Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed how the world operates, integrating itself into nearly every facet of business. For credit departments, AI is being used to enhance email communication, draft demand letters, review contracts and even predict collection trends. As AI continues to evolve and expand across industries, many organizations are developing formal policies and procedures to guide its use. 

Melissa Monroe, CBA, accounts receivable lead at Team Fishel (Columbus, OH), took this to heart. Encouraged by her manager, Monroe enrolled in NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program and recently earned her Credit Business Associate (CBA), a milestone she describes as both fulfilling and empowering.

In the dynamic, ever-changing world of business credit, a designation is not only a testament to a certain level of expertise, but a demonstration of a credit professional’s dedication to furthering their career.

China’s economy showed stable growth in May, despite the pinch from tariffs and the ongoing trade war with the United States.

Construction projects can be a lot like building a sandcastle at the beach. You start with a vision, the right tools and a solid plan, only to have an unexpected wave crash in and wash it all away. In the world of construction, those waves can come in many forms: permit delays, supply chain disruptions or even a sudden shift in ownership.

The construction industry is a layered ecosystem where giants and startups share the same job site, each with unique risks and rules. In a highly competitive industry, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program provides marginalized businesses with a fair opportunity to compete and thrive. However, rising fraud, such as firms posing as DBEs or using certified DBEs as pass-throughs, undermines the program’s purpose.  

As economic uncertainty rises and markets lose stability, many companies anticipating cash flow issues will be looking for areas of the budget to slash to soften the blow. Discretionary funds, which can cover a variety of professional endeavors, from education to customer visits to professional development, are often the first on the chopping block when the economic outlook looks bleak.

Credit professionals do more than manage risk and protect their companies’ bottom lines, they often serve as mentors, leaders and changemakers. Today, we celebrate those who not only excel in their own careers but also uplift others along the way. These credit professionals make a lasting impact on the people and organizations around them. We’re proud to recognize Michelle Riepe, CCE, credit support manager at Ben E. Keith Company (Fort Worth, TX), recipient of the GSCFM Student Leader Award from NACM’s National Honors and Awards Program.  

In an ever-changing field like credit management, continued education is a critical tool to help credit professionals keep up with the evolving risk landscape. For Leila Wolfe, CBF, credit supervisor at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (Baton Rouge, LA), earning the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) designation deepened her understanding of the legal aspect of credit.