What's in a name? (Credit Column).(National Association of Credit Management)(Column)

Not too long ago, 1 was thinking about the name, National Association of Credit Management, and I was awestruck at the power and presence that is carried by its name. That led me to think about what William Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet." I'm not sure that I agree; I don't think that anything else can stand in for NACM. I'd like to share my thoughts about the name--National Association of Credit Management--with you.

National: I wondered whether the group of 100 credit executives that founded the National Association of Credit Men in 1896 in Toledo, Ohio envisioned an organization that would expand beyond a national scope. While a cohesive national network for commercial credit was the vision of these businessmen, today, NACM has expanded past its original local and regional roots and spans the world. Its ever-growing web presence, its international reach and scope through the efforts of FCIB, NACM-Canada, NACM of Mexico and its network of Affdiated Associations nationwide all contribute to a worldwide presence. NACM continues to be the premier resource of information and services for credit professionals--worldwide.

Association: Associations have been around almost since time began, with some of the first having existed in ancient Egypt and China. Trade groups in Imperial Rome maintained protective regulations; in Phoenicia, trading and political problems brought merchants together to form mutual-aid cooperative groups. At the beginning of the 16th century, medieval guilds were formed to represent traders. The very fabric of Associations threads throughout history: groups of people who join together for and with a common purpose, interest or goal.

Throughout its history, NACM has leveraged the strength of its membership to monitor and protect the interests of commercial business credit grantors. Whether it has been through its tireless efforts in Washington, on Capitol Hill--or locally, through NACM Affiliate state legislative committee efforts--NACM strives to safeguard the interests of all commercial credit grantors.

We--the members who comprise this organization--are more than just a customer base. While we do turn to our NACM for products and services, the unity of membership delivers so much more. Our association brings with it a connection with others in the same profession, an international network from which we all benefit. NACM is our resource, and we are its resource. We are its strength.

NACM membership carries a spirit of cooperation and good fellowship with it. If you've ever encountered a problem and asked ...