Pickin' credit in music city.

NACM's 110th Credit Congress Exposition May 21-24, 2006 Nashville, Tennessee Gaylord Opryland Resort

The beautiful grounds of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center were the stage for this year's Credit Congress in Nashville. Arranged around a huge, sunlit central area with lush tropical plants, water fountains and waterfalls, canals and all sorts of intriguing shops, were open area walkways taking members to rooms in any of the three lavishly furnished sections of the resort. Those wishing to peruse more shops extended their search to Opry Mills, an extensive mall located across from the resort. And for those music lovers in the crowd, The Grand Ole' Opry, next door, presented the opportunity to hear a broad array of country music from an assortment of best-in-class musicians; both indoors and out. In fact, even those simply walking past The Grand Ole' Opry were treated to music coming from local music groups and photo opportunities with the Nashville versions of Annie Oakley and Dale Evans.

Maggie Morgan, Financial Analyst, Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Buckhannon, WV, said she specifically wanted to learn more about collections. "I'd like to learn how credit managers work with customers who don't want to pay," she said. "I'm new to credit management, and I want to learn some strategies ... that's why I'm here."

Deborah Rhault, Credit and Collections Supervisor, Torrington Supply, Inc., Waterbury, CT, who has worked in the field of credit and collections for 15 years, said she was considering her professional future when deciding to come to Credit Congress in Nashville this year. "I'm looking to go to school for business finance," she said. "I thought this would be a nice place to start learning more about credit and collections."

Steven Rodvelt, CBA, Credit Manager, Cardinal Brands, Lawrence, KS, who has been working in the area of trade credit since 1998, said upon arriving, "Aside from the educational value and networking opportunities, I'm hoping to get a greater appreciation of the credit profession." Rodvelt said he has wanted to attend Credit Congress for a while ... "I've always heard of Credit Congress--I had a former boss who encouraged me to come, but I didn't have a chance to do so until now."

And so Morgan, Rhault, Rodvelt and hundreds more like them, came to NACM's 110th Credit Congress in Nashville, May 21-24, for an experience that will impact their careers for years to come. Members strolled from one section of the resort to the other as they attended sessions, caught up with friends, made new acquaintances and just had a good time.

"I pass through Nashville 20 to 30 times a year, but had never stopped at Opryland until Credit Congress. I expected the property to be well doused in a down-home countrified motif. Was I ever wrong", said Bonnie Deitz, CBA, Credit Manager for Russell Corporation in Alexander City, AL. "Opryland is an exceptional venue. I can only hope that Credit Congress will be held at this property on a regular basis."