Super Session and Annual Business Meeting
Before NACM-National Chairman Phyllis Truitt, CCE got down to business, attendees were treated to a hypnotic performance by Hoop Girl Kitty, who moved to the pumping beats of dance music with an eye-popping routine that started the day like no other. After Kitty left the stage to rapturous applause, Truitt went on with updates on NACM's activities during the past year, beginning with an appeal to members to continue their support of NACM's ample networking and education opportunities. "As I mentioned yesterday, 2009 was a challenging year for NACM," said Truitt. "This is where we come in: We, the NACM members, can help grow our association by being aggressive marketers of all that NACM has to offer." Truitt then turned things over to NACM-National President Robin Schauseil, CAE to announce this year's membership growth awards, honoring NACM Affiliates that expanded their numbers in 2009. Schauseil also awarded Geert Jan Van Haastrecht, CCE, CICP with the 2009 Graduate School of Credit & Financial Management's Best Student Award. Other guests at the Super Session included NACM Economic Advisor Chris Kuehl, Ph.D., on hand to discuss the unique value of NACM's Credit Managers' Index (CMI) and President of the Dutch Credit Management Association Mannes Westhuis, who presented NACM with its 2010 friendship award. ACM and United Tranz*Actions President Dean Middleton once again generously pledged his organization's commitment to NACM and its members. "We know that the year has been challenging and we know that businesses will continue to be challenged as our economy continues to heal," said Middleton. "I want you to know that United Tranz*Actions will stand by you as you navigate your way through the business environment." "We've got your back, and we'll continue to stand by you," he added. Finally, Keith McFarland delivered his Super Session-headlining presentation, based on his two best-selling strategy books The Breakthrough Company and Bounce. McFarland's appearance was sponsored by Experian, which offered McFarland's book at its booth in the Expo following the Super Session. "We looked at 7,000 private companies and asked how they extend their growth, not for years, but for decades," said McFarland, referring to the research conducted for The Breakthrough Company. "We found that great companies aren't built in good times; they're built during the bad times. They became a great company because of the hard things they've gone through." McFarland also encouraged attendees to remain positive about their chances in their industry. "We spend too much time looking at other industries and saying how good theirs is and how bad ours is," he noted. "All of these great companies entered the business at a time when it looked bad." "It's not what you make," said McFarland, "it's what you make of it." |
For 114 years, NACM’s Credit Congress has been a glowing beacon… educating, uniting and empowering the credit community. We invite you, as dedicated, enthusiastic credit professionals, to continue this tradition with us May 16-19 at the Rio Hotel Las Vegas.
