Working together works.(Credit Column)

As my year as Chairman begins to draw to a close, I can't help but reflect back on the personal and professional choice that I made to become an active volunteer in the NACM organization. As I look back on my choice to get involved, I can tell you that it was, indeed, a defining moment in my life. A defining moment, or the exact point in time when we make a decision or choice that changes either us, or our lives, is truly an important moment in time.

I had no idea that my decision to "get involved" and to serve would lead me down a path that would eventually culminate in the Chairmanship of a national organization. I was pleasantly surprised that volunteer service could be as educational, enriching, and rewarding as it has been. I didn't realize that my choice would lead me to a national network of professional contacts, and a wealth of knowledge and life-long friendships.

I had no idea how much I would grow, both personally and professionally.

The reason I am sharing these thoughts with you with is simple: I want to encourage you, and perhaps even challenge you, to get involved with your NACM organization as a volunteer leader. All of us--each and every NACM member--can create a defining moment by deciding to actively participate in our organization. We can choose to gel involved and to work together. I believe that working together works.

Each and every one of us wants to enhance and improve the credit profession. It's our shared vision and shared mission. Whether we make our profession stronger through better legislation, or increased public and press relations, we the business credit profession will benefit. Choosing to participate in the NACM Credit Manager's Index (CMI) will go miles towards helping us to raise the profile of the business credit profession which shares its outlook on the business economy with business journals nationwide through this index. The CMI is only as powerful as the data behind it. NACM needs your participation.

The NACM organization is a member-governed organization; we the NACM members are the guiding force that must lead our organization, and our profession, to success. It's our choice, and our responsibility, to ensure that our organization realizes its full potential. Working together, we are ...