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01 Oct 2014

National Inventory Certification Association Improves Certification Process

To receive Certified Inventory Specialist designation, asset inventory professionals will earn CEUs through life experiences, formal education, and NICA-approved courses.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) has announced improvements to their Certified Inventory Specialist certification process. Creating these revisions for the asset (personal property) inventory industry places NICA’s professional development program within the standards established by the leading association organizations.

Developed by NICA and operated in conjunction with the Inventory Institute, these two professional inventory organizations have established a checks and balances to ensure an ethically developed and managed certification program. This is accomplished through the Inventory Institute determining the prerequisites to achieve certification while NICA develops the education courses to meet those needs.

In addition to passing the required online self-paced courses offered on the NICA website, the candidates will be able to also earn credits for formal education, seminar attendance, military experience, years in business, and other life experiences. These requirements indicate that the asset inventory professional has shown proficiency and skills deemed necessary for a quality inventory service provider. Upon earning the determined number of CEUs, the candidate can apply to take the certification exam to achieve the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

NICA Managing Director, Cindy Hartman, stated, “Our industry is growing. The timing is right to develop a quality, nationally-approved certification program to help bring cohesiveness and accountability to the asset inventory industry. An inventory professional will benefit by being affiliated with these two organizations and agreeing to conduct business according to the industry standard Code of Ethics. Achieving their CIS certification will gain them additional recognition as a leader in the industry.”

Non-members can also apply for and achieve CIS designation. All NICA members receive the benefit of a 50% discount on all Continuing Education Courses and the Certification Exam.

Remaining within the guidelines of association industry standards, Certified Members will be required to meet a set number of CEUs to renew certification every two (2) years.

04 Jun 2014

Indianapolis, Indiana Inventory Professional Earns National Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Jo Soard
for achieving the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

SoardNational Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Jo Soard, owner of American Home Inventory Professionals, has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation through NICA confirms her knowledge and competence to provide thorough contents inventory services to businesses, homeowners, and renters.

A requirement for certification and membership is to agree to conduct business according to the Code of Ethics, which are approved standards for the personal property (home) inventory industry. Members of NICA hold themselves and each other accountable to ensure all clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality.

Certification and Membership with the National Inventory Certification Association enables Ms. Soard to be associated with other like-minded inventory business owners. The asset inventory industry continues to grow, and becoming certified represents the dedication and professionalism of all members of this association. Adding this designation to her other industry credentials helps bring credibility to her company, individually, and national recognition to the industry as a whole. In addition to being certified, she is bonded and insured.

Known as “the Inventory Lady” throughout the Indianapolis Metro area, Ms. Soard began offering this much-needed service due to her family’s experience with Hurricane Katrina. As the awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a photographic and written record of personal property grows, the asset inventory industry continues to evolve. Choosing to achieve certification will enable Soard to stand apart from other asset inventory companies that have not yet achieved this designation.

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jo Soard, the Inventory Lady, provides residential and small business asset inventory services throughout central Indiana. Visit her website for more information.

25 Nov 2013

National Inventory Certification Association Launches New Website

New website offers certification, education, professional development, and referrals to meet the needs of members and the community.

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) has launched a new website to meet the needs of the continued growth of the asset (personal property) inventory industry. This new easy-to-navigate site offers a certification portal, membership directory, and a book store of resources for small business owners and the community in general.

NICA Managing Director, Cindy Hartman, stated, “We have the vision and commitment to provide education and referrals for our membership, as well as professional development materials that are relevant for small business owners in any industry.” Debbie Mahler, president of Internet Tech Specialists (http://www.internettechspecialists), is the technical and creative resource for this easy-to-navigate website. NICA contracted Mahler for this project after Hartman received exceptional results for other company websites, Hartman Inventory and Nationwide Inventory Professionals (http://www.NationwideInventoryProfessionals.com), that Mahler developed.

The new National Inventory Certification Association website contains key elements that will serve a variety of purposes.

Members Directory

Homeowners and business owners have become more aware of the need to protect their financial future through professional documentation of their assets. When seeking ethical and honest service providers, the Members Directory will assist in this search. All members of NICA are certified and have agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics, as outlined on the website.

Certification and Continuing Education

The certification portal is completely electronic, which allows each asset inventory professional seeking certification to work at his or her own pace. Designation as a Certified Inventory Specialist places them among the ranks who have chosen to be recognized as leaders in the industry. Soon-to-be available continuing education courses will cover home inventory procedures as well as business, boat, and structural inventories. Additional courses will be developed to meet the needs as the industry expands.

Professional Development

In addition to residential and business asset inventory ebooks, members and guests of the website can purchase ebooks, audio files, and workbooks on topics of marketing, goal-setting, and PC maintenance. Additional resources will continue to be added, offering topics pertinent to all small business owners.

Association- and Industry-related News

For industry professionals, and those interested in learning more about this essential service, the News page includes press releases and other current information regarding the industry and individual members of the National Inventory Certification Association.

Hartman concludes, “We spoke with quite a few asset inventory professionals prior to creating this website in an effort to serve their needs. The feedback we’ve received has assured us that we’ve done exactly that.”

15 Nov 2013

Pompano Beach, Florida Inventory Professional Earns Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Bob Freund, who has achieved the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Bob Freund, owner of Good Neighbor Services, Inc., has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation through NICA confirms his knowledge and competence to provide thorough contents inventory services to businesses, homeowners, condo owners, and renters.

A requirement for certification and membership is to agree to the Code of Ethics, which helps ensure that clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality. One of the standards itemized in the Code of Ethics is that members conduct business with honesty, integrity, sound business judgment, and professionalism.

Good Neighbor Services, Inc. is a family owned and operated business that was created to meet the needs of absentee condo owners to have a secure, dependable way to protect and monitor their property while they are out of town. A natural extension of additional services for these and other clients is Freund’s asset inventory service. Good Neighbor Services’ clients realize the need to protect their structural assets, and the contents within their buildings falls under the desire to protect their financial future as well. Good Neighbor Services provides asset inventory services to clients in communities throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade counties.

Mr. Freund states, “Our goal is to provide our clients with the same kind of care and attention that a truly Good Neighbor would provide to their friends.”

Contact Good Neighbor Home Inventory Services, for more information.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies. For more information visit www.NationalInventoryCertificationAssociation.com.

12 Nov 2013

Aiken, SC Inventory Professional Earns Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Rachel d’Entremont, who has achieved the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Rachel d’Entremont, owner of For the Record Inventories, has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation from NICA confirms her knowledge and competence to provide thorough contents inventory services to businesses, homeowners, and renters in the Aiken, South Carolina area.

As the general public gains knowledge of the necessity to have a photographic and written record of their belongings, the asset inventory industry continues to evolve. The number of inventory service companies is increasing due to the demand for this professional service for both residential and commercial clients.

A requirement for certification and membership with NICA is to agree to the Code of Ethics, which helps ensure that their clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality. After 13 years as a Planner for the City of Aiken, Ms. d’Entremont was ready for a career change. Seeking certification in the same year she opened her business indicates that she has chosen to be recognized as a professional, setting herself apart from others.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.

28 Oct 2013

Owners of Hartman Inventory Achieve Certification

National Inventory Certification Association extends congratulations to Mike and Cindy Hartman, owners of Avon, Indiana-based Hartman Inventory

Helping to raise the bar for their chosen profession, Mike and Cindy Hartman of Hartman Inventory, Avon, Indiana, have invested in achieving their Certified Inventory Expert (CIE) designation. National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) recognizes their knowledge and competence to create thorough personal property inventory services to schools, municipalities, businesses, homeowners, and renters.

A requirement for certification and membership is to agree to the Code of Ethics, which are approved standards for the personal property (home) inventory industry. Members of NICA hold themselves and each other accountable to ensure the public is served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality.

Certification and Membership with NICA enables the Hartmans to be associated with other like-minded inventory business owners, helps bring credibility to Hartman Inventory, and also national recognition to the industry as a whole.

The asset inventory industry continues to grow, and becoming certified represents the dedication and professionalism of this husband and wife team. Certification places Mike and Cindy in a favorable position – that of being recognized as professionals who have chosen to establish themselves as leaders in the industry. In addition to being certified, they are also bonded and insured.

The Hartmans take this leadership role quite seriously. They began their inventory service in 2004, bringing decades of corporate experience to their own company. After years of learning the industry through trial-and-error, they created Nationwide Inventory Professionals, a Business Package and Licensing Agreement, to help others avoid the long start-up phase. The marketing package, mentoring, continued support, and certification are just some of the elements included in the business package, which enables the new business owners to concentrate on building their business.

Most recently, Mike and Cindy Hartman have stepped forward to assume additional roles within the asset inventory industry. They are Executive and Managing Directors, respectively, of the National Inventory Certification Association and also serve on the Leadership Team of The Inventory Institute.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.

28 Oct 2013

Colorado Springs Couple Earn Asset Inventory Industry Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates Mark and Vanessa Leiker of VanMark Inventory Services for achieving industry designation of Certified Inventory Expert.

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife team Mark and Vanessa Leiker of VanMark Inventory Services, have earned the designation of Certified Inventory Experts (CIE). Achieving this designation from NICA confirms their knowledge and competence to provide thorough contents inventory services to businesses, schools, government offices, homeowners, and renters in the Colorado Springs, Colorado area.

The asset inventory industry continues to grow and evolve as the general public gains knowledge of the importance and necessity to have a photographic and written record of their belongings. The Leikers have joined the growing number of inventory service companies to help meet the demand for this professional, 3rd party service.

The numerous stories about the victims of the Waldo Canyon Fire that destroyed 346 homes in Colorado Springs in the summer of 2012 encouraged Mark and Vanessa to begin their business quickly so they could help others who will face the struggles of completing insurance claims after a loss. To assist with a quick and professional start-up, they invested in a Nationwide Inventory Professionals Business Package and Licensing Agreement. Having the marketing and business processes created for them, they were able to concentrate on their business.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.

28 Oct 2013

Western Michigan Home Inventory Professional Earns Certification

National Inventory Certification Association announces achievement by Jim Irwin of Northern Inventory in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Jim Irwin of Northern Inventory in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Expert (CIE). Achieving this designation from NICA confirms his knowledge and competence to provide residential contents inventory services for homeowners and renters as well as commercial services to businesses, schools, non-profits, and government offices.

A requirement for certification and membership is to agree to and abide by the Code of Ethics, which are approved standards for the personal property (home) inventory industry. Members of NICA hold themselves and each other accountable to ensure that their clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality.

As the general public gains knowledge of the necessity to have a photographic and written record of their belongings, the asset inventory industry continues to evolve. The number of inventory service companies is increasing due to the demand for this professional service for both residential and business clients. A seasoned salesman, Irwin retired from the auto industry a few years ago. Shortly after, his niece, Erin McKay, asked him if he would join her in the business as co-owner of Northern Inventory. Ms. McKay manages the Alaska office while Irwin provides inventory serviced in Michigan.

To assist with a quick and professional start-up, they invested in a Nationwide Inventory Professionals Business Package and Licensing Agreement. Having the marketing materials and business processes created for them, they were able to concentrate on building and growing their businesses. When asked about his new career, Irwin said, “I enjoy giving people the tools and resources they need to properly recover from an unexpected loss. Providing the benefits of this information to those I’ve known my entire life is a great feeling! This is worth coming out of retirement for!”

Jim’s achievement of this industry certification secures customer confidence while it brings recognition to Northern Inventory and the entire asset inventory industry. Certification places him in a favorable position – that of being known as a professional who has chosen to establish himself as a leader in the industry. In addition to being certified, he is also bonded and insured.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies

28 Oct 2013

Central Indiana Inventory Professionals Earn Certification

National Inventory Certification Association congratulates John and Kristie Mullett of Integrity Inventory in Greentown, who have achieved the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS).

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife team John and Kristie Mullett of Integrity Inventory, have earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialists (CIS). Achieving this designation from NICA confirms their knowledge and competence to provide thorough contents inventory services to businesses, homeowners, and renters in the Greentown, Indiana area.

When deciding to begin Integrity Inventory LLC, the couple talked to their insurance agent about the personal property inventory service. They learned that having third-party personal property documentation is a primary key to receiving payment of a residential or commercial claim quickly and in the greatest amount. Home or business owner videos or photographs do not constitute third party documentation. John and Kristie also learned that knowing what you own is helpful, if not essential, for many other reasons … moving or storage claims, estate and financial planning, probate, and divorce and pre-nuptial agreements.

As the general public gains knowledge of the importance and necessity to have a photographic and written record of their belongings, the asset inventory industry continues to evolve. The number of inventory service companies is increasing due to the demand for this professional service for both residential and commercial clients.

A requirement for certification and membership with NICA is to agree to and abide by the Code of Ethics. This helps bring confidence and trust that their clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.

28 Oct 2013

Alaska-based Asset Inventory Professional Earns Certification

National Inventory Certification Association announces member Erin McKay, of Northern Inventory in Anchorage, Alaska

National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Erin McKay of Northern Inventory in Anchorage, Alaska, has earned the designation of Certified Inventory Expert (CIE). Achieving this designation from NICA confirms her knowledge and competence to provide residential contents inventory services for homeowners and renters as well as commercial services to businesses, schools, non-profits, and government offices.

A requirement for certification and membership is to agree to the Code of Ethics, which are approved standards for the personal property (home) inventory industry. Members of NICA hold themselves and each other accountable to ensure that their clients are served with integrity, respect, and confidentiality.

As the general public gains knowledge of the necessity to have a photographic and written record of their belongings, the asset inventory industry continues to evolve. The number of inventory service companies is increasing due to the demand for this professional service for both residential and business clients.

McKay’s achievement secures customer confidence while it brings recognition to Northern Inventory and the entire asset inventory industry. Certification places her in a favorable position – that of being known as a professional who has chosen to set herself apart from others. In addition to being certified, McKay is also bonded and insured.

About National Inventory Certification Association

Established in 2011, the National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is the officially recognized certification authority for the personal property/asset inventory industry. The certification and continuing education opportunities ensure that members have access to quality industry knowledge as well as business and professional development resources to help achieve the success they seek for their home and/or business contents inventory companies.