Credit at work.(MEMBER NEWS)(National Association of Credit Management)(South Puget Sound Chapter)

NACM Business Credit Services was proud to announce that seven deserving members received a $700 scholarship for Credit Congress. Congratulations are in order for:

Janell Clinton Debbie DeBoer, CBA Terri Downing, CCE Julie Putman Kelly Simon, CCE Deena Spint Rick Worden, CBF

The South Puget Sound Chapter of CFDD announced its two annual awards in January. Stacey Smythe, CEE, of Progressive International was named Distinguished Member. Also, Jackie Dennis, of Scalextric USA, was named Distinguished New Member. The Seattle Chapter announced its annual awards in February, naming Paulyne YanderSloot, CCE, of P C S Millwork, Inc., as Distinguished Member, and Margaret Hyneman, CCE, of Glacier Northwest, Inc., as Distinguished New Member. Congratulations, everyone!

Dear Andy: My department is heading into our I busiest time of year and I'm concerned because I always have trouble keeping my team on track during this period. What can I do to keep them motivated?

Your concern is well-placed. If employees are not motivated, their lackluster attitude will be reflected in their performance, and their productivity levels will quickly decline. Providing financial incentives is an obvious way to boost morale, but they're not always possible when budgets are tight. The good news is that incentive practices don't have to be expensive.

Following are a number of approaches that cost little-to-nothing, can help counter stressful work conditions, and keep everyone on track:

Build rapport. In a recent survey by our firm, 43 percent of executives polled said an individuals relationship with his or her manager has the greatest impact on job satisfaction. How well do you know the people who work for you? Are you familiar with their professional goals and outside interests? Have you communicated the importance of each staff member's role to ...