NACM’s annual Credit Congress & Exposition gathers credit professionals far and wide across the nation for networking, educational seminars and forums with information about the latest changes in the credit world. It’s more than just a conference—it is an experience.

This year’s slowed job market presents numerous challenges for job seekers. With evolving industry demands, technological advancements and economic shifts, finding the perfect job has become increasingly difficult.

Christine Billings, CCE, CCRA, assistant credit manager at Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC (Collierville, TN), said that earning the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation was a personal goal of hers for the past two years. “It demonstrates to myself and my company that I am committed to becoming as well versed as possible in the credit industry,” she said.  

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point in September, the first cut since 2020. The Federal interest rate sits between 4.75% and 5%, hopefully mitigating the effects of high inflation and offering individuals and businesses a bit of relief. Despite this recent cut, the interest rate is nearly double the pre-pandemic rate.

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm that tore through the Southeast of the United States last week, has left more than 160 people dead and is estimated to cost the country as much as $34 billion, according to Moody’s Analytics.

As the chilly season of ghouls, ghosts and gore begins, we’re reminded of one of the scariest scenarios plaguing credit managers; the curse of cash flow problems. Whether the issue is seasonal for you or only pops up every once in a while, cash flow issues can trouble even the most experienced credit professionals, regardless of whether it is your company or your customer experiencing the slowdown.

NACM’s Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) fell 0.4 points to 53.1 in September, showing expansion but at a weakening pace. “Hopefully this is indicative of the soft landing the Fed has been aiming for,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE.

On Tuesday, about 45,000 port workers went on strike after their contract expired, following unsuccessful last-minute negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents port operators and container carriers. The daily economic cost could be anywhere from $540 million to upwards of $4 billion.

Jeff Weber, CICP, director of credit at Uline (Pleasant Prairie, WI), recently earned his Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation to keep up with his company’s growing international presence. “I pursued this because understanding international operations would enable me to make informed recommendations to executive management.”