NACM-National 108th Credit Congress & Expo.

Phoenix, AZ * May 16-19, 2004

Dave Sayre, CCE attended the Opening General Session of NACM's 108th Credit Congress and says, "What an opening ceremony!!! From the beginning--with a reenactment of a traditional Native American ceremony to open our minds--to the Awards Ceremony, and finally to John Kasich's speech on values and ethics, I was completely inspired." After the Native American ceremony that gave those in attendance a feeling of being in the desert, NACM Chairman Ralph Rimualdo, CCE welcomed members to the Congress, thanking the many people who made it possible.

He also discussed the accomplishments of the association over the last year. Then Ralph began the awards program, encouraging us at the end to become an "engaged member of NACM".

Jim Wise, NACM's Washington, DC legislative representative, introduced our keynote speaker, John Kasich. Mr. Kasich is a former member of Congress, a host and political contributor for the FOX news channel, as well as author of the New York Times bestseller, Courage is Contagious. He talked about his humble blue-collar beginnings in Pennsylvania and how--through persistence--he got to meet President Nixon while a student at Ohio State University. Mr. Kasich then discussed the values his parents gave him: honesty, integrity, personal responsibility, speaking the truth, humility, being part of the team, raising the bar, preparing for excellence, and wherever you go--leave the place better off.

Mr. Kasich discussed his fight to propose a balanced budget from his first try in 1989, when he only got 30 to vote for his budget; to 1997, when a balanced budget was ratified. Making a strong statement, he said that the strength of our country is not our "big shot" leaders; then proceeded to talk about ordinary people making a difference by their values. Mr. Kasich quoted St. Augustine when he said "We all have gifts that God has given us. Find that gift and use it." In closing, Mr. Kasich talked about the importance of the free market system and how free people cannot govern themselves without the power of faith.

"Listening to Mr. Kasich was a tremendously powerful influence," says Dave. "He stayed upbeat--even when talking about such distressing subjects as suicide bombers and corporate corruption. And he gave inspiration when talking about ordinary people, such as the shoeshine person who--over 20 years--has given over $90,000 in tip money he received, to help children in hospitals, or to the academy in Harlem, where--in its first year--104 out of 105 students went on to college, and the 105th became a Navy Seal. It was a wonderful way to start the Credit Congress!"

Dennis Thomassie, CCE agreed that the Opening General Session with former Congressman John Kasich "was easily one of the better inspirational opening sessions that I have experienced in several years." He reports that "Mr. Kasich immediately developed a rapport with the members in attendance and did not lose their interest. His story of how he, as a young college student, wound up meeting the President in the Oval Office drove home his point that if you believe in yourself and your convictions--you can accomplish anything." Dennis said that Kasich also stressed that we can find success in any accomplishment if we maintain a positive attitude instead of looking for failure, by relating his experiences and the stories of others. "We need to accept personal responsibility," said Mr. Kasich, "and become a part of a team that is striving to create solutions".