Let's face it: as important and fulfilling as it is to re-engage and exchange information with beloved colleagues as well as learn about buzz topics at various in-depth educational sessions, when Credit Congress is over, you may just be ready to let loose. Hence, there is always an attempt to raise the bar with the Closing Night Party to help members leave on a high, energetic note. The 2011 party did just that will a sort-of encore performance from the one of country music's hottest emerging artists and one of the host-city's favorites.

Donned in cowboy boots, plaid and various other "Music City" approvable garb, revelers were treated to a bevy of Southern foods, like a savory brisket, in the Gaylord Opryland's luxurious Delta Ballroom A, which showed no signs of a flood that ravaged much of the hotel's first floor less than a year before. Among those looking very country was United TranzActions president and longtime NACM supporter Dean Middleton, who took to the stage to present prizes to the lucky winners. The hotly anticipated cruise prizes went to Jay Woulfe, CCE of Trelleborg Automotive USA, Inc. and Elizabeth Chamorro, CICP of Yaskawa America, Inc. Other winners pulled during the party included:

• MLBS Navigator: Joann Schultz, Lennox Industries; Donna Watson, CCE, Copper & Brass Sales Co. Inc.; Edward Elkert, Wildeck Inc.; Rosa Zuniga, Grainger Inc.
• Full Delegate Registration to 2012 Credit Congress & Expo in Dallas (via Scholarship Foundation Guitar Pick chance purchase in onsite Bookstore): Stacey Smythe, CCE, Progressive International
• NACM Affiliate Drawings for $250 American Express gift cards: Eddie Olewnik, CertainTeed Corp.; Margaret Kemp, CCE, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp.

The highlight of the night soon followed, as the LoCash Cowboys returned to the Closing Night Party to pump out a fun, 90-minute plus set of country songs and pop standards that kept dozens dancing for song after song. Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, along with their backup band, made their first Credit Congress Closing Night Party appearance at the 2006 Credit Congress in Nashville. This time, however, the band is a bonafide country hit-maker rather than an up-and-comer with potential. Nashville's LoCash Cowboys plowed through a set, which included their own hits, "Here Comes Summer" and "Keep in Mind," as well as songs they've written for other top country stars. But it wasn't just about country at the Closing Night Party, as the band surprised and delighted the crowd with a diverse array of cover songs from artists including The Beatles, Prince and even hair-metal heavyweights Motley Crue.

NACM congratulates all the evening's winners (and dancers) and thanks United TranzActions for its generous support of this year's Closing Night Party!