News

Chris Meier, The CMI Group, Selected for Prestigious Legal Award

Carrollton, TX: The CMI Group (CMI) is thrilled to announce that Chris Meier, Esq., has been selected as a First Chair Award Recipient for 2017.

Now in its seventh year, the First Chair awards program recognizes in-house counsel who have made a significant contribution to the legal community within their discipline. Chris joins more than 150 in-house counsel from a myriad of industry’s on this award winning roster.

“I’m excited and honored to be recognized for this award,” said Meier. “It’s a privilege to be included amongst such talent in my profession.”  

Chris serves as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer to CMI and is responsible for managing all legal aspects of the company's operations while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Joining the company in 2008, Chris is an active member of ACA International and ACA-Texas and has served as a guest presenter at several conferences covering topics such as Legislative Reform and In-House Litigation Strategies. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. 

 “I’m elated for Chris!” Said Carrie Finney, president of CMI. “He brings discipline and intellectual rigor to his role, our company, and our industry; I’m pleased to see him recognized for his contributions.”

 Chris and fellow recipients will be recognized at the First Chair Awards Conference & Gala August 30 in Chicago.  

Tom Stockton, Chris Meier from The CMI Group to present at ACA International Convention & Expo

Carrollton, TX: Tom Stockton, CEO, and Chris Meier, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer from The CMI Group (CMI), will be presenting during the ACA International Convention & Expo July 16-18 in Seattle.

Meier will present twice at the convention. His first presentation "Considerations for Interstate Collections" addresses the many questions and challenges agencies face when engaged in interstate collections. Agencies are tasked with ensuring they comply with various state laws that may affect the debt they are trying to collect, staying up-to-date on changing state regulations, and making decisions regarding which state laws should govern their actions in different situations. These scenarios and more will be covered in this interactive session. Meier will be joined by Brian Watkins, president of Southern Oregon Credit Service and Michael Klutho, shareholder with Bassford Remele, P.A.

The second presentation will partner Chris Meier with CMI CEO, Tom Stockton. "Creditors are from Mars, Agencies are from Venus: A Practical Guide to Client Relationships for Those Times When 'it' Hits the Fan" will address the multitude of situations that arise and create friction between creditors and agencies who serve them. From the first lunch to the final invoice, Meier and Stockton will share how best to set expectations, and what to do when you fall short, from both a practical and legal perspective.

Regarded as the collection industry’s largest event of the year, attendees will learn about emerging trends, best practices, and celebrate achievements among the convention’s robust agenda.

The CMI Group Selects Matt Isaacson as Chief Business Development Officer

Carrollton, TX: The CMI Group (CMI) has invited Matt Isaacson to join its executive leadership team as Chief Business Development Officer. Isaacson leads the planning, development, and execution of new business acquisition, product and service innovation, marketing, and public relations strategies within the organization. He joined the company on May 22.

Isaacson noted, "What a great opportunity! I’m rooted in the belief that behavior drives culture and the culture brewing within CMI is a winning attitude and sales-centric mind-set. What more can I ask for?"

As an accomplished executive, Matt comes to CMI with more than 20 years’ experience and a proven track record of developing winning sales, marketing, and product roadmaps driving enterprise profitability and growth. His experience includes leadership roles at U.S. Bank, CPP North America, and Array Services Group where he worked in a variety of market segments, including payment and financial services, healthcare, and government.

"Matt truly understands who we are as a Company and is a great fit to lead and execute our vision for expansion," said Carrie Finney, president of The CMI Group. "I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and working with Matt and the CMI team to deliver outstanding solutions and service to our customers and the markets in which we compete."

Matt Isaacson earned his bachelor of science degree with a double major in business administration and mass communications from St. Cloud State University.

About The CMI Group:

Founded in 1985, CMI is a full-service receivable management firm providing leading-edge solutions to customers nationwide. Through its subsidiaries, A to Z Call Center Services, Credit Management, and The Affiliated Group, CMI delivers innovative first-and third-party accounts receivable management and BPO solutions resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and increased revenue for its customers. CMI serves the Cable, Healthcare, Higher Education, Municipal, Retail, Telecommunications, and Utility industries. Headquartered in Carrollton, TX, CMI has satellite offices in Dallas and Rochester, MN.

THE CMI GROUP PROVIDES WELCOME BASKETS AND BLANKETS FOR THE HOMELESS

In December 2016, The CMI Group partnered with The Bridge to purchase, assemble and provide twenty “Welcome Home” baskets and donated over 100 blankets to help provide comfort and relief to our local Dallas homeless population.  The Bridge is a local non-profit organization that was developed through a public-private partnership with the City of Dallas to deliver services to the homeless population in Dallas and six surrounding counties.  In addition to housing, The Bridge provides the additional services: assessments, day/night shelters, health care coordination, and employment services.  More than 1200 people receive their day shelter services each day! (source: www.thebridgenorthtexas.org)

The “Welcome Home” baskets that we provided went directly to formerly homeless individuals that have recently been placed in a transitional home. These baskets include over 30 common items such as cleaning supplies, bedding, personal hygiene items, and bathroom and kitchen supplies. These baskets assist in a successful transition from being homeless to having a home and we could not be more pleased with the level of enthusiasm and success of this company-sponsored opportunity to give back to our community.

We give thanks to our employees for their participation and to organizations like The Bridge that are working hard to eliminate homelessness in our communities!

THE CMI GROUP PROVIDES THANKSGIVING MEALS FOR OVER 200 FAMILIES IN NEED

In November 2016, The CMI Group partnered with Metrocrest Services to raise funds and collect canned goods to support their annual Thanksgiving food basket program for needy families in Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, and Dallas.  Metrocrest’s focus is on “assisting families, individuals, and senior adults who are coping with crisis situations, need help stabilizing their lives, or who require support to live independently.”  The most visible manner in which they accomplish these objectives is through the operation of a food pantry that provided nearly 800,000 pounds of food to their clients last year! Additionally, they provide rent assistance, transportation, home-delivered meals, school supplies, and employment-related services to their clients. (source: www.metrocrestservices.org)

Our employees and Executive team looked for an opportunity to give back and to give thanks to our surrounding community during the Thanksgiving holiday and found a perfect partner in Metrocrest Services.  The CMI Group made a cash donation and held a canned food drive that targeted specific items needed by Metrocrest. Thanks to all of the participants of this drive, our cash and canned food donations were able to provide Thanksgiving meals for over 200 local families in need.

We could not be more proud of our employees for their support of this food drive and we look forward to our next opportunity to give back and give thanks!

THE CMI GROUP HOSTS “PINK OUT DAY” TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER

In October 2016, The CMI Group partnered with Susan G. Komen Dallas County to raise funds and awareness for a cure to breast cancer, a disease that one in eight women will be diagnosed with in their lifetime.  Susan G. Komen Dallas County has invested more than $22 million in breast health programs and services for medically-underserved Dallas County residents since 1992. In 2016, more than 240,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and 2,600 in men in the United States. (source: www.komen-dallas.org)

The CMI Group wanted to get involved in the fight against breast cancer and designated October 14^th as “Pink Out Day” and set a fundraising goal for all of the employees.  CMI made a donation for each employee that wore a pink shirt and our employees more than DOUBLED our fundraising goal.  Thanks to all of the donations through the month and “Pink Out Day”, we raised a total of $2,373 that will provide vital funds for screening, diagnostic testing, treatment, research, and community outreach programs.

MANY THANKS TO OUR EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR participation and contributions.  We couldn’t have done it without you!

CACDC Back To School Supply Drive

On July 27th, CMI’s organized a company-wide event, partnering with the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County’s Back to School Drive. Last year, our donations totaled $900.00 in supplies, money and gift cards to the CACDC. Our goal this year was to beat last year’s donations and we did just that! Over the course of the two-week event, our employees generously donated more than $1,500.00 in supplies and monetary donations. We are thrilled at the success of the back to school drive. Giving back to the community is important to us at CMI. We value the impact we can make as an organization and we look forward to our next event!

Press Release - October 19, 2015

Carrollton, Texas – We’re Growing

The CMI Group is excited to announce the addition of a new facility to be located in Dallas, Texas. This is the third operations facility, joining existing facilities in Carrollton, TX and Rochester, MN. The 20,000 square foot downtown Dallas location is necessary for existing and future growth as well as adding another layer of redundancy and flexibility to ongoing operations.

In 1990, CMI moved to Dallas, Texas, hoping to grow and that’s what they did. That growth has taken them from sixteen employees in 1990 to eight hundred employees today. Today, CMI is made up of three wholly owned subsidiaries – A to Z Call Center Services, Credit Management, and The Affiliated Group.

President and CFO Carrie Finney will cut the ribbon on the new facility later this month. Ms. Finney shared her excitement about the new facility: “This is an exciting moment in our Company’s history and a testament to the great employees that make up The CMI Group of families. We are grateful to our many clients that have allowed us to serve them over the past 30 years and hopefully for years to come.”

The CMI Group provides industry leading accounts receivable management and business process outsourcing services. Please learn more about The CMI Group by visiting our website at www.thecmigroup.com

Press Release - September 21, 2015

Carrollton, Texas - Happy 30^th Anniversary!

Thirty years ago on September 8^th, 1985, The CMI Group was born in Ft. Lee, New Jersey! Founded by three partners, Arthur Shulman, Bruce Martin and Tom Stockton, CMI was committed to excellence and integrity from the very first day. The company has come a long way over the last thirty years; but has never lost its focus on excellence and integrity.

CMI began as a response to an under-served cable television market. The three partners had extensive experience in market segment and decided to establish a niche upon which to build a solid company.

In 1990, CMI moved to Dallas, Texas, hoping to grow and that’s what they did. That growth has taken them from sixteen employees in 1990 to eight hundred employees today. In 1999, two of the three founders, Arthur Shulman and Bruce Martin, retired from the business and Tom Stockton became the sole owner. Tom now serves as CMI’s Chief Executive Officer and, in 2011, he sold the business to the CMI employees by initiating a 100% ESOP.

Today, CMI is made up of three wholly owned subsidiaries – A to Z Call Center Services, Credit Management, L.P. and The Affiliated Group. It has locations in Carrollton, Texas and Rochester, Minnesota and will soon add a third location in the city of Dallas.

Tom attributes this success to the CMI employees and clients.Stockton said, “This growth and success would not have been possible without dedicated and loyal employees and clients. Any company celebrating thirty years of successful business operations has reason to be proud; but, it also has lots of people to thank for that success.

“Today, I would like to say how grateful I am to have the privilege to be part of this wonderful organization and have the relationships with both associates and clients over the last thirty years. I would like to thank my two original partners and every associate who has ever worked for CMI. Whether you are still here or moved on in your career, thank you for your contribution to our success. I want to thank all those who have been and still are clients of CMI. I will always appreciate your willingness to put your trust in us.

“Finally, I want to thank my fellow associates at CMI who have invested a significant piece of their professional career here. I can’t express enough how fortunate I feel to have you as colleagues. To all current and former employees and clients, I appreciate you and I have learned much from you. Happy Anniversary, CMI!!”

The CMI Group provides industry leading accounts receivable management and business process outsourcing services. Please learn more about The CMI Group by visiting our website at www.thecmigroup.com.

Press Release - August 24, 2015

Carrollton, Texas - The CMI Group Inc. stays active throughout the year supporting communities near and far. The summer season allows us opportunity to get out in the sun, swing the clubs and pray the balls make it close to the holes! More important than our golf scores are the charities and foundations these tournaments benefit. Summer 2015 found us playing golf and supporting some of the best.

Legacy Christian Academy Golf Classic (Frisco, Texas), on May 5th. We were represented by two teams and pledged $10,000 toward the school’s educational scholarship fund.

Lake Cities Educational Foundation (LCEF) Tournament in Corinth, Texas. The LCEF provides funding for educational enrichment projects not otherwise available to the Lake Dallas ISD.

For the Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania Golf Classic and Auction – August 17, 2015, we sponsored the purchase of eco-friendly tote bags. We are proud to be ongoing supporters of this annual event and the programs and efforts of this invaluable charity that provides one-on-one youth mentoring programs.

Recently, we brought a fundraising effort home to CMI. As a kick off for the 2015-16 school year, our employees participated in the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County School Supply Drive. This is another charity we connect with annually and several times throughout the year. We actively support their School Supply Drive, Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Holiday Assistance Program. The CMI Family donated $900.00 in supplies, money and gift cards and we look forward to doing it again next year!

On September 8th, The CMI Group will celebrate 30 years of service to our clients and support to wonderful organizations such as these. CMI provides industry leading accounts receivable management and business process outsourcing services. Please learn more about The CMI Group by visiting our website at www.thecmigroup.com. We encourage you to take time and invest yourself in worthy charities and their efforts to make your community a better place!

Angelica Jara Receives ACA Educational Scholarship

The CMI Group congratulates one of their first party agents, Angelica Jara, as a recipient of the ACA of Texas Educational Foundation $2,000 college scholarship.

ACA of Texas sponsors this annual scholarship and essay contest. The Foundation’s stated goals include, “to encourage young citizens to understand their personal responsibility for managing financial affairs, since establishing a favorable credit rating during and after college is critical for future employment opportunities as well as for living the lifestyle they hope to achieve” and “making graduating students aware of the importance of good credit”.

Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and an essay they prepare about building good credit for financial independence. Angelica’s essay titled “On the Verge of Financial Independence” stresses the importance of spending cautiously, investing wisely, and minimizing debt.

Angelica will be attending Texas A&M University where she intends to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. We thank her for being a trusted employee at The CMI Group and wish her much success in achieving her educational goals.

The CMI Group acquires The Affiliated Group

April 29, 2015

Tom Stockton, CEO of The CMI Group, Inc. (CMI) and Mark Neeb, CEO of The Affiliated Group, Inc. (TAG), in a joint statement to their respective companies, announced the stock purchase of TAG by CMI.

The exact terms of the deal were not disclosed. TAG and Affiliated Credit Services will become wholly owned subsidiaries of The CMI Group along with its other subsidiaries, A to Z Call Center Services, LP and Credit Management, LP. All companies will operate under their current names. TAG will remain in Rochester, MN. The CMI Group, Inc. will remain in Carrollton, TX.

The CMI Group, Inc. is a 100% employee owned enterprise. Stockton said, “The acquisition of TAG has been under consideration for some time.” Both Neeb and Stockton have served on the American Collectors Association board of directors and are past presidents of ACA. As such, they have known each other for some time and have been somewhat familiar with the progress of each other’s companies over the years. During a friendly discussion of each other’s plans and desires for the future, Stockton said, ‘it occurred to us that we should investigate the possibility of uniting our companies.’

Neeb said, “The marriage of our two companies is a perfect fit, not only for my own personal plans, but also to maximize the benefit to my associates and clients at TAG. I am thrilled that TAG employees will be part of a much bigger enterprise and actually have ownership under The CMI Group, Inc. ESOP plan. In addition, TAG clients will benefit from the experience, technology and customer-first focus that CMI brings to the partnership, while maintaining the strong performance and relationships developed with TAG employees over the years. It’s a win for everyone involved.”

Stockton added, “Mark and I have worked on ACA business for many years and we have come to know how closely our philosophies of running an ARM company align.We are both committed to top-notch service to our clients, regulatory compliance and the best possible working conditions for our associates. I couldn’t be happier that we have been able to put this deal together. I know our respective staffs will work together seamlessly to make sure our clients continue to get the excellent service they have come to expect.”

Holiday Giving

Carrollton, Texas - The CMI Group Inc. held a gift and toy drive to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County, TX as part of our continuing effort to give back to the communities in which our employees and their families live and work. It is the CMI Group's wish to encourage and support an attitude and spirit of benevolence. As a result, our employees have created an atmosphere where giving is a natural part of life and hope to set a standard for individuals and the business community alike. CMI employees donated a variety of general wish list items in addition to fulfilling the wants and needs of 23 children from 5 separate families with purchases totaling over $2,400.00 toward the Children's Advocacy Center's Holiday Assistance Program.

The CMI Group was privileged to participate in each of the Children's Advocacy Center's outreach programs this year: Back to School, Thanksgiving Food Drive and Holiday Assistance Program. Patrice Odle, CACDC Family Services Coordinator said of CMI's efforts, "Our seasonal programs were a huge success this year! We are truly blessed to have The CMI Group participate in our seasonal assistance drives and volunteer time for our center."

The CMI Group has more than 29 years of experience providing industry leading accounts receivable management and business process outsourcing services. Please learn more about The CMI Group by visiting our website at www.thecmigroup.com.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Carrollton, Texas - The CMI Group Inc. held a food drive leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County, TX as part of its continuing effort to give back to the communities in which our employees and their families live. The CMI Group Inc. and its employees feel strongly about setting a good example of social responsibility for the business community. This effort generated a donation of over 2,200 nonperishable food items that will help those in need in Denton County. A CMI toy drive is currently underway and will also benefit the families of the Children's Advocacy Center during this holiday season.

Stacie Wainscott, with the Children's Advocacy Center stated, "The CMI Group has helped our children and families during a difficult time in their lives by filling our food pantry for the Holidays. Child abuse often brings about financial hardships for families and the Holidays can be a particularly stressful time on our families. We are grateful to CMI for helping our families in need."

The CMI Group provides industry leading accounts receivable management (ARM) and business process outsourcing (BPO) services including 3rd party collections, 1st party receivables management, customer service, debt purchase and warehousing programs. Established in 1985, CMI has more than 29 years of industry experience and possesses a track record of exceeding the expectations of our clients and their consumers. Please learn more about The CMI Group by visiting our website at www.thecmigroup.com.