CFDD national conference.(TRADELINE)(Credit & Financial Development Division)

The Credit & Financial Development Division (CFDD) held its annual national conference in St. Louis, Missouri at the end of October. The three-day event was highlighted by sessions hosted by David Beckel, CCE, Greg Powelson, Richard Boykin, Esq. and Dr. Michael Dueker, among others, and garnered attendees from all over the United States.

"I was very happy to receive a scholarship to attend this conference as it was extremely beneficial for me and will be for my company," said Constance Smialek, CBA, credit manager for Militech, Inc in Aurora, CO. "With continued support from the National CFDD and our local chapter it makes it so much easier for me to go to my bosses and ask to attend these functions."

Boykin, a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, kicked off the conference with his session covering the "Personal Data Privacy & Security Act of 2007." Dr. Dueker, assistant vice president, economic research at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, followed with "Prospects for the U.S. Economy." The presentation gave a statistical and historical overview into the impacts of the housing slump and the subprime lending crisis, and how it correlates to state income growth and financial distress.

Wanda Borges, Esq., who presented "Surviving Credit Without a Law Degree" and "Bankruptcy Issues New and Old: Everything You Wanted to Know About Bankruptcy But Didn't Know Who to Ask," was recognized by attendees as a standout.

"She is motivated and just keeps you interested the whole session long and brings with her just so much information in a short time," said Frank Hiltz, credit and contracts administrator for Gregory Poole Equipment Co., who has attended the conference for the last two ...