I was talking with one of our Alaska members yesterday who was reflecting on her experience at our annual Hawaii Credit Forum last January. We agreed that the conference helped get the year off to a good start. When we landed back in Seattle the first week of February, the last thing we expected was that our normal lives were about to be turned upside down and inside out.

For our NACM families, friends, and colleagues who have had COVID, we hope you are well. Your stories have had an impact on us. For those still wrestling with the virus, please know that we are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.

If you have been furloughed, laid off or are struggling to find work, we stand ready to help you however we can. Please get in touch.

After Washington’s Governor sent us home in March, it was quiet for a few days. But, the following week, the calls and emails began anew with vigor. Beyond the normal Customer Care requests, many of the phone calls had nothing to do with credit. People just wanted to talk to someone.  For those first couple of months, we sometimes felt a little like therapists and hopefully we were helpful to you. Truth be told, we needed and wanted to talk to you, too. The experience really spoke to why we have this association of good friends, colleagues, and partners.

As the months have passed, we have all found our own ways of dealing with COVID. Zoom calls, a walk around the neighborhood, a gratitude journal. Whatever the manner of coping, most of us have tried different ways to keep it all together, stay level-headed, and focus on good things.

News of vaccines certainly is welcome. Yet, the likelihood that we’ll be dealing with the pandemic for much of 2021 seems to be quite real. That means we are going to keep trying different ways to help our members and customers. You can expect periodic phone calls from us just to check in and see how we can be of service to you. Don’t be shy. Tell us what you need. If we can deliver it, we will.

We are also looking at new and different educational opportunities. Our 2021 Monthly Webinar series will have new topics and new presenters. For several of them, you will want to invite your company’s leadership. We will also begin offering new online courses in the New Year. If you have ideas for other offerings, please let me know: jonf@nacmbcs.org .

The coming holidays will be different this year. Although festivities will be curtailed, the spirit and meaning of the season remains stronger than ever. We might have to work a little harder, but this is still a time to be grateful for all we have in our lives, to share with those in need, and celebrate our faith and friendships.

For all of us at your association, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a joyous holiday season. Thanks for being part of NACM Business Credit Services.

Every year, several of our members receive scholarship support for their ongoing professional education through our association's scholarship program. Funding is provided for conference and course registrations and typically the scholarships cover the entire registration cost for an educational program (excluding travel and incidentals).

Funding for these grants has been built up over many years through special events, direct contributions, and sponsorships. Today, those funds are managed through our Business Credit Foundation, a separate 501c3 charitable organization. Any contribution made to the Foundation is tax-deductible and can be either a personal or corporate gift.

You also have the opportunity to take advantage of the Amazon Smile program. If you're shopping on Amazon, log in through Smile.Amazon.com and select the Business Credit Foundation. A percentage of most purchases will be given to our foundation to help grow the scholarship pool. Over the last few years, several hundred dollars has been given to the Business Credit Foundation which has come back to our members. Just clink on the Amazon logo below to help out.

If you would like more information about giving directly to the Business Credit Foundation, please click on the blue logo below.

Thank you for your support. Happy holidays!