Welcome to February and a new look to our enews. We are introducing The President's Corner, a new column in the eNewsletter, written by your membership association’s president, Laura McMillan. Laura will use this space each month to share thoughts she has about the association, the credit management profession, leadership and the NACM Community. 



Even after I graduated from college and began working in health care management, the field I had studied for, I hesitated to call it my career. It felt like I hadn’t yet earned the right, or that claiming it might come across as overly ambitious. Without “owning” my career, I left too much of those early working years to chance and to the direction of others.

If you haven’t yet thought of your working life in terms of a career, I encourage you to take a minute to consider what you can do to pursue the fulfillment that a career can offer.

In my first few months at NACM, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of you, and I’ve noticed a common thread. It’s not unusual for someone to start in an entry-level credit management role with no expectation that it will lead to a lifelong career. But then, a supervisor, colleague, or mentor introduces them to the educational opportunities offered by NACM. Through a combination of on-the-job experience and ongoing learning, their knowledge and confidence grow, and they find themselves on a career path they never anticipated. Many of you who are now in the later chapters of your career have shared how rewarding this journey has been and how grateful you are for the opportunities that shaped it—even if it initially came about by chance.

For those just starting out in credit management (or any field), my hope is this: know that you can build a career if you choose. We are each responsible for our own professional journey. Seek out mentors, experiential and educational opportunities, to help you grow, learn and advance. Don’t be afraid to claim your career in credit management. And I hope you’ll look for opportunities to give back by mentoring those coming in right behind you.

At NACM, it is our mission to support you in your credit management career. I would love to hear about your career journey, whether you’re just beginning or well along the path. How can NACM better assist you in achieving your professional goals? Please feel free to share your thoughts with me at lauram@nacmbcs.org. I look forward to hearing from you!



We want to hear from YOU! What topics inspire you? What challenges or trends are shaping our industry?

This enews and our webinars are intended to provide information that is helpful to you, your work and career. In order to achieve that goal, we would like to know if we are hitting or missing the mark.

Now’s your chance to influence our upcoming webinars and enews.

We’re opening the floor to your creativity—share your ideas for topics that could help spark conversations, solve problems, or showcase new insights. Whether it’s a concept you’re passionate about or a trend you think others would love to explore, we’re all ears.

• Shape the Conversation: Your ideas could set the stage for our next must-attend webinar.
• Collaborate and Inspire: Share your vision and help us provide valuable resources to the community through our enews.
• Be Recognized: Stand out as a thought leader among your peers.

How It Works:

Simply click below to submit your idea. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to make an impact. If you have an idea you would like to discuss in depth with us, please include your name and contact information. Thanks for your time.

We are excited to announce a brand-new format for our annual Hawaii event, designed to bring together the brightest minds in the credit industry. This year, instead of a single day-long event, we will host three shorter events throughout the year. This new format will allow for more continuous learning and engagement.

Join us on Friday, February 21 for the first installment of Island Insights!

What to Expect:

• Credit Education: Learn from top experts about the latest trends and strategies in credit management.
• Best Practice Discussions: Engage in interactive sessions where you can share and discover effective practices that are shaping the future of credit.
• Industry Collaboration: Network with peers, build valuable connections, and collaborate on innovative solutions to common challenges.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge, exchange ideas, and be part of a transformative experience. Mark your calendar and join us for a day that promises to be both informative and inspiringly.

REGISTER TODAY

Complimentary to All CFDD and NACM Members

$75 for Non-Members

RSVP: Heidi@StarRentals.com

Click on the photo to get a quick review of Cleveland by our CEO, Jon Flora

Ready to take the next step in your credit management career?

Be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming NACM certification exam dates for 2025!

Whether you're working toward becoming a Credit Business Associate (CBA), Certified Credit Executive (CCE), or earning any of our other respected credentials, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared.

2025 Exam Dates to Remember:

Stay on track by reviewing the key exam windows and registration deadlines. Don’t miss your chance to earn your NACM certification and advance your career!

The following news highlights come from other areas of NACM participation:

• What is China’s DeepSeek and why is it freaking out the AI world? - Seattle Times

• Rolling blackouts could loom for urban Alaska as natural gas crunch intensifies - Anchorage Daily News

• What’s Next for Hawaiian Airlines: coordinating with Alaska Airlines and maintaining the Hawaiian brand - Hawaii Business Magazine

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800-423-5710

Serving the commercial credit profession since 1899