Some Thoughts From our CEO, Jon Flora

Day #2 & #3 Session Speakers

• Government Contracting, A Panel Discussion led by Heidi Lindgren-Boyce, Star Rentals.
• Shane Norman, Handle.com: The Art of Espionage: Collections in the Social Media Age. 
• Mike Myers, Experian: Fraud Prevention.
• Michael Murray and Danny Mackes, NACM BCS: Collections Begins with the Credit Application.
• Jason Torf, Tucker-Ellis, LLP: Lessons learned in Bankruptcy. 
• Travis Sjostrom, Recruiting Integrity: Emerging Stronger from a Merger, Acquisition, or Transition.
• Kelly Simon, Outdoor Research, and Michelle Achondo, Odyssey Logistics. Games Credit Can Play with Your Sales Team!
• Jan Minniti and Jaime Gibson, NACM BCS: Making the Most of Your Credit Report. 

NACM’s highest priority is meeting the needs of our members. Occasionally, we need to ask for your input to ensure we are doing that, and to understand how member needs are changing. We are asking that one person from each member company complete the brief annual member survey by November 1. It should only take about 10 minutes to complete and is anonymous unless you chose to share your name. 

Thank you in advance for sharing your insights and thoughts with us. Hearing from you is critical to our ability to meet the needs of our members.

If you’re new to NACM Collections, this offer is for you! 

What’s the state of your outstanding A/R? Do you need dedicated assistance in getting those aging accounts paid so you can start 2025 in a better financial position? 

The Collections team at NACM BCS is running a special during the 4^th quarter (October-December 2024), to help you get your accounts up to date for the new year. Any new customers that come to us during the 4^th quarter, will receive a special introductory rate of 15%. If you haven’t tried NACM Collections services before, now is a great time to put us to work for you! 

If you’re a current customer of NACM Collections, we want to show our appreciation for you!

In September or October, introduce us to one or more referrals – companies that you believe would benefit from our Collections services. The customers you refer will get the introductory offer outlined above. And you will get a special deal for referring them!

Contact Collections Manager, Danny Mackes at dannym@nacmbcs.org or give him a call at 206-728-6324 to find out more!

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian merger deal reaches 'major milestone'

The merger between NACM-member Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines reached a major milestone.

The SeaTac-based airline said the U.S. Department of Justice is not challenging its $1.9 billion deal to merge with Hawaiian, after the federal agency's review period lapsed, per a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In a statement Tuesday, Alaska (NYSE: ALK) called the development "a major milestone in the process to join our airlines."

Announced in December, the deal would strengthen Alaska's standing as the nation's fifth-largest airline with a stronghold in the country's top tourism market, an expanded fleet and access to Asia. Meanwhile, Hawaiian would continue to operate under its branding.

• If approved, it would be the first major airline merger since Alaska acquired Virgin America in 2016.

For more, please read the entire story at the Puget Sound Business Journal.

A look at Lahaina a year later

Every few months, we take a look at how the recovery efforts are going in Lahaina, Maui. Shot by a local resident, these drone videos give a very good look at what's happening in Lahaina Town's rebuilding efforts. Progress is being made but they still have a long way to go.

Click on the image above.

Philanthropic support making a difference

Over the last year, more than $194 million has been contributed to the Maui Strong Fund, managed by the Hawaii Community Foundation. Gifts including support form NACM Business Credit Services have come from people, companies and foundations worldwide.

The Foundation has prepared a first anniversary report detailing what the fund and foundation have accomplished since the fire.

Click here for more!

Avoid legal pitfalls in credit denials

The credit department aims to maximize safe sales, requiring tough decisions. Denying credit is a last resort but sometimes essential,

Why it matters: While it's crucial to communicate the decision effectively, it's equally important to be mindful of legal constraints on the information you can disclose.

• What they’re saying: “You need to ensure you are not denying credit on a discriminatory basis, and that any denial has a factual basis,” said Nan Hannah, Esq., attorney at Hannah Sheridan & Cochran, LLP.

• “It never hurts to generically invite reapplication with more information as long as nothing in that invitation promises, if they do X, we will extend credit.”

The bottom line: Properly handling credit denials not only safeguards against legal issues but also preserves the company's professional image and fosters trust with customers, enhancing long-term business prospects.

Click here for more

Heroes & Horrors!

Triumphs & Tragedies Unveiled –

Navigating Credit through the eyes of the court.

Tuesday, September 9, 2024

Presented by Wanda Borges, Esq.

is the principal member of Borges & Associates, LLC, a law firm based in Syosset, New York. For more than forty years, Ms. Borges has concentrated her practice on commercial litigation and creditors’ rights in bankruptcy matters, representing corporate clients and creditors’ committees throughout the United States in Chapter 11 proceedings, out of court settlements, commercial transactions and preference litigation.

This specialized educational program explores real world cases, showcasing both the triumphs and challenges faced by trade credit grantors. Wanda will provide examples of how accurate terms & conditions can assist the trade creditor in recovering a debt.

Attendees will be shown how creditors and attorneys stepped up to the plate, turning the tide of seemingly unwinnable situations into success stories.

·    The Sports Authority – Consignment vs. Ownership “Slight of Hand”

·    Enron – Smoke & Mirrors vs. Forensic Experts

·    Circuit City – Trade Creditor Creative Success Stories

·    Kumtor Gold Company – “Out of the Box” thinking to circumvent Ch.11 Bankruptcy

·    Caesars Palace – Success Stories of Legal Battles

CFDD Seattle Lunch & Learn Webinar: .1 CEU

Date: Tuesday, 9/10/2024

Time: 11-00-12:00 PT / noon-1:00 MT / 1:00-2:00 CT / 2:00-3:00 ET

Cost: Complimentary for CFDD Members / $75 for non-CFDD members

RSVP: Heidi Lindgren-Boyce, CCE / heidi@starrentals.com / 253-893-2600

What's Coming September 2024 and More!

Celebrating 125 years of service to the credit profession