roof collapse under the weight of rain and water.

As for the condition of the NACM Gulf States affiliate operation, all they know is that it is partially flooded. Moreover, there is no way to measure impact on NACM members from Houston to New Orleans.

The catastrophic nature of Hurricane Harvey will be felt for years. It’s unimaginable what 12 feet of water in your home really looks like let alone facing the damage.

Our affiliate has stepped up to offer assistance to NACM Gulf States in whatever form that might be. Answering phones, helping with back office needs, or any other ways we can help are all on the table for consideration.

We are also offering our new charitable foundation – the Business Credit Foundation – as a national vehicle to help the Gulf States affiliate, its staff, or NACM members in the Houston-New Orleans corridor. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to help our friends and colleagues, information follows.

This is one of those times when NACM, its affiliates and members have a chance to help make a difference for colleagues facing a hardship. We hope that their needs will be minimal. Should that prove to be the case, any unused dollars raised will be conveyed to relief organizations within their communities. Surely, whatever help the NACM family can provide will be deeply appreciated by those in need.

Thanks for joining us. Please keep our colleagues and fellow members in your thoughts and prayers.
HELP OUR NACM COUNTERPARTS IN HOUSTON
NACM Business Credit Services with our charitable arm, the Business Credit Foundation, is leading a national effort to raise relief funding for Houston colleagues impacted by Hurricane Harvey.  We are working closely with our counterparts at NACM Gulf States, to identify and render aid. Whether the need is helping their operation re-open, assisting their staff or helping their local NACM members get back on their feet, we have an opportunity to lend a hand in this time of need.

If you would like to a make a tax-deductible contribution to provide relief in Houston, simply drop a check to:
Business Credit Foundation
P.O. Box 3665
Seattle, Washington 98124
We also accept credit cards and ask that you provide your card information by calling 206-973-5096 or emailing to [email protected] .

Periodic reports will be provided on the use of contributed funds. Thank you for your interest and support for our friends in the Gulf States.
EDUCATION & TOOLS
September Lunch & Learn
Join us on September 12th for a presentation by John Brislin, Regional Director for the Export-Import Bank. If you are doing business in or with foreign countries, Ex-Im Bank is an important tool with several new opportunities.

The presentations will be preceded by a tour of the Nucor Seattle steel mill in West Seattle. See recycled metals melted down and turned into new products for modern construction. 

To register, please email: 

December Lunch & Learn 
A new way to calculate credit card surcharges
Our partners at UTA and Vantiv have unveiled a new software product to help you accurately calculate credit card surcharges. It's now legal in most states to pass along those costs to your customers and now you will be able to accurately calculate the correct amount using this service.

Be sure to attend the Lunch & Learn on December 7th to learn more!

For more information, call us at NACM at 800-423-5710 
One of our members recently had their personal accounts hacked. Bank accounts, 401K, mortgage - the whole shebang. Although our focus is on commercial credit, we were able to direct them to two resources that everyone should note. Both are free for basic services and are offered by our partners at Experian.

Given the many nefarious characters lurking in this world, we recommend that everyone take advantage of these services to protect your personal information and financial data.

Experian.com (click on Consumer Support)
This website, courtesy of the Washington State Department of Health, provides information useful in preparing for emergencies at home and in your car, including a list of what should be in your kits.

The Federal OSHA site offers information for office and workplace preparation.
B & O Tax Deadline Alert
Does your business pay Washington State B & O tax and report apportionable revenue? You have an approaching deadline.

This Moss Adams alert helps prepare you for October 31st.

Latest Job Opportunities
There is new activity on 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! 

Click below to give it a try.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Industry Groups Contest
First Quarter Winners!
Our contest to encourage participation in our Industry Groups and grow data contribution is moving along nicely. After the first quarter, here are the list of winners who will each receive a $25 gift card. There's still time for you to join in fun. Attend an Industry Group near you!!
ALASKA SUPPLIERS & FOOD: Anchorage Sand & Gravel, Inc., Jill Jaeckel
AD MEDIA: Paradigm, Holly Genest
CONSTRUCTION: Probuild Company LLC, Dannette Driscoll
EASTSIDE CONSTRUCTION: Dunn Lumber Co., Constance Wandel
FLOORING: Pental Granite & Marble, Inc., Benay Wenger, CBA
FOOD: WCP Solutions, Julia Ladely
HAWAII BUILDERS: PVT Land Co LTD, Marianne Baker
HAWAII FOODS: HPC Foods LTD, Brigida Cariaga
HAWAII HOSPITALITY: Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts LP, Andy Bolante, CBA
HVAC: Pacific Plumbing Supply Co. LLC, Sherri Norton
TRANSPORTATION: Carlile Transportation Systems, CJ Ingargiola
WIRING: Stusser Electric Co., Dan Reely
Governor signs Market Sourcing law with new tax implications
For our members doing business in Oregon, be aware of a new law just signed by the Governor that will likely have an impact on companies doing business in the Oregon. Further rules are likely forthcoming but, for now, read this introduction from Deloitte.

Business news highlights
It is important to stay on top of local news where we do business. Just click on the location of interest to read more:

Washington: USA's biggest company town
Washington: Maritime needs recruits 
Washington: United to offer Everett flights
Hawaii: Condo boom hits Maui
Hawaii: Undersea cable complete
Alaska :  Newspaper files bankruptcy
Alaska: Conoco drills North Slope
Historic Places near you
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is active in protecting and celebrating America's historic places and diverse culture. Most are interesting buildings involving fascinating craftsmanship. Here's one in Honolulu. Our great member Andy Bolante says: This place is worth saving. I totally enjoyed swimming in the natatorium as a youth when living in Waikiki; it’s where I learned to swim and dive.

EVENT & TRADE GROUP CALENDARS
Industry Trade Groups
Puget Sound Area

9.12  11:30 a.m.   Transportation
9.14  11:30 a.m.   Flooring
9.19  11:30 a.m.   HVAC
9.20  11:30 a.m.   Tacoma Construction    
         11:30 a.m.   Food
9.21  11:30 a.m.   Wiring
         11:30 a.m.   Eastside Construction                  

Anchorage   

9.20   12:00 p.m.  Alaska Suppliers & Food  

Honolulu    

9.19  11:30 a.m.  Hawaii Hospitality 
9.20  11:30 a.m.  Hawaii Food 
9.22  11:30 a.m.  Hawaii Building 


Lunch & Learn Schedule
All presentations available electronically

9.12 Export-Import Bank
John Brislin, Ex-Im Bank
Preceded by Nucor Steel Seattle Mill Tour

12.7 Credit Card Surcharging Made Easy
Dean Middleton, UTA
NACM Office, Seattle

Seminars

12.5.17 Alaska Holiday Luncheon & Seminar

3.16.18 Hawaii Winter Credit Forum

Western Region Credit Conference There's still time to register!
Join professional colleagues from around the West for this year's NACM Western Region Credit-Con. We gather in San Diego October 11-13, 2017. Click below to register and we'll see you next month in the Southland.

Credit-Con Scholarship Winner
We are pleased to announce that Amy Amundson, Corporate Credit Manager for Seattle-Based Charlie's Produce has been awarded a scholarship to attend the Western Region Credit-Con in San Diego. The award pays for 100% of the conference registration fee (a $445 value).

Congratulations, Amy!
Alaska Holiday Luncheon & Seminar
Join us for NACM's annual Alaska Holiday Luncheon and Seminar. We will gather on Tuesday December 5th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Anchorage.

The program will feature Alaska's State Economist for an annual look at the 49th State's economy; Paul Krause will present on being successful in Collections work, and the VP of Sales for Carlisle will address "How to drum up sales in a down economy". The Alaska Supplier and Food group meeting will precede the program.

Save the date and look for more information coming soon.
Hawaii Winter Credit Forum
presented by UnitedTranzactions
Save the date:  Friday, March 16, 2018. The Hawaii Winter Credit Forum will return to Honolulu for a second year. Great speakers are already signing on and we thank UTA and D&B for agreeing to again help sponsor the program.

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

PRODUCTS & SERVICES
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Talk to your NACM rep today to learn more about D&B Hoovers!  800-423-5710 
BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK TODAY
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