FCIB Luncheon

Credit professionals involved in international trade were treated with the opportunity to mingle and dine with their colleagues at FCIB’s (Finance, Credit and International Business) Luncheon on Monday. FCIB President Aneta Spilman introduced the luncheon speaker, John Walsh, who is the VP & country manager for South Asia, The Middle East and Africa for U.S. Bank.

Walsh outlined his world and regional economic forecasts in his speech entitled; “The Global Markets 2007 – The Winners and Losers.” He predicted overall the world economy would slow down in 2007 but there would be no major economic crises, such as a recession.

Amidst the overall slowdown, he predicted would befall the U.S. economy, there would still be some significant growth regions in the world economy. He said the U.S. economy would grow at a slower rate than in the past and would be driven primarily by the services sector. The fastest growing economies can be described by the acronym BRIC, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The major global trends for 2007 cited by Walsh are: increased globalization; a fight between democracy and autocracy; a struggle for power between the political Left and Right; increasing levels of risk aversion and reforms that will increase the volatility in emerging markets.

Some of the ominous signs pointed to by Walsh were a growing militarization in the Middle East, the collapse of nuclear non-proliferation in Iran and North Korea, a decline in U.S. legitimacy spawned especially by the U.S. presence in Iraq and the potential risk from the Avian Flu.

To learn more about international trade, contact FCIB at 410.423.1840 or visit www.fcibglobal.com.

CFDD Reception

A reception was held for incoming CFDD Chair Nancy Watson-Pistole, CCE, CICP on Monday evening. The Kansas City Chapter–CFDD, Premium Standard Farms, Inc., Paul Calahan, CCE, CICP, credit manager for Cargill, Inc., and the Meat Packers Group, NACM Heartland, graciously sponsored the event. During the reception, a tribute was paid to Millie DeMariano, retiring Executive Director of CFDD, who dedicated many years of exceptional service to the organization.

Many well wishers walked through a receiving line to offer their words of encouragement to Watson-Pistole during her upcoming year of service as chair of the CFDD board. Included in the list of friends were NACM Chairman Mark Tuniewicz, CCE, NACM President Robin Schauseil, CAE, many past and present CFDD members and other friends and supporters.

During the program Carol Fowle, CCE, was introduced and recognized; however, she is no stranger to CFDD, having served as an active member of the organization for a number of years. Fowle is NACM Director, Professional Designation Program & Bookstore. However, she will take over the helm as CFDD executive director for Millie DeMariano, who is retiring. Fowle will keep her current duties with NACM in addition to her new responsibilities with CFDD. Fowle brings to the job years of experience in the field of credit as well as service to CFDD and NACM.

During a break from standing in the receiving line to comment on her plans during the next year, Watson-Pistole said that, “Membership growth and retention is something that is continuous with CFDD.” As for one of her main objectives for the coming year she said it would be “telling the CFDD story to more people.” “Many people don’t know that there is something in addition to NACM,” she said. “The possibilities that emanate from CFDD membership are unlimited.” Among the benefits members can derive from CFDD membership, Watson-Pistole said, “There’s networking with other credit professionals, there’s education, there’s mentoring and, most importantly, there is an opportunity to help others.”

CFDD Luncheon

The CFDD luncheon on Tuesday provided an opportunity for new, current and former members of the organization to continue or renew friendships, hear from the new chairman and NACM leadership, and to announce CFDD award and scholarship winners. NACM President Robin Schauseil, CAE noted the key role CFDD plays in the education of business credit professionals. “Your enthusiasm, your love, your commitment to education is so important and it’s so valued. Thank you for considering me as part of your family because I consider you as part of mine.”

NACM Chairman Mark Tuniewicz, CCE praised the spirit of community among CFDD members. “I think CFDD is about the love and the willingness of each of you to give of yourself unhesitatingly.” Outgoing CFDD Chairman Jeffrey O’Banion, CCE, CICP in his report to the board noted that scholarship applications were up by 22% and award applications were up by 31%. Looking back on his past year at the helm of the board O’Banion said, “I am honored that you allowed me distinct pleasure of serving as your chairman.”

New CFDD Chairman Nancy Watson-Pistole, CCE, CICP recounted the benefits of her 15 years as a CFDD member and the fellow members who helped and inspired her. Watson-Pistole provided some inspiration of her own to her fellow CFDD members. She said, “My message to you the member is now very clear to me. I want to instill the desire, the passion for all of us to be the best leaders, educators, mentors – using CFDD as a resource to achieve goals that bring out the best in each of us. CFDD is all about excellence: excellence in education, excellence in leadership training, excellence in mentoring, excellence in staff training and career development as well as professional resources. Our vision statement affirms this: ‘setting industry standards for professional excellence.’ CFDD is committed to professional excellence.

“Together, we can ignite ‘a passion for excellence’ amongst ourselves and pass it on to other members to achieve great things as individuals and as members of CFDD."

Leadership Luncheon

On the final day of the conference, American Check Management (ACM) generously hosted the Leadership Luncheon, an event to honor the work of NACM volunteers throughout the past year. Members, special guests and staff of both NACM Affiliates and NACM-National were in attendance. “This luncheon is about you,” said Dean Middleton, President and COO of ACM, as he addressed the attendees. Middleton offered his thanks to the members of the organization and voiced his optimism for the future. “It’s an incredible partnership,” said Middleton. “This was just an idea 10 years ago and it wouldn’t have worked without you.”