It’s time! Time to leave the house, leave the office, rejoin your peers, and take advantage of relevant and timely information at this year’s NACM Connect Credit Conference ReConnect Live at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Tower Hotel, 910 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146. The NACM/Chicago Midwest Board of Directors, NACM Great Lakes Education and Scholarship Committees along with Association staff look forward to seeing you there on September 11 and 12.

For more information please contact Lillian Novak at lillian.novak@nacmconnect.org.

It’s time! Time to leave the house, leave the office, rejoin your peers, and take advantage of relevant and timely information at this year’s NACM Connect Credit Conference ReConnect Live at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Tower Hotel, 910 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146. The NACM/Chicago Midwest Board of Directors, NACM Great Lakes Education and Scholarship Committees along with Association staff look forward to seeing you there on September 11 and 12.

For more information please contact Lillian Novak at lillian.novak@nacmconnect.org.

BIOGRAPHIES

ATTENDEE LIST

BIOGRAPHIES

ATTENDEE LIST

Orlando’s Conference Center | 2050 Dorsett Village

Maryland Heights, MO 63043

WEDNESDAY, September 11

Orlando’s Conference Center | 2050 Dorsett Village

Maryland Heights, MO 63043

WEDNESDAY, September 11

MILANO I

MILANO II

MILANO I | MILANO II

8:15 — 9:15 a.m.

OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER |  CONNECT TO WHAT MATTERS Charlie Ruiz

Charlie Ruiz is a former professional baseball player whose promising career with the Colorado Rockies was unexpectedly cut short by a devastating injury. He

discovered that true success and fulfillment come not just from achievements on the field, but from choosing Presence Over Preference in every aspect of life.

Playing your own game in both the short and long term while staying connected to what matters most. Now, as a performance coach, relationship expert and speaker, Charlie brings practical insights through an approachable. engaging and authentic style of storytelling.

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8:15 — 9:15 a.m.

OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER |  CONNECT TO WHAT MATTERS Charlie Ruiz

Charlie Ruiz is a former professional baseball player whose promising career with the Colorado Rockies was unexpectedly cut short by a devastating injury. He discovered that true success and fulfillment come not just from achievements on the field, but from choosing Presence Over Preference in every aspect of life.

Playing your own game in both the short and long term while staying connected to what matters most. Now, as a performance coach, relationship expert and speaker, Charlie brings practical insights through an approachable. engaging and authentic style of storytelling.

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9:45 — 11:00 A.M.

Mastering Account Receivable Cash Forecasting
Kim Flaugher, CCE, Olin-Winchester Corporation; Erica White, CCE, Ferguson Industries 

Accounts Receivable Cash Forecasting is
a critical financial management process that enables organizations to predict future accounts receivable cash flows. This session will explore the principles, tools, and techniques of effective accounts receivable cash forecasting, helping participants
to enhance their financial planning and stability.
The objectives of this session include understanding the fundamentals of accounts receivable cash forecasting; learning about different methods and
tools used in accounts receivable cash forecasting; gaining insights into best practices for accurate accounts receivable cash flow prediction; developing skills to create and analyze accounts receivable cash flow forecasts; identifying common challenges in cash forecasting and strategies to overcome them.
By the end of this panel discussion, members will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to create accurate and reliable accounts receivable cash forecasts. They will be able to identify potential cash flow issues early, make informed financial decisions, and improve their organization’s financial stability.

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9:45 — 11:00 A.M.

Achieving High Performance in Deductions

Management in the Age of AI: A Primer

Dexter Peavy, Emagia

In the complex landscape of B2B credit management, deductions represent a significant challenge that can erode revenues and misrepresent accounts receivable (AR). Manual processing of these deductions can prove not only time-consuming and potentially error-prone but also costly, making it imperative for businesses to find more efficient solutions.

Join us for an insightful session tailored where we delve into how AI-powered deductions management solutions can transform a credit department’s deduction management process and, thus, overall efficiency. Discover how the right automation tool can handle up to 80% of manual deductions processing, transforming this low-value activity into a high-value one by creating and identifying deductions from various customer-provided remittances… and also cut dispute resolution times in half. 

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9:45 — 11:00 A.M.

Mastering Account Receivable Cash Forecasting
Kim Flaugher, CCE, Olin-Winchester Corporation; Erica White, CCE, Ferguson Industries 

Accounts Receivable Cash Forecasting is a critical financial management process that enables organizations to predict future accounts receivable cash flows. This session will explore the principles, tools, and techniques of effective accounts receivable cash forecasting, helping participants
to enhance their financial planning and stability.
The objectives of this session include understanding the fundamentals of accounts receivable cash forecasting; learning about different methods and
tools used in accounts receivable cash forecasting; gaining insights into best practices for accurate accounts receivable cash flow prediction; developing skills to create and analyze accounts receivable cash flow forecasts; identifying common challenges in cash forecasting and strategies to overcome them.
By the end of this panel discussion, members will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to create accurate and reliable accounts receivable cash forecasts. They will be able to identify potential cash flow issues early, make informed financial decisions, and improve their organization’s financial stability.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

9:45 — 11:00 A.M.

Achieving High Performance in Deductions Management in the Age of AI: A Primer

Dexter Peavy, Emagia

In the complex landscape of B2B credit
management, deductions represent a significant challenge that can erode revenues and misrepresent accounts receivable (AR). Manual processing of these deductions can prove not only time-consuming and potentially error-prone but also costly, making it imperative for businesses to find more efficient solutions.

Join us for an insightful session tailored 

where we delve into how AI-powered deductions management solutions can transform a credit department’s deduction management process and, thus, overall efficiency. Discover how the right 

automation tool can handle up to 80% of manual deductions processing, transforming this low-value activity into a high-value one by creating and identifying deductions from various customer-provided remittances… and also cut dispute resolution times in half. 

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

11:30 A.M. — 12:30 P.M.

Fraudulent Credit Applications

Barbara Droney, Carboline Global, Inc.; Jason Mott, CCE, MFA Incorporated; Dale Semple, The Equity

Fraud is out there, and people sending fraudulent credit applications are increasing. What are the best practices and tools to mitigate risk and confirm information? This session will discuss what to look for on the applications you receive every day and some tools available to best “fact-check” the information provided and spot fraud. We will discuss real-life examples and feel free to bring your own to share. Let’s work together to stop these shady actors and protect our AR.

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11:30 A.M. — 12:30 P.M.

Credit Management in the Digital Age

Eli Costea, COO, NetNow

Technology is playing a bigger and bigger role in today’s credit departments. Credit management in the digital age can lead to greater efficiency and takes advantage of enhanced data-driven decision-making.  But within these new technologies lie both challenges and opportunities.  We’ve come a long way in a short time – and there is more to come.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

11:30 A.M. — 12:30 P.M.

Fraudulent Credit Applications

Barbara Droney, Carboline Global, Inc.; Jason Mott, CCE, MFA Incorporated; Dale Semple, The Equity

Fraud is out there, and people sending fraudulent credit applications are increasing. What are the best practices and tools to mitigate risk and confirm information? This session will discuss what to look for on the applications you receive every day and some tools available to best “fact-check” the information provided and spot fraud. We will discuss real-life examples and feel free to bring your own to share. Let’s work together to stop these shady actors and protect our AR.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

11:30 A.M. — 12:30 P.M.

Credit Management in the
Digital Age

Eli Costea, COO, NetNow

Technology is playing a bigger and bigger role in today’s credit departments. Credit management in the digital age can lead to greater efficiency and takes advantage of enhanced data-driven decision-making.  But within these new technologies lie both challenges and opportunities.  We’ve come a long way in a short time – and there is more to come.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

1:30 — 2:45 P.M.

Recent Decisions and Trends in Bankruptcy Cases and Lessons for Trade Creditors

Brian Jackiw, Thomas Fawkes, Tucker Ellis

Several important decisions and trends have emerged in bankruptcy cases in the past several years – and, in some cases, the past several months – that impact and inform trade creditors as they seek to maximize recovery from customers that are in Chapter 11.  During this session, our speaker will discuss a cornucopia of various decisions and trends, as well as their impact on trade creditors and what trade creditors can learn to aid in maximizing recovery.  Some of the topics that will be covered include third-party releases, the “Texas two-step,” critical vendor status, consignments, subchapter V bankruptcy, and more!

 

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1:30 — 2:45 P.M.

The Financial Effects of Extending Payment Terms (and Other Topics)

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes

What are the financial effects of extending payment terms?  Instead of the typical 30-day payment period, for example, extended terms may reach to 60, 90 or even 120 days. Extending payment terms offers a one-sided benefit in the short term … for a buyer to take advantage, the seller must be put at a disadvantage.  While these longer terms may be given for the reason of receiving a larger order, these extended timelines can strain cash flow and create challenges for suppliers in meeting their own financial obligations. This panel will discuss and identify these issues along with other related topics of interest.

 

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

1:30 — 2:45 P.M.

Recent Decisions and Trends in Bankruptcy Cases and Lessons for Trade Creditors

Brian Jackiw, Thomas Fawkes, Tucker Ellis

Several important decisions and trends have emerged in bankruptcy cases in the past several years – and, in some cases, the past several months – that impact and inform trade creditors as they seek to maximize recovery from customers that are in Chapter 11.  During this session, our speaker will discuss a cornucopia of various decisions and trends, as well as their impact on trade creditors and what trade creditors can learn to aid in maximizing recovery.  Some of the topics that will be covered include third-party releases, the “Texas two-step,” critical vendor status, consignments, subchapter V bankruptcy, and more!

 

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

1:30 — 2:45 P.M.

The Financial Effects of Extending Payment Terms (and Other Topics)

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes

What are the financial effects of extending payment terms?  Instead of the typical 30-day payment period, for example, extended terms may reach to 60, 90 or even 120 days. Extending payment terms offers a one-sided benefit in the short term … for a buyer to take advantage, the seller must be put at a disadvantage.  While these longer terms may be given for the reason of receiving a larger order, these extended timelines can strain cash flow and create challenges for suppliers in meeting their own financial obligations. This panel will discuss and identify these issues along with other related topics of interest.

 

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

3:15 – 4:30 P.M.

Career Pathing for Emerging Credit Leaders

Dallas Kleiboeker, CBA, MFA Inc.; Zeb Miller, TricorBraun Inc.; Tiffany Sudduth, American Metals Supply

Explore various tips for your career path in the credit industry.  Our panelists will provide practical guidance and strategic insights to help you chart your professional journey effectively. This interactive session is designed for emerging credit managers looking to navigate and excel in their careers within credit management. Bring your questions!

3:15 – 4:30 P.M.

IV Years of Subchapter V: A Small Business Bankruptcy Retrospective 

Brian Jackiw, Tucker Ellis LLP, Andrew Behlmann, Michael Papandrea, Bankruptcy and Restructuring Department, Lowenstein Sandler LLP

Subchapter V of the Bankruptcy Code, which contains the small business provisions that Congress enacted to expedite and reduce the cost of Chapter 11 cases for small businesses, took effect in February 2020.  On the heels of over four years living with Subchapter V, the speakers will discuss the nuts and bolts of Subchapter V small business cases, the differences between Subchapter V and other Chapter 11 cases, recent hot issues of interest to trade creditors in small business cases, and how small business debtors have been faring in Subchapter V cases.  There will then be a discussion of the Final Report of the American Bankruptcy Institute Subchapter V Task Force, which maderecommendations to Congress regarding the Subchapter V small business provisions.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

3:15 – 4:30 P.M.

Career Pathing for Emerging Credit Leaders

Dallas Kleiboeker, CBA, MFA Inc.; Zeb Miller, TricorBraun Inc.; Tiffany Sudduth, American Metals Supply

Explore various tips for your career path in the credit industry.  Our panelists will provide practical guidance and strategic insights to help you chart your professional journey effectively. This interactive session is designed for emerging credit managers looking to navigate and excel in their careers within credit management. Bring your questions!

3:15 – 4:30 P.M.

IV Years of Subchapter V: A Small Business Bankruptcy Retrospective 

Brian Jackiw, Tucker Ellis LLPAndrew Behlmann, Michael Papandrea, Bankruptcy and Restructuring Department, Lowenstein Sandler LLP

Subchapter V of the Bankruptcy Code, which contains the small business provisions that Congress enacted to expedite and reduce the cost of Chapter 11 cases for small businesses, took effect in February 2020.  On the heels of over four years living with Subchapter V, the speakers will discuss the nuts and bolts of Subchapter V small business cases, the differences between Subchapter V and other Chapter 11 cases, recent hot issues of interest to trade creditors in small business cases, and how small business debtors have been faring in Subchapter V cases.  There will then be a discussion of the Final Report of the American Bankruptcy Institute Subchapter V Task Force, which maderecommendations to Congress regarding the Subchapter V small business provisions.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS
Reconnect Live St. Louis 2024 Divider

THURSDAY, September 12

Reconnect St. Louis Header mobile

THURSDAY, September 12

MILANO I

MILANO II

MILANO I | MILANO II

8:30 – 9:45 A.M.

Fraud in B2B Commerce, Now Powered by Generative AI

David Fulham, Nuvo

Join us for an educational session to learn how to understand and address the new fraud vectors in B2B commerce more broadly, and your trade credit practice specifically. This session will provide a thorough analysis of the challenges and solutions for credit managers in preventing fraud, particularly with the rise of generative AI.  Covered in this session will be types of fraud in B2B commerce; the impact of generative AI; the Impact on Credit Management; detection and prevention and best practices for minimizing fraud risk and enhancing the security of B2B transactions and credit management in the age of AI.

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8:30 – 9:45 A.M.

The Importance of Gathering Construction Project Information

Marla Zurlo, NCS Credit

Attend this breakout session to learn: 

• WHAT job information should be gathered: a list of relevant parties              

    (everyone that is potentially touching your money!) and detailed 

    information related to the construction project 

• WHEN the information should be gathered 

• HOW to identify key contacts within a project and to serve necessary 

    notices

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

8:30 – 9:45 A.M.

Fraud in B2B Commerce, Now Powered by Generative AI

David Fulham, Nuvo

Join us for an educational session to learn how to understand and address the new fraud vectors in B2B commerce more broadly, and your trade credit practice specifically. This session will provide a thorough analysis of the challenges and solutions for credit managers in preventing fraud, particularly with the rise of generative AI.  Covered in this session will be types of fraud in B2B commerce; the impact of generative AI; the Impact on Credit Management; detection and prevention and best practices for minimizing fraud risk and enhancing the security of B2B transactions and credit management in the age of AI.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

8:30 – 9:45 A.M.

The Importance of Gathering
Construction Project Information

Marla Zurlo, NCS Credit

Attend this breakout session to learn: 

• WHAT job information should be       

     gathered: a list of  relevant 

     parties (everyone that is potentially  

     touching your money!) and detailed  

     information related to the 

     construction project 

• WHEN the information should be 

     gathered 

• HOW to identify key contacts within a 

    project and to serve necessary 

    notices 

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

10:15 – 11:30 A.M.

Financial Statement Analysis

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes

The analysis of financial statements consists of a mixture of steps and pieces that interrelate and affect each other. No single part of the analysis should be interpreted in isolation. The specific conclusions drawn will be affected by the original objective established at the initiation of the analytical process. Every aspect of a firm’s financial condition, operating performance and outlook affects the market value of its shares. This session will bring light to the critical areas of analysis that are required in the credit risk assessment process and introduce the fundamentals of interpretation.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

10:15 – 11:30 A.M.

Career Pathing for Seasoned Credit Professionals

Ann Marie Brewer, Environmental Science US Inc., Jennera Clark, The Equity; Mike Hill, CCE, Mitek

Join us for an interactive and insightful session where you’ll gain practical strategies, hear success stories from industry leaders, and engage in discussions that will empower you to achieve your career aspirations in credit management.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

10:15 – 11:30 A.M.

Financial Statement Analysis

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes

The analysis of financial statements consists of a mixture of steps and pieces that interrelate and affect each other. No single part of the analysis should be interpreted in isolation. The specific conclusions drawn will be affected by the original objective established at the initiation of the analytical process. Every aspect of a firm’s financial condition, operating performance and outlook affects the market value of its shares. This session will bring light to the critical areas of analysis that are required in the credit risk assessment process and introduce the fundamentals of interpretation.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

10:15 – 11:30 A.M.

Career Pathing for Seasoned Credit Professionals

Ann Marie Brewer, Environmental Science US Inc., Jennera Clark, The Equity; Mike Hill, CCE, Mitek

Join us for an interactive and insightful session where you’ll gain practical strategies, hear success stories from industry leaders, and engage in discussions that will empower you to achieve your career aspirations in credit management.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

12:45 – 2 P.M.

Trade Creditors’ Ability to Deny Credit While Remaining Compliant with the ECOA and Regulation B

Wanda Borges, Esq., Borges & Associates

Perhaps the most important aspect of a credit executive’s job is to determine the creditworthiness of a customer, potential or ongoing.  When a credit investigation does not pass muster, credit should be denied or curtailed to safeguard your company from the risk of nonpayment.  No trade creditor liked the Equal Credit Opportunity Act when it was first enacted in 1974 followed by Regulation B in 1975.  And, the various amendments to the ECOA and Reg B have not made these popular rules and regulations.  This program will guide the trade credit grantor through these statutes and the latest updates; and will provide you critical information to enable you to safely and legally deny credit and maintain compliance with these laws. 

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12:45 – 2 P.M.

Sales v. Credit – Battle or Bond?

Aaron Haas, Frost Supply

The relationship between sales and credit does not always have to be a contentious one.  These departments can contribute a great deal of success to their companies when they learn that working together is critical in driving business growth and financial health.  In this open discussion session, a seasoned sales professional will share his experience in forming a practical approach to harmonizing the sometimes-conflicting goals.  Bring your questions and your ideas!

12:45 – 2 P.M.

Trade Creditors’ Ability to Deny Credit While Remaining Compliant with the ECOA and Regulation B

Wanda Borges, Esq., Borges & Associates

Perhaps the most important aspect of a credit executive’s job is to determine the creditworthiness of a customer, potential or ongoing.  When a credit investigation does not pass muster, credit should be denied or curtailed to safeguard your company from the risk of nonpayment.  No trade creditor liked the Equal Credit Opportunity Act when it was first enacted in 1974 followed by Regulation B in 1975.  And, the various amendments to the ECOA and Reg B have not made these popular rules and regulations.  This program will guide the trade credit grantor through these statutes and the latest updates; and will provide you critical information to enable you to safely and legally deny credit and maintain compliance with these laws. 

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

12:45 – 2 P.M.

Sales v. Credit – Battle or Bond?

Aaron Haas, Frost Supply

The relationship between sales and credit does not always have to be a contentious one.  These departments can contribute a great deal of success to their companies when they learn that working together is critical in driving business growth and financial health.  In this open discussion session, a seasoned sales professional will share his experience in forming a practical approach to harmonizing the sometimes-conflicting goals.  Bring your questions and your ideas!

2:15 – 3:15 P.M.

CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER  |  Preparing for the future – it’s never too late (or early) to start

Greg Wiegers

Join us for an insightful session designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to secure your financial future. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or planning for retirement, this session will cover essential strategies and practical steps to help you achieve your financial goals.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous tomorrow. Join us and start shaping your financial future today!

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS

2:15 – 3:15 P.M.

CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER  |  Preparing for the future – it’s never too late (or early) to start

Greg Wiegers

Join us for an insightful session designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to secure your financial future. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or planning for retirement, this session will cover essential strategies and practical steps to help you achieve your financial goals.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous tomorrow. Join us and start shaping your financial future today!

DOWNLOAD HANDOUTS