The AFSA Education Foundation/University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Management Development Program, held July 6-17, built on the current managerial effectiveness of high-potential middle managers while preparing them for future leadership roles within their organizations. The 2004 program included a new case study of two financial services companies.

This year's class representative had this to say of the program:

Patrick Inks, Director of Credit—Eaglemark Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson Credit Corp

"This AFSA/UNC Management Development Program was simply OUTSTANDING . It exceeded all of my expectations of gaining new skills and best practices, which I can effectively apply to my position at Harley-Davidson Financial Services today, and for years to come. We thoroughly covered topics ranging from Negotiation Skills to Leadership Styles to Performance Management by utilizing business articles, case studies, interactive lectures, and group projects. The very knowledgeable Kenan-Flagler Business School instructors did an excellent job of using multiple educational techniques to engage our class, and always concluded each topic with discussions regarding how we could apply these essential teachings and insights back to our individual situations and positions.

During the two-week program, many terrific and long-lasting relationships were forged between the classmates, and best practices along with individual experiences were openly shared and discussed. Through these exchanges and by applying ourselves to the curriculum presented to us, we gained valuable training experience which we will utilize to enhance our organizations and personal opportunities. The Ropes Course was an excellent experience that stimulated all of us. It quickly and effectively transformed us from a large group of individuals into a very cohesive team, by presenting tough team challenges, reviewing all solutions, and then drawing conclusion on how we can relate these experiences to our professional lives. I know I will vividly remember the Ropes Course every time I try to "stretch the comfort zone" of employees which I coach, and when I am in the process of building strong successful teams in business.

I congratulate the AFSA Education Committee on this excellent management program they have developed, enhanced, and refined over the years. I would also like to compliment UNC/ Rizzo Center and its helpful friendly staff for providing state-of-the- art training facilities and excellent living accommodations. I highly recommend this Management Development Program to all AFSA members as an invaluable investment in their representatives, and as an investment in their companies' successful futures."

The 54th session of the National Institute on Consumer Credit Management (NICCM) took place June 8-13, 2004 at Marquette University. Established by Marquette and the Wisconsin Consumer Finance Association in 1950, NICCM is now supported by the AFSA Education Foundation and the College of Business Administration at Marquette University.

The two-part NICCM program provides a valuable, enriching experience in layered modules of learning. Management I, the first year, provides a sound basic knowledge for financial managers. Management II, the second year, builds on this with applications and higher-level skills.

Here's what this year's Class Representatives for Management I and Management II thought about the program:

Zack Green, Supervisor—World Acceptance Corporation

"The NICCM Management 1 Class was a wonderful experience for everyone who attended. The subjects that were taught were great. The teachers did an excellent job on presenting their material and also did a good job including the class during their training. Most of these people doing the training work are in the finance industry. They also made you feel very comfortable because you knew that they either have done or do what we do in the finance business.

This class is truly an excellent and challenging class. It will not only give you things you can apply right away but also give you things to prepare you as you advance in your company. This class will benefit anyone who takes part in the program."

Kim Waycaster, Supervisor—Patriot Loan Company

"NICCM Management II was the next step in our professional growth, financial education, and preparation for our leadership futures. Each one of the attendees was chosen to attend because the leadership of their company believes in them and their potential contribution to the future of the finance industry.

AFSA has provided an environment where we can learn not just from our instructors, who are themselves leaders in their field, but from our peer group. It is an opportunity to interact with a widely diverse group of individuals from a variety of types of finance. The atmosphere provided in year two allows for class members to participate and interact with each other and the instructors on a very close level.

It was a tremendous experience that should be offered to all up and coming leaders in any company in our industry. NICCM receives and reviews feedback from attendees and then makes any changes necessary to make the following year even better than the last.

I am honored to have been chosen to be part of this experience that will influence the rest of my professional and personal life. I look forward to watching my classmates progress and succeed in their new endeavors."