CRANBERRY II | November 12 | Wednesday
9:45 — 11:00 a.m. CT
Leading the Way: Qualities of Effective Credit Leadership
Diana Crowe, Regional Director, NACM Southwest
In today’s fast-paced credit environment, leadership is more than a title—it’s a mindset.
Great leaders don’t just keep up with change – they drive it.
Join Diana Crowe as she reviews core qualities that define truly effective leaders in the credit profession. From emotional intelligence and strategic thinking to adaptability and accountability, participants will explore how these traits shape successful teams and drive meaningful change.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging leader, this session will empower you to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
Nuts & Bolts of Notices, Lien Waivers and Mechanic’s Liens – Powered by Technology
Alec Papesch, Director of Strategic Partnerships, NCS Credit
NCS will walk you through the essentials of preliminary notices, lien waivers, and mechanic’s liens—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them to protect your right to payment. Explore key requirements, timing, best practices, and how technology can streamline the process to keep your projects and cash flow secure.
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. CT
Using AI and Technology in Credit
and AR to Drive Efficiency and Results
Amy Cook, CCE, Northern Region Credit Manager, McNaughton-McKay Electric Co.
AI and other technologies significantly drive efficiency and results in credit and accounts receivable (AR) by automating processes, enabling predictive analytics, and enhancing strategic decision-making. By transforming repetitive tasks, AI allows finance teams to focus on high-value activities, strengthening cash flow, and reducing risk. Attendees will takeaway practical applications, quantifiable benefits, and strategic implications of these technologies. Let’s discover how to put AI to work for us!
3:15 – 4:30 p.m. CT
Standby Letters of Credit Bootcamp
Brian Jackiw, Partner, Tucker Ellis LLP; Thomas Fawkes, Partner,
Tucker Ellis LLP
Standby letters of credit represent one of the most powerful tools in a credit professional’s toolbox to provide payment assurance in the event of a customer default. What makes them particularly attractive, compared to other credit enhancements, is that they are “bankruptcy-proof,” meaning that they can be accessed in the event of a bankruptcy and therefore provide creditors with substantial protection against bankruptcy losses. In order for them to be effective, however, they must be properly structured and their requirements must be strictly followed. During this presentation, Thomas Fawkes and Brian Jackiw from Tucker Ellis LLP will provide an overview of standby letters of credit, including how they are created, how they operate, and the steps creditors must take to ensure that they are honored.
CRANBERRY II | November 12 | Wednesday
9:45 — 11:00 a.m. CT
Leading the Way: Qualities of Effective Credit Leadership
Diana Crowe, Regional Director, NACM Southwest
In today’s fast-paced credit environment, leadership is more than a title—it’s a mindset.
Great leaders don’t just keep up with change – they drive it.
Join Diana Crowe as she reviews core qualities that define truly effective leaders in the credit profession. From emotional intelligence and strategic thinking to adaptability and accountability, participants will explore how these traits shape successful teams and drive meaningful change.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging leader, this session will empower you to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
Nuts & Bolts of Notices, Lien Waivers and Mechanic’s Liens – Powered by Technology
Alec Papesch, Director of Strategic Partnerships, NCS Credit
NCS will walk you through the essentials of preliminary notices, lien waivers, and mechanic’s liens—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them to protect your right to payment. Explore key requirements, timing, best practices, and how technology can streamline the process to keep your projects and cash flow secure.
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. CT
Using AI and Technology in Credit
and AR to Drive Efficiency and Results
Amy Cook, CCE, Northern Region Credit Manager, McNaughton-McKay Electric Co.
AI and other technologies significantly drive efficiency and results in credit and accounts receivable (AR) by automating processes, enabling predictive analytics, and enhancing strategic decision-making. By transforming repetitive tasks, AI allows finance teams to focus on high-value activities, strengthening cash flow, and reducing risk. Attendees will takeaway practical applications, quantifiable benefits, and strategic implications of these technologies. Let’s discover how to put AI to work for us!
3:15 – 4:30 p.m. CT
Standby Letters of Credit Bootcamp
Brian Jackiw, Partner, Tucker Ellis LLP; Thomas Fawkes, Partner,
Tucker Ellis LLP
Standby letters of credit represent one of the most powerful tools in a credit professional’s toolbox to provide payment assurance in the event of a customer default. What makes them particularly attractive, compared to other credit enhancements, is that they are “bankruptcy-proof,” meaning that they can be accessed in the event of a bankruptcy and therefore provide creditors with substantial protection against bankruptcy losses. In order for them to be effective, however, they must be properly structured and their requirements must be strictly followed. During this presentation, Thomas Fawkes and Brian Jackiw from Tucker Ellis LLP will provide an overview of standby letters of credit, including how they are created, how they operate, and the steps creditors must take to ensure that they are honored.