Cary, N.C. - HMI announced that Kramer Tree Specialists has joined its Authorized Member (AM) Network to support HMI's programs in the Chicagoland Area. Members of HMI's AM Network provide property owners with risk mitigation services, tree repair and replacement services and other services related to insurance claims and tree damage recovery. Additional services offered by the AM Network include tree and debris removal, cause of loss analysis, and the calculation of replacement costs for lost trees and shrubs. AM Network members receive work referrals from HMI and are also able to offer treeShield^®, the only insurance-backed warranty for the professional tree care industry that is exclusively available through the AM Network.

"Kramer Tree has worked with HMI over the past year and we are delighted that they have expanded their cooperation with us by joining the AM network," said Doug Malawsky, executive vice president and COO of HMI. "Kramer Tree is an outstanding company and has been providing excellent tree care for over 35 years. They are one of the few TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) accredited companies in the state of Illinois and they are recognized as a leader in the arboricultural industry. Having companies like Kramer Tree in our network are an important asset that greatly aids us in our mission to promote the value of professional tree care work to insurance companies."

"Our company has always strived to achieve the highest standards of tree care," said Joseph Kramer, President of Kramer Tree. "We are happy that HMI is expending significant resources on educating their clientele on the importance of using qualified tree care professionals in an industry that is not only complex but which requires the highest standards of safety. The fruits of HMI's labors will benefit the tree care industry as a whole and we support the creation of the AM network as an effective way to set the bar for tree care companies across the nation."

Through its AM Network HMI represents the only national provider of comprehensive tree and landscaping services for the insurance industry. The company's services include emergency tree removals, standardized health inspections and average replacement cost analysis of trees. HMI currently receives insurance referrals from over 40 large insurance companies and independent adjusters. All referrals are qualified by HMI and provided to Network members. In addition, the treeShield^® Warranty program is only available through AMs in HMI's Network. For more information, please visit HMI's web site www.HMIadvantage.com or call (866) 937-6468.

As a family owned business for over 35 years, Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc. (KTS) has been dedicated to meeting and exceeding the highest standards of excellence within the arboricultural industry. KTS's success over the years is in part due to our dedicated and loyal staff of 85 and the diversity of services we offer. Our clients will agree safe and efficient service along with expansive knowledge and professionalism is KTS's culture. We are accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and we have certified arborists on staff. For more information, visit KTS's Web site at www.KramerTree.com or call 630-293-5444.

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