We've Only Just Begun...(National Association of Credit Management - management issues)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Looking back on the past few years, it's hard not to marvel at the tremendous progress we've made as an organization. It seems like only yesterday--even though it was in 1995--that NACM-National unveiled its national web site, www.nacm.org. Back then, most of us were less than impressed with the Internet and didn't envision the presence it has in all of our lives today. In five short years, the world wide web has become a constant in our daily routine.

NACM-National's web site has grown in size and scope and now welcomes over 30,000 visitors a month, providing all of us with useful information, news, and serving as our gateway to business credit tools and links. Tools such as the Business Credit archives on line--articles from the past five years, all searchable by key word--are an invaluable source of information. Since its launch in June, over 500 candidates have used the new on line CBA designation practice exam and many credential holders have taken advantage of the new on line lookup feature to locate and communicate with peers.

Since 1996, the number of NACM's CBA professional designation holders has doubled, reaching 2,000 designees. Much of the success of this program is due to the development of the Credit Administration Program, which is a series of three courses offered nationwide by NACM Affiliates that prepare candidates for the CBA designation exam. The CAP courses carry college equivalent credit, granted by the American Council on Education.

In the past year, because you--the NACM member--requested a greater voice in the selection and election of your National Directors--the National Bylaws were amended. Five Chief Elected Officers of Affiliated Associations now serve on the National Nominating Committee and NACM members of record will elect their National Directors by region in the first national one-member/one-vote election this spring. The new Article XV improves the process by which NACM Bylaw amendments are considered and reviewed and how you--the NACM member--are notified about new amendment proposals. The new Article XV proposal also creates a procedure for the NACM membership to override the decision of the National Board on Bylaw amendments. While it is anticipated that a recourse or override procedure will be unnecessary in the future, the National Board felt that a recourse procedure should be created and made available to the NACM membership.

Not only were new national committees created this year, but all of NACM's national committees are now meeting quarterly by telephone conference call to ensure that they fulfill their renewed missions. Because of this increased participation, new projects are underway. Comprehensive designation exam review courses are in the process of being created by three different Committees. Your National Government Affairs Committee, although disappointed that President Clinton's ...