Over the course of Credit Congress, many NACM-affiliated groups and organizations host receptions and luncheons to allow attendees to network, congratulate a new chairperson or simply to say thank you for their support.

"I always look forward to this meeting because it's here that we celebrate the achievements of our CFDD Chapters with awards; promote and support our membership through our Scholarship Award Program; and extend our thanks to those who have served us well both in the past year and in years past," said 2008-2009 CFDD Chairman, Mary Moore, CBA at the beginning of the 2009 Credit and Financial Development Division (CFDD) Awards & Installation Luncheon, an annual event hosted at Credit Congress. Moore's gracious introduction set the tone for an event defined as much by its elegant fare as its easy-going collegiality, a CFDD trademark.

At the luncheon, 58 scholarships were handed out to deserving members, with a total worth of $17,818. Mike Meyer, CCE, the 2008-2009 vice chairman, education and programs, presented the scholarships as well as another set of awards that honored chapters with exceptional programs and meetings. Meyer was also honored later in the ceremony, when he was named CFDD National Chairman for the coming year.

On the international side, NACM-Canada hosted a breakfast for its members on Tuesday, which offered attendees a great opportunity to network in addition to a great meal to start the day. FCIB held its annual luncheon a day earlier. The FCIB Luncheon was dominated by discussion of the future of the world's economy, which featured guest speaker Dr. Chris Kuehl, managing director and co-founder of Armada Corporate Intelligence and NACM economic analyst. "The global recession of 2008-2009 is almost over," Kuehl pointed out. "The U.S. began to slide into the recovery period in March or April of this year, and with each successive month, we have been given more ammunition to work with in that regard. Globally, we still have some issues…"

As Kuehl spoke, he outlined the collapse in commodity prices for oil, nickel, corn and other agricultural and mined goods that took unwanted slides as demand projections were reined in. There has been a modest rebound, but speculation on oil has led to a bumpy rise and fall in price. Kuehl also discussed in detail the factors that led up to the current financial crisis, including the bundling of securities and subprime mortgage mess that sparked uncertainty and downgrades around the globe. The International Utilities Group (IUG), led by Dick Schauger, also held a luncheon for its members during Industry Day on Monday (for information on joining the IUG, contact Schauger at rschauger@aol.com).

Sponsored again by American Check Management Payment Processing Solutions (ACM), this year's annual Leadership Luncheon, hosted on the final day of Credit Congress, served as a resounding thank you to all of NACM's volunteer leaders who've helped the association succeed over the last 12 difficult months. "It's been a tough year and I know everyone is stressed out and there are a lot of things we have to do as an association," said NACM Chairman Dave Beckel, CCE. "You've been identified as key volunteers in our organization, you've all gone and put in that extra effort, and it is truly appreciated." ACM President and CEO Dean Middleton also took to the podium to express his sincere gratitude to those gathered at the luncheon and to also pledge ACM's continued support of all that NACM does for the business credit community. "We don't do anything without NACM, and without you we'd be in a pretty big bind," said Middleton. "The most important thing is that on behalf of ACM, our friends at Fifth Third Bank and so many people who don't even know, truly, we thank you for your contribution."