The National Alliance of Buy Here, Pay Here Dealers (NABD) recently announced the speakers and program agenda for its upcoming Underwriting and Collections Conference to be held on November 11-13, 2007, in Houston, Texas. More than 600 attendees and sponsors are expected to participate in the three-day event, which will be focused on the two most essential elements of buy here, pay here operations. Kenneth Shilson, CPA and Founder, indicated that the recent meltdown in the subprime mortgage markets and a tightening of subprime credit in the capital markets move underwriting and collections to center stage! Operators who wish to prosper in the months ahead must underwrite prudently and be diligent collectors, says Shilson.

The program features role-playing and other interactive training techniques involving some of the nations best collectors including: Fran Chatman of Car Today in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and P.J. Turner of J.D. Byrider in Indianapolis, Indiana. Along with other presenters, attendees will learn best practices and see demonstrations of techniques used to implement them. Attendees will learn how to gather all the necessary customer information and to match the right customers with the proper vehicles. Equifax will discuss ways to successfully underwrite customers who do not have a credit score and how to use credit bureau information to make better underwriting decisions. International recovery expert Ron L. Brown will discuss Skip-tracing techniques. His proven techniques will be particularly important in an economic environment where operators are fighting to collect every dollar, says Shilson. Tom Hudson and Chuck Dodge, two of the nations leading attorneys, will discuss ways to avoid making legal, regulatory and compliance mistakes that can cost millions. Interactive sessions provide attendees with an opportunity to ask legal and compliance questions and to obtain a thorough understanding of the laws. Rick Potter, president of Car Financial Services, and Somir Paul, president of Woodlands Financial Services, are two of the nations most successful contract purchasers, who will discuss many of the underwriting mistakes they see every day. Both will share tips on how to avoid these mistakes and the ways to build a more profitable portfolio. Terry OLaughlin, formerly of the Florida Attorney Generals office, will serve as the keynote speaker and explain why some dealers receive attorney general complaints and how to avoid them. Terry has more than 15 years of experience investigating and prosecuting such complaints against automobile dealers. Other presentations will include the best collection and underwriting ideas from Twenty Group host NCM, and the latest portfolio performance benchmarks and industry trend information from Ken Shilson. The general education sessions will be delivered in a single-track during two days, and vendor presentations will be in separate workshops where attendees can choose their topics of interest. These workshops include subjects such as payment devices, dealer management software, add-on products and new technologies and tools, which improve profits and cash flow. The program also includes two receptions and a luncheon with exhibitors who have products, services that will enhance underwriting, and collection operations. Ground transportation to and from the airport will be provided. Shilson indicated that registration has already begun and the exhibit hall is nearly full. Visit www.bhphinfo.com for more information.