I'd like to take the opportunity with this week's newsletter to offer a "shout out" to the "Collection Gurus" who will be lending both technical expertise and the all-important moral support here at CollectionForum.com.

These individuals are truly "heavyweights" in the world of collections and we're honored and very appreciative that they're involved with our new site. They include:

Barry Elms, president of Strategic Negotiations International, is acclaimed by many as America's business coach on negotiation skills. During a speaking career that spans more than 20 years, Barry has given over 2000 presentations worldwide. If you have been lucky enough to experience his talks, you've benefitted from and enjoyed his energetic style and dynamic message. If you haven't heard Barry, run, don't walk, the next time you see him in your area!

Barry's clients include General Motors, Ford Motor Credit, American Express, Verizon, Dell Computers, Shell Oil, The Federal Reserve, and many other leading companies. He was born and educated in England and has worked in Sales, Customer service, and Credit Management, as well as being CEO of companies in both Europe and America. In addition to being a world class public speaker Barry is also the author of numerous video and audio programs including: "Negotiate your way to success," "Advanced Negotiation Skills," "Dialing for Dollars" and "The Art of Getting Paid."

Emil Hartleb is president of the Commercial Collection Agency Association of the Commercial Law League of America, which is the "gold standard" for collection agencies. Emil has over 40 years experience in the commercial collection industry and was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of the largest commercial collection agency in the U.S., as well as president of Receivable Outsource Management (ROM), an accounts receivable nanagement outsourcing company. He also was a seminar leader for D&B's Business Education Division (BES) and authored several of BES's courses on accounts receivable management, credit decision making, strategic planning and budgeting.

John Zimmer (last in this list only because his name begins with "Z") is principal of Receivable Training Associates. He was formerly the head of training and development for D&B's Receivable Management Services which at the time was the largest commercial collection agency in the United States. So he brings a wealth of real-world practical expertise along with a love of teaching. His responsibilities over 34 years with D&B/RMS included:

• The analysis, development and delivery of customized training programs for over 600 Operations and Sales Associates at 14 locations of D&B RMS US and Canada.

• Development and delivery of customized training programs for D&B RMS Education Service customers.

• Workflow, audit and process analysis of internal and external customers.

So, if you have questions, we'll have answers, both from our esteemed "gurus" as well as our growing community of smart and helpful Members.

We'd like to continue to encourage participation in our forum.

Feel free to ask one or all of our gurus a question: just click on "new topic" in the forum area to get something started.

And if you'd like to see all posts and questions coming from the forum (without having to go to it), make sure you set the subscription options to your preferences using the options listed on the bottom of the forum page.

Also, set up your profile on the site here.