Gathering fostered discussions on latest trends and development in the collections industry

Vancouver, Wash., October 5, 2006
Columbia Ultimate, the industry expert in providing software and integrated solutions for collecting money, today announced that it concluded its 2006 Art of Success Client Conference. The three-day event featured a variety of seminars and workshops that focused on leadership, motivational techniques as well as latest trends and developments in the collection industry.

At Art of Success, Columbia Ultimate clients gained knowledge on techniques to drive organizational excellence and how to retain a lasting competitive advantage through delivering higher levels of client satisfaction. Columbia Ultimate also shared upcoming enhancements to products and services in 2007. “It was an incredibly valuable experience to network with leaders in the industry, discuss how we can improve our organizations and learn from the presenters and users on ways to further capitalize on our collections software. I came away from the conference feeling empowered with new knowledge and information to improve and enhance our collections efforts,” said Chris Dunkum, vice president of First Collection Services from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Collections agency owners, IT staff, government representatives and healthcare professionals from across the country attended the conference, which was held in Portland, Oregon. Columbia Ultimate also hosted an open house and over 25 client training sessions on its solutions in conjunction with the conference.

“This year's conference exceeded our expectations. We were thrilled to see so many of our clients and partners, and to conduct productive sessions and dialogue on many areas that are of interest to the collections community. We look forward to holding Art of Success 2007 and appreciate the continued commitment and support from our clients,” said R. Fred Houston, president and CEO, Columbia Ultimate.

About Columbia Ultimate

Columbia Ultimate is the industry expert in providing software and integrated solutions for collecting money. Since 1979, collection agencies, debt buyers, banks, healthcare and retail organizations have relied on Columbia Ultimate's comprehensive line of software and services to increase efficiency, profitability and success with their collections. In addition, Columbia Ultimate is the leader in providing revenue recovery solutions for state, county and local governments across the country.

Headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., with an office in Atlanta, Georgia, Columbia Ultimate is a privately-held company with more than 500 clients worldwide. For more information, visit www.columbiaultimate.com.