This month I wanted to choose a topic near and dear to my heart, Education.  We are coming up to the Western Region Credit Conference being held in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget. October 13-15, 2004.

This year our Key Note speakers are focusing on two topics that we use every day in the credit world, Customer Service and Team Building.  These are so important today in the competitive world that we are in. 

This year is the first year that we are offering Credit 101.  It is a certificate course and is geared for beginning credit professionals.  There are many other educational sessions available at this conference.          

Other educational offerings include Cutting Edge Technology, Bankruptcy, Collections, Antitrust, Credit Scoring, Presentation skills and many others at every level of experience.  I have found that the sessions at WRCC are much higher quality than the seminars offered by other sources and at an affordable cost.

The networking is also invaluable.  I have learned many “tricks of the trade”  just listening to other credit managers around a lunch table or at one of the optional evening events.  This year it will be Thursday night, WELCOME TO MARGARITAVILLE.  It will be held poolside and if it is anything like the last time it will be a blast.

As I wrote for Credit Today my philosophy for credit is that “Education is the most important element for today’s credit professional.  Credit departments have been downsized or eliminated from many major companies.  We need to change this trend by adding value to our jobs, something best attained through education.  We need to educate not only ourselves as credit professionals, but also management, so they can see the tremendous additional value we bring.  We are after all, in charge of protecting our company’s largest asset.”

For more information on this years events and offerings contact:  Debbie Pio, phone #888-889-7913 ext 227, email dpio@creditservices.org or register online at www.wrcc.biz