Business and Personal Services

Businesses and professionals engaged in providing services, such as credit collection, advertising, accounting, and automotive repair, to businesses and individuals.

Resources in this category:

American Academy of Professional Coders
http://www.aapc.com/

"The American Academy of Professional Coders was founded in 1988 in an effort to raise the professional standard of medical coders by providing ongoing education, certification, networking, and recognition." This site has information on membership, training and education products, certification, networking, local chapters, the annual conference, and careers.

American Australian Association
http://www.aaanyc.org/

"The American Australian Association (AAA), founded in 1948, is a private, not for-profit organization devoted to service to American-Australian and New Zealand relations and to companies and individuals in the New York area interested in Australia and New Zealand." The website features information on membership, social events, a calendar of events, business contacts and networking for those interested in Australian/New Zealand businesses.

American Boarding Kennels Association
http://www.abka.com/abka/

"ABKA is the non-profit trade association for the pet boarding kennel industry in the United States and around the world. ABKA members offer a variety of services including pet boarding, grooming, training, transportation, shipping, pet supplies, day care and food sales."

American Health Information Management Association
http://www.ahima.org/

"The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the dynamic professional association that represents more than 40,000 specially educated health information management professionals who work throughout the healthcare industry. Health information management professionals serve the healthcare industry and the public by managing, analyzing, and utilizing data vital for patient care -- and making it accessible to healthcare providers when it is needed most... AHIMA is also instrumental in developing industry standards, advocating relevant legislation, and providing education in health information." There's information here for professionals about certification, careers and colleges, events, publications, and state associations. The site also has a patient resource center, news clips, and details of their media and speaker services.

American Rehabilitation Economics Association
http://www.a-r-e-a.org/

"The American Rehabilitation Economics Association (AREA) is a national association of vocational and economic experts who evaluate the impact of injury for the purposes of a trial." This site has links to their association history, ecpertise, AREA'a board and journal, and other helpful forensic links.

American Society of Appraisers
http://www.appraisers.org/

"The American Society of Appraisers is an organization of appraisal professionals and others interested in the appraisal profession. International in structure, it is self-supporting and independent. The oldest and only major appraisal organization representing all of the disciplines of appraisal specialists, the society originated in 1936 and incorporated in 1952. ASA's headquarters is in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area." Includes a list of appraisers nationwide, searchable by name, specialty, and geographic location.

Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc.
http://www.aloa.org/

"The Associated Locksmiths of America Inc. (ALOA) is an international professional organization of highly qualified security professionals engaged in consulting, sales, installation and maintenance of locks, keys, safes, premises security, access controls, alarms, and other security related endeavors. This site contains information to help a consumer locate a locksmith in their area and to learn more about professional standards for the security industry. The site also contains information for members of ALOA, and for non-member locksmiths looking to join or further their education and professionalism."

Association of Credit and Collection Professionals
http://www.acainternational.org/

ACA is a non-profit trade association representing the professional collection services. This site provides information about the organization as well as links such as 3Questions and Answers about Debt Collection,2 3What to do When You Receive a Collection Notice,2 and 3Selecting a Professional Collection Agency.2

Automotive Service Association
http://www.asashop.org/

"A professional affiliation of over 15,000 automotive repair shop owners throughout the United States representing both mechanical repair shops, collision shops and transmission repair service centers. These business owners are all dedicated toward providing the best automotive service repairs to the consuming public and maintain the highest ethical standards in their daily providing of such service. The web site explains in more detail what the ASA is and has a service facility locator to help find a service center nearest to you."

Canadian Association of Professional Speakers
http://www.canadianspeakers.org/

"The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers is home to over 250 professional speakers, keynoters, trainers and facilitators from across Canada... CAPS members come together to build their skills, develop their businesses, and advance the industry." In addition to resources like news, upcoming events, and chapter directories for speakers, this site features a speakers directory for those who are looking for a professional speaker.

Center for Applied Special Techology
http://www.cast.org/

"Founded in 1984, CAST is an educational, not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, including those with disabilities." These web pages "explain CAST's mission and goals, accomplishments, staff, board, and describe opportunities for Web visitors to support CAST's work." CAST is the creator of the "Bobby" software, which tests web pages/sites for maximum accessibility to people with disabilities.

Funeral Consumers Alliance
http://www.funerals.org/

"FAMSA is dedicated to a consumer's right to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral." It "provides education on funeral choices to increase public awareness of funeral options, including how to care for your own dead; monitors the funeral industry trends and practices nationally and exposes abuses; serves as a consumer advocate for reforms on the national level and lends support for changes where needed on the state or local level."

International Association of Administrative Professionals
http://www.iaap-hq.org/

"Promoting high professional standards and enhancing the image of the profession are goals of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), formerly known as Professional Secretaries International. Founded in 1942, and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, IAAP is the world's largest association for administrative support staff, with over 700 chapters and 40,000 members and affiliates worldwide. IAAP provides information and resources to help administrative professionals become more effective contributors to their employers. The association also works to educate employers and the public about the value of the profession and the advantages of an administrative career." Information about membership, news, and related links are available from this site.

International Society of Appraisers
http://www.isa-appraisers.org/

"A not-for-profit organization, the International Society of Appraisers is North America's largest association of personal property appraisers. It's mission is to provide education and organizational support to its members, and to serve the public by producing highly qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in professional personal property appraising. Has searchable database of accredited appraisers, explains benefits of membership, gives appraisal facts and consumer information, course schedules, conference info, resources and links to other sites.

Media Communications Association International
http://www.mca-i.org/

³he Media Communications Association International is a global community of professionals devoted to the business and art of visual communication. We are professionals who work in video, film, distance learning, web design and creation, and all forms of interactive visual communications, along with all associated crafts. Our members create programs that use visual media to convey important messages and information for corporations, small businesses, agencies, non-profit organizations, the government, education, the medical field, broadcast and cable television, etc.² This site has links to information regarding conferences, membership, news and newsletter, seminars and workshops, job hotlines, regional events and chapters, contacts, benefits and dues structure.

Medical Association of Billers
http://www.e-medbill.com/

"The Medical Association of Billers is an insurance claims organization created as a dependable source of basic and specialty coding information for independent third party billing and coding centers as well as provider offices and hospitals in need of billing and coding education and training." MAB offers online medical billing training, as well as a variety of weekend seminars. The site has information on training cources, membership, publications and other products, and MAB's mentoring program.

The National Antique and Art Dealers Association
http://www.dir-dd.com/naadaa.html/

"The National Antique & Art Dealers Association is a non-profit trade organization of America¹s leading dealers, mutually pledged to safeguard the interests of those who buy, sell or collect antiques and works of art. Founded in 1954, NAADAA seeks to promote the best interests of the antique and art trade: to sponsor and organize antique and art exhibitions; and, to promote just, honorable and ethical trade practices."

National Association of Legal Secretaries
http://www.nals.org/

'National Association of Legal Secretaries is the premier association for professional legal support staff. Through NALS, members enhance their knowledge of the legal profession with continuing legal education seminars, the @Law publication, certification for the entry level and advanced legal secretary, and networking with their peers. Over 5,000 members nationwide are served by the NALS Resource Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A qualified staff of professionals are available to assist members with continuing education, certification, member services and resource materials." Site "includes links to state and local chapters throughout US and other legal related sites; information on legal training courses professional certification; upcoming seminars; a job bank; chat room and much more."

National Association of Nannies
http://www.nannyassociation.com/

"The National Association of Nannies is operated solely by nannies who are dedicated to the improvement of the nanny profession." The site has information about the annual conference and contact information for various nanny support organizations.

National Association of Professional Cleaners
http://cleaningassociation.com/default.aspx

"A national network of independent cleaning companies" in the U.S. and Canada. Most of the NAPC's members "provide residential, commerical and carpet cleaning services." The site contains a searchable directory of member companies, various industry-related information resources and product information.

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
http://www.petsitters.org/

NAPPS seeks "to promote the concept of in-home pet care, to support the professionals engaged in at-home pet care, promote the welfare of animals and to improve and expand the industry of pet sitting." Besides membership information, the site provides reasons for having a pet sitter and guidelines for finding and working with your pet sitter.

National Speakers Association
http://www.nsaspeaker.org/

"NSA: The Voice of the Speaking Profession, is the premier association for experts who speak professionally." The site includes administrative information about the organization, membership information, resources for finding a speaker, news and events, and articles from their publication Professional Speaker Magazine.

National Verbatim Reporters Association
http://www.nvra.org/

"The voice writer takes proceedings by voice rather than with a stenotype machine... The purpose of the National Verbatim Reporters Association is to bring together all voice writers in order to secure the benefits resulting from organized efforts. NVRA further strives to educate the public and the legal community toward a better understanding of the voice writing system." This site includes the history of the NVRA, certification and training information, classifieds, an online magazine, and links to sites of interested to court reporters.

New York Association of In-house Locksmiths
http://www.locksmith.org/

"A non-profit educational association of locksmiths working "in-house." Our members are employed by educational facilities, hospitals, corporations, institutions, hotels and government agencies in the greater New York City area." Site features information on activities and meetings, including training seminars; job listings; membership info; and related links.

Pacific Northwest Association of Investigators
http://www.pnai.com/

"The Pacific Northwest Association of Investigators (P.N.A.I.) is a professional organization of licensed investigators incorporated in the state of Washington in 1947. P.N.A.I. was established to assist members in their continuing professional education, to establish goals for the professional conduct and behavior, by mandating high standards of personal and professional conduct. P.N.A.I. is committed to promote the well being of the profession by working in concert with other professional associations, the state Department of Licensing and state legislators to develop regulations and laws which enhance our profession and protect the public."

PNAI's web site provides users information about professional development workshops, membership and benefit information, along with contact information of PNAI's members.

Pet Sitters International
http://www.petsit.com/index.html

"Pet Sitters International was created by Patti Moran to provide professional pet sitters the opportunity to network with peers who share a common vision of excellence in at-home pet care, and provide members with the benefits they need at an affordable rate." The site has information for pet sitters as well as advice for owners looking for a pet sitter and a directory of available pet sitters in the United States and Canada.

Private Investigator's Association of Florida
http://www.piaf.org/

"Our mission is the advancement of investigators through continuing education, action legislation, and industry awareness. The PIAF is representative of investigators throughout Florida and is proud to include members nationally and internationally. We welcome members of all categories in positive support of the private sector investigations industry." This site includes membership information, upcoming events, and links to helpful resources for investigators.

Professional Association of Appraisers - Quilted Textiles
http://www.quiltappraisers.org/

Page has links to a list of certified apprasiers, information about what to look for in an appraisal, and about why you should have your quilt appraised, as well as the text of the Code of Ethics that members of PAAQT agree to abide by. Site also features forms to allow users to contact an appraiser near them.

Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals
http://www.scip.org/

The Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) consists of 3,800 Competitive Intelligence (CI) professionals from companies and consulting firms around the globe. "Dedicated to the ethical gathering and dissemination of information, SCIP members are responsible for analyzing information about competitors and the competitive environment." This site provides information about membership, benefits, and local chapters. It also includes the SCIP Web Journal, a calendar of events, information about its upcoming conference and educational programs, and links to related sites and resources. It has a members only section, but it is currently accessible to nonmembers.

Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution
http://www.spidr.org/

"An international membership association committed to the advancement of the highest standards of ethics and practice for dispute resolvers... SPIDR's intention is to expand the utilization of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) by private individuals, governmental agencies, and public and private organizations." The site includes info on membership benefits, available publications, SPIDR's sectors and chapters, current and upcoming events, and annual conference.

Texas Locksmiths Association
http://www.texaslocksmiths.org/

"The Texas Locksmiths Association was organized by a group of concerned locksmiths from throughout the state on February 22, 1964. Since that first group of pioneers, the Association has grown to about 700 active members. TLA also provides for a statewide locksmith convention held on an annual basis. At this event classes, clinics and an exhibition take place over a six (6) day period." With education as its main purpose, TLA is "pledged to developing a higher standard of public service and security to increase the knowledge, experience, and skills of its membership through classes, courses of instruction, discussion groups, and seminars to improve the image and prestige of the locksmith."

Toastmasters International
http://www.toastmasters.org/

"Whether you're a professional, student, stay-at-home parent, or retiree, Toastmasters is the best way to improve your communication skills. Toastmasters can help you lose the fear of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path you've chosen. You'll be a better listener. You'll easily lead teams and conduct meetings." This site contains information for members, information about the history and organization of Toastmasters, a directory for finding clubs in your area, and speaking tips.