2016
Registration Information
NACM Midwest
Credit Conference
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Wednesday - October 19
Thursday - October 20
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
q
q
q
Dodging the Bankruptcy Bullet
Reengineering a North American
Receivables and Cash Application
Process
Combatting Overridden Credit Decisions
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
q
q
q
Foreign Exchange
Getting to Know the Illinois
Mechanics Lien Act
How to Make a Successful Credit
Decision Based on Limited Credit Info
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
q Get off Your Buts!
q Deep Dive into Ratios
q Best Practices in Reviewing and
Extending Credit
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Keynote Session – DAN PROFT
Illinois isn’t Broken...It’s Fixed; and
Other Observations
qNo
• Payment must be received prior to October 5, 2016.
• Cancellation deadline for a full refund is October 5, 2016.
• Cancellations received after October 5, 2016, will NOT be refunded.
9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
q Updates on Credit Card Surcharging
q AP and AR – Unrelenting Adversaries
or Synergetic Partners
q Financial Statement Analysis
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
q Optimize Your Cash Forecasting
Process to Maximize Effectiveness
q International Credit Policy
q Case Study – I
qYes
Payment Information
8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Keynote Session – SCOTTY GUNTHER
The Co-Worker’s Challenge: Corporate
Team Building
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. q News from NACM National
q New Tools and Features of the
National Trade Credit Report
q Utilizing Data to Help Reduce
Collections and Automate Decisioning
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
q Loose Lips Sink Ships
q Creating the Perfect Credit Policy
q User Friendly Cash Flow
(An email confirmation will be sent to attendees.)
You may choose a team discount or an early bird
registration rate. Only one payment option may be selected.
Registration Fee
By Sept 1
After Sept 1
qTwo-Day Registration
Member
$399
$429
$__________
Non-Member
$798
$858
$__________
Member
$279
$299
$__________
Non-Member
$558
$598
$__________
qOne-Day Registration
Coupons$____________
Team Discounts
• 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:
[email protected]
Register online at www.nacmmidwest.org
Mail to:
NACM Connect Headquarters
3005 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
2016
NACM Midwest
Credit Conference
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October 19-20
Meridian Conference Center
Rolling Meadows, IL
Register online at www.nacmmidwest.org
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You’re
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About the Conference
Meridian Banquet/Conference Center
1701 W Algonquin Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel reservations can be made at the Embassy Suites by calling 1.800.
EMBASSY and asking for the NACM Chicago Midwest rate of $119 King
or $129 two beds for October 18 & 19. The cut-off date is September
18, 2016. Reservations received after this date will be accepted on a
space and or rate available basis. Embassy Suites, 1939 N. Meacham
Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
This year’s program includes 23 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 guaranteed
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, the
Conference 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.nacmmidwest.org to register online.
Email
Complete the enclosed registration form and email it to NACM Connect
at [email protected]. Credit card payments can be made
upon receipt of invoice.
Why Should You Attend
• Learn from expert speakers from across the country who are
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specialists in their fields.
Connect with and learn from industry peers.
Earn Continuing Education Units, CCE recertification points
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.
You may send your completed Registration Form with payment to:
NACM Connect
Attn: Credit Conference Registration
3005 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3708
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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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
NACM M i d w e s t
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, October 19-20, at
the Meridian Banquet & Conference Center in Rolling Meadows, IL.
•
•
invited to the
Discount Member Pricing
Two-Day Registration
One-Day Registration
2
By 9/1/16
After 9/1/16
$399
$279
$429
$299
Schedule
At - A Glance
Key:
I
= Intermediate
A
O
= Advanced
= Overview
U
= Update
These ratings are just
suggestions and in no way should
preclude anyone from attending
sessions of interest.
Wednesday - October 19
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
8:00 – 8:15 a.m.
Welcome Remarks - NACM Upstate New York President, Phil Lattanzio, CCE
8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
The Co-Worker’s Challenge: Corporate Team Building Opening Keynote Speaker: SCOTTY GUNTHER
9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Break
9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Updates on Credit Card
Surcharging
Matt Fluegge, Vantiv; Scott
Blakeley, Blakeley and Blakeley
11:00 – 11:30 a.m
Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30
p.m.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
U
News from NACM National
Chris Ring, NACM National;
Robin Schauseil, CAE, NACM
National
U
AP and AR – Unrelenting Adversaries
or Synergetic Partners
I
Adam Kruis, US Bank
Financial Statement Analysis
Tom Wuich, CCE
New Tools and Features of the
U
National Trade Credit Report
Phil Lattanzio, CCE, NACM Connect;
Gina Calabrese-Sylvester, Executive
Vice President, NACM Tampa
I
Utilizing Data to Help Reduce
Collections and Automate Decisioning
Bob O’Brien, Dun & Bradstreet
Creating the Perfect Credit Policy
Tom Fawkes, Esq. and Brian Jackiw,
Esq., Goldstein & McClintock; Jeff
I
Perlstein, Berlin Packaging
User Friendly Cash Flow
John Jaeger, CCE
I
Case Study
John Jaeger, CCE
A
All Conference Luncheon
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Loose Lips Sink Ships
O
Bruce Nathan, Esq., Lowenstein
Sandler; Larry O’Brien, CCE, ICCE,
Potash Corporation
2:45 - 3:15 p.m.
Break
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Optimize Your Cash Forecasting A
Process to Maximize Effectiveness
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Reception and Networking Event - Hosted by the Exhibitors
International Credit Policy
Larry O’Brien, CCE, ICCE, Potash
Jacob Nygren, CTP/Treasury Strategies Corporation
Registration and Breakfast
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Dodging The Bankruptcy Bullet U
Bruce Nathan, Esq., Lowenstein
Sandler
9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
11:30a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
I
Thursday - October 20
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
O
Reengineering a North American
Receivables and Cash Application
Process
A
Andy Ai, PNC Bank
Combatting Overridden Credit Decisions
Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE, Ardagh O
Metal Beverage; Ed Stauber, Wolters
Kluwer; Bill Lovitt, CCE, ICCE, Klein Tools
Getting to Know the Illinois
O
Mechanics Lien Act
Norm Cowie, CCE, Paramount-EO
How to Make a Successful Credit Decision
Based on Limited Credit Information I
Kevin Stinner, CCE, Crop Production
Services
Deep Dive into Ratios
John Jaeger, CCE
Best Practices in Reviewing and Extending
Credit
O
Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE, Ardagh
Metal Beverage; Norm Cowie, CCE,
Paramount-EO; Diana Sturgeon, Generation
Brands; Brad Boyle, Peer Bearing
Break
Foreign Exchange
I
Richard Keller, SVP, MB Financial
Bank; Despina Margiori, VP, MB
Financial Bank
All Conference Luncheon
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Get off Your Buts!
O
Tammy Cook, Renaissance Minds
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Illinois isn’t Broken...It’s Fixed; and Other Observations Closing Keynote Speaker: DAN PROFT
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Networking Hour
3
O
Keynote
Speaker
Scotty Gunther, Comedian, Humorist, Author
The Co-Worker’s Challenge: Corporate Team Building
Wednesday, 8:15 -9:15 a.m.
The Co-Workers’ Challenge with Scotty Gunther is a fun, hilarious, quick paced, unique program that combines stand-up comedy,
motivational speaking with a little bit of “Newlywed Game,” and promotes teamwork, leadership, communication, Stress
Relief and group bonding through laughter. Laughter is
one of the greatest gifts we have in this world, because it
changes our state of mind, reduces stress and it opens up
the possibility of achievement in life. Laughter connects
us to other people. Even through serious times, Scotty
feels it’s important to keep laughter in our lives, and to
keep laughter as a communal experience. He believes
that through gatherings where people communally share
laughter and bond together through humor as a group
gives us hope. Because if we can laugh together we can
overcome our differences and take on anything!
Scotty Gunther’s 25-year overnight success story is an
ongoing journey. Born in Michigan, Scotty Gunther is a
humorist, comedian, author, speaker, emcee, and awardwinning syndicated radio host. His unique combination
of original voice, ability to connect, improvisation,
innovation, and an authentic “all or nothing” view on
relationships and life has captured the attention of
audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Scotty Gunther specializes in relationship comedy,
advice, stress relief, team-building and helping people
communicate better in the workplace through humor
and brutal honesty. Scotty is a bass fisherman, former
professional break-dancer, award winning speaker,
comedian, radio personality, and an author of six
books. His radio show “Funny Feelings” can be heard on
iHeartRadio.
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Keynote
Speaker
Dan Proft, Radio Personality, Chicago’s Morning Answer
Illinois Isn’t Broken…It’s Fixed; and Other Observations
Thursday, 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
What in the world is going on in Springfield? And why do we as Illinois citizens keep sending back the same representatives
that we love to hate? Radio personality Dan Proft will share with us his opinions on this topic as well as other thoughts
as we countdown to one of the most interesting
presidential races in decades.
Dan Proft, spokesman for The Illinois Opportunity
Project, is an editorial contributor to the Chicago
Tribune, former Republican candidate for Governor
and Morning Drive radio personality on AM 560 The
Answer where he hosts “Chicago’s Morning Answer”
news talk program with Amy Jacobson from 5-9am
each weekday morning.
Additionally, Dan is a Board Member for Envision
Chicago, a nonprofit that helps integrate persons with
developmental disabilities into the community. Proft
also works as a Senior Fellow at The Illinois Policy
Institute and serves on the Board of Directors for the
Disabled Patriot Fund as well as the Advisory Board
for Aid for Women.
Dan earned his BA from Northwestern University and
his JD from Loyola University-Chicago School of Law.
Most Importantly, he is an aspiring basketball coach.
Opinions expressed by Mr. Proft do not reflect the opinions
of NACM Connect.
5
Wednesday, October 19
Educational Sessions
9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Updates on Credit Card Surcharging
News from National
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, and 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.
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.
Speakers: Matt Fluegge, Vantiv and Scott
Blakeley, Blakeley and Blakeley
AP and AR – Unrelenting Adversaries or
Synergetic Partners
Speakers: Chris Ring, NACM National; Robin
Schauseil, CAE, NACM National
New Tools and Features of the National
Trade Credit Report
Speaker: Adam Kruis, US Bank
The competing forces of those acquiring goods versus those selling them
have a difficult time finding common ground. As we examine the goals
of AP and AR we can identify common elements on both sides of the
divide. Come discuss opportunities to optimize working capital merging
A/P and A/R corresponding goals and objectives. The audience will learn
techniques for establishing rapport between A/P and A/R departments
and the ability to align goals that satisfy both department objectives.
Any treasury focused audience would be interested in hearing this talk,
especially those interested in finding ways to optimize their organization’s
values with their vendor relationships.
Financial Statement Analysis
Speaker: Tom Wuich, CCE
The analysis of financial statements consists of a mixture of steps and
pieces that interrelate and affect each other. No single part of the analysis
should be interpreted in isolation. The specific conclusions drawn will
be affected by the original objective established at the initiation of the
analytical process. Every aspect of a firm’s financial condition, operating
performance and outlook affects the market value of its shares. This
session will bring light to the critical areas of analysis that are required
in the credit risk assessment process and introduce the fundamentals of
interpretation.
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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.
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 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.
Wednesday, October 19
Educational Sessions
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Loose Lips Sink Ships
Optimize Your Cash Forecasting Process to
Maximize Effectiveness
Speaker: Bruce Nathan, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler;
Larry O’Brien, CCE, ICCE, Potash Corporation
A slip of the tongue or damaging information contained in a credit file could
case problems and possible liability. This session will illustrate examples
of the damage caused by a slip of the tongue and have resulted in credit
professionals getting into hot water.The speaker will discuss the risks of
inappropriate information on credit applications, in communications with
sales personnel or with a customer. ECOA, Reg B and smoking guns in a
credit file that can cause difficulties defending against a preference claim
will also be covered.
Creating the Perfect Credit Policy
Speakers: Thomas Fawkes, Esq., Partner and Brian
Jackiw, Esq., Partner, Goldstein & McClintock; Jeff
Perlstein, Berlin Packaging
Credit professionals often are thrust in an uncomfortable spot between
protecting their companies from entering into transactions bearing
excessive collection risk or extending overly-generous credit terms,
and a sales force itching to complete transactions. This conflict puts an
enterprise at risk of inconsistency in the application of credit practices,
and in generating uncollectible accounts. These risks can often be
mitigated through the institution of a formal credit policy. During this
presentation, our panelists will discuss the benefits of a thoughtful and
carefully-drafted credit policy, both within the enterprise and in dealings
with customers. These benefits are numerous, but include increased
consistency in dealing with troubled accounts, reduced conflict among
the credit and sales departments of an enterprise, and enhanced
protections in the event that a customer becomes insolvent or bankrupt.
We will also walk participants through a sample credit policy, identifying
best practices for preparing a credit policy, specific provisions that are
desirable to include in a policy, and suggestions as to how to encourage
your company to adopt a formal credit policy.
Speaker: Jacob Nygren, CTP/Treasury Strategies
Effective short and long-term forecasting is one of the highest
priorities cited by corporate treasurers. Organizations continue
to struggle with data collection, modeling, forecast accuracy,
and ongoing forecast refinement. This session will cover various
approaches to forecasting, data collection, and the use of technology
to improve forecasts. You will learn about effective methods for
streamlining the forecasting process and techniques for improving
the accuracy and reliability of your cash forecasts.
International Credit Policy
Speaker: Larry O’Brien, CCE, ICCE, Potash
Corporation
Gain partial guidance to create and implement a credit policy for an
international environment, along with the methods and means it will
use to support both department and corporate objectives. We will also
review the importance of “Knowing Your International Customer” and
weave that into this important corporate document.
Case Study
Speaker: John Jaeger, CCE
This session will walk through the financial analysis of a real company using
the tools incorporated from prior presentations. Common sizing, trend
analysis and ratio analysis will be performed to determine the company’s
performance, in addition to reviewing the Z-score methodology as a
means of confirming results.
User Friendly Cash Flow
Speaker: John Jaeger, CCE
Interpretation of the cash flow statement begins with the
interrelationships that exist between the balance sheet (investment and
financing decisions) and the income statement (operating decisions).
The results of a company’s current investment decisions are seen in
two key operating assets: inventory and accounts receivable. Their
levels represent both investment decisions and operating decisions by
management.
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Thursday, October 20
Educational Sessions
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Dodging the Bankruptcy Bullet
Foreign Exchange
Speaker: Bruce Nathan, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler
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 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.
Panel: Richard Feller, SVP, MB Financial Bank;
Despina Margiori, VP, MB Financial Bank
This session will present attendees with an open-forum discussion
regarding foreign exchange topics that impact the credit team. It will
cover not only direct FX issues, but indirect ones such as how to deal with
a customer that pays in USD but must fund those payments from their
local currency. Our speakers will share their experience with foreign
exchange issues and will address questions presented from the audience.
Getting to Know the Illinois Mechanics Lien
Reengineering a North American Receivables Act (on a first name basis – really, it’s like
you’ll be friends)
and Cash Application Process
Speaker: Andy Ai, PNC Bank
Speaker: Norm Cowie, CCE, Paramount-EO
Combatting Overridden Credit Decisions
How to Make a Successful Credit Decision
Based on Limited Credit Information
How to improve cash application hit rate and significantly automate cash
posting processes for all payment types while reducing costs - sound
like a dream? Come and learn how to achieve this from the RFP process
through successful transition by working with their lockbox bank and data
processing partners. This session is a must for any organization looking to
improve DSO and receivables processing within a dynamic organization.
Speaker: : Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE, Ardagh
Metal Beverage; Ed Stauber, Wolters Kluwer; Bill
Lovitt, CCE, ICCE, Klein Tools
Join Norm on a fast-paced romp through the Illinois Mechanics Lien act.
What does the Act say? How is it legislated? Is it evolving and are the
changes good? Hint: Yes, it changes and not all of the changes are good.
(Chances are Norm will rant and rave about the most recent change, so
be careful if you sit in the front row.)
Speaker: Kevin Stinner, CCE, Crop Production
Services
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 idea too as we share best
practices in dealing with this interesting topic.
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This session will review how to use tools found in reports, such as D&B,
NACM Trade Credit Reports and free tools found on the web to gather
information about a customer that would not normally be provided to
a trade creditor. The session will show how to talk to a customer and
assemble details that the customer would not usually share on a typically
credit application. Find out how to use tools that are available to you and
to make quality decisions using the 5 Cs of credit.
Thursday, October 20
Educational Sessions
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Get off Your Buts!
Speaker: Tammy Cook, Renaissance Minds
Three easy-to-remember keys will give you immediate, actionable
tools to use to begin conquering procrastination and creating new
habits. We will share tools and techniques that will enable you to;
• Increase personal productivity at work AND at home
• Conquer procrastination
• Reduce pressure & stress
• Feel better mentally and physically
• Have more energy
Discover how to live a limitless life and finally…FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL!
Deep Dive into Ratios
Speaker: John Jaeger, CCE
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.
Best Practices in Reviewing and
Extending Credit
Panelists: Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE, Ardagh
Metal Beverage; Norm Cowie, CCE, ParamountEO; Diana Sturgeon, Generation Brands; Brad
Boyle, Peer Bearing
Panelists from companies large, small and in between share what works
for them in their credit review practice. What is the process? What forms
do they use? How do they keep up? Bring your questions and concerns our panelist and participants are here to share their ideas..
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Speakers
Andy Ai
Andy Ai is a leading treasury solutions practitioner supporting PNC’s
general diversified corporate finance market. He is responsible for
design and process improvement around the working capital cycle. Andy
leads initiatives focused on expediting and automating AR, reduction of
operating expenses and optimizing global payment solutions.
Scott Blakeley, Esq.
Scott 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.
Brad Boyle
Brad Boyle graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a BS degree in Business
Administration. He has worked for Peer Bearing since 1991 and as credit
manager since 1995. Throughout the years the credit department has
changes sizes as Brad oversaw the credit for additional Peer family
companies. Peer Bearing was bought out in 2008 and Brad has run a
one man credit department since.
Gina Calabrese Sylvester, CMP
Gina is Executive Vice President of NACM Tampa, Inc. She began her
career as a credit group Administrator and was promoted to National
Group Coordinator in 1993. As NACM Tampa continued to develop its
Credit Management System (CMS) software, her knowledge of member
needs became key as she began managing the CMS‐NACM Affiliate
relationship. Her understanding of how members use and rely upon
the platform positioned her to carry the vision of what was needed
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 manages NACM Tampa’s Information Systems, and continues to
improve NACM’s National Trade Credit Report. Gina holds a BS from
Florida State University.
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Tammy Cook
Tammy is a lively speaker who
keeps audiences entertained...
while providing some very
effective tips in the process! Years of simultaneously working fulltime, attending college, and nurturing a family honed Tammy’s time
management, focusing, and organizational skills. After leaving corporate
America, Tammy entered the dynamic field of life coaching in order
to help other creative spirits learn to better manage their time and
energy. She offers a variety of presentations and workshops on time
management, self-management, organization, and gaining focus.
Tammy’s quirky humor and valuable expertise combine seamlessly to
provide a lively and worthwhile presentation.
Norm Cowie, CCE
Norm Cowie, CCE is Director of Credit for Paramont-EO, a former NACMMidwest board member, an award-winning winning columnist for NACM
Connect and founder of the Humor Writers of America. In his spare
time he swims a lot, writes humor books (nine at last count), and can
butter toast with either hand … with or without a knife. Visit Norm at
www.normcowie.com.
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-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.
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. Speakers
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 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.
John Jaeger, CCE
John Jaeger, CCE has been in Credit Management for over twenty
years with four different companies in different industries, servicing
both domestic and international customers. He recently retired as the
Manager of Credit and Accounts Receivable for Follett Higher Education
Group of River Grove, IL. He received his CCE Designation in November
1999. He received his MBA Degree from Northern Illinois University, De
Kalb, IL, and his BA Degree in Management from Loras College, Dubuque,
IA. He has served on the board of NACM Connect as well as various
committees including the Education and Conference Committees. He
also serves as an instructor for the NACM Connect Institute of Credit.
Adam Kruis
As a Working Capital Consultant at U.S. Bank, Adam Kruis helps
companies optimize cash conversion cycles by providing tailored
consultations on their processes. As a financial optimization agent
and process improvement specialist, Adam works with all levels of
clients to streamline their processes, increase controls and reduce
costs through industry expertise and emerging technologies.
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. Lattanzio is a graduate of Bradley University in
Peoria, IL. He currently serves as the Chair of NACM’s National Trade
Credit Report Committee.
Bill Lovitt, CCE, ICCE
Bill Lovitt is the Corporate Credit & Collections Manager for Klein Tools
in Lincolnshire, IL. He received his MBA from Loyola University, Chicago
and received his BA in Business and Management from Northeastern
Illinois University, Chicago. He holds the Certified Credit Executive and
International Certified Credit Executive designations. Bill is presently
Chairperson for NACM/Chicago-Midwest and has served two terms on
their Board of Directors. He is also currently a Board member of the
National Tool & Accessories Manufacturers Credit Group and has served
on the Board of the Advertising Media Credit Executives Association
(AMCEA). He has held the office of President, Treasurer and VP for
Palatine Toastmasters and served as a Toastmasters Area Governor.
Despina Margiori
Despina Margiori is Vice President and Foreign Exchange Sales Manager
of the International Banking Division of MB Financial Bank. She has
over 15 years of experience as an FX international payments manager
and consultant. Prior to joining MB, Despina successfully launched two
prominent foreign exchange sales offices in Chicago. She holds a master’s
degree in Economics from UCL - Université Catholique de Louvain, from
Louvain-La-Neuve, in Belgium.
Bruce Nathan, Esq.
Bruce 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
11
Speakers
(“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.
Jacob Nygren, CTP
Jacob Nygren works with corporate treasury departments, software
vendors, and financial institutions in all aspects of treasury. He has
helped clients select, implement, and optimize technology, streamline
cash management, and improve forecasting to achieve efficient treasury
processes. Jacob earned his BS in Economics from the University of
Wisconsin - Madison.
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.
Larry O’Brien, CCE, ICCE
Larry O’Brien CCE, ICCE, is the Director, Corporate Credit at PotashCorp
with responsibility for all domestic and international credit. With over
29 years of credit experience, Mr. O’Brien has been a panel member
at past International Credit Conferences and has been a speaker at
past National Association of Credit Management (NACM) conferences
and industry meetings on the subject of domestic and international
credit and financial statement analysis. Mr. O’Brien is a graduate of
Lewis University, Romeoville, IL with a Bachelors Degree in Business
Administration, and is a graduate of NACM’s Graduate School of Credit
& Financial Management, Dartmouth College. Mr. O’Brien holds
the Certified Credit Executive (CCE), Certified International Credit
Professional (CICP), International Certified Credit Executive (ICCE)
and the Registered Global Credit Professional (RGCP) designations.In
his spare time Larry enjoys biking, hiking, participation in the Knights
of Columbus and trips to the family farms located in Minooka, Illinois.
Jeff Perlstein
Jeff has 18 years of experience in credit & collections and has held
numerous positions with the credit field within several different
industries. He is currently the Regional Credit Manager at Berlin
Packaging here in Chicago. In addition to his credit/collection and
managerial duties, he is also the acting liaison between the credit and
IT department and a core responsibility is ensure there is continuous
12
improvements whether it be for reporting purposes, automating
processes for efficiency, or improving to meet customer’s needs.
Given that Berlin Packaging’s main focuses are on sales growth and
thrilling their customers, the need to be creative when it comes to
extending credit and working with customers is key. Jeff earned is BA
in management from DePaul University
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 help you be the
best credit professional you can be and have a little fun along the way
Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE
Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE is the Corporate Credit Manager for Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc., a leading packaging global packaging
manufacturer located in Chicago. Prior experience includes American
National Can, Elkay Mfg and Fellowes Inc in various credit, collections,
billing and order-to-cash leadership roles over the past 20+ years. Curt
is a past recipient of the National Credit Executive of the Year award
from NACM, holds both the CCE and CICE designations and has served
on both the NACM Midwest and FCIB Boards. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois-Champaign and a Masters
Degree from Roosevelt University.
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 vi-
Speakers
sion 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.
information and ERP system they had available. She holds a
BA degree from DePaul University.
Ed Stauber
Tom Wuich, CCE
Ed Stauber is currently the Director of Credit for the Tax and Accounting arm of Wolters Kluwer, a global information company. Ed
and his team manage an AR portfolio that represents $1.5B in annual
sales.Having over 20-years’ experience in Credit, Ed has steered
negotiations through acquisitions and restructuring, led global teams
and established compliance policies for Fortune 500 companies. Ed
has spent the last 10 years leveraging the credit function to enhance
sales, improve operations, mitigate risk, and increase the bottom
line. Ed holds a BA in Clinical Psychology from Governors State University and an MBA in Finance from Lewis University. He also has a
Six Sigma Green Belt from the Chicago Demming Association.
Kevin Stinner, CCE
Kevin has been in the field of credit and collections since 2007. He
earned his BA in Business Management and leadership in 2001 from
Blackburn Collage, and a MBA with emphasis in management in 2004
from AIU. He is currently an Area Credit Manager at Crop Production Services where he has worked since 2007, and is also an adjunct
teacher for Frontier College’s Business Department. He earned his
CBA designation in March 2010, CBF in May 2011, CCRA in August 2013,
and CCE in November 2011. He is currently Vice Chair of the NACM
Gateway Advisory Board, and a member of the NACM Gateway Education Committee. Kevin was recently published in Business Credit
magazine, has hosted a webinar for NACM National, and will be a
presenter at Credit Congress in June. Diana Sturgeon
Diana Sturgeon spent the first 30 years of her professional life working
at The Nielsen Company, the world’s leader in market research. She
held various positions in Statistical Research, Contract Administration,
Legal and Finance. She spent the last 4 years at Nielsen as the Director
of Billing/Credit/Collections for Nielsen North America and Nielsen
Mobile. She worked with Nielsen’s business to business customers on
billing under contracts, and managed her team of offshore collectors
in India. She now works at Generation Brands, a lighting company, as
the Director of Credit & Collections since 2012. Having to do credit
line reviews and holding customers’ orders because of late payments
was entirely new to her. This forced her to break down each process
to get a total understanding of how it works so that she could rebuild
her team of collectors to be as efficient as possible given the credit
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Wuich currently retired as the Director of Credit and Risk
Management for Anixter Inc, Glenview, IL. He has held that
position since August of 2005. Previous to that, Wuich was
Director of Credit at Mosaic - formerly IMC Fertilizer, Lake
Forest, IL for over 20 years. Wuich is a CCE, a Certified Expert
Witness, and has successfully completed the Graduate School
of Credit - Dartmouth. He taught financial statement analysis
and business management for over 15 years at NACM Midwest,
and is currently teaching Basic Financial Accounting. He has
also taught financial statement analysis at Credit Congress
and at NACM Midwest Credit Conferences. He is a former
Board Member of NACM Midwest and served as Chair for the
Website Committee and Education Committee, where he
currently serves as a member. Wuich received his MBA from
Northern Illinois University
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 Midwest
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 [email protected].
Thank you,
Lillian Novak
Vice President of Education
NACM Midwest
14
Driving
Directions
Meridian Banquet/Conference
1701 Algonquin Road
Rolling Meadows, IL
Embassy Suites
Schaumburg/woodfield
1939 N.Meacham rd.
Schaumburg, IL
From East
Kennedy (I-94) to Northwest Tollway (I-90). Exit Arlington
Heights Road North. Turn left (travel west) at Algonquin Road.
Travel 1.4 miles on Algonquin Road. The Meridian is on the left.
From Northeast
Take Lake Cook Road, Dundee Road or Willow/Palatine Road to Route
53 South. Exit Algonquin Road East and travel for about 1 mile. The
Meridian is east of the intersection of Algonquin Road and New Wilke
Road on the right.
From O’Hare
Take Hwy 90 West 10 miles, go north on 53 toward Rolling Meadows,
take Exit 62-Algonuin Rd and turn right going west one half mile. Turn
left at Meacham Rd and left at first light, Drummer Dr. to arrive at our
Schaumburg, IL hotel.
.
From Milwaukee
From West
Take 94 South to 294 South Exit Willow Rd, go West to I-53. Go south
five miles, take Exit 62-Algonquin Rd and turn right, go west one half
mile. Turn left at Meacham Rd and turn at first stop light, which is
Drummer Dr.
From Southwest
From North 290 - Exit 53S, Exit Algonquin. From South 290: Exit 53N, Exit
Algonquin. From Chicago - Take Kennedy I-90 West toward Rockford,
go north on 53 toward Rolling Meadows, take Exit 62-Algonquin Rd.
Turn right and go west one half mile. Turn left at Meacham Rd. Go left
at first stop light, which is Drummer Dr.
Take Northwest Tollway (I-90) East. Exit Route 53 North to
Algonquin Road east. Travel about 1 mile on Algonquin Road. The
Meridian is east of the intersection of Algonquin Road and New Wilke
Road on the right.
Take I-355 north to Route 53 North to Algonquin Road and travel
east on Algonquin Road for about 1 mile. The Meridian is east of the
intersection of Algonquin Road and New Wilke Road. The Meridian is
on the right.
From Southeast
Take Tristate (I-294) North to Northwest Tollway (I-90) to Rockford.
Exit Arlington Heights Road and go north. Turn left (travel west) at
Algonquin Road. Travel 1.4 miles on Algonquin Road. The Meridian is
on the left..
From Route 53
From I-90 Eastbound
Take Northwest Tollway east toward Chicago, go north on 53 toward
Rolling Meadows, exit at Algonquin Rd and turn right, go west one half
mile. Turn left at Meacham Rd. Turn left at first stop light which is
Drummer From Southwest Suburban - Take 290 West. That will put you
on 53 North, toward Rolling Meadows, take Exit 62-Algonquin Rd and
turn right. Go west one half mile. Turn left at Meachan Rd and turn left
at the first stop light, which is Drummer Dr.
Parking
On-site parking is complimentary.
For best results, please look up the address of: 1701 Algonquin, Rolling Meadows, IL
on MapQuest, Google Maps or your favorite navigation website.
15
s and Servic e s
t
c
u
d
o
r
P
NACM Connect offers the following products and services.
Commercial Collection Credit Reporting
Services
Services
• Electronic
Claims Placement
• Maximum Dollar Recovery
• Personal Service
Education
• Workshops
and Seminars
• Temporary
Training
Institute of Credit
• 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
Publications
• Business
Credit Reports
• Consumer Credit Reports
• International Credit Reports
Staffing Services
• Webinars
• On-Site
• Commercial
Credit Magazine
• The InterConnection Newsletter
• Bi-Monthly e-Newsletter
Positions
• Temp-to-Hire
• Direct Hire
• Employment Screening
Other Services
• 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 [email protected]
NACM Connect
3005 Tollview Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
P 847.483.6400 • F 847.253.6685
[email protected]
www.nacmconnect.org
.