#1 Reason to Attend:
Unmatched and Unique Education Sessions

Education Breakout Sessions

Credit Congress offers more than sixty compelling and relevant educational sessions from which you may choose. Ranging from the fundamentals to more sophisticated, challenging subjects, our breakout sessions present material in the following areas:

• Business and Technical Skills
• Construction Credit
• Credit Management ------ Core concepts to best practices, trends, practitioner experiences
• Credit and Technology
• Financial Analysis
• International Credit Concepts ------ Global challenges, etiquette protocol, country-specific approaches
• Leadership and Management
• Legal Environment of Business Credit ------ Legal updates, new case opinions, due diligence expectations

Based on your experience, interests and goals, tailor a conference agenda that is most applicable and affords the greatest return to you and your company.

Session Pre-Registration

If you have already registered for the conference, please help us by indicating the sessions you think you may be attending. Using the link below, choose the sessions you currently plan to attend. You are not obligated to attend these sessions but session pre-registration does assist us in designating the appropriate rooms and seating arrangements for each session. We appreciate your help!

Pre-Register Now

Selecting Sessions

Depending on prior experience or knowledge of a subject, session levels, when not looked at in conjunction with the description, may be subject to personal interpretation. Please be sure to read each session description carefully when choosing one to attend, as there is much to be learned in every presentation.

Educational sessions are denoted as one or more of the following based on the presenter’s view of their content:

Saturday, June 4

8:30am–5:00pm
CERTIFICATE SESSION COURSE
The Business Credit Principles and Financial Statement Analysis 2 certificate courses are week-long classes, separate from other educational break-out sessions. Participants must attend all five segments (30 hours) of the course and must successfully complete the exam offered on the last day (Wednesday, June 8) to pass the course. A certificate course fee of $399 and the purchase of the course textbooks are required in addition to the Full Delegate registration fee.

31001–31005. Certificate Course: Business Credit Principles
Instructor: Toni Drake, CCE, TRM Financial Services, Inc.
3.0 Total CEUs
This is an intensive course, which offers a comprehensive look at the credit function. It is intended for individuals who are preparing for the Credit Business Associate (CBA) exam. Topics include: Credit in the Business World, Credit in the Company, Organizing the Credit Department, The Credit and Sales Partnership, The Legal Forms of Business, The Legal Environment of Credit, The Uniform Commercial Code, Credit Policy and Procedures, Credit Applications, Terms and Conditions of Sales, Credit Investigations, Business Credit Fraud, Making Credit Decisions, International Trade, Financing and Business Insurance, Negotiable Instruments, Bankruptcy Code Proceedings and Bankruptcy Alternatives. Participants must attend each session and pass an end-of-course exam to receive course equivalency toward the CBA designation requirement. Pre-registered attendees will receive a course outline and advance reading assignments. Participants are encouraged to purchase and review the textbook, Principles of Business Credit, from the NACM Bookstore in preparation for the class.

31011–31015. Certificate Course: Financial Statement Analysis 2: Credit and Risk Assessment
Instructor: George Schnupp, CCE, Anixter, Inc.
3.0 Total CEUs
This intermediate financial analysis program has been designed for credit analysts and managers who seek comprehensive understanding of what is behind the numbers in financial reports. It is designed to improve the credit professional’s ability to analyze and interpret financial statements for quality credit risk assessment. The program gives equal weight to the process of financial reporting, the analysis and interpretation of financial statements, and the steps required to write a quality credit line recommendation. This course is an excellent preparatory class for the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation exam. Participants must attend each session and pass an end-of-course exam to receive course equivalency toward the CCRA designation requirement. Pre-registered attendees will receive a course outline and advance reading assignments.

Sunday, June 5

7:30am–12:45pm
31006. CCE Exam Review
.45 CEUs
This session assists examination candidates in identifying exam preparation strategies and also provides guidance on the exam format. Attendees are encouraged to purchase and review the suggested study textbooks for the CCE exam. Please visit the NACM Bookstore website to reference these books. A boxed lunch is provided for attendees. Pre-registration and an additional fee are required.

8:00–11:00am

Exam Review Sessions:
Sessions 31007 and 31008 are valid for .30 CEUs.

31007. CBF Exam Review
This session will include an exam preparation strategy to help exam candidates formulate a plan of study. Attendees are encouraged to purchase and review the suggested textbooks listed on the NACM Bookstore website in preparation for the CBF exam. Pre-registration and an additional fee are required.

30008. CBA Exam Review
This CBA review session covers the basic topics tested on the CBA exam. General information on the exam format also is provided for exam candidates. Attendees are encouraged to purchase and review the suggested textbooks listed on the NACM Bookstore website in preparation for the CBA exam. Pre-registration and an additional fee are required.

8:30am–4:00pm
31001–31005. Certificate Course: Business Credit Principles
31011–31015. Certificate Course: Financial Statement Analysis 2: Credit and Risk Assessment

1:30–3:00pm

31009. An Introduction to the NACM Certification Program
NACM’s certification program has helped define and establish professional standards in this demanding and rapidly changing field, and fosters recognition of those individuals who possess special expertise. You will join a select group of individuals who have made the commitment to excellence in credit management, career advancement and ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Learn how to get started on the path toward earning your CBA, CBF, CCE or CCRA.

3:00–3:45pm

31010. First-Time Attendee Welcome Gathering
Take the first step to maximize your Credit Congress attendance. Join other first-time conference attendees, as well as conference veterans, as the Credit Congress journey begins.

Monday, June 6

9:00–10:45am
31000. General Session
Featured Speakers: S. Chris Edmonds and Mark S. Babbitt
Valid for .15 CEUs and CCE Recertification Points
Join authors, Mark S. Babbitt and S. Chris Edmonds, our 2022 General Session speakers, and learn why a work culture based on doing good is so important today.
For decades, talented people have tolerated old-school leaders who put results before respect. The result? Toxic company cultures and workplaces that suck. “The Great Resignation” has proven those days are over. Today, employees have a voice and a choice. They desire and deserve workplaces where they are respected and validated for their ideas, efforts and contributions—every day.

Leaders—from small business owners to Fortune 100 CEOs—must create work cultures where respect is as important as results. The challenge? Those leaders have rarely been asked to change their work cultures. Most leaders don’t know how. Mark and Chris will provide us with actionable inspiration to help us understand how to build a team of good people—doing good work—in a good company.

Their new book is the bestseller, Good Comes First, which provides leaders with step-by-step guidance on how to build and sustain an uncompromising work culture and will be available in the on-site conference Bookstore. Mark and Chris will sign books after their presentation.

1:00–5:00pm
31001–31005. Certificate Course: Business Credit Principles
31011–31015. Certificate Course: Financial Statement Analysis 2: Credit and Risk Assessment

2:00–3:15pm
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31017-31022 are valid for .125 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.

31017. An Economic Update: What Can We Expect? 
 U  
Speaker: Amy Crews Cutts, PhD, CBE, AC Cutts & Associates LLC

Being half way through 2022, where is the economy headed? Are things getting better, worse or about the same? Join this discussion on the important questions surrounding the recession, job market, inflation, interest rates and more. What are the challenges you will likely face, and how can you prepare for them?

31018. Make an Impact: Engage in a Mentoring Relationship! B    
Speaker: Valarie Hardesty, CCE, CICP, Elevate Textiles, Inc.
Whether in your career or in life, mentoring relationships are so important for continued growth and development. Both parties in the mentoring relationship benefit from this engagement! Teaching others is the best way to GIVE BACK and to continue your own development, both personally and professionally. Mentors become more proficient as leaders and communicators as they guide and support rising talent. Mentees benefit from having someone with more experience guide them, share their advice and serve as a sounding board. In this session, learn about the roles of the mentor and mentee, potential benefits and the many reasons why being part of a mentoring relationship is so important and rewarding.

31019. Job Information: The Critical Elements and How Best to Verify the Property Owner - Part 1 of 2 I  
This topic is continued in session #31028.
Speakers: Sam Smith, Crescent Electric Supply Company; Michael Murray, Esq., Lanak & Hanna, P.C.; and Chris Ring, NACM’s Secured Transaction Services
Job information is the critical first step in managing the mechanic’s lien process. However, staff who do not fully understand its importance are often the ones to gather job information. The information must be accurate and timely, and include key contact information. Perhaps one of the most critical elements is to correctly identify the property owner. During this session, attendees will come away with tips on how to communicate with internal stakeholders the critical nature of job information, along with tips on how to gather the information. Attendees also will learn best practices for verifying who the property owner is.

31020. Out of the Abyss: Distress and Bankruptcy After the COVID-19 Pandemic! I  
Speakers: Bruce Nathan, Esq., and Andrew Behlmann, Esq., Lowenstein Sandler LLP
As the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the economy recede, this session focuses on where bankruptcy and restructuring are heading in 2022 and beyond, and the impact on credit professionals. The speakers will focus on the following issues: where the bankruptcy cases are; macroeconomic factors that kept Chapter 11 filings down in 2021; recent and upcoming policy changes that threaten to drive a resurgence in Chapter 11 filings and industries most likely to be affected by bankruptcy and restructuring in the post-pandemic era; trends speeding up bankruptcy cases (prepackaged or pre-negotiated plans, sale cases and frequency of structured dismissals of failed Chapter 11 cases) and the controversy surrounding third-party releases; changes in bankruptcy court practice and committee formation; small business bankruptcy trends; upcoming surge in preference litigation; and frequency of alternative insolvency proceedings.

31021. Why Will This Customer Not Pay Me on Time? B  
This session is repeated in #31030.
Speaker: Kevin Stinner, CCE, CCRA, J.R. Simplot Company
Why do customers buy things and not pay for them on time? That is a question that has perplexed credit people for thousands of years. But there are some physical and psychological reasons that a customer might not pay. This session will explore the reasons, how you identify them and how to overcome these objections to pay. We will evaluate real-life scenarios on past-due customers and then as a group consider what can be done to get the customer to pay as agreed.

31022. Basics of Card Acceptance B  
Speakers: Homero Lugo and Todd Lopes, Fiserv
Participants will gain insights into the basics of merchant processing and card acceptance, including PCI compliance; how to protect card data; merchant application underwriting and risk requirements; and how to read a merchant statement. The speaker also will explain what a virtual terminal and posted payment page are. Learn too about the basics of pricing and the impact of key-entering card data for business-to-business and card-not-present transactions.

3:45–5:00pm
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31026-31031 are valid for .125 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.

31026. Executive Exchange: Global Credit O  
Moderator: Val Venable, CCE, ICCE; Panel: Ed Bell, PhD, CBA, ICCE, W.W. Grainger, Inc.; Martin Zorn, Kamakura Co.; and Scott Chase, CCE, CICP, Gibson Brands Inc.
Your commentary and perspectives will enhance this interactive discussion on global customs, cultures and local factors that influence business strategies and potential credit risks. Credit professionals will share information and experiences, leading to a discussion about specific countries and regions. Get macro- and micro-level viewpoints from colleagues who have faced business challenges in these locations and regions as they successfully navigate their companies to achieve their strategic initiatives, profitably.

31027. Cyber-Attack: A Different Perspective When It Happens to YOU! I   
Speaker: Brett Hanft, CBA, American International Forest Products
News of cyber-attacks and ransomware demands that impact businesses are, unfortunately, all too common. Dealing with the fallout of working for a business that was impacted by a cyber-attack has brought a completely different perspective to risk management. This event created a key-learning opportunity that resulted from being forced into a manual operating system during the time it took to restore access to data servers, files and computer software applications. This program is designed to share knowledge, insight and first-hand experience that could be exceptionally valuable, especially if the same thing happens to you!

31028. Job Information: The Critical Elements and How Best to Verify the Property Owner - Part 2 of 2 I  
This is a continuation from session #31019.
Speakers: Sam Smith, Crescent Electric Supply Company; Michael Murray, Esq., Lanak & Hanna, P.C.; and Chris Ring, NACM’s Secured Transaction Services
Job information is the critical first step in managing the mechanic’s lien process. However, staff who do not fully understand its importance are often the ones to gather job information. The information must be accurate and timely, and include key contact information. Perhaps one of the most critical elements is to correctly identify the property owner. During this session, attendees will come away with tips on how to communicate with internal stakeholders the critical nature of job information, along with tips on how to gather the information. Attendees also will learn best practices for verifying who the property owner is.

31029. National Trade Credit Report (NTCR) Updates and Enhancements U  
Speakers: Gina Calabrese Sylvester, CMP, CGA, NACM Tampa, and Phil Lattanzio, CCE, CGA, NACM Connect
The NTCR and NACM share a common vision: empower credit professionals with information and tools that lead them to success in their credit decisioning and credit management roles. By leveraging data contributed by members for members, the NTCR brings fresh, targeted, relevant data to users of each report. NTCR tools help drive efficiency and support credit success: We will take a stroll through the newly re-designed website and discuss how to use Insight2 and Insight3 reports in your decision-making process. We will discover different ways to use the Portfolio Risk Analysis to your advantage and how to target low- and high-risk customers. Join us to hear why we are one of your best trusted partners!

31030. Why Will This Customer Not Pay Me on Time? B  
This is an encore of session #31021.
Speaker: Kevin Stinner, CCE, CCRA, J.R. Simplot Company
Why do customers buy things and not pay for them on time? That is a question that has perplexed credit people for thousands of years. But there are some physical and psychological reasons that a customer might not pay. This session will explore the reasons, how you identify them and how to overcome these objections to pay. We will evaluate multiple real-life scenarios on past-due customers and then as a group consider what can be done to get the customer to pay as agreed.

31031. Succession Planning I  
This session is repeated in #31058.
Speaker: Mindy Bortness, Communication Works Inc.
The Great Resignation has led to thousands of people leaving the workforce on top of record numbers of retiring baby boomers. How can you retain your current team? What steps do you need to follow to secure future leadership, especially credit leaders, at your company? This session will provide tangible takeaways and ideas for you to take back to your company as you look toward the future of your credit department and credit leadership role.

Tuesday, June 7

8:30–5:00pm
31001–31005. Certificate Course: Business Credit Principles
31011–31015. Certificate Course: Financial Statement Analysis 2: Credit and Risk Assessment

9:00–10:30am
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31035-31040 are valid for .15 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.

31035. Predictive Default Risk Modeling A  
Speaker: Martin Zorn, Kamakura Corporation
Unfortunately, the words bottlenecks, supply-chain disruption and shipping containers have become part of our daily lexicon. As credit professionals, what can we do to assess and predict how to best help our companies as we move forward in this unstable environment? As we move out of the pandemic, how do we change our predictive default modeling? How do we factor in permanent changes to the supply chain into credit risk management? How do we protect ourselves against higher interest rates or higher inflation? Attend this session and find out.

31036. How to Build Efficiencies in Credit I   
Speaker: Alaina Worden, CCE, CECO, Inc.
If you want to improve your credit procedures or learn how to set these policies up, then this session is for you. Attend and learn about the importance of standardization, what to include in your written procedure guides and on-boarding and cross-training documents. These tried-and-true methods have gained results and helped build more efficient credit departments.

31037. Public Construction: The Miller Act, the Little Miller Act and Public Private Partnerships I  
Speakers: Katy Baird, Esq., Andrews Myers PC; DeAnna Leahy, CCE, Sunroc Corporation; and Sam Smith, Crescent Electric Supply Company
Public construction is unique in that receivables are secured by a payment posted by the general contractor. Knowing who the general contractor is, what bonding company the general contractor has hired, what you have to do and when you have to do it to claim against the payment is paramount. During this session, attendees will learn about the unique nature of public construction and what the difference is between The Miller Act, The Little Miller Act and Public Private Partnerships to ensure their receivables are secure.

31038. Surcharging Credit Card Payments B 
Speakers: Homero Lugo and Todd Lopes, Fiserv
Learn about basic rules for surcharging card transactions; the difference between surcharging, service fees and convenience fees; and the type of cards that can be charged and card brand rules.

31039. Subchapter V: Strategies for Unsecured Creditors to Maximize Value and Key Developments I  
Speakers: George Angelich, Esq.; Douglas Flahaut, Esq.; and Justin Kesselman, Esq., Arent Fox LLP
The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 created a legal framework within Chapter 11, referred to as Subchapter V. Learn which areas are of importance to unsecured creditors. What key issues should unsecured creditors monitor in the early phase of a Subchapter V case? Should they continue shipping and doing business with the debtor? What steps can they take to ensure post-petition invoices are paid? Presenters will then discuss the documents, information and communications required to monitor a Subchapter V case closely. Lastly, they will discuss key issues when evaluating a Subchapter V plan and deciding whether to vote against the plan as well as the benefits of non-consensual plans. Will Subchapter V meet your expectations for a cost-effective and streamlined process? Or does Subchapter V achieve those goals at the expense of creditors rights?

31040. Laws of Exceptional Leadership: How to Motivate Your Team and Inspire Action B  
Speaker: Rebecca Hicks, Esq., Hicks Law Group PLLC
Leadership is not a rare talent that only a few lucky folks possess; it is a learnable skill. Anyone can become an exceptional leader with the right tools. What does leadership actually mean? It is not about being in charge, but taking care of those in your charge. Participants will learn the best leadership skills to use to motivate their teams and inspire action as well as examine the mental, emotional and physical qualities essential to building a great credit team.

2:00–3:15pm
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

31044. Identifying and Mitigating Risk for More Accurate Cash Receipts Forecasting - Part 1 of 2  A  
This session is continued in #31053.
Moderator: Val Venable, CCE, ICCE; Panel: Jay Tenney, Trade Risk Group, and John Loy, Invre Capital, LLC

Trade receivables are frequently the largest liquid asset on a company balance sheet. Tasked with turning the receivables into cash, credit departments are faced with multiple risk factors that can adversely affect the accuracy of cash forecasting. The first part of this two-part session will include a panel of risk mitigation experts to address the tools available and the effectiveness of each as we discuss common reason for payment delays. Part 2 will incorporate these solutions into a cash-receipts forecast model.

31045. Positive Language in Communications: How to Evaluate the Words You Choose    B    
Speakers: Heidi Lindgren-Boyce, CCE, Star Rentals, Inc., and Nancy Watson-Pistole, CCE, ICCE, Hostess Brands, LLC
Written or spoken words continuously propel us through life. They lift us up, drag us down, wound us deeply or heal our hearts. Words have the power to destroy confidences, build life-long alliances or start wars. Words can make or break us, both as individuals and as a society. What have you been saying lately? The words you speak or write can have a profound effect on the people they reach. Learn how to choose words that will build people up and inspire vision, strength and influence. Join us for fun and interactive group exercises—practicing and perfecting the use of positive vs. negative words. Attendees will take away tips for communicating in a kinder and professional manner during their in-person, online or electronic communications.

31046. What Is Builders Risk Insurance and Installation Floater Insurance? How Can They Help Get Me Paid?  I       
Builders Risk Insurance and Installation Floater Insurance are two forms of insurance that may cause confusion for some construction credit professionals. During this session, attendees will learn about these forms of insurance and how their companies could use them to their advantage on construction projects.

31047. Small Business Credit Trends   I  
Speaker: Sarah Briscoe, Equifax
Small businesses are essential to the American economy. Over 99% of paid-employee firms in the U.S. are small businesses that employ almost half of all American workers and account for about 44% of GDP. Also, considering thousands of small businesses are created every month, it’s easy to get behind or miss what’s trending. Please join us for an engaging conversation on current economic conditions and issues for small businesses; lending activity by region and industry; and delinquency and default trends/projections.

31048. On-line Credit Presentations in the Digital World   B  
Speaker: Kevin Stinner, CCE, CCRA, J.R. Simplot Company
More and more credit professionals are being called on to make presentations on the state of their credit departments. Many of these presentations are made online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or some other platform. What is the proper way to conduct oneself in these presentations? How do you keep your audience from falling asleep? What is the best way to conduct a presentation when time is limited? This session will include lecture, role play and group activities to answer these questions to learn how best to give on-line presentations.

31049. Analyzing Financial Statements
Speaker: Ron Sereika, CCE, Mspark, Inc.
If you’re responsible for analyzing financial statements or just need a better understanding of what they mean, this information is for you. This session will help you learn to analyze financial statements, along with ratios analysis and interpretation. We’ll discuss ways to maneuver around the financial statements to find important information and how to analyze the balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows.  A discussion of ratios will be included—not only how to calculate them, but more importantly what they mean and how that will ultimately help you make that sound decision based on what you have in front of you.

3:45-5:00pm
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31053-31058 are valid for .125 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.

31053. Identifying & Mitigating Risk for More Accurate Cash Receipts Forecasting - Part 2 of 2  A  
This is a continuation of session #31044.
Moderator: Val Venable, CCE, ICCE; Panel: Yazmin Yepez, CBF, CCRA, CICP, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.; Scott Chase, CCE,CICP, Gibson Brands Inc.; and Scott Michelsen, CCE, ICCE, Kenworth Sales Company
Part 2 of this session provides examples of how to incorporate risk mitigation tools into cash-receipts forecasting. Presenters will look at various techniques to accelerate payment, track historical collection rates and build a buffer for abnormalities to increase the accuracy of both long-term and short-term forecasting. Hear from credit professionals who have built successful models using basic formats in Excel to commercial forecasting software.

31054. Developing Skills and Building the Right Strengths for a Smooth-Sailing Professional Voyage B   
Speaker: Chris Birdwell, Pioneer Balloon Co.
This session is sure to become interactive as the presenter delves into the nuances of managership, leadership, partnerships, mentorship and comradeships critical in today’s business credit climate. With so many people today relying on social media, it is important to refine soft skills. This session will provide tools to effectively communicate with all generations and levels of corporate hierarchy to mitigate potential conflicts, while maximizing communication strategies and self-branding.

31055. Bankruptcy: Words of Wisdom for the Post-Petition Creditor A  
Speaker: Kevin Wiley, Esq., Hicks Law Group PLLC
When your customer files for bankruptcy, it is unsettling to say the least. During this session, attendees will learn about secured status: whether a creditor can file its mechanic’s lien after the bankruptcy filing; filling proofs of claims as a secured or unsecured creditor; and when to lift the stay to repossess secured or leased collateral. Discussion also will include the normal course of business relationship with the debtor: when to accept or reject the contract and obtaining critical vendor status. Lastly, the presenter will explain the plan confirmation process: determining whether to join the Committee of Unsecured Creditor; providing input on the plan of reorganization language; how to review monthly operating reports; and when to object or accept the Plan of Reorganization.

31056. A Technology Discussion from Someone Not Selling Technology
Speaker: Staci Cima, CCE, Huttig Building Products, Inc. I  
As companies face labor shortages, maybe now is the time to look at how technology can help companies bridge the gap with automation. This session, led by a seasoned credit manager who has undertaken many technology projects, will discuss the end-to-end process of bringing technology into a company. She’s been through it all and can share best practices! Discussion will include project and product identification, ROI, internal project approval and much more. Join the discussion and learn from an independent voice about the process and the different types of automation tools.

31057. Creation, Legality and Enforceability of Electronic Transactions I  
Speakers: Lorna Walker, Esq., Sweet and Walker, P.C., and Wanda Borges, Esq., Borges & Associates, LLC
As electronic B2B transactions become increasingly prevalent, credit departments must be aware of the risks created by moving from paper credit applications, contracts, and other documents to electronic equivalents. In particular, two crucial areas—electronic signatures and online presentation and acceptance of terms and conditions—can create problems that lead to litigation in the event of a dispute between the parties. Presenters will focus on the requirements for a valid and enforceable electronic signature and contract; the unique risks posed by electronic credit applications, contracts and other transactions; state and federal laws governing electronic signatures and transactions; recent court cases addressing electronic signatures, contract formation and enforceability; and the tools and strategies necessary to help mitigate these risks.

31058. Succession Planning
Speaker: Mindy Bortness, Communication Works Inc.
The Great Resignation has led to thousands of people leaving the workforce on top of record numbers of retiring baby boomers. How can you retain your current team? What steps do you need to follow to secure future leadership, especially credit leaders, at your company? This session will provide tangible takeaways and ideas for you to take back to your company as you look toward the future of your credit department and credit leadership role.

Wednesday Morning, June 8

8:30am–5:00pm
31001–31005. Certificate Course: Business Credit Principles
31011–31015. Certificate Course: Financial Statement Analysis 2: Credit and Risk Assessment

8:30–10:00am
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31062-31067 are valid for .15 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.

31062. Credit Value Add: Vendor Vetting I  
Speaker: Ramin Zacharia, Venminder
According to BOMA magazine, more than 80% of companies conduct formal background checks on their full-time employees, but fewer than 20% screen their vendors, suppliers or subcontractors. Organizations should not ignore this gap in due diligence and compliance management. Exposure to financial and reputational losses is increasing, and know your supplier programs are fast becoming one of the top-risk-management objectives for companies today. With its investigative skills, the credit team is a natural choice to monitor the backgrounds and stability of vendors. Vendor vetting is one more way that commercial credit departments can bring value to their companies. Learn about the importance of vendor vetting along with tips for vetting resources.

31063. Find the Keys to Unlock Your Leadership Superpower O   
Discussion Leaders: Mary Moore, CBA; Marlene Groh, CCE, ICCE; Wendy Mode, CCE, CICP; Ellen Wodiuk, CCE, ICCE; Val Hardesty, CCE, CICP; Brett Hanft, CBA; and Sheila Roames, CCE
Join this session with an interactive speed-dating format to discuss topics that will help you unlock the keys to your leadership superpower. You will have the opportunity to select four out of six topics that provide valuable information for your continued leadership development. The 15-minute speed rounds will include an activity and/or discussion around the following six themes and books:

• Delegating, Growing Influence, Ron Price and Stacy Ennis
• Building Servant Leader Culture, The Servant Leader and The Culture, James C Hunter
• Procrastination, Eat That Frog, Brian Tracy
• Self-Care, Enough Already, Lindsey Weigle
• Accountability, Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments and Bad Behavior, Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and David Maxfield
• Emotional Intelligence, Dare to Lead, Brene Brown

31064. Building a Better Bond Claim: Best Practices for Perfection and Getting Paid on Miller Act Bond Claims I  
Speaker: Rebecca Hicks, Esq., Hicks Law Group PLLC
If you are supplying materials, services or labor on federal government projects, this session is a must attend. The discussion will go beyond the basics of perfection and payment of Miller Act Bond Claims and include best practices for information gathering in the digital age, issues with certain widely used claim forms, claim perfection requirements, common mistakes to avoid, lesser-known provisions of the Miller Act and a review of the latest Miller Act case law.

31065. Balancing the Tension Between Technology and Regulation I  
Speaker: Brodie Oldham, Experian
Learn to leverage machine learning in a regulatory compliance framework to promote growth without additional risk exposure. The session’s speaker will present challenges in implementation and model governance to stabilize adverse action code generation and enable efficiencies. He will explore efficiencies and growth through inclusion of non-traditional data sets. How machine learning is applied in credit decisions will be addressed as well as regulatory concerns in performance, stability and fair lending, and growing underserved penetration while maintaining profitability.

31066. Effectively Communicating Your Supply-Chain Status: Fulfillment, Pricing and Contract Modifications, and Other Related Issues A  
Speakers: Shaun Papperman, CCE, CCRA, CICP, Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc., and Samantha Riggen, Esq., Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt LLP
Because supply-chain issues are predicted to persist well into 2022, credit professionals must know how to communicate effectively with their customers about issues related to company supply chains. Attendees will come away with common-sense and legal strategies for managing supply-chain issues.

31067. Disruptions, Deceptions and Decisions B  
Speaker: Steve Haffner, Pinnacle Thinking
In times of major turbulence and disruption, it is more important than ever to improve your decision-making skills. The best decisions are those that offer the highest probability of achieving your goals while also reflecting your core values. The uncertainty and stress of a crisis, however, can magnify the mental illusions that sabotage your ability to think clearly and make decisions that perform well. In this interactive program, former psychological illusionist, Steve Haffner, provides insights and strategies to elevate decision performance. Attendees learn to recognize and outsmart their self-illusions—the mental shortcuts, cognitive biases and impulsive negativity that disruption amplifies—and apply the strategies to their own thinking, judgment and decision-making processes.

10:30am–Noon
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31071-31076 are valid for .15 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.

Wednesday Afternoon, June 8

2:00–3:00pm
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31080-31085 are valid for .1 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.

31080. Communicating Across Cultures - Part 1 of 2 I 
This session is continued in #31094.
Speaker: Cultural Awareness International
The pandemic has changed the way the world does business. Travel restrictions have made communicating with global customers more challenging—often limiting communication to virtual conversations online or via emails. In this session, you will learn about virtual meeting etiquette and specific protocols for communicating with customers and clients in different countries. This interactive session is designed to raise awareness and provide tips for more effective video calls and meetings, emails and strategies for follow up.

31081. Excel: Tips and Tricks I   
This session is repeated in #31091.
Speaker: Marlene Groh, CCE, ICCE, CE Southeast
This session will provide you with Excel tips and tricks for the reports you use every day. Learn about the shortcut keys that make it easier to perform functions such as vlookups, macros, pivot tables and conditional formatting.

31082. Executive Exchange: Building & Construction - Part 1 of 2 O  
This session is continued in #31092.
Moderator: Chris Ring, NACM-STS; Panel: DeAnna Leahy, CCE, Sunroc Corporation; Sam Smith, Crescent Electric Supply Company; and Julie Neuroth, Esq., Yocum & Neuroth, LLC
Attend this session and become a part of the discussion as panelists address credit- and finance-related building and construction issues and challenges. They will share their solutions and resources, while soliciting input and feedback from session participants, who are encouraged to ask questions, add insights, share experiences and propose solutions.

31083. Expanding Your Capabilities with a B2B Financial Ecosystem I  
Speaker: Keith Cowart, FIS
Working capital is influenced mainly by receivables (DSO), payables (DPO) and inventory (DIO). Each area has unique requirements to operate efficiently and effectively, but one system alone cannot deliver the functionality required to optimize cash flow and working capital. However, each area often operates in a silo. How can you maintain your operational effectiveness, while contributing to the greater good of the entire company? Systems that share information in a financial ecosystem provide the best of both worlds. Learn how specialized systems can work together and the benefits of interconnecting your financial ecosystem.

31084. Private Escheat & Anti Limitations Application I  
Speakers: Jennifer Waryjas, Jones Day, and Troy Wangen, True Partners Consulting LLC
Many companies are familiar with escheatment laws and the complications associated with tracking credits and determining what is and what is not reportable. Many questions arise around whether customer terms and conditions or contracts help circumvent reporting responsibilities. However, language can run the risk of creating private escheat. Learn about private escheat, how it applies to unclaimed property, anti-limitations application and general state unclaimed property updates.

31085. The Growing Proliferation of Online B2B Markets A 
Speaker: John Loy, Invre Capital, LLC
Businesses today are looking for more ways to generate revenue, including through B2B eCommerce platforms. This session will review the questions credit professionals should ask and what they should consider when implementing new business platforms. What are the basic models, what value do they provide and how can they impact your working capital, cash flow forecasting and counterparty risk? Is your sales looking to sell through third-party platforms? Do key customers want your organization to use a new procure to pay platform or portal? Attend to learn more.

3:30–4:30pm
CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Sessions 31090-31095 are valid for .1 CEUs & CCE Recertification Points.