My first month as Chairman has just flown by.  I attended the chair, vice chair luncheon yesterday and had the privilege of welcoming in the new volunteer leaders.  The Industry Credit Groups are an integral part of CMA and are so important to our own company’s protection.

Not only have I personally made that call back to my own factory many times saying to “Hold that Truck” because of a returned check or other information that I have learned at a meeting but I have also taken back invaluable information regarding Antitrust issues.

Some of our Industry Credit Groups also have other educational offerings to keep the value of their meetings at the highest levels.  Bankruptcy, collection techniques, lien laws are only a few of the meeting topics.  If your group does not already incorporate some of these educational opportunities, it would be a good idea to speak with your chair or vice chair as to why not. 

If your management knows that not only are you coming back with great information about your mutual customers but are learning new collection techniques, or how to take care of a preference claim. It makes you, as a credit professional look good.  Be sure to let your management know what you are doing.  That you are adding value to your job and learning new ways to help you do it better. 

There are also several webinars coming up that can also teach you new techniques and ways to enhance your credit education.  The nice thing about the webinars is that you can purchase a webinar and set it up in a conference room with a computer terminal and a telephone and bring your entire credit department to an educational session for the price of one person.  Check them out on anscers.com. 

Western Region is only a couple of months away.  Las Vegas this year!!!

If you like educational sessions mixed in with a great time I will see you there.  Registration will be available soon on the WRCC website www.wrcc.biz