This spring, my term as the ICEL Chairperson comes to an end. Before I go, I would like leave you with a farewell challenge. I challenge you to take just one step to increase your potential and your career. The first step is the hardest one! Take a deep breath and just do it. Make the committment to increase your skills and knowledge in the field of business credit management this spring.

Our struggling economy continues to limp along making excellence in credit management more important than ever. Wise credit decisions, effective management of risk, and prompt collections of accounts receivable are the life blood of business. What can you do to improve your perforance in these areas?

A variety of opportunities are available to you as an NACM and ICEL member. Are you taking advantage of them? NACM and ICEL have scholarships available. Take the class you've been considering. Attend seminars, read business credit periodicals and be a life long learner. The fruits of your efforts will be increased profitability for your company and more additional career potential in your future.

I also invite you to join an ICEL committee. ICEL can use your ideas and wants to hear about your toughest challenges so we can build programs to support your needs.

This past year has been a great experience for me as the ICEL Chairperson. I will continue to do what I can to make ICEL successful. Thank you for all your support.