Participation is the key to our success. (Credit Column).

I've always placed a lot of emphasis on participation--whether it's been as an active participant in my company or with this Association, it's been my personal choice to actively participate. At every opportunity, I've jumped in to lend a hand, to learn more, to struggle side-by-side with others over problems and issues until solutions could be found or to help guide my co-workers. The same has held true with my NACM experience: I've created it through active participation.

Interestingly enough, my involvement with NACM at the national level developed because I voiced a concern about an issue. NACM invited me to participate in a Task Force created to address the issue. The rest is history.. I've been an active participant in our future ever since.

You've got a lot of chances to be an active participant in May. Enclosed with this issue of Business Credit, you'll find the NACM National Director Election Ballot. You--the member--vote to elect the Directors to the National Board. NACM has added an incentive for you to participate: NACM will randomly select two names of members who cast an election ballot and award each a free registration to the upcoming Credit Congress in June.

Participate by Voting

Voting is an important member right. The entire issue of whether members should cast votes was a hotly debated topic and requested by representatives of the NACM membership. Members felt very strongly that it was their job to elect the people that will represent them on the NACM National Board. I urge you to read through the enclosed ballot: you will learn about each candidate's background, previous participation and most importantly, why they want to serve your Association as a National Director I urge you to contact your local Affiliate, the candidates themselves or any member of the National Board with questions.

You may cast your ballot by completing it and either faxing or mailing to the National Headquarters office. You may also vote online via the NACM web site. All members of record for whom an e-mail address is on file will be notified about accessing the ballot electronically. Once the voting closes on May 25th, NACM will randomly select two members as the winners of the free Credit Congress registrations!

The Credit Manager's Index (CMI)