var timeline_data = { // save as a global variable
'dateTimeFormat': 'iso8601',
'events' : [
{'start': '1896',
'title': 'NACM founded',
'description': 'by 62 business leaders on June 23, 1896 in Toledo, Ohio
Minutes from First Annual Convention in Toledo, Ohio on June 23-25, 1896',
'image': '/images/first_annual_convention_minutes.jpg'
},
{'start': '1897',
'title': 'Nationwide movement launched ',
'description': 'against secret sale of goods in bulk, then the commonest method of defrauding creditors. Today, all states have enacted protective legislation
Proceedings of the first annual meeting of the New Orleans Credit Men’s Association dated March 9, 1897 ',
'image': '/images/proceedings_1897.jpg'
},
{'start': '1898',
'title': 'National Bankruptcy Act',
'description': 'Took leadership in framing and obtaining passage of the National Bankruptcy Act, fourth such law enacted but the first to survive repeal and to provide business with continuing protection against dishonesty insolvency. '
},
{'start': '1898',
'title': 'First official credit association publication,',
'description': 'the Monthly Bulletin, founded.'
},
{'start': '1898',
'title': 'Industry Groups were formed',
'description': 'at the Association’s 1898 convention in Detroit, industry groups were formed to consider the credit problems of a specific industry and the groups continued to meet thereafter.'
},
{'start': '1899',
'title': 'Took first steps',
'description': 'toward systematic prosecution of credit frauds.'
},
{'start': '1900',
'title': 'Fictitious Name Laws',
'description': 'Inititiated drive for enactment of Fictitious Name Laws, now on the statute books of all states.
New York office, circa 1900 ',
'image': '/images/newyork_1900.jpg'
},
{'start': '1901',
'title': 'National Credit Interchange Bureau System',
'description': 'Plans begun for a National Credit Interchange Bureau System to exchange ledger experience among business houses.'
},
{'start': '1902',
'title': 'Ray Amendatory Bill',
'description': 'Early in the year, amending the National Bankruptcy Act was high on the association’s agenda. The Referees in Bankruptcy were organized and joined forces with NACM’s Legislative Committee in writing the Ray Amendatory Bill.'
},
{'start': '1902',
'title': 'Raised initial funds ',
'description': 'to prosecute commercial frauds.'
},
{'start': '1902',
'title': 'A glance backward',
'description': 'clearly reveals that when the National Association’s sixth year had passed, there had also passed an experimental period, and one fact was indisputable—the Association had come to stay.'
},
{'start': '1903',
'title': 'Ray Amendatory Bill signed',
'description': 'The Ray Amendatory Bill to the National Bankruptcy Act was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt.'
},
{'start': '1904',
'title': 'False Financial Statement Legislation',
'description': 'Began successful effort to improve false financial statement legislation by strengthening its scope and provisions against credit buyers who misrepresented their financial condition.
Constitution and By Laws of the Seattle Merchants Association dated December 19,1904.',
'image': '/images/constitution_1904.jpg'
},
{'start': '1904',
'title': 'First Industry Credit Groups',
'description': 'were organized.'
},
{'start': '1905',
'title': 'Adjustment Bureaus',
'description': 'first developed to rehabilitate deserving debtors and liquidate businesses in difficulties, with minimum loss to creditors.'
},
{'start': '1905',
'title': 'NACM moved',
'description': 'from its first office at 20 Nassau Street, New York, to 41 Park Row.'
},
{'start': '1906',
'title': 'The Bankruptcy Committee',
'description': 'appeared at a public hearing before the Judiciary Committee. The Association presented an amendatory bill which would bring the Bankruptcy Law more in line with the growing credit requirements.
Constitution and By-laws of the Toledo Association dated May 11, 1906',
'image': '/images/constitution_1906.jpg'
},
{'start': '1908',
'title': 'First published the Credit Manual of Commercial Laws,',
'description': 'known as the Credit Diary, an outstanding guide to federal and state laws and amendments affecting company credit policies and practices. Since then, the publication has been revised annually.'
},
{'start': '1909',
'title': 'Appointed Banking and Currency Committee',
'description': 'which was destined to play a major part in the establishment of the Federal Reserve System.'
},
{'start': '1910',
'title': 'Secured amendment to National Bankruptcy Act,',
'description': 'pertaining chiefly to regulating compensation of receivers and trustees, an era where great abuse had existed.
Toledo Association Newsletter dated December, 1910 ',
'image': '/images/toledo_1910.jpg'
},
{'start': '1912',
'title': 'The credit commerce of forty-four states was protected',
'description': 'at the close of 1912 by Bulk Sales Statutes thanks to the endeavors of the Association and its Legislative Committee.'
},
{'start': '1913',
'title': 'Federal Reserve Act',
'description': 'Association took an active part in obtaining passage of the Federal Reserve Act to make possible a more orderly flow of money and credit to business and public.'
},
{'start': '1914',
'title': 'Credit Interchange Bureaus',
'description': 'Took first steps toward amalgamating local Credit Interchange Bureaus into a national system.
Toledo establishes a Credit Interchange Bureau in a letter dated April 22, 1913 ',
'image': '/images/toledo_1914.jpg'
},
{'start': '1915',
'title': 'The Robert Morris Associates,',
'description': 'a trade group of bank credit men within the NACM was formally organized.
Toledo Association Roster dated 1914 ',
'image': '/images/toledo_1913.jpg'
},
{'start': '1915',
'title': 'False Statement Act',
'description': 'The Association’s False Statement Act was on the Statute Books of one quarter of the states.'
},
{'start': '1915',
'title': 'Bulk Sales statute',
'description': 'By the end of the year, every state was protected by a Bulk sales statute. This protective legislation was a monument to the Association’s untiring energy.'
},
{'start': '1916',
'title': 'National Bankruptcy Law amended further',
'description': 'Complaints were again being made that the National Bankruptcy Law was not flexible enough to address the rapidly changing conditions. The NACM Bankruptcy Law Committee presented its recommendations for amending the law further.'
},
{'start': '1916',
'title': 'Par payment of checks provision',
'description': 'Spearheaded drive in hard-won Congressional fight to retain Par payment of checks provision in Federal Reserve Act, thereby saving business many millions of dollars.'
},
{'start': '1917',
'title': 'Credit education',
'description': 'was now looming large and 22 credit classes were held at the convention in Kansas City. Nationalization of credit education began.
Des Moines Annual Ladies Night Program dated May 22, 1917 ',
'image': '/images/desmoines_1917.jpg'
},
{'start': '1918',
'title': 'National Institute of Credit',
'description': 'established to provide training for men and women entering the credit profession.
Des Moines Annual Ladies Night Program dated May 21, 1918 ',
'image': '/images/desmoines_1918.jpg'
},
{'start': '1919',
'title': 'Credit Interchange Bureau System',
'description': 'made national in scope through establishment of Central Bureau at St. Louis.
Credit Interchange Bureau members sign the agreement, 1913',
'image': '/images/creditinterchange_1913.jpg'
},
{'start': '1920',
'title': 'Silver Anniversary',
'description': 'Credit Monthly succeeded the Bulletin as the official publication.
Association with 33,092 members, was the largest commercial organization in the world. The Credit Department, as a profit-making organ of the business enterprise, was recognized.'
},
{'start': '1921',
'title': 'First Meeting of affiliate "secretaries"',
'description': 'was held in New York in February.'
},
{'start': '1922',
'title': 'Education for the credit professional ',
'description': 'was of prime importance. Affiliates were encouraged to form local chapters of the National Institute of Credit. The first student to become an associate was a member of the New York affiliate.'
},
{'start': '1923',
'title': 'Par payment of checks ',
'description': 'An attempt was made to eliminate the par payment of checks as a service feature of the Federal Reserve System. NACM’s Banking and Currency Committee appeared before a committee of Congress, and the system was saved.'
},
{'start': '1923',
'title': 'Bad-check laws',
'description': 'Through it’s legislative committees, NACM helped a number of states to enact bad-check laws.'
},
{'start': '1923',
'title': 'Arbitration of commercial disputes',
'description': 'Took preliminary steps toward enactment of legislation providing for arbitration of commercial disputes.'
},
{'start': '1923',
'title': 'Women credit executives',
'description': 'were becoming active in the Association, and Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis had separate women’s credit groups.
Membership List dated June 20, 1924',
'image': '/images/mbrlist_1924.jpg'
},
{'start': '1925',
'title': 'Three national divisional offices ',
'description': 'were established in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York.
Credit Monthly early issue dated July 1925',
'image': '/images/credit_monthly_1925.jpg'
},
{'start': '1925',
'title': 'Fund of $1.4 million raised ',
'description': 'by Fraud Prevention Department to prosecute commercial crime.'
},
{'start': '1925',
'title': 'NACM hired its first convention director ',
'description': 'to assist at the Washington, D.C. convention.'
},
{'start': '1925',
'title': 'The inauguration',
'description': 'of the practice of electing a vice president for each division.'
},
{'start': '1925',
'title': 'Credit women',
'description': 'At the convention, credit women received their first official recognition form the Association.'
},
{'start': '1926',
'title': 'Obtained amendments to National Bankruptcy Act',
'description': 'to meet evils of collusions, fraudulent compositions, discharge of dishonest debtors, ineffective criminal provisions, evasion of statue, and unnecessary complications of procedure.'
},
{'start': '1926',
'title': 'Credit Women Executive Committees',
'description': 'Three National Credit Women’s Executive Committees were formed, one for each division of the Association.'
},
{'start': '1926',
'title': 'NACM moved',
'description': 'uptown to One Park Avenue, where it remained for twenty-five years.
Convention Report, 31st Annual Convention, May 1926',
'image': '/images/convention_report_1926.jpg'
},
{'start': '1927',
'title': 'McFadden-Pepper National Bank Bill ',
'description': 'Impressed with the need for a more uniform system of banking, the Association took an active part in securing passage of McFadden-Pepper National Bank Bill for uniform banking system.'
},
{'start': '1929',
'title': 'Raised Second Fraud prevention Fund ',
'description': 'to combat credit fraud.
The Royal Order of Zebras founded 1928',
'image': '/images/royal_order_zebras_1928.jpg'
},
{'start': '1929',
'title': 'False Statement Act',
'description': 'now enacted in forty-three states.'
},
{'start': '1930',
'title': 'The Secretary-Managers Advisory Council',
'description': 'The Secretary-Managers (Chief Operating Officers) Advisory Council (Secretarial Council) met with the Board of Directors for the first time.
The early computer! 1930',
'image': '/images/early_computer_1930.jpg'
},
{'start': '1930',
'title': 'Convention business show',
'description': 'At the convention business show, exhibitors displayed equipment and demonstrated services specifically designed to increase efficiency in credit management, such as the Dictaphone, postal telegraph, Burroughs Adding Machine and the Ediphone!
Credit Manager’s Association of California staff 1930',
'image': '/images/cma_calif_1930.jpg'
},
{'start': '1930',
'title': 'Bankruptcy investigation.',
'description': 'In July, President Hoover authorized the Attorney General to conduct a bankruptcy investigation. The losses in the previous five years averaged $750,000 per annum. The association cooperated with the government in the national investigation.'
},
{'start': '1931',
'title': 'The National Credit Women\'s Executive Committee ',
'description': 'was created.'
},
{'start': '1931',
'title': 'Mercantile Credit Survey ',
'description': 'Sponsored first national Mercantile Credit Survey made by the U.S. '
},
{'start': '1931',
'title': 'Department of Commerce Industry Credit Group ',
'description': 'passes the 400 mark.'
},
{'start': '1932',
'title': 'Senator Hastings introduced S. Bill No. 3866 ',
'description': 'into Congress; it was a sweeping revision of the entire Bankruptcy Act involving radical changes both in substantive and administrative features of the law, and introducing entirely new principles and theories both of conduct and administration. The amendatory bill for the first time recognized the important place which trade and credit associations had taken in administration of insolvent estates. '
},
{'start': '1933',
'title': 'National Recovery Program',
'description': 'Association and its officers actively participated in National Recovery Program.'
},
{'start': '1933',
'title': 'Credit provisions',
'description': 'Sponsored proper credit provisions in industry codes.'
},
{'start': '1934',
'title': 'Creditor interests safeguarded ',
'description': 'in flood of debtor relief legislation. President Roosevelt signed the bill to amend the Bankruptcy Law by providing emergency temporary aid for insolvent public debtors. An amendment to the Bankruptcy Act providing for the reorganization of corporations was signed by President Roosevelt.'
},
{'start': '1935',
'title': 'Washington Service Bureau',
'description': 'established for members’ government-business contracts.
Early issues of Credit Monthly dated May 1935, 1936, 1941',
'image': '/images/credit_monthly_1935-1941.jpg'
},
{'start': '1935',
'title': 'Federal Bond Law',
'description': 'Association sponsored passage of the Federal Bond Law, providing payment bond to protect public works creditors.'
},
{'start': '1936',
'title': 'First national monthly survey',
'description': 'In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce, inaugurated first national monthly survey of collections and sales of manufacturers and wholesalers.'
},
{'start': '1936',
'title': 'First Canons of Commercial Ethics ',
'description': 'established.'
},
{'start': '1936',
'title': 'The Secretarial Council ',
'description': 'held its first meeting in New Orleans.'
},
{'start': '1938',
'title': 'Culminating six-year NACM sponsored program ',
'description': 'to improve and modernize bankruptcy procedures and practice, Chandler Bill became law as National Bankruptcy Act of 1938–which simplified and improved bankruptcy administration. Represents most outstanding legislative accomplishment since passage of the National Bankruptcy Act of 1898.'
},
{'start': '1939',
'title': 'Credit executives recognized nationally',
'description': 'In honor of the nation’s wholesaling, manufacturing and banking credit executives, the authorities of both the New York World’s Fair and the San Francisco Golden Gate Exposition appointed an official “National Association of Credit Men’s Day” at each celebration–June 19th in New York and August 24th in San Francisco.'
},
{'start': '1939',
'title': 'National Bankruptcy Conference',
'description': 'As a member of the National Bankruptcy Conference, the Association engaged actively in drafting recommendations in connection with the revision of the General Orders in Bankruptcy made necessary by enactment of the Chandler Bankruptcy Act.'
},
{'start': '1940',
'title': '1st International Credit Congress',
'description': 'held at the Hotel Royal York in Toronto, co-sponsored by the Canadian Credit Men’s Trust Association (now Creditel), the Canadian counterpart of NACM.
Credit Convention Musical Score for piano solo, used in May of 1940 in Toronto, Canada',
'image': '/images/music_score_1940.jpg'
},
{'start': '1940',
'title': 'May 25th NACM Day',
'description': 'at the New York World’s Fair.
26th Annual Tri-State Conference of New York Credit Men’s Association on Oct. 18-19, 1940',
'image': '/images/26th_conference_1940.jpg'
},
{'start': '1940',
'title': 'American Credit Award',
'description': 'NACM awarded the American Credit Award’s bronze statuette for 1940 in recognition of its “outstanding contributions to American business.”'
},
{'start': '1941',
'title': 'The first Summer Institute of Credit Management',
'description': 'conducted by the NACM in cooperation with the Babson Institute of Business Administration, was held in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. A second session was held in 1942 and then postponed because of the wartime curtailment of educational activities.
46th Annual Credit Congress Program dated May 11-15, 1941',
'image': '/images/46th_cc_1941.jpg'
},
{'start': '1943',
'title': 'Law for par clearance of bank checks',
'description': 'Sponsored law for par clearance of bank checks in Iowa, first state to enact such a law. Proposed model legislation such as Bulk Sales Laws, Assumed Name Laws, and Assignments Accounts Receivable Laws for adoption in state legislatures generally.
Vigilantia newsletter, Seattle Association of Credit Men, January, 1942 issue',
'image': '/images/vigilantia_1942.jpg'
},
{'start': '1943',
'title': 'Terminated War Contracts Policy',
'description': 'NACM’s president confers with War Production officials on framing policy on procedure for handling Terminated War Contracts. A special NACM committee issued an opinion statement on termination of war contracts that vitally affected credit and financial interests. '
},
{'start': '1943',
'title': 'House Ways and Means Committee ',
'description': 'NACM’s president appeared before House Ways and Means Committee to present views on taxation.'
},
{'start': '1946',
'title': 'The 50th NACM Credit Conference ',
'description': 'was held in French Lick Spring, Indiana.'
},
{'start': '1946',
'title': 'Credit Research Foundation ',
'description': 'After a study of more than two years, the establishment of the Credit Research Foundation was authorized by the National Board to begin operations in the early part of 1947.'
},
{'start': '1947',
'title': 'Golden Anniversary Credit Congress ',
'description': 'Celebrated first 50 years at postponed Golden Anniversary Credit Congress in New York City. '
},
{'start': '1948',
'title': 'School of Credit and Financial Management',
'description': 'The Executive’s School of Credit and Financial Management, organized in collaboration with the School of Commerce, University of Wisconsin. '
},
{'start': '1949',
'title': 'Chartered Credit Research Foundation',
'description': 'to promote and direct credit research and education. '
},
{'start': '1949',
'title': 'NACM membership',
'description': 'passed 30,000 mark.
Vigilantia newsletter dated September 1949',
'image': '/images/vigilantia_1949.jpg'
},
{'start': '1950',
'title': 'Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management ',
'description': 'Executive’s School of Credit and Financial Management renamed Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management and conducted for the first time at Amos Tuck School of Business Administration, Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.'
},
{'start': '1951',
'title': 'NACM makes its third move, ',
'description': 'this time to 229 Fourth Avenue NY, after twenty-five years at One Park Avenue.'
},
{'start': '1951',
'title': 'Revenue Code ',
'description': 'Took action leading to amendment of 1951 Revenue Code for more equitable taxation between private, fully taxed business and competing tax-exempt cooperatives.
Convention Luncheon in Boston, Massachusetts on May 15, 1951',
'image': '/images/convention_Boston_1951.jpg'
},
{'start': '1952',
'title': 'Foreign Credit Interchange Bureau ',
'description': 'made its 25th annual survey of credit conditions in Latin America.'
},
{'start': '1952',
'title': 'Second session of Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management ',
'description': 'inaugurated at Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.'
},
{'start': '1952',
'title': 'The second International Convention ',
'description': 'held in Montreal in conjunction with the Canadian Credit Men’s Trust Association, Ltd.
The Atlanta Economic Review, dated August 1953',
'image': '/images/atlanta_review_1953.jpg'
},
{'start': '1954',
'title': 'NACM hosted members of the French Industrial Accounting Study.',
'description': 'The Association was one of the dozen associations in the United Stated selected for the special study. One of the objectives of the meeting was to have other countries’ businessmen see for themselves the contributions of trade associations to this nation’s leadership in commerce and industry. '
},
{'start': '1954',
'title': 'Role of credit manager ',
'description': 'Merrlye S. Rukesyser, financial analyst and feature writer of international News Service, (father of Louis Rukeseyser) concentrated upon a redefinition of the role of credit manager for the readjustment period in the New York Journal-American.
Life Membership Group, taken on Annual Meeting in California on April 22, 1953
Seattle Credit Men in class',
'image': '/images/life_mbrgrp_1953.jpg'
},
{'start': '1954',
'title': 'Amendments to Internal Revenue Act ',
'description': 'Played active role in obtaining amendments to Internal Revenue Act of 1954 for reduction of double tax on dividends and for improved efficiency in tax accounting procedures.
National Food Manufacturers Board Meeting, New York, October, 1953
Presidents Dinner at Convention in San Francisco in May of 1954',
'image': '/images/natl_food_mftc_1953.jpg'
},
{'start': '1955',
'title': 'NACM geographical boundary lines',
'description': 'increased from three to four divisions.'
},
{'start': '1955',
'title': 'Phillip J. Gray, manager of the FCIB',
'description': 'represented NACM on behalf of the U. S. Department of Commerce as its consultant at International Trade Fairs held in Western Europe, which enhanced the prestige of the entire organization.'
},
{'start': '1955',
'title': 'Professional ethics for credit managers ',
'description': 'codified and revised as the ten “Canons of Commercial Ethics.”
Canons of Business Credit Ethics',
'image': '/images/canons_buscredit.jpg'
},
{'start': '1955',
'title': 'Launched program of nationwide cooperation ',
'description': 'with other organizations in the building trades for improvement of construction credit practices.
Credit Women’s Conference in Seattle, 1955 ',
'image': '/images/credit_women_1955.jpg'
},
{'start': '1955',
'title': 'U. S. Department of Commerce International Trade Fair Program ',
'description': 'Provided NACM executive staff to participate in U. S. Department of Commerce International Trade Fair Program and Trade Missions in Italy, France and Ethiopia.'
},
{'start': '1956',
'title': 'Significant achievement of professional ethics ',
'description': '“Statement of Principles in the Exchange of Credit Information between Banks and Mercantile Concerns” jointly adopted by Robert Morris Associated and NACM, representing a significant achievement of professional ethics by two national organizations, which, from their founding, have dedicated themselves to the improvement of credit standards.'
},
{'start': '1956',
'title': 'National Committee on Improved Construction Practices ',
'description': 'formed in recognition of mounting construction failures and increased need of improved credit practices and procedures in construction industry.'
},
{'start': '1956',
'title': 'NACM led drive for improved bankruptcy administration ',
'description': 'through more realistic ceilings on referees’ salaries and more equitable fees for trustees. Launched study of bankruptcy practices and procedures in various jurisdictions as a basis for recommended changes in District Rules and more uniform application of the Bankruptcy Act.'
},
{'start': '1958',
'title': 'The National association name was changed ',
'description': 'from the National Association of Credit Men to National Association of Credit Management to reflect the growing stature of the credit profession.'
},
{'start': '1958',
'title': 'Handbook on Credit Management published',
'description': 'The Credit Management Handbook, written by practicing credit executives, management, consultants, educators and officials of NACM was published for the first time.
Credit Men, catching the headlines, dated June 21, 1958',
'image': '/images/creditmen_1958.jpg'
},
{'start': '1958',
'title': 'Chapter XI provisions',
'description': 'The president’s signing of a bankruptcy bill culminated several years of effort by NACM, the National Bankruptcy Conference and other organizations to bring about improvements in Chapter XI provisions. '
},
{'start': '1959',
'title': 'Safeguarded creditor interests ',
'description': 'in action before U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in the exclusion of Union Welfare Funds from wage priority status under the Bankruptcy Act.'
},
{'start': '1959',
'title': 'Took active part in legislation',
'description': 'curtailing right of states to tax out-of-state businesses.
Special cufflinks were given to outgoing chairmen as a momento',
'image': '/images/cufflinks.jpg'
},
{'start': '1959',
'title': 'Sponsored first International Credit Conference ',
'description': 'in London to improve credit administration and for the discussion of mutual problems. '
},
{'start': '1960',
'title': 'Credit management career ',
'description': 'Succeeded in obtaining the addition of credit management career to Strong Vocational Interest Test, to provide business with a useful aid in credit personnel selection and career counseling. '
},
{'start': '1960',
'title': 'Criminal Code provisions ',
'description': 'Successfully spearheaded action to strengthen Criminal Code provisions against concealment of assets in bankruptcy.'
},
{'start': '1960',
'title': 'Union Welfare Fund',
'description': 'Actively opposed legislative attempts to reverse 1959 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Union Welfare Fund priorities.
Informal group in hotel lobby at Convention in Philadelphia, 1962
Luncheon group at 1962 Convention in Philadelphia',
'image': '/images/informal_grps_1962.jpg'
},
{'start': '1961',
'title': 'A bronze plaque commemorating ',
'description': 'the founding of NACM in Toledo was installed on the founding site on April 25th in the marble lobby of the 27-story Owens-Illinois Glass Company building. The plaque marks the exact site of the Boody House where business leaders had assembled on June 23, 1896 to organize the national association of credit management. '
},
{'start': '1964',
'title': 'Historic meeting in Cologne, Germany',
'description': 'The Association’s Executive Vice President participated in an historic meeting in Cologne, Germany for the development of scientific credit management in Europe. Representatives of credit associations from fourteen nations of Western Europe agreed to formalize their assistance to each other. In addition, some Mid-Eastern and African groups were added to the federation to make uniform the procedures and quality of trade credit information among the members and subscribers in participating nations.
Chapter 11 Handbook, copyrighted 1963
Money Coupon used in place of currency between NACM offices',
'image': '/images/ch11_hdbk_1963.jpg'
},
{'start': '1964',
'title': 'The NACM motto',
'description': 'was changed to “Creating Profits Through Credit” from “Guarding the Nation’s Profits”'
},
{'start': '1964',
'title': 'Ronald Reagan',
'description': 'was a speaker at Credit Congress in Los Angeles, California in 1964.
Ronald Reagan, 1964',
'image': '/images/ronald_reagan_1964.jpg'
},
{'start': '1966',
'title': 'The Association supported the Board of Governors',
'description': 'of the Federal Reserve System for their action in increasing the discount rate to encourage balanced growth in the nation’s economy while preserving the strength and stability of the dollar. The Association was one of the leading sponsors of the Federal Reserve System as established by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913.'
},
{'start': '1966',
'title': 'Featured in the May issue of ',
'description': 'Readers Digest in an article on bankruptcy; the association’s bankruptcy and fraud prevention programs were mentioned. '
},
{'start': '1966',
'title': 'Internal Revenue Code amended',
'description': 'NACM- supported bill signed into Law, amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 with regard to Federal Tax liens and intended to adjust such lien provisions to the Uniform Commerical Code.'
},
{'start': '1966',
'title': 'The big legislative news of the year',
'description': 'was the passage and signing of a law to eliminate from proceedings in bankruptcy, once and for all, the circuity-of-lien problem which had plagued the commercial finance industry since the original decision came down in 1955.'
},
{'start': '1967',
'title': 'The president signed into law',
'description': 'three bills concerned with bankruptcy. The bills affected the bankruptcy law as it related to filing claims, obligations incurred in unsuccessful proceedings and creditors’ committees functions and recovery of expenses.'
},
{'start': '1968',
'title': 'Walter Cronkite, CBS News correspondent,',
'description': 'was a major speaker at the Credit Congress.'
},
{'start': '1970',
'title': 'Credit Reporting Bill passed. ',
'description': 'Through the efforts of NACM, commercial credit was excluded from the scope of the bill.'
},
{'start': '1970',
'title': 'Senator Barry Goldwater and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale',
'description': 'were major speakers at the annual Credit Congress.'
},
{'start': '1971',
'title': 'NACM celebrates its Diamond Jubilee! ',
'description': 'Delegates badges from 4th International Credit Congress and 75th Diamond Jubilee',
'image': '/images/delegate_badges_1971.jpg'
},
{'start': '1971',
'title': 'The Executive Vice President Robert D. Goodwin,',
'description': 'was one of a number of chief staff officers of national associations invited by President Nixon to the White House for a briefing by cabinet officers and the White House staff. '
},
{'start': '1972',
'title': 'Senator William Brock',
'description': 'from Tennessee was a speaker at the Credit Congress'
},
{'start': '1972',
'title': 'NACM holds its first Legislative Conference',
'description': 'in Washington, D.C., in April.'
},
{'start': '1972',
'title': 'Senate passes Fair Credit Billing Act.',
'description': 'Commercial Credit not affected.'
},
{'start': '1973',
'title': 'House Minority Floor Leader, Gerald R. Ford',
'description': 'of Michigan, introduced the remarks made by Executive Vice President Robert D. Goodwin at the NACM Congressional Luncheon during its 2nd Washington Legislative Conference into the Congressional Record of April 6, 1973, for the benefit of his colleagues who were unable to attend the NACM gathering.'
},
{'start': '1973',
'title': 'The 4th International Credit Congress',
'description': 'was held in Montreal. Gerald R. Ford, then Minority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives and Harry Reasoner, well known television news commentator, were key speakers. Robert Merrill, the renowned star of opera, stage, television, and radio was the hit of the gala entertainment.'
},
{'start': '1974',
'title': 'A professional recognition program',
'description': 'for credit executives established, leading to the ACE (Accredited Credit Executive) designation. The ACE designation changed to ABCE (Accredited Business Credit Executive in 1975 and subsequently and finally changed to CCE (Certified Credit Executive)) in 1988.'
},
{'start': '1974',
'title': 'NACM\'s Executive Vice President,',
'description': 'named to serve on the Association’s Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States for 1974-75. The committee, composed of a select group of 30 leading association executives, advised the National Chamber on policies and programs and assisted in developing the overall effectiveness of trade and professional associations.'
},
{'start': '1975',
'title': 'The first nationwide computerized business credit reporting system',
'description': 'to assist credit executives (National Credit Information Service (NACIS) established... an important milestone in the history of NACM and the evolution of the business credit reporting process in this country. '
},
{'start': '1975',
'title': 'The first ABCE recipients',
'description': 'received their formal certificates.'
},
{'start': '1975',
'title': 'NACM testified on the Equal Credit Opportunity Act',
'description': 'appearing before the Consumer Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, to give testimony on various bills to amend the Act and urging that business credit be excluded from the amendments.'
},
{'start': '1976',
'title': 'The McGraw-Hill Book Club chooses',
'description': 'The Credit Manual of Commercial Laws as a selection for its business management members. NACM and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) implemented a program to promote among their members increased awareness of each other’s functions in business and society.'
},
{'start': '1976',
'title': 'Amendments to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ',
'description': 'NACM\'s Legislative Committee Chairman and Executive Vice President discuss the 1976 amendments to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act before the Federal Reserve Board, requesting that the Board consider exemption of business credit from the Act until such time as discrimination in the business credit community is documented and genuine need for legislation is evident. '
},
{'start': '1976',
'title': 'UNITE Program ',
'description': 'A drive for a uniform name throughout the NACM organization started under a program called UNITE (Uniform Name Increases Total Effectiveness). Today 46 affiliates out of 54 use NACM in their name.
1st NACIS Report July 1, 1976',
'image': '/images/nacis_report_1976.jpg'
},
{'start': '1977',
'title': 'NACM reached ',
'description': 'historic 40,000 member milestone.
Legislative Conference, March of 1977',
'image': '/images/legislative_1977.jpg'
},
{'start': '1979',
'title': 'FCIB-NACM received a special award',
'description': 'for achievement by the United States Department of Commerce in recognition of participation in programs to further the export expansion of the United States.'
},
{'start': '1979',
'title': 'NACM\'s president testified',
'description': 'on commercial fraud before the Improvements in Judiciary Machinery Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Information gathered from NACM members was used to aid the subcommittee in developing material on commercial credit, bankruptcy and other credit related fraud. The hearing gave NACM an opportunity to contribute substantially to legislation of positive benefit to creditors resulting from the hearings.'
},
{'start': '1979',
'title': 'NACM featured',
'description': 'in July 31 Wall Street Journal front-page article, as a result of information from the NACM Business Credit Forum.
Credit Managers Association of California—Hi-Jinks',
'image': '/images/cma_hijinks_1979.jpg'
},
{'start': '1980',
'title': 'NACM and TRW',
'description': 'launch a credit automation program.'
},
{'start': '1980',
'title': 'The Senate Select Committee on Small Business ',
'description': 'held hearings on the impact of commercial credit reporting practices on small business. NACM Vice President William J. Parsons presented a statement from NACM on the impact of commercial credit reporting practices on small businesses.'
},
{'start': '1980',
'title': 'Executive Vice President Robert D. Goodwin',
'description': 'was a featured speaker at the National Conference of the Institute of Credit Management of the United Kingdom. Mr. Goodwin was the first American invited to participate in the Institute’s annual conference.'
},
{'start': '1982',
'title': 'FCIB-NACM, the international arm of NACM,',
'description': 'was honored for its efforts in promoting exports and for its services to the credit profession and was presented with the President’s “E-Star Award.”
President\'s \"E-Star Award,\" given to FCIB-NACM',
'image': '/images/estar_award_1982.jpg'
},
{'start': '1984',
'title': 'The legislative program',
'description': 'scored a major victory when Congress adopted amendments to the Bankruptcy Code sought by the Association for four years. One important amendment was to allow local NACM associations and others to serve as secretaries to Creditors’ Committees. Previously, the code had provided that only persons who had no connections whatsoever with members of a Committee could serve in that role.'
},
{'start': '1988',
'title': 'Working in conjunction with a coalition',
'description': 'of other business organizations, successfully lobbied the House and Senate as President Reagan signed into law the new Federal Prompt Payment Act.'
},
{'start': '1988',
'title': 'National moves its offices',
'description': 'from New York City to Columbia, MD, in the heart of the Baltimore, Washington corridor, in close proximity to the nation’s capitol'
},
{'start': '1989',
'title': 'Supported new Equal Credit Opportunity Act',
'description': 'issued by the Federal Reserve Board, which deals with practices for business and trade creditors in the areas of noticing and record-keeping requirements under Regulation B of the ECOA.'
},
{'start': '1989',
'title': 'NACM Vice President and Secretary Virginia Dubon',
'description': 'represented creditor interest in attending the White House bill signing for the enactment of the S&L bailout bill.
S & L Bailout Bill signing, White House
Charles C. Tatelbaum testifies before Congress on behalf of NACM',
'image': '/images/sandlbailout.jpg'
},
{'start': '1989',
'title': 'Establishment of the National Database',
'description': 'through United Affiliates, Inc. (UAI).'
},
{'start': '1989',
'title': 'CRF relocates',
'description': 'from Lake Success, NY to Columbia, MD.'
},
{'start': '1990',
'title': 'NACM testified',
'description': 'before the administrative office of the U.S. Courts regarding proposed changes in the bankruptcy rules and forms that the Courts had proposed. This was the first time in the almost 200 year old history of the Administrative office of the U.S. Courts that a non-judicial interest offered testimony on such matters. '
},
{'start': '1990',
'title': 'Lobbied Congress',
'description': 'With the assistance of other creditor groups, NACM was successful in lobbying Congress regarding two provisions of the Omnibus Crime Bill that, in NACM’s opinion, would have hurt creditor interests in insolvency proceedings and failed to consider the true purposes of the bankruptcy code.'
},
{'start': '1991',
'title': 'Worked with the IRS ',
'description': 'to minimize the effect of new money laundering regulations on trade creditors.'
},
{'start': '1991',
'title': 'An Alternative Dispute Resolution',
'description': 'service established. ADR is a legal method that uses binding arbitration in place of lengthy and expensive court proceedings.'
},
{'start': '1991',
'title': 'The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI)',
'description': 'and NACM teamed up to create an Unsecured Creditors Committee to represent the interests of creditors in bankruptcy matters.'
},
{'start': '1991',
'title': 'Associated staff and members appeared',
'description': 'before the Senate Judiciary Committee reviewing the American bankruptcy code. NACM offered to Congress a proposal which would create a new, expedited bankruptcy reorganization chapter for small businesses.'
},
{'start': '1991',
'title': 'New national registry ',
'description': 'The Credit Research Foundation became one of the first approved sponsors on a new national registry of organizations that offer continuing professional education. '
},
{'start': '1991',
'title': 'The language of the "Canons of Business Credit Ethics"',
'description': '(formerly known as the "Canons of Commercial Ethics") was updated to be current with the business credit community.'
},
{'start': '1992',
'title': 'The Omnibus Bankruptcy Bill,',
'description': 'the most comprehensive reform of the American bankruptcy code in more than a decade, and containing NACM\'s recommended provisions, approved by the U. S. Senate.'
},
{'start': '1992',
'title': 'Lender liability in testimony',
'description': 'NACM attempted to address the growing problem of lender liability in testimony provided to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
FCIB Meeting, 1992 - Dublin, Ireland',
'image': '/images/fcib_mtg_1992.jpg'
},
{'start': '1992',
'title': 'NACM acquired the Government Receivables Credit Association,',
'description': 'which provides a \"forum for persons and businesses interested in the practice of credit and collections for goods and services sold to governments.\"'
},
{'start': '1992',
'title': 'Louis Rukeyser,',
'description': 'America\'s most popular economic commentator was the keynote speaker at the Credit Congress.'
},
{'start': '1993',
'title': 'Provided testimony',
'description': 'to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees regarding passage of the Bankruptcy Act Amendments of 1993. The Act made the most significant and wide-reaching changes to the bankruptcy law since the enactment of the 1978 Bankruptcy Code.'
},
{'start': '1993',
'title': 'NACM, in conjunction with NACM-Puerto Rico and FCIB,',
'description': 'held a Latin America Credit Summit in San Juan, P. R.'
},
{'start': '1994',
'title': 'Bankruptcy Reform Act',
'description': 'NACM’s focused and persistent Government Affairs efforts for four years finally resulted in passage of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994. The bill\'s major provisions included virtually all those which NACM was actively working on. Because the bill also created a National Bankruptcy Review Commission to consider changes in the U. S. Bankruptcy Code, NACM continues to press for needed revisions and plays an active role throughout the process to make creditors\' recommendations heard. '
},
{'start': '1994',
'title': 'Worked with the Prompt Pay Coalition ',
'description': 'to secure passage of the Federal Procurement Reform Act.'
},
{'start': '1994',
'title': 'FCIB celebrated ',
'description': 'its Diamond Anniversary!'
},
{'start': '1994',
'title': 'NACM\'s Loss Prevention Department',
'description': 'accepted as one of the first affiliate members of the National White Collar Crime Center (NWCCC), a federally funded organization designed to help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in information sharing, data analysis services, training and case funding.'
},
{'start': '1995',
'title': 'The Global Credit Management Federation',
'description': 'formed. Composed of credit associations from the U. S., Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand. Malaysia and South Africa applications pending. The Federation was formed to foster the exchange of ideas and practices in credit and financial management. NACM president Paul J. Mignini Jr., CAE, was elected chairman of the Federation in its inaugural year.
Global Credit Management Federation',
'image': '/images/gcmf.jpg'
},
{'start': '1995',
'title': 'Announcement of the Alice M. H. McGregor Award',
'description': 'for Exceptional Achievement and Service to the Profession.'
},
{'start': '1996',
'title': '\"FAX ON REQUEST\"',
'description': 'NACM introduces \"FAX ON REQUEST\" to provide members an opportunity to access information from National through a toll-free telephone number and have it faxed to them in less than fifteen minutes.'
},
{'start': '1996',
'title': 'The Association becomes',
'description': 'a part of the World Wide Web.
NACM\'s Web Site Home Page in 1996',
'image': '/images/first_website.jpg'
},
{'start': '1996',
'title': 'NACM-CRF joined',
'description': 'an outstanding group of associations—those who have achieved excellence in the field of association communications. The Credit and Financial Management Review, published in 1995, won the Certificate of Achievement in the American Society of Association Executives\' Gold Circle Awards competition.'
},
{'start': '1996',
'title': 'NACM becomes the proud owner',
'description': 'of property in a business community in Columbia, MD, which will be the site of a new headquarters building for the National Association, construction began in early 1997.'
},
{'start': '1997',
'title': '26th Annual NACM Legislative and Critical Issues Conference ',
'description': 'in Washington D. C. was March 2-4, 1997 where members get involved on the Hill and discuss credit and finance issues with Congressional Representatives like Representative John Conyers, Jr. and Representative George Gekas. '
},
{'start': '1997',
'title': 'NACM looking towards the future ',
'description': 'with the Credit Research Foundation\'s \"Future of Credit\" project and the results of the study \"Leading the Journey from Isolation to Integration: The Future of Business Credit\" will be unveiled at the 101st Credit Congress.
Tommy Lasorda, the \"dean\" of the major league managers was the General Session speaker at Credit Congress in 1997.',
'image': '/images/Tommy_Lasorda.jpg'
},
{'start': '1997',
'title': 'NACM\'s special counsel, ',
'description': 'Charles Tatelbaum, along with members of the Government Affairs Committee testify before the House Judiciary Committee on bankruptcy issues. '
},
{'start': '1997',
'title': 'National Education Department\'s project ',
'description': 'was the Certified Expert Witness Program, which helps position qualified members as experts in preference defenses.'
},
{'start': '1997',
'title': 'The Government Affairs Committee',
'description': 'began work to introduce legislation that would amend the Miller Act, which encompasses most contracting and subcontracting laws, particularly in the area of government construction projects. There were numerous reported problems with the implementation of the Miller Act, especially with bonding requirements and payments to subcontractors. '
},
{'start': '1998',
'title': 'NACM expands into Canada,',
'description': 'NACM Canada was formed in response to the requests of Canadian credit professionals, demanding executive level education in the areas of business credit, finance and law. '
},
{'start': '1998',
'title': '51 companies ',
'description': 'sent employees to the first year of the 1998-1999 Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management. '
},
{'start': '1998',
'title': 'The NACM National Government Affairs Committee ',
'description': 'prepared testimony and advised the National Bankruptcy Review Commission during its critical review of bankruptcy law. And they have joined forces with the National Improved Construction Practices Committee to review construction related law.'
},
{'start': '1999',
'title': 'Credit Executive\'s Handbook ',
'description': 'revised and reworked and made available at Credit Congress in May, 1999.'
},
{'start': '1999',
'title': 'National Staff ',
'description': 'implemented a Y2K-compliant database system to upgrade from the system installed 10 years prior.'
},
{'start': '1999',
'title': 'NACM was asked to submit a legal brief ',
'description': 'to the United States Supreme Court in the case of Bank of America vs 203 North Lasalle Street Partnership. This was a first for NACM. The ruling dealt with the new value exception to the absolute priority rule in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. While the ruling did not establish the standards for the new value exception it did prepare a road map as to when the exception may be used.
The U.S. Supreme Court building bears the inscription:\"Equal Justice Under the Law.\"',
'image': '/images/us_supreme_court_bldg.jpg'
},
{'start': '1999',
'title': 'On Sept. 9, 1999,',
'description': 'representatives of NACM met with two senior legal officers representing the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board to clarify issues surrounding the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and guaranties of spouses dealing with the extension of business credit. The specific issue discussed at the meeting involved Section 202.7 of the ECOA. '
},
{'start': '1999',
'title': 'CICE launched by FCIB ',
'description': 'FCIB launched its international business professional\'s designation, the CICE (Certified International Credit Executive), it was the first truly global recognition of senior professionals involved in international credit, finance, and related trade services.'
},
{'start': '2000',
'title': 'NACM-CFDD celebrates ',
'description': 'its 75th birthday. CFDD had grown to be the largest NACM division with 2000 members. '
},
{'start': '2000',
'title': 'NACM Canada ',
'description': 'held its first Annual Credit Conference. '
},
{'start': '2000',
'title': 'Bankruptcy Reform Legislation',
'description': 'NACM had identified many issues that were unfair to the unsecured trade credit grantor and many of these issues were addressed in the commercial provisions in the Bankruptcy Reform Act, H. R. 833 and the bankruptcy bill S.625. '
},
{'start': '2000',
'title': 'The E-Network',
'description': '—one of the enhancements made to the NACM website making the then quarterly electronic newsletter, NACM E-News available to professionals who wanting to keep up with the legislative news, trends, and issues facing the industry.'
},
{'start': '2000',
'title': 'On June 30, 2009, President Clinton ',
'description': 'signed into law The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (The E-Sign Act), making the e-signature as valid as the ink-and-paper signature. The credit professional could engage in e-credit transactions across state lines and the contract would be valid in all states. '
},
{'start': '2000',
'title': 'Chinese Delegation visits ',
'description': 'the headquarters of FCIB and NACM. NACM and FCIB hosted a meeting with representatives from The People\'s Bank of China (China\'s Central Bank) and the four major banks in China—The Bank of China, The Agricultural Bank of China, The China Construction Bank, and The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The delegation visited with the hopes of expanding their knowledge about collection and management of credit information.'
},
{'start': '2000',
'title': 'NACM meets President Bill Clinton, ',
'description': 'NACM Chairman of the Board Jack Clark, CCE and NACM President Paul J. Mignini, Jr., CAE were invited to a reception at the home of Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) to meet with President Clinton and discuss issues of importance to the association. In particular Jack and Paul discussed the need for a bankruptcy reform bill before the end of the year, clarification of proposed changes to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and a greater understanding of the nature of trade credit in an \"e-commerce\" environment.'
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'New systems emerging ',
'description': 'to automate the collections process, specifically designed for the credit and collection industry. This automation of clerical tasks left more time for the collector to make contacts and perform tasks that couldn\'t be automated.'
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'The National Strategic Planning Task Force ',
'description': 'brought Affiliated Association Presidents, members of the National Board, and National Staff together to discuss mutual needs and developed a plan to implement strategic goals for the future of NACM. '
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'Overhaul of Bankruptcy Legislation',
'description': 'On March 16, 2001 NACM celebrates the most sweeping overhaul of Bankruptcy Legislation in 20 years, the Senate approved S. 420, the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2001, by a vote of 83-15. The House had already approved its version of the bill. NACM worked very hard to ensure that provisions important the trade credit industry were included in both versions of the legislation.'
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ',
'description': 'impacts business credit. The GLB was intended to apply to all business entities with respect to privacy provisions. With the ambiguous nature of the legislation after many concerns and further research it was found that it did not apply to trade or business credit.'
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'NACM Telephone Conference Programs ',
'description': 'The first of NACM Telephone Conference Programs began. The first topics included the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act or the Financial Services Modernization Act.'
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'NACM Membership Study ',
'description': 'The Strategic Planning Task Force selected a marketing research firm to conduct a study of NACM membership.'
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'NACM establishes two centers ',
'description': 'on its website: one for Affiliates and one for members of the local and the National Boards.'
},
{'start': '2001',
'title': 'Tuesday, September 11, 2001,',
'description': 'a terrorist attack on American soil occurred that stunned and affected the entire nation and resulted in many unprecedented changes in national security.'
},
{'start': '2002',
'title': 'Released a Volunteer Leadership training series,',
'description': 'produced as one of the National Strategic Initiatives. Glenn Tecker, a leading trainer in the area of volunteer boards, served as host of the series.'
},
{'start': '2002',
'title': 'Major marketing campaign ',
'description': 'NACM embarked on a major marketing campaign to attract new members. A \"Brand Bible\" was launched at Credit Congress to assist NACM Affiliates with membership and services. It included detailed information to help Affiliates launch the Get-a-Member campaign. This Public Relations campaign was based on the theme, \"Strength in Numbers.\"'
},
{'start': '2002',
'title': 'Credit Managers\' Index ',
'description': 'NACM launched the Credit Managers\' Index (CMI), a survey sent to credit and collection professionals. The results provide a benchmarking and forecasting tool that looks at the entire cycle of commercial business transactions. '
},
{'start': '2003',
'title': 'Junk fax transmission',
'description': 'Worked to provide clarification in proposed legislation and regulations pertaining to the treatment of commercial communications for the \"junk fax transmission\" issue.'
},
{'start': '2003',
'title': 'Provided testimony ',
'description': 'to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees regarding consideration of bankruptcy reform legislation.'
},
{'start': '2003',
'title': 'Worked with the Department of Commerce',
'description': 'to develop international trade credit educational opportunities.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'NACM realigned its fiscal year ',
'description': 'to coincide with the calendar year.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'NACM Board voted ',
'description': 'to reduce the size of the Board from 28 to 22 members to create a smaller and more nimble board that can respond quickly and more efficiently.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'NACM began offering online courses ',
'description': 'on basic financial accounting, credit law, and business law. NACM also created a self-study Principles of Business Credit course, adding CD-Rom audio and video instructions to its cornerstone published title, Principles of Business Credit.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'NACM is composed of 48 Affiliated Associations,',
'description': 'located nationwide. Each Affiliate is located within one of four geographic regions: the Eastern region comprises the eastern seaboard and New England states as far south as Virginia; the Central Region stretches from Ohio and Kentucky through the central plains states; the Southern Region spans from the Carolinas to Florida and as far west as Oklahoma and Texas; and the Western Region covers the pacific coastal states, into Utah, Colorado and Arizona.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'The NACM Resource Library was launched, ',
'description': 'a powerful search engine for credit professionals located on the NACM website. The library includes the textbook, Principles of Business Credit, Credit Management: Practices and Principles, The Art & Science of Financial Risk Analysis, and the archives of Business Credit magazine.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'Restructuring of the NACM Government Affairs Committee\;',
'description': 'encompassing several very targeted work groups each will track and comment on very specialized areas.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'Helped draft legislation',
'description': 'pertaining to exemptions for preference challenges under the Bankruptcy Code. '
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'Worked to develop response and policy ',
'description': 'for proposed interim rules on Department of Defense contracting procedures.'
},
{'start': '2004',
'title': 'Led a delegation of 10 representatives ',
'description': 'from the Chinese Government before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies pertaining to adoption of Western trade practices for China.'
},
{'start': '2005',
'title': 'NACM applauds Senate ',
'description': 'on passage of Bankruptcy Bill S. 256, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa. NACM has been advocating that the Bankruptcy code be overhauled with regards to commercial bankruptcies. Although the consumer aspects of the bill have received most of the media attention, important measures vital to commercial creditors were at stake. Three of the most important issues to NACM members contained in S. 256 are: 1. The creation of an expedited procedure for small businesses in Chapter 11; 2. Revisions in the treatment of preference challenges to creditors, and ; 3. Reclamation reform.'
},
{'start': '2005',
'title': 'FDCI reform ',
'description': 'is finally a reality, the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 was aopted by Congress as part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and signed by the President. This was a landmark piece of banking legislation and the final bill included merging the two deposit insurance funds, increasing coverage for retirement accounts to $250,000; indexing the insurance level for inflation; and more provisions.'
},
{'start': '2005',
'title': 'Scholarship Foundation',
'description': 'NACM Board approved the establishment of a Scholarship Foundation, an entity that would furnish assistance to business credit professionals as they pursued credit education.'
},
{'start': '2006',
'title': 'NACM urges Congress',
'description': 'to take into consideration the importance of the free exchange of data for the purposes of extending commercial credit. The Senate had at least three versions of data security legislation introduced and debated. These bills would increase federal penalties for identity theft and require data brokers to notify consumers when the security of their personal information has been breached. NACM was working hard to ensure that the impact of these measures are clearly limited to consumer breaches and do not extend to commercial related information.'
},
{'start': '2006',
'title': 'Membership had grown',
'description': 'from 600 at the end of 1896 to 22,000 in 2006 making NACM one of the oldest and largest business credit organizations in the United States.'
},
{'start': '2007',
'title': 'Legal Symposium ',
'description': 'NACM members attended a Legal Symposium held in conjunction with the 86th New York Meeting of the Commercial Law League of America\'s (CLLA) Eastern Region Members\' Association. This collaborative educational effort was an opportunity for NACM and CLLA members to network and forge new business. '
},
{'start': '2007',
'title': 'The Canons of Business Credit Ethics ',
'description': 'were revised and updated by an NACM Work Group and adopted by the NACM board.'
},
{'start': '2007',
'title': 'NACM\' Products & Services Work Group ',
'description': 'identified a need for an online job board to help companies identify qualified candidates for credit positions, a Lien and Bond Service to support the many building and construction focused members.'
},
{'start': '2007',
'title': 'Privacy Legislation Bills ',
'description': 'introduced, the Senate\'s Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2007 and the House\'s Data Accountability and Trust Act both focus on protecting consumers\' personally identifiable information: how data is stored and procedures in the event of a security breach. NACM\'s position is that enacting measures to secure consumer data should be done in a way that doesn\'t inhibit the free flow of business credit information. '
},
{'start': '2007',
'title': 'The National Lien and Bond Service ',
'description': '(now Mechanics Lien and Bond Service, MLBS) a division of NACM was formed in 2007 and debuted its first product, the Lien Navigator\; a web-based guide that contains each state\'s lien and bond laws, as well as the suit time frames.'
},
{'start': '2007',
'title': '3% Withholding Tax ',
'description': 'NACM went on record to oppose the 3% withholding tax on many government contracts for goods and services scheduled to take effect January 1, 2011. NACM\'s efforts were recognized by Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL). Meek along with Wally Herger (R-CA), sponsored H.R. 1023, the Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007, which if enacted would repeal this withholding tax. '
},
{'start': '2007',
'title': 'NACM hosts first MLBS Lien Seminar ',
'description': 'at NACM\'s headquarters. The seminar focus was \"Building the Optimal Construction Credit Department\" and was delivered by Greg Powelson, Director of MLBS.'
},
{'start': '2008',
'title': 'Credit Professional\'s Salary Survey ',
'description': 'The 2008 Credit Professional\'s Salary Survey was launched. The survey was posted online and tabulated by the Cascade Employers Association.'
},
{'start': '2008',
'title': 'Online Credit Learning Center',
'description': 'The NACM Board approved the funding for an Online Credit Learning Center. Users will be able to choose from 20 or so different webinar type offerings. This center will offer credit education to those new to the field.'
},
{'start': '2009',
'title': 'Launch of redesigned website',
'description': 'in April, 2009, integrating WEB 2.0 elements and an updated look.
NACM\'s redesigned website ',
'image': '/images/nacm_site_2009.jpg'
},
{'start': '2009',
'title': 'An economic downturn ',
'description': 'has affected every industry leaving credit departments to do more with less, a common theme across the country. This credit crisis started by sub-prime mortgages led to an international disaster. '
},
{'start': '2009',
'title': 'Red Flags Regulations and Guidelines',
'description': 'The FTC delayed the enforcement of the Red Flags Regulations and Guidelines, which require most creditors and financial institutions to adopt a written program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft in connection with a new opening of a covered account or any existing covered account. Because the definition of a covered account is so broad NACM recommends that all credit departments take the lead in conducting its company\'s risk assessment and then assisting with the design of a written program to comply with the FTC\'s Red Flags Regulations. NACM has been actively attempting to clarify the FTC\'s Red Flags Regulations language and its effect on trade creditors and was instrumental in the delay of the enforcement of regulations.'
}
]
}