CREDIT FEVER - NACM Great Lakes Region

Registration Information
2016 NACM
Great Lakes Region
Credit Conference
Name
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Address
City
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Registration
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(An email confirmation will be sent to attendees.)
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qNo
• Payment must be received prior to October 26, 2016.
• Cancellation deadline for a full refund is October 26, 2016.
• Cancellations received after October 26, 2016, will NOT be refunded.
8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Keynote Session – Susan Fee
Teaching Staff to Become Self-Motivated
Sales and Credit Working Together (Best
Practices and Legal Considerations)
Utilizing Data to Help Reduce
Collections and Automate Decisioning
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. q News from NACM National
q New Tools and Features of the
National Trade Credit Report
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
q Spotting and Reacting to the Warning
Signs of Financially Distressed
Customers: Dodging the Bankruptcy
Bullet
q Updates on Credit Card Surcharging
qYes
Payment Information
Wednesday - November 9
9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
q
q
You may choose a team discount or an early bird
registration rate. Only one payment option may be selected.
Registration Fee
By Oct 1
After Oct 1
qTwo-Day Registration
Member
$299
$329
$__________
Non-Member
$598
$658
$__________
Member
$189
$209
$__________
Non-Member
$378
$418
$__________
qOne-Day Registration
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
q Combatting Overridden Credit Decisions
q Trade Credit Insurance
Coupons$____________
Team Discounts
Thursday - November 10
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
q Antitrust Traps for the Unwary: A
Discussion of Lawsuits Impacting the
Credit Grantor and a Practical Approach
to “Meeting Competition”
q Deep Dive into Ratios
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
q
q
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
q
q
Identifying Customers’ Red Flags
Using Social Media in the
Credit Department
Sales and Use Tax Audits – Emphasis
on Ohio
Championing Change
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Keynote Session – CHRIS KUEHL
That Was Fun - Now What? The
Economy in 2017
Zip
• 5 – 9 attendees from the same company
•
Total Cost $____________
receive a 10% registration discount. One
coupon per person is valid.
10 or more attendees from the same
company receive a 20% registration
discount. Two coupons per person are valid.
Please Note: Single attendees may use two coupons for two-day
registrations, and only one coupon for one-day registrations.
Payment Methods
q
Check enclosed payable to NACM Connect Headquarters
Mail to: 3005 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
q Charge $___________________ to my credit card
Pay by phone upon receipt of invoice 800.935.6226.
Registration Form Submission
Email to:
registration@nacmconnect.org
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.NACMGREATLAKESREGION.ORG
Mail to:
NACM Connect Headquarters
3005 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
2016 NACM
Great Lakes Region
Credit Conference
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November 9-10
Crowne Plaza Cleveland South
Independence, OH
Register online at www.nacmgreatlakesregion.org
C
You’re
REDIT
EVER
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About the Conference
Location
Boogie on down, join your co-workers and get ready for a groovy
time at this year’s Credit Fever! The NACM Connect affiliates and
the NACM Connect Institute of Credit are ready for a Far Out time at
this year’s Disco themed Credit Conference, November 9-10, at the
Crowne Plaza Cleveland South in Independence, OH.
Crowne Plaza Cleveland South
5300 Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel reservations can be made at the Crowne Plaza Cleveland South by
calling the hotel at 216.524.0700 or IHG reservations at 866.840.0582.
Please identify yourself as an NACM Great Lakes Region attendee to
receive the special conference rate of $112 per night. The cut-off
date is October 8, 2016. Reservations received after this date will be
accepted on a space and or rate available basis.
This year’s program includes 16 educational sessions on a variety of
topics designed for experienced credit and financial professionals,
as well as those that are new to the industry.
The conference will teach you how to become even better at what
you do—while also providing you the opportunity to connect with
like-minded people in your industry that have the same questions,
concerns and issues as you. You’ll gain insight into the experiences
of others who face challenges similar to yours. You’re guaranted
to return to the office inspired with new ideas, points-of-view and
solutions you can share.
Methods of Registration
Please choose one of the following methods to register for the this year’s
conference. Full payment must be received with your registration, or
we can invoice you; but, payment must be received before the event.
Be sure to take advantage of one of the team discounts or the early
bird rates listed below. Only one option may be selected.
On behalf of the NACM/Chicago-Midwest Board of Directors, NACM Great
Lakes Region Advisory Board and Education Committee, management
and staff, we hope you will join us at this important event. You don’t
want to miss what this year’s meeting has to offer—Register Today!
Online
Visit www.nacmgreatlakesregion.org to register online.
Email
Why Should You Attend
Complete the enclosed registration form and email it to NACM Connect
at registration@nacmconnect.org. Credit card payments can be made
upon receipt of invoice.
• Learn from expert speakers from across the country who are
specialists in their fields.
• Connect with and learn from industry peers.
• Earn Continuing Education Units, CCE recertification points
•
•
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Mail
You may send your completed Registration Form with payment to:
NACM Connect
Attn: Credit Conference Registration
3005 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3708
and ICCE recertification points from the educational sessions
you attend. You will also earn roadmap and participation
points.
Get introduced to the latest products and services available
to improve your job performance.
Learn about the current business climate and key industry
issues.
Reconnect with old friends while making new ones.
Demonstrate your commitment to your profession.
Team Discounts
• 5–9 attendees receive a 10% registration discount.
One coupon per person is valid.
• 10 or more attendees receive a 20% registration discount.
Two coupons per person are valid.
•
Your Registration Includes:
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i n v i t e d t o ...
General sessions
Continental breakfasts and buffet lunches
First Night networking reception
Exhibit hall entry and contests
Morning and afternoon breaks & refreshments
Two full days of concurrent educational sessions
Discount (Early-Bird) Member Pricing
By 10/1/16
2
Two-Day Registration
One-Day Registration
$299
$189
After 10/1/16
$329
$209
Schedule
At - A Glance
Key:
I
= Intermediate
A = Advanced
E = Everyone
These ratings are just
suggestions and in no way should
preclude anyone from attending
sessions of interest.
Wednesday - November 9
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
8:00 – 8:15 a.m.
Welcome Remarks - NACM Connect President, Phil Lattanzio, CCE
8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Teaching Staff to Become Self-Motivated - Keynote Speaker: Susan Fee, Lakeshore Counseling Services
9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Break
9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Sales and Credit Working Together (Best Practices and
Legal Considerations)
E
David Feigenbaum, CCE, Kichler Lighting; Scott Blakeley,
Blakeley & Blakeley
11:00 – 11:30 a.m
Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30
p.m.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
News from NACM National
Chris Ring, NACM National; Robin Schauseil, CAE,
NACM National
Utilizing Data to Help Reduce Collections and
Automate Decisioning
Bob O’Brien, Dun & Bradstreet
E
New Tools and Features of the National Trade
E
Credit Report
Phil Lattanzio, CCE, President & COO, NACM Connect
Gina Calabrese-Sylvester, Executive Vice President,
NACM Tampa
E
Updates on Credit Card Surcharging
Matt Fluegge, Vantiv; Scott Blakeley, Blakeley and
Blakeley
All Conference Luncheon
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Spotting and Reacting to the Warning Signs of
Financially Distressed Customers: Dodging the
Bankruptcy Bullet
Bruce Nathan, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler PC
2:45 - 3:15 p.m.
Break
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Combatting Overridden Credit Decisions
E
Panel: Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mickey Thompson
Performance Tires; Susan Thomas, CBA, Eli Lilly & Co.;
Larry LePage, CCE, Kirby Risk Corp.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Reception and Networking Event - Hosted by the Exhibitors
Registration and Breakfast
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Antitrust Traps for the Unwary: A Discussion of Lawsuits
Impacting the Credit Grantor and a Practical Approach
E
to “Meeting Competition”
Wanda Borges, Esq., Borges & Associates
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
11:30a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Trade Credit Insurance
Chris Baker, Euler Hermes
A
I
Thursday - November 10
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
I
Deep Dive into Ratios
Susan Thomas, CBA, Eli Lilly & Co.
E
Break
Identifying Customers’ Red Flags
E
Panelists: Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mickey Thompson Tire
Warehouse; Curt Johnson, CCE, S. Abraham & Sons, Inc.;
Michelle Norton, Moen Inc.
Using Social Media in the Credit Department
I
Thomas Fawkes, Esq., Goldstein & McClintock; Brian
Jackiw, Esq., Goldstein & McClintock
All Conference Luncheon
A
E
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Sales and Use Tax Audits – Emphasis on Ohio
Matthew Stamp, JD, LLM, GBQ Partners, LLC
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
That Was Fun-Now What? The Economy in 2017 - Keynote Speaker: Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate Intelligence
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Networking Hour
3
Championing Change
Judy Wagner, CCE, Roche Diagnostics.
Keynote
Speaker
Susan Fee, Lakeshore Educational & Counseling Services L.L.C.
Teaching Staff to Become Self-Motivated
Wednesday, 8:15 -9:15 a.m.
Employee motivation affects every aspect of business including hiring, training, productivity, marketing, retention, and profit.
But, it’s not a manager’s job to do the motivating! Instead it’s to create a culture in which staff becomes self-motivated. Inspiring
leaders walk beside employees, offering coaching and
encouragement to achieve self-directed goals
Susan Fee is a therapist, author, and national trainer
based in Cleveland, OH. She specializes in helping clients
develop their personal and professional communication
skills. She delivers training to individuals and corporations
on communication skills, conflict resolution, resiliency,
motivation, and presentation skills as well as providing
voice-overs for audiobooks, training videos and
commercials.
She’s the author of numerous magazine articles and books
including, 101 Ways to Make Your Message Stick, 101
ideas & Insights About Resolving Conflict, The Manager’s
Motivation Handbook, Circle of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Facilitator’s
Guide, and the college survival guide My Roommate is
Driving Me Crazy!
Susan developed Circle of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. to teach girls
ages 8-14 how to develop healthy relationships, regulate
emotions, increase self-esteem, and communicate
assertively. She’s taught her workshops for Girl Scouts,
parent groups, schools, and summer camps. Susan
believes every person has a story worth telling and she
wants to help young girls in particular tell a powerful one.
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Keynote
Speaker
Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate Intelligence
That Was Fun - Now What? The Economy in 2017
Thursday, 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Now that we know who we chose, what do we know about their plans for our economy? This session looks at the important
issues as expressed by the voters and discusses whether the incumbent is actually trying to deal with them. We will also
discuss the other major players in all this, Congress,
the Federal Reserve and the states.
Chris Kuehl is the co-founder and Managing Director
of Armada Corporate Intelligence, a company created
in 1999 to provide strategy foundation, competitive
intelligence, business analysis and economic
forecasting for corporate clients.
Chris is the editor and primary writer for several
publications including Business Intelligence Briefs,
Strategic Intelligence, and Business Credit Magazine.
A frequent commentator for the media, he is a regular
economic/business analyst for KMBZ radio and the
local NBC affiliate in his native Kansas City, MO, and
has been extensively quoted in national newspapers,
magazines and trade publications.
He holds a Masters Degree in Soviet and East European
Studies, a Masters in East Asian Studies and a PhD in
Political Economics from the University of Kansas.
He has been on the faculty of universities in the US,
Hungary, Estonia, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan.
Closer to home, Chris is the brains behind NACM’s
Credit Manager’s Index.
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Wednesday, November 9
Educational Sessions
9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sales and Credit Working Together (Best
Practices and Legal Considerations
News from NACM National
Speakers: Chris Ring, NACM National; Robin
Schauseil, CAE, NACM National
Speakers: David Feigenbaum, CCE, Kichler
Lighting; Scott Blakeley, Blakeley and Blakeley
The goal of this session is to help the Credit and Sales functions improve
their working relationships. Many companies don’t realize how much
Sales and Credit have in common and that they are all working toward the
same goal – profits. Throughout the course of this presentation, attendees
will be shown how Credit and Sales can work together and how to avoid
the pitfalls that can drive them apart.
Utilizing Data to Help Reduce Collections
and Automate Decisioning
Speaker: Bob O’Brien, Dun & Bradstreet
It’s the 21st century and data is compiling everywhere. Companies are
capturing piles of it, but not all are digging in to use it to the company’s
advantage. Wouldn’t it be great if you could utilize some of the data
collected in your credit department to reduce collections, automate
decisions and reduce DSO? In this highly informative session you can learn
to do all of that and more! Make yourself the next company hero by
putting the information at hand to work for you.
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NACM’s National office continues to add value to the membership of
all NACM members. From added products and services, enhancements
to the NACM Knowledge Center and the constant finger on the pulse of
Capitol Hill, in this session you will learn first-hand what has evolved
since the last conference and what to expect until the next.
New Tools and Features of the National
Trade Credit Report
Speakers: Phil Lattanzio, CCE, President & COO,
NACM Connect; Gina Calabrese-Sylvester, Executive
Vice President, NACM Tampa
The NTCR continues to grow in strength and expand by adding features
and tools. The Portfolio Risk Analysis Tool enables you to benchmark your
company’s AR portfolio against the entire NACM database or tradelines,
or against a specific industry and any of your credit groups. The nonmember credit reference tool can automate your job of responding to
reference requests, while keeping you informed about who is asking
and how often. The Account Monitor service can also help you keep a
watchful eye on key accounts. Come and learn about these and other
time and cost savings features of NACM’s National Trade Credit Report.
Wednesday, November 9
Educational Sessions
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Spotting and Reacting to the Warning Signs
Combatting Overridden Credit Decisions
of Financially Distressed Customers: Dodging Panel: Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mickey Thompson
Performance Tires; Susan Thomas, CBA, Eli Lilly &
the Bankruptcy Bullet
Speaker: Bruce Nathan, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler
LLP
Credit executives dread dealing with a financially distressed customer
at risk of bankruptcy sometime in the future and struggle over when
they should be acting to reduce their exposure. This is particularly the
case now when significant sectors of the U.S. economy, such as the oil,
gas, mining and steel industries, as well as retail and health care, are
in trouble and at risk of an explosion in bankruptcy filings. The speaker
will discuss the early warning signs hovering over a company at risk
of a future bankruptcy filing, the sources of information from which a
credit professional can identify these bankruptcy warning signs, and
how a credit executive can dodge a huge loss by quickly identifying
and reacting to these warning signs as they accumulate and point
toward the inevitable customer bust.
Updates on Credit Card Surcharging
Speakers: Matt Fluegge, Vantiv; Scott Blakeley,
Blakeley and Blakeley
Co.; Larry LePage, CCE, Kirby Risk Corp.
You make what you think is a prudent credit decision, just to be overridden
by upper management. Frustrating? Of course. Learn from our panelists
strategies that will help you to overcome this challenge by changing your
company’s culture and by creating a dynamic credit and sales team with
common goals and objectives. Bring your own ideas too as we share best
practices in dealing with this interesting topic.
Trade Credit Insurance
Speaker: Chris Baker, Euler Hermes
Credit insurance. What is it? What isn’t it? Come to this session and find
out! And while you are at it, you’ll also hear what types of carriers and
coverage exists, why companies like yours use trade credit insurance for
both domestic and international sales, and see the ROI demonstrated
through sample business challenges and solutions achieved through
implementing trade credit insurance. Let us help you clear up the
mysteries.
Three years ago the Card Networks changed their operating rules to
allow surcharging of credit card payments. Many businesses still struggle,
however, with exactly what the rules are, the state-by-state legalities. In
this session you will hear not only about surcharging, but also how you can
better control card acceptance costs.
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Thursday, November 10
Educational Sessions
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Antitrust Traps for the Unwary: A Discussion
of Lawsuits Impacting the Credit Grantor
and a Practical Approach to “Meeting
Competition”
Identifying Customers’ Red Flags
Speaker: Wanda Borges, Esq., Borges &
Associates
Today’s credit executive has to be part mediator, part human resource
administrator, part accountant, part sales, and part compliance officer.
Whether extending credit from your desk or exchanging credit with
your colleagues at a credit group meeting, the credit executive must be
cognizant of Antitrust Statutes and the effect adherence to or violation
of can have on you and your company. The Antitrust Statutes haven’t
changed in years. However, caselaw abounds. The meaning behind
“Sherman Antitrust”, “Robinson-Patman” and “Clayton Act” remains
foreign to many credit executives. The concept that credit terms are
equal to pricing is unfathomable to some credit grantors. And, the
method by which most credit executives obtain and transmit credit
information is changing on a daily basis. Your customers are changing.
No longer does every customer consist of “brick and mortar”. Customers
are demanding longer terms. This program will take you beyond the
basic understanding of the Antitrust statutes into the practical realm of
these lawsuits and what impact these cases may have on credit grantors.
Recent and ongoing cases will be discussed so that the credit grantor can
gain knowledge on what can and cannot be done to protect your company
from such lawsuits. The “Meeting Competition” Defense will be analyzed
with step-by-step guidelines provided.
Deep Dive into Ratios
Speaker: Susan Thomas, CBA, Eli Lilly & Co.
We will take a close look at key ratios covering liquidity, activity,
leverage, operating performance and cash flow analysis. Review and
analysis of standard financial ratios will include the formula, calculation,
interpretation and use. Also included: comparisons, trends, and
combinations.
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Speakers: Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mike Thompson
Tire Warehouse; Curt Johnson, CCE, S. Abraham &
Sons, Inc.; Michelle Norton, Moen Inc.
What are the Red Flags or warning signs that your customer is developing
problems?
Sometimes, when a customer is beginning to struggle
financially, the signs are obvious. However, this is not always the case.
What are some of the not so subtle warning signs to look for and how can
we be quick to take notice? How do you mitigate and/or respond to the
situation? What action does one take?
Using Social Media in the Credit Department
Speakers: Thomas Fawkes, Esq., Goldstein &
McClintock; Brian Jackiw, Esq., Goldstein &
McClintock
The rise of social media as a tool for communication, information sharing
and entertainment over the past five years has been nothing short of
astonishing. While many consider social media to be the province of
the sales and marketing departments, that viewpoint overlooks the
multitude of benefits that social media savvy can bring to the credit
professional. This presentation will lead off with an introduction to social
media, and will then focus on the most common benefits, including: (1)
quick, inexpensive intelligence gathering on customers; (2) identifying
sources of recovery from small business owners and guarantors; and (3)
formulating a litigation case against a delinquent customer or guarantor.
With these benefits, however, come several potential legal pitfalls. Credit
professionals must carefully adjust their social media practices to avoid
violating a variety of consumer protection laws, including the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act, and to avoid libelous or defamatory remarks
towards customers or their principals.
Thursday, November 10
Educational Sessions
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Sales and Use Tax Audits – Emphasis on Ohio
Speaker: Matthew Stamp, JD, LLM, GBQ Partners,
LLC
This session will cover sales and use tax and unclaimed funds.
Attendees will receive instruction regarding basic Ohio sales/use
tax concepts including exemptions and exemption documentation.
Additionally, attendees will learn strategies to more effectively respond
to and handle sales/use tax audits. Finally, we will discuss unclaimed
funds including where to report, audit activity and other compliance
requirements. Also included are national trends, registration
and compliance requirements, record keeping requirements, and
technology.
Championing Change
Speaker: Judy Wagner, CCE, Roche Diagnostics
In many ways, change is the currency of leadership. After all, if we really
don’t need to change anything, is leadership required? Leaders must
be champions of change. By attending this session, you will learn how
planning change and communicating your plan to your team will help to
diffuse the uneasiness that comes with change, the difference between
managing, leading and championing change, and tactics for becoming
that champion.
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Speakers
Chris Baker
Chris Baker is the Regional Vice President of Sales for Euler Hermes
North America. He has been with the company since 2005 in
various positions. In 2010 Chris opened a West Coast office for
Euler in California, and in 2012 Chris started an Agent continuing
education program for the North American sales force. Many of
those concepts have been adopted as best-practices for other Euler
Hermes business units around the world. He’s been married for 17
years and has two amazing kids. In his spare time he likes to travel
the Virgin Islands with his wife, run with his daughter and play
video games with his son. Scott Blakeley, Esq.
SCOTT E. BLAKELEY is a partner at Blakeley & Blakeley LLP, where
he advises companies regarding bankruptcy, creditors’ rights and
commercial law. He was selected as one of the 50 most influential
people in commercial credit by Credit Today. He is a contributing
editor for American Bankruptcy Institute’s Manual of Reclamation
Laws and author of A History of Bankruptcy Preference Law, published
by ABI. Credit Research Foundation has published a number of
his manuals. Scott has published dozens of articles in the area of
creditors’ rights, commercial law, and bankruptcy in such publications
as Business Credit, Managing Credit, Receivables & Collections,
Norton’s Bankruptcy Review and the Practicing Law Institute and
speaks frequently to credit industry groups regarding these topics
throughout the country. Scott holds a B.S. from Pepperdine University,
an M.B.A. from Loyola University and a law degree from Southwestern
University. He received the Credit Ambassador Award in 2013 from
the NACM of Oregon.
Wanda Borges, Esq.
Wanda Borges is the principal member of Borges & Associates,
LLC, a law firm based in Syosset, NY. For more than 29 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. She is the Immediate Past
President of the Commercial Law League of America and has
been an Attorney Member of its National Board of Governors, a
Past Chair of the Bankruptcy Section and a past member of the
executive council of its Eastern Region. Ms. Borges is a member
of the American Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy
Institute, the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Turnaround
Management Association, and is an associate member of the
International Association of Commercial Collectors. She is a regular
lecturer for NACM and its Affiliated Associations on commercial and
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corporate law (including
ECOA, the Uniform
Commercial Code and
FCRA), insolvency matters,
creditors’ rights issues, antitrust law and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. Ms. Borges has authored, edited and contributed to numerous
publications including Thomson West’s Enforcing Judgments and
Collecting Debts in New York, the NAB book Out of the Red and
Into the Black, the BCCA’s Credit & Collection Handbook, the CLLA
Commercial Law Journal, Bulletin, Debt 3 and Bankruptcy Section
newsletters-including her treatise “Hidden Liens, Who is Entitled
to What?”-and NACM’s Antitrust, Restraint of Trade and Unfair
Competition: Myth Versus Reality, Manual of Credit and Collection
Laws and Principles of Business Credit. She has co-authored The
Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
- An Overhaul of U.S. Bankruptcy Law, also published by NACM.
Gina Calabrese-Sylvester
Gina Calabrese Sylvester, CMP, CGA is Executive Vice President of
NACM Tampa, Inc. Gina began her NACM Tampa career in 1991 as
a local credit group Administrator and was promoted to National
Group Coordinator in 1993. As NACM Tampa continued to develop its
Credit Management System (CMS) software, Gina’s knowledge and
deep understanding of member needs became key as she accepted
the responsibility of managing the CMS‐NACM Affiliate relationship on
behalf of NACM Tampa in 1998. Gina’s understanding of how members
use and rely upon the platform that fuels their industry credit groups
positioned her to carry the vision of what was needed in the platform
to create what it now known as the NACM National Trade Credit
Report. She was instrumental in the redevelopment and redesign of
the WebCMS software, used by 20 NACM Affiliates to not only manage
their businesses, but also their NACM industry credit group operations.
Gina has driven the design and implementation of new products and
tools, supporting NACM credit group members nationwide. In 2013,
Gina was promoted to Executive Vice President, managing NACM
Tampa’s Information Systems, and continues to manage and improve
NACM’s National Trade Credit Report. Gina earned the prestigious
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1998 and the
Credit Group Administrator (CGA) designation in 2013. Gina holds a
BS from Florida State University.
Thomas Fawkes, Esq.
Thomas Fawkes is a partner with the law firm of Goldstein & McClintock LLLP in its Chicago office. Tom focuses his practice on
bankruptcy, creditors’ rights and financial restructuring matters,
representing official committees, unsecured and secured creditors, debtors, financial institutions, post-confirmation trustees and
asset purchasers in chapter 11 and 7 bankruptcy cases, out-of-
Speakers
court restructurings, and liquidation proceedings throughout the
United States. Tom also assists his clients in structuring commercial
transactions with a view towards mitigating risk of future bankruptcy and insolvency losses. Tom has been selected by the editors
of Turnarounds & Workouts as an Outstanding Young Restructuring Lawyer, an honor given to only 12 attorneys across the United
States each year.
has also spent significant
time advocating on behalf of
general unsecured creditors through his representation of official committees of unsecured
creditors. Before becoming an attorney, Brian served as an Officer
in the U.S. Army and was a Defense Contractor, playing an integral
role in the development of our nation’s defenses to missile attacks.
David Feigenbaum, CCE
Curt Johnson, CCE
David Feigenbaum, CCE has been Director-Corporate Credit at
Kichler Lighting, Cleveland, OH since 1999. His prior experience
includes tenures at Dun & Bradstreet, Westinghouse and General
Electric Supply and he has been a member of the credit profession
since 1974. Since joining NACM in 1978, Mr. Feigenbaum has
chaired the NACM Philadelphia Electrical Distributors Group, NACM
National Electrical Manufacturers Group and the National Fan
& Lighting Group. He is a former member of the Board of NACM
Greater Cleveland and is currently in his third term on the Board of
the Electrical Manufacturer’s Group.
His primary focus and accomplishments as a Credit Professional
have been in the areas of credit department turnaround and
improving the relationship between Sales and Credit. His expertise
and management philosophies have been featured in Credit Today
Magazine. Mr. Feigenbaum earned his CCE designation from NACM
in July of 2016.
Matt Fluegge
Matt Fluegge is an Executive Consultant with Vantiv and the
Manager of Vantiv’s partnership with the NACM. Vantiv is the
world’s 2nd largest purchase transaction processor. Matt has been
with Vantiv for 12 years and specializes in credit card acceptance
and payment processing in the Business-to-Business industries. He
has a Business Administration degree in Finance, and he and his
family live in Madison, WI. Vantiv and its partner company, United
TranzActions, have been the NACM affiliates’ preferred payment
processing partners for over 16 years. Matt also works one-on-one
with NACM members to provide payment processing services that
improve efficiency, security, and income. Brian Jackiw, Esq.
Brian Jackiw is a Partner with the law firm of Goldstein & McClintock in its Chicago office. Brian is experienced in bankruptcy
and commercial litigation, having represented plaintiffs and defendants in avoidance actions, complex bankruptcy claim disputes,
breach of fiduciary duty actions and bankruptcy fraud litigation. Beyond litigation in the bankruptcy courts, Brian has experience in general collection and commercial law litigation. Brian
Curt Johnson, CCE is the Credit Manager at S. Abraham & Sons,
Inc. (SAS), a Grand Rapids, Michigan based C-Store Wholesaler
serving convenience store retailers in the Midwest. While he has
been employed with SAS for 20 years, he has worked in Credit
Management for over 35 years, most in a managerial or leadership
capacity. Mr. Johnson has been serving on the Board of Directors of
NACM Great Lakes Region since 2013. He served previously on the
Board of Directors for NACM Western Michigan from 2000 until 2010
and served as Board Chairman. He has served or chaired on several
NACM affiliate committees. He attainted NACM’s Certified Credit
Executive Certificate (CCE) in April 2000. He was awarded Credit
Executive of the year in 2003. He has attended several Credit Congress
events as well as regional events sponsored by affiliates. He has
contributed articles to his employer’s and the affiliate’s newsletters.
He is currently a registered instructor for NACM. He has served on
several bankruptcy Unsecured Creditors’ Committees and has been a
strategic player in commercial collection litigation. Mr. Johnson is a
1993 graduate of Grand Valley State University where he received his
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with Marketing and
Finance emphasis. Hobbies include golf and most spectator sports.
He has been a high school sports official for 29 years and a Division-III
college official for the past 9 years. He enjoys singing and playing
guitar for weddings and other occasions.
Phil Lattanzio, CCE
Phil Lattanzio, CCE, is the President and Chief Operating Officer of
NACM/Chicago-Midwest and its operating affiliates, NACM Midwest,
NACM Upstate New York, NACM Gateway Region and NACM Great
Lakes Region. He has been with the National Association of Credit
Management since 1999 and has been in the position of President
since 2003. Under his direction, NACM/Chicago-Midwest has grown
to the largest of the NACM affiliates while returning the Association
to profitability as he continues to grow revenues and contain costs.
Prior to this position, Lattanzio was the Corporate Credit Manager at
Knaack Manufacturing Company in Crystal Lake, IL, where for seven
years he was accountable for the credit and accounts receivable
functions. Prior to Knaack, he worked in the credit departments for
Scotsman Industries, Inc. and Union Oil Company of California.
11
Speakers
Lattanzio is a graduate of Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He currently
serves as the Chair of NACM’s National Trade Credit Report Committee.
Larry LePage, CCE
Larry has been involved with Credit Management and associated with
NACM and affiliates since 1986. He has supported the education
relationship between companies and the local Credit Association. He
started facilitating and supporting the networking process for current
and future credit professionals in 1997 to the present by being an
instructor for Business Principles of Credit and Financial Analysis.
Larry was one of the charter members of the original Indiana Institute
of Credit and was very active in Fort Wayne Institute of Credit.
Working in construction, agriculture, retail truck parts, wholesale
electric and manufacturing has given him a variety of experience
in the workforce. Currently he is a Credit Supervisor for Kirby Risk
Corporation. He has had supervisory experience in office management
and finance. His background in general accounting, leading project
teams focused on improving work environments and implementing
policies and procedures to provide consistency in accounting processes
is what Larry brings to the table. Larry is proficient in partnering,
problem resolution and negotiating with internal and external
customers. Basically, Larry is a Coach.
Bruce Nathan, Esq.
BRUCE S. NATHAN is currently a partner in the Bankruptcy, Financial
Reorganization and Creditors’ Rights Department of the law firm of
Lowenstein Sandler PC. Mr. Nathan concentrates on all aspects of
creditors’ rights and workouts in bankruptcy, out of court matters and
other types of insolvency matters and in developing and documenting
various types of credit enhancement arrangements . Mr. Nathan holds
combined J.D./M.B.A. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania
Law School and the Wharton School of Management. He is also an
active member of the American Bankruptcy Institute (“ABI”) and
its Unsecured Trade Creditor Committee, is a contributing editor of
ABI Journal’s “Last In Line Column”, and ABI’s “Second Circuit Cases
Update”, and is the author of ABI’s Manual On Trade Creditors’ Rights
of Reclamation And Stoppage of Delivery of Goods . Mr. Nathan is
also an active member of, and regular lecturer for, the National
Association of Credit Management (“NACM”), is a member of NACM’s
Editorial Advisory Board, is a frequent contributor to NACM’s Business
Credit, and is a contributing editor of NACM’s Manual of Credit and
Commercial Laws.
Michelle Norton
Michelle Norton has been in the A/R-Credit arena for the past 25 years,
all of which have been with Moen Incorporated. Moen Incorporated is
the number one brand of faucets in North America and also supplies
stylish kitchen sinks and innovative bath accessories. Norton began
12
her career with Moen
31 years ago as an A/P
clerk and advanced
throughout the Finance
organization to her
current position as the Director of Credit and Collection Services.
She leads a staff of eleven individuals that handle cash application,
dispute resolution, collection, credit investigation and approval as
well as customer returns. Norton received her BSBA in 2001 from
Ashland University. She is a past Chairperson for the JDRF in Greater
Cleveland and serves as a 4-H Advisor in Lorain County.
Bob O’Brien
Bob is the Senior Manager, Global Partnerships and Alliances for Dun
& Bradstreet, where he is responsible for D&B’s relationship with the
affiliates of the National Association of Credit Management. He has
27 years’ experience working with companies in Risk, MDM, CRM and
supply to help create efficiencies and drive bottom line revenue. His
experience reaches Fortune 100 companies to mid-sized companies
on a global basis and across many different industries.
Caroline Perkins, CCE
Caroline has been in the credit industry for 33 years. She has served as
credit manager for Mickey Thompson Tires, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, for the past 29 years. She
earned her CCE certification in 2012 from NACM and has participated
in numerous credit interchange groups throughout the years. She is
the winner of the “12th Man Award” in 2012 and the “Ironman Award”
in 2014 from Mickey Thompson Tires. Caroline has been married to
Steve for the past 31 years and together with their dog, Lucy, they
make their home in Akron, Ohio. They enjoy spending time with their
large extended families and are active in their church.
Chris Ring
Chris Ring is the National Representative for NACM’s Secure Transaction Services and he specializes in assisting credit professionals secure
their receivables using Mechanic’s Lien Laws and Article 9 of the
Uniform Commercial Code. Chris consults with companies on a daily
basis leading them to find the best way to use these credit tools to
assure that they are in the best possible position to get paid. Since
2002, Chris has completed seminars on both Mechanic’s Liens and UCC
Filings for companies, NACM Affiliate Credit Conferences, NACM Industry Credit Groups, CFDD Meetings and NACM’s Secured Transaction
Services seminars. During Chris’ presentations, he demonstrates how
to overcome objections from customers, sales reps and management
to using these credit tools. Chris also actively solicits questions from
attendees so all attendees can learn from the successes and struggles
others have had while using these tools. In the end, Chris’ goal is to
Speakers
help you be the best credit professional you can be and have a
little fun along the way.
Robin Schauseil, CAE
Robin Schauseil, CAE is President of the National Association of
Credit Management. Robin began her NACM career in 1988 as
the Convention Director, and was promoted to Vice President of
Education in 1994. As Executive Vice President, she worked with
many of NACM’s national committees along with supporting and
advancing the mission and vision of the National Board. She was
named President of the Association in March 2002. Before joining
NACM, Robin worked for a political consulting firm on Capitol Hill
and prior to that, served on the staff of Aviation Week & Space
Technology magazine, a McGraw-Hill publication. She holds a
BS from Georgetown University. Matthew Stamp
Matt has over 17 years of experience in state and local tax
servicing clients in the manufacturing, contracting, retail,
financial and service industries. Matt has significant experience
managing state and local tax compliance issues, performing tax
technical research, assisting clients with transactional analysis
and tax controversy. His practice focuses primarily on multistate
sales/use taxes, income and franchise taxes, tax credits and
economic development opportunities. Matt also has experience
assisting clients with municipal income tax and real and
personal property tax matters.Prior to joining to
GBQ in 2007, Matt was a Senior Manager with Ernst
& Young LLP’s State and Local Tax Group in Cleveland,
Ohio. He was also a Manager with Deloitte & Touche
LLP’s Multistate Tax Services Group in Columbus, Ohio.
Matt has lectured on state and local tax topics for the
Columbus Association of Tax Professionals (CATP), the
Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA),
American Subcontractors of Ohio (ASA), Construction
Financial Management Association (CFMA – Central
Ohio Chapter), President’s Advisory Committee (PAC –
Columbus Chapter), Tax Executives Institute (TEI), Lorman
Educational Services and National Business Institute.
Judy Wagner, CCE
Judy Wagner, CCE, MBA is the Director of Corporate Credit for
Roche Diagnostics Corporation in Indianapolis. She manages all
areas of accounts receivable from planning, risk management,
accounting, collections, bad-debt processing, and cash
application. With over 25 years of experience, Wagner
maintains her CCE designation through the National Association
of Credit Management. She currently serves as the Councilor
of the NACM Great Lakes Region Advisory Board. Wagner is also
a member of Credit Research Foundation, speaks at various
local, regional and national conferences and is member of the
NACM Connect faculty, teaching CAP and ACAP classes as well
as a variety of other topics.In 2016 Wagner was the recipient
of the NACM O.D. Glaus Credit Executive of Distinction Award,
an award acknowledging exemplary professionals within the
field of credit.
Susan Thomas, CBA
Susan Thomas is responsible for North American
pharmaceutical credit assessment for Eli Lilly and Company, a
portfolio encompassing over $1B. She is a finance professional
with over 30 years’ experience in credit, treasury, accounts
payable management, and internal audit. In 2016, the NACM
recognized Susan with its CBA Designation of Excellence Award.
13
Silent
Auction
Dear Member,
The Robert L. Vodraska Scholarship Foundation has been successfully raising money and awarding scholarships to the
members of NACM Connect since 2009. Through our efforts in raising money for this worthwhile cause, we have been able
to gift almost $47,700 in scholarships to members of the Association to continue their credit education.
A large part of the funding of the foundation comes through the success of the Silent Auction held each year in conjunction
with the Conference. To that end, I am appealing to all members to consider donating personally or through their company
item(s) that can be used in the Silent Auction to raise money.
All donors will receive recognition in the NACM Connect newsletter and on the Conference website. Plus, you will have
the knowledge that your generosity has helped provide skilled and knowledgeable credit professionals for the future. All
contributions are tax deductible. The tax id number for your donation is 37-1562913.
Please send your Silent Auction donations to:
Lillian Novak, Vice President
NACM Connect
3005 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
If you are local and would rather have your item picked up at your office, we will be happy to arrange this for you.
For additional information, please feel free to call me at 800-935-6226, ext. 6478
or email lillian.novak@nacmconnect.org.
Thank you,
Lillian Novak
Vice President of Education
NACM Gateway Region
14
Driving
Directions
Crowne Plaza Cleveland South
5300 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
From I-480, I-80 or I-90 take I-77 to Exit 155, Rockside Road:
Turn left onto Rockside Road (West), At 1st light Turn left onto Summit Drive, then make immediate left into hotel driveway.
Follow up the hill to hotel entrance, Crowne Plaza Cleveland South - Independence is located on the hill behind the BP Gas
Station and in the Summit and Liberty Office Park.
From the (CLE) airport take I-480 East to I-77 South to Exit 155 (Rockside Road):
Turn left onto Rockside Road (West), at 1st light Turn left onto Summit Drive. Then make immediate left into hotel driveway.
Follow up the hill to hotel entrance, Crowne Plaza Cleveland South - Independence is located on the hill behind the BP Gas
Station and in the Summit and Liberty Office Park.
.
From the (CAK) airport take I-77 North to Exit 155 (Rockside Road):
Take Highway 40 West to 270 North. Exit at Dorsett. At the Dorsett exit, turn left (West) on Dorsett. Go to the first stop light
(McKelvey) and turn right (North). Enter plaza at second left entrance. Orlando’s will be straight ahead.
From the train station:
Go southwest on Cleveland Memorial Shoreway and turn right, turn right onto East 9th. Merge onto I-77 South,
Exit at #155 Rockside Road, Turn left onto Rockside, At 1st light turn left onto Summit. Make an immediate left into the Crowne
Plaza parking lot.
Parking
On-site parking is complimentary.
15
s and Servic e s
t
c
u
d
o
r
P
NACM Connect is pleased to offer the following products and services.
Commercial Collection Credit Reporting
Services
Services
Electronic Claims Placement
• Maximum Dollar Recovery
• Personal Service
•
Education
Staffing Services
Workshops and Seminars
• Webinars
• On-Site Training
•
Annual Credit Conferences
• Professional Designation Programs
• Self-Study and Exam Reviews Courses
• Credit 101, Credit 102 and Credit 103
•
Credit Group Services
Industry Credit Groups
• Online Credit References
• SAP Users Group
• International Credit Professionals Group
•
Other Services
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Business Credit Magazine
• The InterConnection Newsletter
• Bi-Monthly e-Newsletter
•
Temporary Positions
• Temp-to-Hire
• Direct Hire
• Employment Screening
•
Institute of Credit
Publications
Commercial Credit Reports
• Consumer Credit Reports
• International Credit Reports
•
•
•
•
•
Billing Solutions Services
Cash Flow Solutions
Check Guarantee Services
Credit and Deductions
Management Software
Credit Card Processing
Credit Insurance
Credit Risk Management
Critical Document Management
Electronic Funds Transfer
Online Bill Pay
Online Credit Applications
Retail Account Monitoring
UCC and Mechanics Liens Filings
Sales Tax Management Software
For more information, or if you have questions email info@nacmconnect.org
NACM Connect
3005 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
P 847.483.6400 • F 847.253.6685
info@nacmconnect.org
www.nacmconnect.org
.