InternetCrusade® and NAR Announce Five-Year Contract Extension;
IC To Remain Exclusive REALTOR e-PRO® Provider
(Chicago, IL August 17, 2005) - The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) and InternetCrusade® - the exclusive provider of online training for NAR's e-PRO® certification course since 2001--- are proud to announce a five-year extension of their contract. The extension runs through December 31, 2010.
"The relationship between InternetCrusade and NAR has been a strong one and we are extremely pleased with the opportunity to continue providing REALTORS® with the technology training they need to be successful in today's fast-paced, changing marketplace," said Saul Klein, President of San Diego-based InternetCrusade. "The contract extension allows us to continue refining the course to reflect the changes taking place within the industry as well as providing e-PRO®s with insight into evolving technology. It also allows us to build the international online community of e-PRO®s who share expertise and also refer business to one another."
The e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home. It is the only technology certification course offered by NAR.
"The comprehensive training that NAR members receive through the e-PRO® program has been instrumental in increasing the ability of REALTORS® to compete in an industry that is increasingly driven by the Internet-savvy consumer," said Bob Goldberg, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. "Our vision for the e-PRO® certification program is to create a well-trained, core group of real estate professionals who are thriving in the online-based real estate industry. We are pleased to extend our relationship with InternetCrusade® to provide this important training for our members."
The certification course is presented entirely online and certifies REALTORS® as Internet professionals. Because of the course's innovative design, students are able to complete the web- based course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORS stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models. Course versions are offered for three distinct groups: Real Estate Sales and Broker Professionals (including office managers), Association Management Professionals and Property Managers.
Upon graduation, e-PRO®s join the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who are better equipped to offer online-based real estate marketing and services, and who are able to serve the Internet Consumer. The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, the use of online research tools, and more. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market. Consumers can identify real estate professionals who have obtained the e-PRO® certification through the exclusive e-PRO® logo and through the online directory located at the course's website, www.eProNAR.com.
InternetCrusade® (www.InternetCrusade.com) is a San Diego-based company that was founded in 1995. Specializing in online publishing, InternetCrusade provides tools and systems for real estate professionals including domains, domain hosting, e-mail systems and hosting, Listservs, online voting and surveys. The firm is the exclusive provider of the NAR's e-PRO® certification course and a participant in NAR's REALTOR VIP® Alliance Program. InternetCrusade's three principal officers have more than 100 years of combined real estate industry experience.
NAR members enjoy the benefits of the REALTOR VIP® Program, which is designed to help REALTORS® gain the advantages of group buying power, plan for the future, and expand their professional knowledge through its more than 50 publications and educational offerings. The more than 25 REALTOR VIP® strategic alliance partners, which make up the program, are leaders in their industries and committed to providing NAR members with special offerings tailored to their needs.
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
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Information about NAR is available at http://www.REALTOR.org.