ROOM B Pittsburgh  | October 23

Fraudulent Credit Applications

Amy Cook, CCE, McNaughton McKay Electric Company; Martine Dyer, CCE, CCRA, Restaurant Equipment Services; Matt Mezger, CBA, Uline

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.

The Impact of Bankruptcy – Deeper than you Think

James Brown, BKWire

In the year 2023, more than 18,000 businesses filed for bankruptcy, which affected over 400,000 creditors. Such bankruptcy filings can have significant impacts on your company, and it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks. If one of your customers files for bankruptcy, it can negatively affect your business, and the impact can even extend beyond that if your customer’s customer also files for bankruptcy.
In this session, we will delve into this topic in greater detail and learn how to use data to uncover the hidden effects of bankruptcy filings on your business. It’s important to take proactive measures to safeguard your company and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to mitigate the risks and protect your business in the long run.

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

Brian Jackiw, Thomas Fawkes, Jason Torf, 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!

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

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes; Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires; Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE, Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc.; Erica White, CCE, Ferguson Enterprises

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.

ROOM B  | October 23

Fraudulent Credit Applications

Amy Cook, CCE, McNaughton McKay Electric Company; Martine Dyer, CCE, CCRA, Restaurant Equipment Services; Matt Mezger, CBA, Uline

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.

The Impact of Bankruptcy – Deeper than you Think

James Brown, BKWire

In the year 2023, more than 18,000 businesses filed for bankruptcy, which affected over 400,000 creditors. Such bankruptcy filings can have significant impacts on your company, and it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks. If one of your customers files for bankruptcy, it can negatively affect your business, and the impact can even extend beyond that if your customer’s customer also files for bankruptcy.
In this session, we will delve into this topic in greater detail and learn how to use data to uncover the hidden effects of bankruptcy filings on your business. It’s important to take proactive measures to safeguard your company and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to mitigate the risks and protect your business in the long run.

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

Brian Jackiw, Thomas Fawkes, Jason Torf, 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!

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

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes; Caroline Perkins, CCE, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires; Curt Rothlisberger, CCE, CICE, Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc.; Erica White, CCE, Ferguson Enterprises

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.

ROOM B  |  October 24

Mastering Account Receivable Cash Forecasting

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes; George Schnupp, CCE; Brittany Yvon, CBA,CICP,  OMG, Inc.

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.

Heroes and Horrors:  Triumphs and Tragedies Unveiled (Navigations Credit Through the Eyes of the Court)

Wanda Borges, Borges & Associates

This specialized educational program explores real-world cases, showcasing both the triumphs and challenges faced by trade credit grantors.  Emerging Leaders in the credit world as well as seasoned veterans will gain valuable insights, strategies, and best practices to make informed decisions and mitigate risks in the world of trade credit as we delve into the world of lawsuits in state court and federal courts (including bankruptcy courts).  Attendees will be shown how creditors and attorneys stepped up to the plate, turning the tide of seemingly unwinnable situations into success stories. Examples of how accurate terms and conditions and then using those terms and conditions can assist the trade creditor in recovering a debt.   Riveting stories of triumph and tragedy will keep the attendees engaged from start to finish.  Some of the cases which will be discussed include

• The Sports Authority- where trade creditors, too late, discovered that failure to follow the rules of consignment will lead to disastrous results – but appeals resulted in the best results possible under the circumstances.
• Enron – where not only creditors but law firms and accounting firms got burned as a result of the smoke and mirrors put forth by this Debtor and how forensic experts revealed that chicanery.
• Circuit City – where trade creditors’ diligence, creative monitoring of credit limits, use of credit insurance and creativity for a massive pre-payment turned a multi-million dollar potential loss into an almost break-even situation.
• Kumtor Gold Company – where trade creditors were compelled to think outside the box and circumvent the Chapter 11 process in order to deliver goods and services to the operating entity and get paid for those goods and services
• Caesars Palace – where many years of legal battles resulted in a continuing and successful business.
• Antitrust cases from which trade creditors have learned firsthand how the term “price fixing” applies to credit.

From Newbie to Manager – Career Pathing
in Credit

Kendra Gerdes, Systems, LLC; Leslie Harrison, CGA, SPHR, NACM Connect; Brendon Misik, CCE, CICP, Nutrien

Embark on a journey through the intricacies of career pathing within the dynamic realm of commercial credit. This session offers invaluable insights and practical strategies designed to empower professionals aiming to advance their careers in this specialized field.
Whether you’re at the outset of your career or seeking to elevate your current trajectory, understanding the nuances of career progression is essential. Our expert panelists, comprising seasoned industry leaders and career advisors, will delve into the core competencies and pivotal milestones that define success in commercial credit.

ROOM B  | 
October 24

Mastering Account Receivable Cash Forecasting

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Land O Lakes; George Schnupp, CCE; Brittany Yvon, CBA,CICP,  OMG, Inc.

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.

Heroes and Horrors:  Triumphs and Tragedies Unveiled (Navigations Credit Through the Eyes of the Court)

Wanda Borges, Borges & Associates

This specialized educational program explores real-world cases, showcasing both the triumphs and challenges faced by trade credit grantors.  Emerging Leaders in the credit world as well as seasoned veterans will gain valuable insights, strategies, and best practices to make informed decisions and mitigate risks in the world of trade credit as we delve into the world of lawsuits in state court and federal courts (including bankruptcy courts).  Attendees will be shown how creditors and attorneys stepped up to the plate, turning the tide of seemingly unwinnable situations into success stories. Examples of how accurate terms and conditions and then using those terms and conditions can assist the trade creditor in recovering a debt.   Riveting stories of triumph and tragedy will keep the attendees engaged from start to finish.  Some of the cases which will be discussed include

• The Sports Authority- where trade creditors, too late, discovered that failure to follow the rules of consignment will lead to disastrous results – but appeals resulted in the best results possible under the circumstances.
• Enron – where not only creditors but law firms and accounting firms got burned as a result of the smoke and mirrors put forth by this Debtor and how forensic experts revealed that chicanery.
• Circuit City – where trade creditors’ diligence, creative monitoring of credit limits, use of credit insurance and creativity for a massive pre-payment turned a multi-million dollar potential loss into an almost break-even situation.
• Kumtor Gold Company – where trade creditors were compelled to think outside the box and circumvent the Chapter 11 process in order to deliver goods and services to the operating entity and get paid for those goods and services
• Caesars Palace – where many years of legal battles resulted in a continuing and successful business.
• Antitrust cases from which trade creditors have learned firsthand how the term “price fixing” applies to credit.

From Newbie to Manager – Career Pathing
in Credit

Kendra Gerdes, Systems, LLC; Leslie Harrison, CGA, SPHR, NACM Connect; Brendon Misik, CCE, CICP, Nutrien

Embark on a journey through the intricacies of career pathing within the dynamic realm of commercial credit. This session offers invaluable insights and practical strategies designed to empower professionals aiming to advance their careers in this specialized field.
Whether you’re at the outset of your career or seeking to elevate your current trajectory, understanding the nuances of career progression is essential. Our expert panelists, comprising seasoned industry leaders and career advisors, will delve into the core competencies and pivotal milestones that define success in commercial credit.