Call for Papers: Global Entrepreneurship Research Conference in San Francisco, March 22-25, 2006; Organized By the University of San Francisco and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Call for Papers: Global Entrepreneurship Research Conference in San Francisco, March 22-25, 2006; Organized By the University of San Francisco and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

San Francisco-Silicon Valley Global Entrepreneurship Research Conference, March 22-25, 2006 in San Francisco, CA. Organized by the University of San Francisco School of Business and Management Entrepreneurship Program and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology School of Business. Conference paper submission deadline December 1, 2005.

Redwood City, CA (PRWEB) September 23, 2005

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the San Francisco-Silicon Valley Global Entrepreneurship Research Conference (www. EntrepreneurshipProgram. org) will commence with research paper and panel presentations on March 22 and 23 and move on to a highly energetic international business plan competition on March 24 and 25 that feature's many top silicon valley venture capitalist and executive judges. The conference is organized by the University of San Francisco School of Business and Management Entrepreneurship Program and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology School of Business. The best papers will be included in the spring issue of the semi-annual journal, "Silicon Valley Review of Global Entrepreneurship Research."

The inaugural 2005 conference attracted scholars from 15 countries around the world. Please find their papers at: http://www. usfca. edu/sobam/nvc/Proceedings. pdf (http://www. usfca. edu/sobam/nvc/Proceedings. pdf).

This year's research conference and the business plan competition will again provide an opportunity for SCHOLARS, VENTURE CAPITALISTS AND LEADING ENTREPRENEURIAL EXECUTIVES to learn from each other in both paper and panel presentations, as well as by participating in a highly competitive international business plan competition, where conference participants will have the opportunity to witness graduate student entrepreneurs from around the world pitch their new venture technology companies to many of the world's leading venture investors. The San Francisco Chronicle covered part of last year's event and published it as a lead story in its Saturday Business Section - link below.

Http://sfgate. com/cgi-bin/article. cgi? file=/c/a/2005/03/12/BUGCIBOAPF1.DTL (http://sfgate. com/cgi-bin/article. cgi? file=/c/a/2005/03/12/BUGCIBOAPF1.DTL)

By participating in this conference, attending faculty, deans, and program directors will also learn many of the mechanics of launching a business plan competition and entrepreneurship program for their own university.

Conference Themes and Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Causal factors of regional entrepreneurial advantage

Success factors of entrepreneur firms

Financing of entrepreneurial firms

Legal Aspects of entrepreneurship

Business plan development issues

Growth strategies of entrepreneur companies

Entrepreneurial leadership in existing firms

Managing global expansion and global operations of entrepreneurial firms

International and cross-cultural aspects of entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship in China

Venture Capital

Entrepreneurship education and curriculum development

Social and sustainable entrepreneurship

All submissions (papers, detailed executive summaries, cases, and panel proposals) will be blind reviewed, and acceptance/rejection is based upon quality and relevance to the conference.

Papers/cases/proposals should be submitted via e-mail attachment to the conference co-chairs in Microsoft Word for Windows or PDF format no later than December 1, 2005. Receipt of papers will be acknowledged and decisions on acceptance made and provided no later than December 31, 2005.

We also highly encourage doctoral students to submit excerpts of their dissertations or working papers relevant to entrepreneurship research for consideration. Doctoral student presentations will allow distinguished members of the academic profession to comment on the results of the studies, as well as address issues and aspects of academic publishing and career development.

The registration fee is US $250 before February 10th, 2006, and US $300 for late and on-site registration. Doctoral Student Registration is half the scheduled rate above.

Please send the registration fee in check or money order in US currency (payable to USF New Venture Center) to Ms. Ramona Deluna, University of San Francisco School of Business, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117. At least one author must be registered and must present at the conference for each paper accepted. All conference attendants must register.

Only those papers presented by an author at the Conference will be included in the Conference Proceedings and subsequent journal.

Conference Hotel Info at:

Http://www. radisson. com/sanfranciscoca_miyako (http://www. radisson. com/sanfranciscoca_miyako)
Special conference rates at the Radisson-Miyako Hotel are $109/night + tax are available for reservations made by March 1, 2006 Indicate USF Entrepreneur when calling for your room.

Guidelines for Submissions

1. Submit your completed paper or abstract in ONE document attachment (word or PDF) by e-mail to the Conference Co-Chairs on or before December 1, 2005. (Earlier submissions are highly encouraged.) Receipt of your paper will be quickly acknowledged and you will receive a decision no later than December 31, 2005.

2. Extended abstracts or executive summaries are acceptable. Full papers should not exceed 25 double-spaced pages, plus exhibits, references, and appendices. Papers should be submitted in ONE file, including all exhibits and appendices.

3. Each paper should have a title page with the authors' names, affiliations, email addresses, telephone and FAX numbers. Multiple authored papers should indicate the contact person. Important: PLEASE PROVIDE AN ABSTRACT (up to 300 words) AND AUTHOR NAMES AND AFFILIATIONS AS A SEPARATE PAGE FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROGRAM MATERIALS.

4. Papers or abstracts will be blind reviewed; authors should avoid revealing their identity in the paper or abstract.

5. Papers should not have been previously published, accepted for publication or under consideration for publication or presentation elsewhere.

6. Authors submitting papers must agree to return by e-mail attachment a camera-ready copy of the final draft of an accepted paper or detailed abstract to the Proceedings editor before February 10, 2006. The detailed guidelines for preparing the manuscript will be sent to authors of accepted papers/abstracts by the Proceedings Editor. The Proceedings will be published on on-line. The top papers will be included (pending authors' permission) in the Journal - "Silicon Valley Review of Global Entrepreneurship Research."

7. At least one author must register for and attend the conference to present the paper. All conference attendees must register.

8. Panel proposals should provide a 2 - 3 page detailed synopsis and list at least 3 panel members that will attend and their affiliations and contact information.

Questions about the conference may also be sent to the Conference Co-chairs: Professors Mark Cannice, Roger Chen, and Zhan Li. (www. EntrepreneurshipProgram. org)

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Life is 'Devine' -- Tom Devine To Lead Revamped American Whistleblowers' League On Policy

Life is 'Devine' -- Tom Devine To Lead Revamped American Whistleblowers' League On Policy

Tom Devine will serve as Policy Advisor and Major Initiatives Spokesperson for The American Whistleblowers’ League or AWL. He brings to the group his encyclopedic knowledge of federal whistleblower legislation which he has advanced before Congress, quasi-judicial agencies, various courts, and the media for nearly three decades. With his help, AWL will be more the voice of than a voice for government whistleblowers.

Crown Point, IN (PRWEB) March 6, 2006

In addition to working as Legal Director for The Government Accountability Project (GAP) of Washington, D. C. and Seattle, Washington, acclaimed whistleblower advocate, Tom Devine, will serve as Policy Advisor and Major Initiatives Spokesperson for the recently reorganized and renamed coalition now known as The American Whistleblowers’ League or AWL. "AWL embraces the mission GAP has pursued, namely 'to protect the public interest by promoting government and corporate accountability through advancing occupational free speech and ethical conduct, defending whistleblowers, and empowering citizen activists'” says Zena D. Crenshaw, Executive Director for AWL. Ms. Crenshaw adds that AWL's uniqueness and strength largely relate to it being sponsored by National Judicial Conduct and Disability Law Project, Inc. (NJCDLP), a nonprofit organization for which she is also CEO.

NJCDLP combats abuses of the American legal system that are facilitated by judicial misconduct. It accordingly lobbies with AWL for legislation to protect lawyers and judges "blowing the whistle" on judicial misconduct and/or the ineffectiveness of government agencies charged with protecting whistleblowers. Tom brings to the effort his encyclopedic knowledge of federal whistleblower legislation which he has advanced before Congress, quasi-judicial agencies, various courts, and the media for nearly three decades. He is a Phi Beta Kappa honors graduate of Georgetown University, and received his J. D. in 1980 from Antioch School of Law. Crenshaw projects that with Tom's help, AWL will be more the voice of than a voice for government whistleblowers.

Most legal and judicial reform activists are not lawyers or represented by paid advocates. Hence they are very accustomed to pro se or unrepresented advocacy and support it through a vast internet network. Though quite familiar with the corresponding tools of self-empowerment, NJCDLP directors recruited Betsy Combier to be AWL’s Image Counseling Director. As an award-winning writer, video producer, and journalist, Betsy will guide AWL members in accomplishing their goals through affordable public relations campaigns. She has a BA in Child Psychology from Northwestern University; MA Certificate from the Johns Hopkins' School For Advanced International Studies, where her specialization was the Soviet-Military-Industrial Complex; MPS in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University; and Certificate in Art and Drama Therapy from The New School.

Any natural person may qualify to be a member of AWL if he or she has disclosed alleged error(s) of an American government agency at the local, state, or federal level to at least one person with authority to correct the situation; only to have the allegation disregarded or refuted with no apparent investigation or fair consideration; and his or her work with the agency significantly altered in a negative way. AWL’s Executive Director emphasizes that exposing such an experience is only one part of a healthy strategy to survive it. AWL members are encouraged to marshal their collective strength, remain positive as best they can under the circumstances, avoid isolation, and collaborate with various groups to accomplish shared goals. These common sense strategies can be difficult if a person is ostracized and even dehumanized, perhaps for just doing his or her job well. Fortunately AWL works closely with skilled and dedicated psychotherapist, Dr. Donald Soeken of the D. C. based, Integrity International. For several decades Dr. Soeken has counseled government whistleblowers, often serving as an expert witness in related cases.

Crenshaw explains that she is one of seven NJCDLP directors in addition to being an executive officer for the nonprofit corporation and AWL. “We determined to partner primarily with executive branch whistleblowers through AWL as they apparently face the judicial nullification of their many legislative victories”. Most likely AWL will directly and indirectly challenge courts more often than other government whistleblower coalitions. “AWL is also more likely to partner with faith based groups and civil as well as human rights organizations than other whistleblower groups as I am accustomed to working with a wide range of good government advocates” says Crenshaw. AWL is a member of the D. C. based, No Fear Coalition which similarly works with a broad spectrum of activists in advocating for federal employees.

Crenshaw was designated by AWL's predecessor (Whistleblowers for an Honest, Efficient and Accountable Government) as its spokesperson on tactics used in professional disciplinary actions that thwart properly stated standards for regulating First Amendment activities among lawyers when their criticism of the judiciary or a judicial officer is involved. She is one of the relatively few licensed attorneys to whistleblow on judges and has her bar admissions limited to the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit as a result. In 1981, Zena graduated with a dual major in English and Philosophy and distinguished as a National Merit, Notre Dame, and Indiana State Scholar from the University of Notre Dame at Notre Dame, Indiana. In 1984 she graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois, distinguished as an Earl Warren Scholar. A summer session of her legal education was completed at the Notre Dame Law Centre in London, England.

AWL represents an unprecedented alliance among good government advocates involving experts on executive, legislative, and judicial branch misconduct. "My fellow directors and I are delighted to have Tom Devine anchoring our efforts on behalf of government whistleblowers across America" says Crenshaw. She is confident that all Americans will ultimately benefit.

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New ERP Software for Applied Motion

New ERP Software for Applied Motion

Applied Motion has New ERP Software for operations.

Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) December 30, 2005

Applied Motion Systems Inc., Vancouver, Washington, has selected Encompix ERP software to help manage their company’s growth.

Founded in 1995 by experienced drive and motion systems veterans, Applied Motion Systems, Inc. was launched to develop a new generation of high speed composite can sealing systems for the food packaging industry.

Today, Applied Motion Systems are used to managing both simple and complex manufacturing processes incorporating hundreds of axes of motion in small and large companies in industries such as high-tech, semiconductor, building products, consumer goods, research/education, packaging, aviation, utilities, and entertainment.

In 2003, Applied Motion designed and built a semi-automated, rail-mounted camera system and controller console used at the Academy Awards presentation. The equipment allowed camera crews to bring sweeping motion to the video coverage with less hassle.

According to Thomas R. Cutler, spokesperson for the ETO Institute (www. etoinstitute. org), “Encompix continues to capture significant marketshare in the ETO environment because few other ERP vendors truly understand the nuances and significant distinctions of the ETO process versus the repetitive manufacturing process. Encompix now has more than 200 of the leading ETO manufacturing firms in North America using their ERP Software solution.”

Encompix (www. encompix. com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects the commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing. Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.

Encompix

Www. encompix. com

Roger Meloy

513-733-0066

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Fun Holiday Gifts that Save Lives

Fun Holiday Gifts that Save Lives

How about a stocking stuffer that saves lives? Holiday shoppers report purchasing Vedante's Super-Reflective POP BANDS® because they are looking for inexpensive, unique, and fun gifts that make a difference.

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) December 10, 2008

How would you like to give a gift this holiday season that keeps loved ones safe all year?

More people are discovering Vedante's super-reflective POP BANDS® made with 3M's Scotchlite, which is reflective up to 1500 feet (700 CPL). Unlike other companies that are experiencing diminishing sales since September, Vedante's sales have more than quadrupled. Customers are reporting that they purchase POP BANDS® because they are looking for inexpensive, unique, and fun gifts that make a difference. On Amazon. com, POP BANDS® remain in the top of both wish lists and bestseller lists.

"POP BANDS make great stocking stuffers and holiday gifts," said Vedante CEO Barbara Kantor, who attributes the marked increase in sales to holiday gift purchases. "Now that the nights are longer, POP BANDS are an important and timely gift to keep friends and loved ones safe during nighttime outings."

POP BANDS® provide 360° visibility at night when worn on the arms and legs. They can also be snapped onto bikes, purses, and backpacks. Designed to reflect a large amount of light, POP BANDS® have a level of reflectivity that is much higher than in similar products.

Vedante has intentionally kept retail prices low, so POP BANDS® are inexpensive gifts even in difficult economic times. See below for the list of benefits for this innovative product. For an online demo, visit www. vedante. com.

Vedante Super-Reflective POP BANDS®
POP BANDS® are a life-saving product Much more reflective than similar products - up to 1500 feet Inexpensive, fun stocking stuffers Can be bought in multiples for gifts Ideal for nighttime walking, biking, and jogging Makes dancers colorfully seen in night clubs Keeps sports fans reflecting in team colors Provides visibility during long winter nights POP BANDS® are fun and fashionable

POP BANDS® are available in a wide array of colors (yellow, white, tangerine, red, pink, blue, and green). The material used for the yellow, white, and tangerine is ANSI 107-2004 compliant. Even though POP BANDS® aren't specifically listed on official safety lists, they are often worn by construction crews and other nighttime work teams to bring lightheartedness and safety to their jobs. Kantor developed her line of reflective products with both safety and fun in mind, saying, "We have a genuine opportunity to increase nighttime safety and save lives. Vedante's mission is to promote nighttime visibility through highly reflective and durable products that are also fashionable and fun."

Available for purchase through www. Amazon. com and www. Vedante. com, as well as from select retailers (http://vedante. com/shop. html (http://vedante. com/shop. html)), POP BANDS® come in both medium (11.75" / 30cm long) and large (14.75" / 38cm long). They sell at suggested retail for $12.98 and $13.98, respectively.

Amazon customers have said good things about Vedante POP BANDS®, including the following review:
"I LOVE these POP BANDS … I use them when out on nighttime dog walks and feel safe knowing I can now be seen by cars. This is especially comforting in the winter months and during low visibility times, since there is not enough daylight to get my morning and evening dog and people exercise in. These products are a must for all outdoor activities when visibility is a safety issue. Whether you are biking, walking, jogging, skiing, etc., be seen and be safe!"

About Vedante Corp
Vedante® is a company committed to saving lives and reducing injuries from pedestrian-vehicle and bicycle-vehicle accidents by 80% in markets in which it operates. The mission is to increase visibility, and therefore nighttime safety through education, awareness campaigns and the creation of great "fashion that reflects well on you™." Vedante also offers super-reflective cat collars, dog collars, and dog leashes. Since the introduction of their product collection, a little over 1 year ago, the reflective products have consistently ranked among the top 10 best sellers on Amazon in their respective categories. The Seattle Times recently included Vedante's pet products in their recommended holiday gifts for 2008. For more information, visit www. vedante. com, call 303-938-4040. (Vedante Corp, PO Box 19391, Boulder, Colorado, 80308.)

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WalkingSpree. com contributes to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with USB Pocket Pedometers and online support

WalkingSpree. com contributes to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with USB Pocket Pedometers and online support

WalkingSpree. com, announced today that it will serve as a multi-city local sponsor for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in all of the eight cities across the country to raise money for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. Each Avon Walk event takes place over a weekend, and the route offers women and men the option of walking twenty-six or thirty-nine miles over Saturday and Sunday.

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 4, 2007

Training to Walk 39 miles in a weekend just got easier.

WalkingSpree. com, announced today that it will serve as a multi-city local sponsor for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in all of the eight cities across the country to raise money for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. Each Avon Walk event takes place over a weekend, and the route offers women and men the option of walking twenty-six or thirty-nine miles over Saturday and Sunday.

Angela Perera, Vice President and Director of WalkingSpree said “WalkingSpree. com is pleased to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is a major challenge for all of us with more than 200,000 new cases each year in North America. It impacts the people living with the disease, their families, friends and loved ones. We are glad to assist with our products and services to help those who are raising funds to fight this disease. We will actively promote the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in our website and within our online community to encourage our members and guests alike to participate in this worthy cause.”

WalkingSpree is donating over $20,000 in value by offering 140 USB Pocket Pedometers and online support to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to be distributed among the eight cities as a training tool for walkers and raffled as prizes to encourage walkers to register. The web-connected USB pedometers will allow the walkers to track online their training regimen as they prepare to walk the physically demanding weekend long, 39 mile route of the Avon Walk of their choice. WalkingSpree. com will serve as a tool to further connect the walkers with fellow Avon Walking Buddies as well as Walking Clubs and WalkingSpree community to encourage and motivate the walkers on training and fund raising activities. Walkers will also have the option to monitor their daily nutritional intake and have access to online fitness and nutritional coaches.

“We are delighted to accept the enthusiastic support of WalkingSpree. com to help increase participation and raise funds for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer,” stated Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation. “The USB pedometers will also contribute to the camaraderie of the event. WalkingSpree. com’s USB pedometer and their online program is a great tool for our walkers to help them prepare for their Avon Walk.”

Schedule for the 2007 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series
Washington, D. C. May 5-6
Boston May 19-20
Chicago June 2-3
Denver June 23-24
San Francisco July 7-8
Los Angeles September 15-16
New York October 6-7
Charlotte October 20-21

About the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series is a project of the Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955. The Foundation manages and disburses the net proceeds from the Avon Walks to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer nationwide, with funds awarded for awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based nonprofit breast health programs, with a focus on reaching the medically underserved. From 1992 through 2006, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and awarded more than $450 million in 50 countries worldwide. Funds are raised through a wide variety of special events, product sales, walks, runs, concerts and other initiatives in the US and around the world in addition to the Avon Walk series.

About WalkingSpree. com
WalkingSpree. com delivers an effective, economical, fully participative and fun wellness program. WalkingSpree. com developed it’s wellness program on the proven concept that walking with personalized targets will help an individual improve his/her health profile. An essential component of the program is the highly accurate Omron HJ-720IT USB Pocket Pedometer with web connection. WalkingSpree has developed a web-based interface for activity, food consumption and body tracking to deliver a dynamic online wellness program utilizing the new Web 2.0 technology platform. Secured access to the website offers members the ability to view activities, calories burned and calories/nutrition consumed by day, week, month or year at a single glance. Member community support is encouraged with Walking Buddies, Walking Clubs, blogging and forums. Online coaching by experienced accredited fitness and nutritional coaches adds a new dimension to the WalkingSpree. com service. WalkingSpree. com offers customized wellness packages and private website portals to corporations to promote wellness in the workplace. For more information, see http://www. walkingspree. com (http://www. walkingspree. com).

Contacts:
Angela Perera 
WalkingSpree. com
403-680-3696

Susan Arnot Heaney/Liz Bonofiglio
Avon Foundation
212-282-5668/212-282-5666

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National Foundation for Cancer Research Joins Online Charity Shopping Mall

National Foundation for Cancer Research Joins Online Charity Shopping Mall

The National Foundation for Cancer Research is partnering with iGive. com to allow consumers to support various charities, including NFCR, through online shopping.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) December 1, 2006

The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) announced today that they have created a new partnership that allows supporters to help raise money by doing their shopping online through iGive. com, the first online charity shopping mall. iGive. com enables individuals to shop online at over 600 reputable stores and simultaneously support any cause they wish, such as NFCR. Up to 26% or more of every purchase is donated to the selected cause at no extra cost to shoppers or causes.

"iGive. com is an excellent and easy way to raise funds for the fight against America's number one killer--cancer. Many of our supporters already shop online and now they can use that purchasing power to help NFCR's research programs," commented Franklin C. Salisbury, Jr., president of NFCR. "We're excited about the continued funds this technology, and iGive. com, will enable our supporters to contribute for breakthrough cancer research that are helping to save lives every day."

"iGive. com's mission is to provide a reliable, valuable, secure and easy-to-use tool to help individuals support their favorite causes while shopping online," explained Robert Grosshandler, founder and CEO of iGive. com. "We're delighted that NFCR is utilizing iGive. com and the information age to help save lives."

IGive. com is the Internet's first venture for turning online shopping into a vehicle for charitable giving. In addition to supporting any cause they wish, users can also track, directly on the site, their donations to causes and the total amount their causes have raised. iGive. com offers shoppers a choice of more online merchants than any other online charity mall.

About the National Foundation for Cancer Research

Since its founding in 1973, NFCR has spent more than $230 million funding basic science cancer research and cancer prevention education focused on understanding how and why cells become cancerous. NFCR is dedicated to funding scientists who are discovering cancer's molecular mysteries and translating these discoveries into therapies that hold the hope for curing cancer. For more information, visit www. NFCR. org or call 1-800-321-CURE (2873).

About iGive. com

Since its debut in 1997, iGive. com has raised more than $1,700,000 for thousands of nonprofit organizations and worthy causes, ranging from animal shelters, school marching bands, medical research foundations to women's shelters and missing children's advocacy groups. For more information or to register with iGive. com, visit www. iGive. com.

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Industry Credit Groups: A Best Practice For Credit Managers

Industry Credit Groups: A Best Practice For Credit Managers

As industries become increasingly national, even global, credit managers find less opportunity to get together, network and exchange useful information. Fortunately, they can still gather at industry credit group meetings organized through the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). The managers meet monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly, in either local or national groups, depending on the structure of each industry and specific businesses involved.

Columbia, Maryland (PRWEB) February 9, 2006

As industries become increasingly national, even global, credit managers find less opportunity to get together, network and exchange useful information. Fortunately, they can still gather at industry credit group meetings organized through the National Association of Credit Management (NACM). The managers meet monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly, in either local or national groups, depending on the structure of each industry and specific businesses involved.

Participants most appreciate the chance for networking at a high level, with a valuable exchange of information. “Having a rapport with other managers in your own, or a related area, allows you to become familiar with one another,” says Jerry Hyman, Credit Manager at ISCO Industries, LLC in Louisville, Kentucky. “You will feel comfortable calling that person afterwards, to get a reference, or for an immediate answer to a credit question.”

“It is a fabulous networking tool in your industry, you get to know each other and familiarize yourself with common issues,” added Gerry Gilbert CCE, Corporate Director of Credit for BMC West Corp. of Issaquah, Washington.

While they build trust and cement relationships, the managers leverage off each other’s knowledge, which may touch on any number of the typical problems they grapple with daily. “In our group discussions, we learn to handle problems, such as non-sufficient fund checks, unauthorized charges on accounts, or tips on what to observe while making customer visits,” suggests Melissa Ballou, CCE®, Credit Manager and Controller at Ferguson Enterprises in Louisville, Kentucky. Other topics might include loan approvals, purchase orders, incomplete invoices or even data conversions for new collection software implementation. Reena Chow, VP/Division Manager at CIT Group/Commercial in Charlotte, North Carolina, values the contact information she acquires for reaching ‘gatekeepers’. She points out that a direct route to the right sources “saves legwork” in bypassing ranks of operators and assistants. Duane Schwartz, CCE, Credit and Collection Manager for The Tile Shop, headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, pointed out that experiences other trade group members have had with particular customers often provides him with invaluable insight. “What one member experiences with a customer, is quite likely the same experience I would have,” Schwartz said; “so you know what you’re getting into when you’re dealing with a particular customer.”

“I feel that we have a better ability to find out about our customers before it becomes public,” added Debi Grable, Credit Manager for Coast Crane Co. of Seattle, Washington. “If a member has received a bad check from a business entity, it alerts us to watch out for checks from that same customer.”

Discussions also turn to broader industry subjects, like recent bankruptcy code legislation. Expert speakers, including attorneys, credit agency representatives and CPAs add an educational flavor. “It might be expensive to hire them individually,” says Chow, “but as a group it is feasible to engage them.” The presentations are a way to brush up on hot topics in the members' industries, and may also provide new professional contacts.

In fact, often the information exchanged regarding specific accounts is worth the price of attendance, many times over. Laye reminds that, “when you can learn something about even one client, which guides you to take action to prevent a write-off, it more than pays for itself.” Larry Taggart, CCE, Corporate Credit Manager for Old Dominion Supply in Kensington, Maryland, gave as an example a member of one of his trade groups who saved almost $11,000 on an order that would have gone to a customer that was discovered to be having significant payment problems. “Membership in a trade group can prevent you from making mistakes that are far more costly than the cost of your membership,” he advised.

The process is straightforward. A couple of weeks before the meeting, members submit about 10-12 names as candidates for discussion. NACM contributes its bureau reports on those companies, while members add candid comments from their own experience. In many cases, the names chosen represent a problem (e. g., no payment), or a particular issue (e. g., incorrect invoicing). “Or sometimes the accounts are just so large, you want to collect as much information as possible on them,” says Chow. “If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be last in line to hear!”

Chow describes the accounts presentation as a “quick snapshot.” The data is reliable and timely, reflecting the current situation, as it has often been prepared the very day of the meeting, or shortly before. Ballou, who firmly believes that “character has a lot to do with credit,” appreciates another benefit: the collective descriptions sometimes add up to a more impersonal assessment of customers than she can make on her own.

In addressing specific customer information, groups must adhere carefully to antitrust regulations. A trained administrator from NACM is always present to monitor the interchange, and make sure that participants do not inadvertently cross boundaries. Before the meeting starts, the administrator reads the rules aloud, and members sign an agreement to abide by the guidelines. Conforming to these guidelines helps group members minimize the potential of violating antitrust regulations.

To comply with the regulations, members avoid discussion of any future activities. “We stick to historical facts; those that could be proved by either our own computer records or documentation from an attorney,” Hyman specifies. Other restricted activities are any discussion of payment terms, or libelous or inflammatory remarks.

Between sessions, the grapevine remains active. NACM sends out “flash reports” by e-mail to notify group members of any sudden adverse developments among the customer base. “For example, we might hear that one of our competitors has put an account on hold,” says Bruner. “That way, we will be forewarned if they suddenly come to us.”

“The groups are altogether one of the best tools we have,” concludes Dave Tilford, CCE, Corporate Credit Manager at Plumbers Supply in Louisville, Kentucky, who has attended various national and local groups since 1964. “I am absolutely sold on them, for the networking, information and education they provide, as well as the long lasting friendships we make from our meetings.”

“I don’t really know how people even function without going to trade group meetings,” added Janet Moo, CCE, of Stock Yard Meat Packing Co. in Seattle, Washington, who has been attending her trade group meetings for 20 years. “Often you get information that isn't public knowledge.”

The National Association of Credit Management (NACM), headquartered in Columbia, Maryland supports more than 25,000 business credit and financial professionals worldwide with premier industry services, tools and information. NACM and its network of Affiliated Associations are the leading resource for credit and financial management information and education, delivering products and services which improve the management of business credit and accounts receivable. NACM's collective voice has influenced legislative results concerning commercial business and trade credit to our nation's policy makers for more than 100 years, and continues to play an active part in legislative issues pertaining to business credit and corporate bankruptcy.

Media Contact:

Norma Heim

410-740-5560

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