News, Commentary and Events
July 2017
CREDIT REPORTS     COLLECTIONS     EDUCATION     CONSULTING     SERVICE
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National news, our great people and more

Thoughts from Jon Flora, President & CEO

In what seems to be an annual exercise, I’m writing this from 35,000 feet on my home from National Credit Congress.  If you weren’t in Dallas, you missed a good event.  Our fellow members found the educational programs to be quite good this year.  And, the networking opportunities were fun and offered a chance to meet new people.  Next year, the Big Show is June 10-13, 2018 in Phoenix.  We’ll do our best to have plenty of ice on hand!

In other news from the national front, we have agreed to sign a new five-year Affiliate Agreement with NACM National.  This document details our relationship with National and how we work together for the benefit of the profession.  A part of this agreement calls for us to move to a new logo to reflect a common commitment among affiliates to the credit profession.  We remain an independent organization active in the NACM movement.  Over the next several months, you will see us move to the new look shown above.  And, on occasion, you might see a local enhancement that demonstrates our commitment to you while also having a little fun.  See Hawaii below.  

I always come home from national meetings feeling good about what we do at NACM Business Credit Services.  We are a little different from our counterparts in terms of how we look out for you and conduct our business.  Service is paramount and that comes down to the people we have.

Our affiliate has multiple staff members who have served us for 30 years, another group that has been with us 10-20 years, and just a couple who have been with NACM for less than ten years.  We have an unusually long tenured group here to serve you.  Their product knowledge is solid and desire to help you is total.  We are fortunate to have this team serving you and our association.  I hope you will join me in saluting them.

Finally, I want to point out the Save the Date for our 2nd Annual Hawaii Winter Credit Forum.  If the idea of mixing business with pleasure appeals to you, Honolulu will be the place to be on March 16, 2018.  Details will follow so, for now, block out the date on your calendar!

Have a great July 4th celebration.  

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Education 
What happens if Amazon buys your company?
Ladders is a comprehensive career resource dedicated to advancing professionals' careers.

Each week, their founder offers a comment about topics relevant to looking for a job in a changing world.  Last week, he shared some thoughts about being prepared for ownership changes within your workplace.  It seemed particularly timely given Amazon's recent purchase of Whole foods.

CMI bounces back in June
The numbers in NACM’s Credit Manager’s Index (CMI) have been up and down lately, and June represented a shift toward higher combined scores. Look for movement in the dollar collections and accounts beyond terms categories as primary movers in the index.

Remember to submit your information each month and support this important professional resource.
 
Read more
Past due and final notices the debt never ends. Over white.
Don't forget to pull credit reports
One thing we learned from the 2009 recession was that preparation is everything.  Many of our members quit pulling credit reports when times were good.  When the wheels started to fall off the economy, it happened fast.  People quickly learned that it was too late to address problems.  Had they followed good procedures, they could have avoided many of the challenges that came their way.  

Learn from that lesson and stay attuned to what is happening with your customers' credit. Stay aware of telltale signs before they become huge problems.

NACM BCS can help you identify the best credit report for your circumstances.  Call your account representative today at 800-432-5710
Lunch & Learns for the Fall
In last month's survey, you indicated that plant tours were among the networking opportunities you wanted.  Coming up on September 12th, we blend a great tour with a great educational program.

Join us for a tour of the Nucor Steel Seattle mill.  A fixture of Harbor Island and West Seattle for a century, the Nucor plant is an efficient steel mill owned by a company committed to being a good neighbor.  Come see rebar in the making from recycled metals. Thanks to Board member Maryallene Arsanto for arranging this.

Following the tour, we will hear from John Brislin, Regional Director of the Export-Import Bank.  John will explain the work of the Ex-Im Bank, offer some pointers on doing business in the international marketplace, and update you on some changes in this Federal enterprise. You may be surprised by how they can help your company.

For more information and to make you reservation, please contact Ricole Isbey-Johnson at [email protected].  Also, see the calendar below for more details.
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Use email the right way
Do you have bad email etiquette? In other words, are you possibly appalling your colleagues and customers with your awful e-mail manners?  Humor aside, it's easy to make unintentional mistakes in your emails.  Clean-up your communications with these etiquette tips from the experts at Inc. Magazine.

A lot of NACM members have been asking for this help.  We particularly like #17 on the list! We hope you find this useful.

Click here to read
Online Courses via NACM National
If you are pursuing a professional designation through NACM, online courses are the way to go.  For more information on current offerings from NACM National, click here.  

If you need help navigating the process, we stand ready to lend a hand.  Feel free to contact Ricole Isbey-Johnson at 206-728-6327 or [email protected]
Upcoming Conferences
JOIN US IN HAWAII NEXT WINTER
SAVE THE DATE!  MARCH 16, 2018
The  2nd Annual Hawaii Winter Credit Forum
 
Last February's experiment with a Hawaii Forum was a complete success - so we're doing it again!  Great programs, time with vendors, and a change to network with Hawaiian and mainland NACM members.  Add a few days of vacation along with some professional education - and it will be a great trip to paradise.

More details to follow so keep an eye on your email.  But, if you just can't wait and want to begin planning your trip now, just drop a note to  [email protected] .

Aloha and we'll see you in Hawaii next March!

The NACM Western Region Credit Conference comes to San Diego this October.  For more information, please click on the button below.  See you in the Southland.
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News Highlights
NACM BCS wins top honors from Dun & Bradstreet
At June's Credit Congress, D & B recognized our affiliate as Top NACM Affiliate for New Sales in 2016.  Senior National Account Executive, Jan Minniti, was recognized as top sales person. Bob O'Brien, D&B's liaison with all NACM affiliates said, "I am pleased to present these awards to the Seattle-based team who consistently does a great job helping their members select the products and services that best fit their individual needs.  We're glad to be partners with NACM Business Credit Services."   
But wait, there's more!
We just received word that our own Linda McPherson took the top award for attracting new data contributors to the NACM National Trade Credit Report.  As the NTCR program grows, data contribution is important to its success.  Thanks Linda for your great work on behalf of our members and assocation!
News of interest
Stay on top of what's happening where we do business,  Just click on a location to read more:

Seattle       Seattle minimum wage costing jobs
Seattle         Employers working hard to fill jobs
Seattle       Amazon move could squeeze Costco
Honolulu     Unemployment rate remains 2.7%
Anchorage Alaska has highest unemployment 
Arizona                Boeing moves jobs to Arizona

News from the State Capitals
While there is not a lot of credit or collections news from our region's state capitals this year, impasses on budgets seem to be a common de-nominator.  Having businesses pay more is also top on the list.  Check out what is happening in State government near you.

Washington           Legislature down to the wire
Alaska           Legislature averts gov't shutdown
Hawaii            Legislature to call special session
Oregon                Lawmakers pass tax, plug hole
California        State passes $125 billion budget
Arizona          Lawmakers take aim at initiatives

Ship Canal Project  changed Seattle 100 years ago this week
On July 4, 1917, NACM was just 18 years old as the Grand Opening of Seattle's Ship Canal and Ballard Locks was celebrated.   This major civil engineering project changed the city's landscape forever and has since had an enormous impact on business, transportation and maritime industries in the Emerald City. On this Centennial Year for the Canal, take a few minutes to read this story from NACM member The Seattle Times.

Read about building the Canal
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Current Jobs Available
If you looking for a job or needing to fill a position, remember the NACM BCS Job Bank. It's easy, free and is regularly viewed by a growing number of people.  Click below for the lastest job postings.

Job Bank
Industry Trade Groups & Calendar
Trade Groups
NACM believes that Industry Groups are among the best professional tools available to our members and customers.  In 2017, we are striving for both increased participation and high quality for the program.

What does that mean?  NACM is asking Industry Group members to set a goal of 100% participation on a monthly and annual basis.  The Groups only work if everyone is involved.

How will NACM achieve this goal? NACM is incentivizing members to reach monthly goals with quarterly drawing/raffle prizes and an annual Grand Prize for every firm that reaches 100% participation for the entire year (or participates at 100% participation for each month their group has a meeting).

It's all pretty simple.  The more you participate in your group, the more opportunity you have to WIN!  

Best of all, your group gets stronger because of everyone's active involvement.

For more information, contact the Industry Groups office at 800-432-5700

NACM Calendar
Industry Trade Groups - July

Puget Sound Area

July 11                 Transportation   
July 13                 Floor             
July 18                 HVAC   
July 19                TacomaConstruction                    
                         Food
July 20                 Wiring
                            Ad Media
                            Eastside Construction

Hawaii

Please note:  Due to a major sailing event at the Waikiki Yacht Club, July's meetings will be held at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel.  This is only for July.

July 18                 Hawaii Hospitality
July 19                 Hawaii Food
July 21                 Hawaii Building


Alaska

July 19                 Suppliers and Food


Save the dates!

August 10
Lunch & Learn
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (PDT)
Experian Product Training & Information
Jan Minniti & Ben Cox
NACM Account Executives
NACM Office / Online

September 12
Lunch & Learn
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (PDT)
Doing business in foreign countries
Export-Import Bank
John Brislin
Regional Director
Nucor Steel Seattle / Online

Note:  A plant tour of Nucor Steel will precede the Lunch & Learn at 11:00 a.m.


October 11-13
NACM Western Region Credit Conference
San Diego, CA


Tuesday, December 5
Alaska Holiday Lunch & Seminar
Featuring:  Alaska Economic Forecast
11:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel,  Anchorage, AK


Friday, March 16, 2018
Hawaii Winter Credit Forum
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel, Honolulu, HI

Products & Services
Canada is on sale this summer!
Now is the time to order your Equifax Canada credit reports!  If you know you will need them in the next few months, buy them now!

Order in quantity before the end of July and get a special NACM BCS price break:

10 reports for $29 each
a savings of  15 % per report

20 reports for $26 each
a savings of 23 % per report

Order today and you will have until September 30th to use the reports.  This special offer lasts through July 31st.  

If you are doing business with Canadian companies, use the best Canadian report with the best price from NACM Business Credit Services.

And...good day, eh.

Call us today - 800-432-5710
Turn to NACM Business Credit Services for your Collections needs.

Whether you're doing business locally, regionally, nationally or internationally, we can provide the Collections services you need.  And, we do it at a reasonable rate.

If this sounds like a tool you need, NACM will be glad to work with you to tailor a solution.  Simply call your Sales Representative or the NACM office at 206-728-6333.


  Alerts Now Available in Broader Area

For the last two years, we have been offering a unique daily alerts report for our building materials members and customers in Washington from our partners at SimpleVerity.  Users have been very pleased with the results and usage has continued to grow.  

We're pleased to let you know that the SimpleVerity alerts are now available across the State of Washington and into Oregon.   Special NACM pricing is only offered through NACM BCS. 

The SimpleVerity alert product compliments your current credit reporting tools and makes your job easier.   For more information on pricing and coverage, please contact us at: 

                          800-423-5710.

There are a lot of different credit reporting products available today.

Our experience over nearly three decades has shown Experian reports to have the best data and best price for most of our members.  There are, of course, exceptions and for those we have other great options to consider.  

Ask your Account Executive to help you figure out what will be for your needs. Contact them today at 800-432-5700
Do you need affordable international credit reports?  Our partners at Skyminder may have just what you need.

SkyMinder provides access to in-depth credit, financial and business information on millions of companies and industries world-wide.  

Q uick, affordable and comprehensive, SkyMinder is the one-stop business information solution to help you make better, more reliable decisions.  For more information, call us today.

Making the best credit decisions efficiently helps drive your company’s growth. But when you rely on a flood of data to make those decisions, it’s not always easy.

D&B Credit is Dun & Bradstreet’s next-generation risk intelligence platform, built on a foundation of the most comprehensive and reliable business credit data in the world. User-friendly, smart and simplified, D&B Credit makes accessing the industry-leading relationship data and financial scoring models of Dun & Bradstreet easier and more effective than ever.

  • The best data and analytics, with more than 265 million company records from over 30,000 data sources and 5 million updates per day.
  • The best solutions that combine your accounts receivable data with Dun & Bradstreet’s data and analytics for a more holistic view of your customers.
  • The best outcomes delivered faster.


Talk to your NACM rep to learn more about D&B Credit!

Call us 800-432-5700

Guarantee and deposit your company’s checks anytime, anywhere, 24/7 with UTA’s Mobile Deposit solution. Take advantage of all the benefits that UTA’s check processing solution has to offer including Check Guarantee and Verification, Remote Deposit Capture (with Guarantee), and ACH Processing (with Guarantee) from the convenience of your tablet or mobile device.

Contact NACM BCS for more information.
Who's Who at NACM Business Credit Services
Board of Directors 
LEADERSHIP

Chair of the Board
Joshua Nolan, CCE
Oldcastle PreCast, Inc.

Vice-Chair
Doug Jacobson, CCE
SRS/Roofline Supply

President 
Jon Flora
 
Secretary
Ricole Isbey-Johnson

Treasurer
Cortney Foster, CPA
 
Councillor
Maryallene Arsanto, CCE CICP 
Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc.
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DIRECTORS 
 
Tim Buckley
Lynden, Inc.

Dave Cunningham
Hawaiian Cement

Krystal Daugherty, CCE
Wolseley Industrial Group

Steven Hopkins, CCE, CCRA
Stoneway Electric Supply Co.

Heidi Lindgren-Boyce, CCE
Star Rentals, Inc.
 
Michelle Lindsay
Crowley Fuels, LLC
 
Dan Pharris 
Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Eberson, PLLC

Cassie Sheehan
Carlile Transportation Systems

Theresa White, CCE, ICCE
Pokemon Company Intl.

Will Young, CIPC
Physio-Control, Inc.


Staff
ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
Jon Flora, President & CEO    

Cortney Foster, Treasurer

Ricole Isbey, Member Services Manager|Executive Assistant

Jo-Anne Torrontegui, Receptionist 

CREDIT REPORTING & CUSTOMER SERVICE

Nancy Tapley, Customer Service Lead 

Claudia Barragan, Customer Service Specialist 

DATA CONTRIBUTION

Linda McPherson, Data Coordination Manager

John Woods, Data Coordinator

ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

Sonya Huntzinger, Bookkeeper

Kelley Thomas, Bookkeeper

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Jan Minniti
Senior National Account Executive 

Jaime Severs-Gibson,

National Account Executive

Benjamin Cox, Account Executive 

COLLECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Paul Krause, Collections Manager       

Larry Lee, Collection Specialist

Steve Shaw, Collection Specialist

DeDe Grey, Collection Specialist

INDUSTRY CREDIT GROUPS & PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Ricole Isbey-Johnson, Member Services Manager|Executive Assistant

Claudia Barragan,
Industry Group Coordinator

Shirley Reeves, Anchorage

Karen Jones-Remigio, Hawaii


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   Reminder:  NACM will be closed for Independence Day on July 3rd & 4th
A leader in commercial credit products and services since 1899