Many under NACM's umbrella of divisions and affiliated groups use Credit Congress as an opportunity to gather their members, celebrate the last year's accomplishments, crown a new chairperson, or simply say thank you to their supporters.

FCIB, NACM's international division, hosted a lavish luncheon on Monday for its members and other internationally-minded credit professionals present at this year's Credit Congress. The annually-held event gives the FCIB community a chance to expand their network while gaining more insight into the issues facing the global economy from NACM Economic Advisor Chris Kuehl, PhD of Armada Corporate Intelligence.

While recent deficit discussions have tended to focus on the problems facing the United States, in his presentation, Kuehl noted that the issue of overwhelming debts and deficits is by no means strictly an American one. "Concern #1 for the global economy is how countries are going to get out of deficits," he said, noting that other large and important economies are facing issues similar to those found in the U.S. While China's largest problem, Kuehl noted, was combating the threat of inflation, he noted that "regionally, they have deficit issues." Japan, still recovering from its March earthquake and subsequent aftershocks and nuclear disasters, is another Asian economy laboring under crippling deficits. "Japan isn't altogether sure how it's going to pay for this rebuilding," Kuehl noted, summarizing that, on deficit issues, while things seem dire here in the U.S., "we're not alone, and we're not the worst."

Meanwhile, like last year, members of NACM-Canada at its annual Credit Congress breakfast continued to display confidence that conditions were improving for Canadian businesses as well as in its purported world-class banking system. But the breakfast was less of an opportunity to talk of their own businesses, instead focusing on colleagues just getting together to catch up for an hour after another busy year. Of course, several side conversations revolved around the Vancouver Canucks trying to win the National Hockey League's famed Stanley Cup and bring it back to Canada for the first time since 1993. A few of the other topics of brief-yet-keen interest included developments in the U.S. gaming industry and the continued scary plight of high-debt European nations and their impact on the rest of the global economic rebound.

This year's CFDD Awards & Installation Luncheon carried an especially celebratory tone as a packed house of credit women and men packed the annual Credit Congress event once again.

For one thing, multiple CFDD members including Sheila Roames, CCE of Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, and Gwen Stroops, CCE of Smith Pipe & Steel Co., Inc., each had previously earned high honors in the 2011 NACM Honors and Awards Committee round of NACM awards (see awards section for details). In addition, CFDD announced that its 2011 scholarship value was up from the previous year, to $24,311 from $21,170, at Credit Congress. In total, 63 scholarships were awarded in 2011.Since 1990, CFDD has awarded 7,074 scholarships totaling more than $1.5 million.

The luncheon also featured a passing of the torch, so to speak, from outgoing Chairman Marlene Groh, CCE of W.W. Grainger, Inc., who was honored for her commitment over the last year in the position, to incoming leader Wendy Legan, CCE of Summit Electric Supply. It's a natural transition given the commitment to the value of education for credit professionals on the part of both women.
CFDD also honored a trio of chapters-Phoenix, Charlotte and Orlando-for membership growth in the year as well as two individual members: Marilyn Ray, CCE of the Portland Chapter, and Kelly Shock, CCE of Denver. Each received Distinguished Member of Achievement Awards during the high-energy luncheon.

The annual Leadership Luncheon, generously sponsored again by NACM partner United TranzActions (UTA), was held on the final day of Credit Congress and offered NACM staff members and volunteers both an elegant lunch with all the trimmings as well as the association's gratitude. "NACM began this tradition, with the help of its partner-American Check Management, now United TranzActions-as a way to recognize and thank its leaders," said NACM Chairman Kathy Tomlin, CCE of Central Concrete Supply Co., Inc., in her opening remarks. "You-our organization's leaders-are all gathered here today so that together, we can recognize our achievements and celebrate our success."

"Thank you for your leadership, support and dedication to our organization," she added.

UTA President Dean Middleton also took the podium to offer his own personal thanks to the room full of NACM board members, affiliate staff and other valuable contributors. "I continue to think that this is the most appropriate sponsorship for us," said Middleton. "We have the honor to do well, and it's because of you, and we thank you."