Serving the Credit Professional since 1899

February 2024

Comments from our President & CEO

February Webinar

February 14, NOON to 1 PM

Our work requires we (effectively) communicate with just about every department in the organization. We cross divisions, job codes, and an array of corporate layers.

So, how do we get stuff done?

Good question.

Join us on LOVE day, February 14, from noon to 1 PM. and learn how to make effective communication your love language at work, whether via email, meetings, or even (gasp) phone calls!

Conferences

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign in Las Vegas_ Nevada USA

National Credit Congress Returns to Las Vegas

June 9-12, 2024

The Big Show returns to the city that never sleeps. Register before February 23rd to get a reduced rate.

The Western Credit Conference Returns to the Puget Sound Area

October 16-18, 2024

Credit professionals return to the upper left-hand corner in October for a schedule of excellent presentations. SAVE THE DATES and look for more information coming soon.

News

Governor's budget proposal leaves too little in rainy day fund

Gov. Jay Inslee's 2024 supplemental budget proposal doesn’t leave enough money in reserves, the Washington Research Council writes in a new analysis. The state Treasurer's Office recommends that reserves make up at least 10% of annual state revenues, and Inslee's budget would leave total reserves at 6% of revenues by the end of the 2025-2027 biennium.

Washington Research Council

Hawaii lawmakers seek to overule solar rates

The price that most Hawaii electrical utility customers pay for, or in some cases receive payment for, grid stability is being wrestled over at the state Legislature.

Honolulu Star Advertiser

Closeup shot of blue fire from domestic kitchen stove top. Gas cooker with burning flames of propane gas. Industrial resources and economy concept.

Enstar tells lawmakers it was ‘extremely close’ to being unable to deliver gas during Anchorage cold snap

Executives from Southcentral Alaska’s natural gas utility told lawmakers on Tuesday that a critical gas storage facility was “extremely close” to being unable to deliver gas during last week’s cold snap, and a looming Cook Inlet gas shortfall is projected to impact the utility as soon as next year.

Anchorage Daily News

Many of you have asked about the latest news from Lahaina. Click on the image below and then think about how you would handle such an event.

The leading economists of Oxford Economics weigh in on recent small business credit performance in the latest Experian/Oxford Economics Main Street Report, a great tool for staying informed on small business credit conditions.

Q3 2023 report highlights:

Economy expanded 4.9% annually in Q3, but signs of a slowdown are evident
Commercial credit scores decline 4.3% as artificial cashflow runs lean for small businesses
Chapter 11 Bankruptcies kick upward

Click Here for the Full Report

🏹 This Valentine's Day, we're challenging you to take the CMI Survey and shoot your arrows of insight straight into the heart of B2B Credit Excellence!

💓 Take this as your sign to strengthen your relationship with the credit community. After all, nothing says “I love my job” more than staying committed to the CMI survey.

📈 Once you've completed your Survey, go to LinkedIn and tag five credit friends who should take the CMI too! Repost and let's amplify the heartbeat of credit excellence together!

🎯 Ready, set, survey!

Start Your Survey

For more information the NACM CMI, click HERE

Washington Legislature

Bill Summary

Each year, NACM follows the activities of the Washington State Legislature especially on bills pertaining to the credit profession. In this year's short session, there has been little activity directly focused on credit. But, there has been quite a lot of effort being put into bills related to business and real estate taxes. We have participated in areas where laws could negatively impact our members. Clink on the link below for a summary of what's happening in the Capital.

Legislative Summary

Board Elections

March 18-22, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for candidates for our Board Directors. We will present the candidates for your review along with an electronic ballot on the first day of voting. We urge you to get involved in this important process as the Board is the body that governs our professional organization. They work hard to represent your interests and those of the credit profession. Get prepared to vote soon!

Calendar

Here's what's on the calendar for February and beyond!

INDUSTRY GROUPS

Puget Sound Area

Thursday, 2.15

Wiring Supply (WS)

11:30 Duke's, Southcenter

Seattle Metro Area Suppliers,

11:30 Online

Tuesday, 2.20

HVAC

11:00 Online

Wednesday, 2.21

Tacoma Construction

11:30 Poodle Dog

Alaska

Wednesday, 2.21

Alaska Suppliers

1:00 Online

Hawaii

Thursday, 2.15

Hawaii Hospitality

11:30 Online

Friday, 2.16

Hawaii Building Group

11:30 Waikiki Yacht Club

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

CONFERENCES

NACM National Credit Conference - Jun 9-12

Las Vegas

Western Credit Conference October 16-18

Seattle Tacoma Area

SAVE THE DATE

Seattle Tacoma area

WEBINARS

2.14 "Is Communicaiton your Love Language?" with Jacquie Goodwill

3.7 Credit Applications with Jason Torf

6.19 Economic Outlook with Chris Kuehl

8.14 Automation in the Credit Industry with Yesinne Alvarez

In Memorium

Joanne Swanson

Military News Publishers

We are sad to report the passing of Joanne Swanson who left us on January 27th after a brief illness. She was long term member of NACM Business Credit Services, served as Chair of the Board, and was active in CFDD. She was a mentor to many of our members and leaves a legacy of commitment to the credit profession. We extend our condolences and warm wishes to her family

Celebrating 125 years of service to the credit profession

WWW.NACMBCS.ORG

800-423-5710