ACA to Hold Joint Programs Conference

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – So many opportunities, so little time. It?s a mantra in the business world, and the collection industry is no exception. In order to help its members maximize opportunities to improve and expand their business, ACA International, The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, has developed a new format for its fall program-specific conferences. The Joint Programs Conference, scheduled for Nov. 4-5, 2004, at the Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, will be the first time ACA has gathered members of the Asset Buyers Program (ABP), Healthcare Services Program (HSP), and the Internet & Check Services Program (ICSP) together for their fall meetings.

?We want to help our members remain on top of the changing landscape of each of these markets,? said ACA chief executive officer Gary Rippentrop. ?This format will make the conferences more accessible; and it will be easier for members make room in their schedules to attend.?

Each program will have an individual track of concurrent sessions.

The ABP track features a panel discussion of debt brokers, a presentation by debt seller John Deets of GE Consumer Finance, roundtable discussions and a session on The Future of Debt Buying. Additionally, a portfolio exchange session will give attendees a chance to buy and/or sell distressed receivables. Last year?s session resulted in transactions of more than $840 million in face value.

The HSP track, Sales & Client Relations: Managing Relationships in a Turbulent Industry, will address the challenges presented by a highly scrutinized regulatory and media environment. Recent class action suits filed against not-for-profit hospitals are causing healthcare providers to review the policies by which they bill and collect from patients. As vital components to the revenue cycle of care providers, collection agencies must communicate with their healthcare clients as changes to these policies are considered. Sessions include: The Challenge of Retaining Clients in a Competitive Market; Understanding Your Client?s World; and Responding to Client Questions about the Uninsured, Discounting, Charity Programs and Related Issues.

The ICSP track, A Collection Agency Business Check-Up, is an opportunity to learn about hiring and training successful collectors; as well as structuring an HR department to best serve the needs of a collection agency. In addition, the attendees will hear the latest in check collection techniques and the laws that apply to the industry, including point of sale signs, notice of dishonor requirements, choice of law issues, and the Check 21 Act. Also, a session will discuss model check laws and eCheck laws to address the increasing use of electronic transactions in the credit and collection industry.

To register for Exploring Diversified Markets, contact the ACA Meetings Department at +1(952) 928-8000, ext. 125, or view the registration kit online at http://www.acainternational.org/images/joint%20programs%20conf%20reg%20kit.pdf.

ACA International, formerly known as the American Collectors Association, is the association of credit and collection professionals. Founded in 1939, ACA International has approximately 5,300 members, including third-party collection agencies, attorneys, credit grantors and vendor affiliates. Headquartered in Minneapolis, ACA International serves members in the United States, Canada and 58 other countries worldwide. For more information on ACA International visit www.acainternational.org.