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In a message dated 7/14/02 1:45:28 PM, Mflynn6705@aol.com writes:
Next Funeral Director (anyone is invited) Afternoon / Night out will be on Sat. July 20th starting @ 3:00 p.m. . at WATERWORKS in Marina Bay, Quincy.. Just to let everyone know there is a cover charge that starts @ 8pm there so get there early. last time was a big success. So pass this along to everyone. ALL are invited. even your spouses if your desire! Any questions give me a call (617) 828-7856 Mike Flynn
C ya there. (Directions Are Below)
Marina Bay on Boston Harbor
Eat, drink, dance, and shop-till-you-drop along our Nantucket-style boardwalk hosting a wide variety of restaurants, lounges and clubs. Anywhere from casual seafood, salads and wraps to upscale Italian.
Dockside dinning is available at all establishments.
Waterworks, the only outdoor nightclub in New England, with live music,
volleyball, billiards, dancing, food and specialty bars.
The Oyster Bar, for dockside dining.
Siro's, American and Italian fare.
The Center Market, for takeout and convenience items.
Amelia's features salads, sandwiches and munchies.
Captain Fishbones restaurant and lounge.
The Chantey, purveyor of fish and chips.
Cream & Sugar, ice cream and coffee shop.
HERE ARE SOME LINKS FOR MARINA BAY:
Eat, drink, dance, and shop-till-you-drop along our Nantucket-style boardwalk hosting a wide variety of restaurants, lounges and clubs. Anywhere from casual seafood, salads and wraps to upscale Italian.
Dockside dinning is available at all establishments.
Waterworks, the only outdoor nightclub in New England, with live music,
volleyball, billiards, dancing, food and specialty bars.
The Oyster Bar, for dockside dining.
Siro's, American and Italian fare.
The Center Market, for takeout and convenience items.
Amelia's features salads, sandwiches and munchies.
Captain Fishbones restaurant and lounge.
The Chantey, purveyor of fish and chips.
Cream & Sugar, ice cream and coffee shop.
Marina Bay on Boston Harbor
333 Victory Rd.
North Quincy, MA 02171
Clark Goebel
Phone: (617) 847-1800
Fax: (617) 847-1840
Boston Harbor
marinabay@flagshipmarinas.com
From Points North
Take the Southeast Expressway (Route 93 Southbound) to the Quincy/Neponset Exit, #12. At the end of ramp bear right onto Gallivan Boulevard. At first intersection, Neponset Circle, bear right at flashing signs to Squantum. At the second set of lights, take a left onto E. Squantum Street, (Dunkin Donuts on left). Continue 1/4 mile, you will see the entrance to Marina Bay/Victory Road on your left. Follow directions to yacht at bottom of page.
From Points South
Take Route 3 North to Route 93. Take the Granite Avenue Exit, #11. At end of ramp continue straight. At second set of lights turn right onto Gallivan Boulevard continue for approximately one mile. At Neponset Circle bear right at flashing yellow light onto Route 3A South. Continue over Neponset River Bridge and follow signs to Squantum. At the second set of lights, take a left onto E. Squantum Street, (Dunkin Donuts on left). Continue 1/4 mile, you will see the entrance to Marina Bay/victory Road on your left. Follow directions to yacht at bottom page.
From Points West
Take Mass Turnpike East to the Southeast Expressway (Route 93 Southbound) to the Quincy/Neponset Exit, #12. At end of ramp bear right onto Gallivan Boulevard. At first intersection, Neponset Circle, bear right at flashing yellow light onto Route 3A South. Continue over Neponset Bridge and follow signs to Quantum. At the second set of lights, take a left onto E. Squantum Street, (Dunkin Donuts on left). Continue 1/4 mile, you will see the entrance to Marina Bay/Victory Road on your left.
Now more than ever, market share is up for grabs. Here's how to expand your reach - and position your firm for long-term success: "Advertising to Win: 11 Proven Strategies to Outsmart the Competition." This is a Funeral Service Insider Audio Conference, to be held Wednesday, August 7, 2002, 12:00 -1:00 p.m. ET.
Discover how to:
--Revamp your advertising strategy to face a strong competitor - and win. Whether it's a discounter, cemetery, chain location or fired-up indyÉyou get proven strategies to help you preserve & build market share in the face of even the toughest competitive threats.
--Navigate the tricky shoals of price advertising. When should you ignore a competitor who's hitting hard on price? Respond with price ads of your own? Or even make the first strike? Marilyn gives you a new tool set to read your market, so that you can make the right moves.
--Retool your advertising message to boost competitiveness. Why should people use your firm rather than the home down the road? Marilyn shows you how to answer that key question compellinglyÉand better position your service, staff, facilities & more.
--Make the right choices on advertising media. From newspaper and Yellow Pages ads to Web-site banners and cable TV, find out what is and isn't working right now.
--Advertise to lure cremation customers from your competition. The rules of the game have changed since Tri-State. Get Marilyn's up-to-the-minute list of do's and don'ts.
--Tweak your pre-need ads to boost response - and take future calls from your competition. Marilyn reveals her winning game plan for ad placement, response devices and more.
Marilyn is the nation's top guru on funeral service advertising, as well as one of the highest rated speakers ever to present at Funeral Service Insider conferences. With 20 years of experience in funeral service, Marilyn has evolved into one of the profession's best known and most popular convention speakers and seminar trainers. Marilyn is the Co-founder and President of MKJ Marketing of Largo, Florida, the leader in funeral home marketing.
To register,call 800-260-1545. You'll receive, via email, a packet of information, including a link to all working materials, the toll-free phone number for the conference, and your personal access code to enter the conference, hear the seminar and participate in the Q&A. The regular price is $299, but only $249 for FSI subscribers. And remember - as many staff can also visit our web site: http://www.ucg.com/health/conferences/A131/
In a message dated 6/24/02 5:29:52 PM, kshay@nfda.org writes:
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact: Fay Spano
800/228-6332
NFDA Appoints Assistant Editor for The Director Magazine
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
has selected Benjamin Lund of Greenfield, Wis., for the position of
assistant editor for the association's magazine, The Director. Lund's
talent and experience will enhance the development and quality of the
magazine, which is a key benefit of NFDA membership.
"The Director is the premiere trade publication for the funeral service
profession," explains NFDA CEO Christine Pepper. "With Ben's help, we
will continue to offer NFDA members essential information and creative
ideas they can use to provide valuable funeral and memorial services to
the families they serve."
Lund joins NFDA from Building Operating Management Magazine, where he
served as an assistant editor. Prior to his posiReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA bytion there, he worked
as a staff writer for the East Troy News weekly newspaper. Lund also
spent four years working for the Marched Tribune, Marched University's
student newspaper. At the Tribune, his duties included editor of the
Marquee (entertainment) section, special project contributor, and
writer. His past experience has given him a solid foundation in writing,
editing, interviewing and page design, making him a strong addition to
the magazine's team.
"I look forward to the opportunities that working for NFDA offers,"
said Lund. "This is an exciting time, and I hope my contributions will
further educate our readers on how to succeed in today's changing
marketplace, while providing families with the highest quality service
possible."
Lund is an active member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn more about NFDA,
visit our Website at www.nfda.org
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact: Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
ICFA OFFERS SALES MANAGEMENT TRAINING VIDEOS FROM NAKED SALES II CONFERENCE
RESTON, VA (June 24, 2002) - The International Cemetery and Funeral Association has released two new videotapes offering extensive sales management and marketing training. Recorded at Naked Sales II, the ICFA's 2000 Sales Management and Marketing Conference, the tapes cover a total of 10 presentations with more than 160 minutes of information on effectively marketing cremation and marketing to niche populations.
"Cremation Marketing" offers dozens of ideas for reaching cremation consumers and helping them incorporate memorialization and remembrance into their decision. Among the topics covered are:
o a five-step approach to creating a systematic cremation plan;
o how to visually inspire your cremation customers to create a more meaningful life tribute;
o how to take your firm from "It's just a cremation" to "Wow! It's a cremation!";
o the two types of cremation customers: "ITMs" vs. "OTMs";
o the difference between marketing cremation based on price and marketing cremation based on exceptional service;
o how to compete with third-party cremation providers;
o how to conduct an effective cremation arrangement conference;
o why cremation consumers prefer "gatherings" to "services" and what the funeral director's or cemeterian's role can be in facilitating them; and
o specific examples of theme-based packages that work.
"Niche Marketing" provides a guide to working with four specific populations: Asians, Latinos, Catholics and customers interested in purchasing private burial estates. Topics include:
o advice on creating an Asian section according to the rules of fung shui;
o the one word counselors should never use when talking with Asian consumers;
o how to recruit and retain Asian sales counselors;
o four prerequisites for selling effectively to the Latino market;
o how to establish a relationship with critical allies in reaching the Catholic market;
o why the market for private burial and mausoleum estates increased tenfold in the past decade and continues to grow at a rapid pace;
o the key elements of a successful private estates program; and
o specific steps to take when counseling a customer considering the purchase of a private estate.
The videos are available for $18 each to ICFA members and $28 each for non-members by calling 1-800-645-7700.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 5,800 cemeteries, funeral homes, memorial designers, crematories and related businesses worldwide.
ICFA WIRELESS is a biweekly electronic newsletter bringing members of the
International Cemetery and Funeral Association the latest government and
legal, industry and association news. It is available to all ICFA members
current on their dues. Comments, questions and "hot news tips" are welcome.
Write to: mailto:wireless@icfa.org .
IN THIS EDITION:
INDUSTRY NEWS
Commerce Department Seeks Public Comment on Scattering
Supreme Court Seeks ICFA Applicants for 2003-2004 Fellows Program
Harvard Researcher Cites FAMIC's Wirthlin Survey Data
ICFA NEWS
Just Released: Videos on Cremation and Niche Marketing
Book on '50+ Boomer' Now Available Exclusively Through ICFA
ICFA University Registration Deadline Extended to July 5
July Preneed Product of the Month: ICFA Sales Meetings Guidebook
Notice: Memorial Service for Herschel Auerbach Scheduled for June 30
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
COMMERCE DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON SCATTERING
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency of the
U.S. Department of Commerce, is seeking public comments regarding its
requirement for special use permits in order to scatter cremated remains in
National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS). According to NOAA, there are "no
detectable negative impacts to NMS resources... when certain conditions were
adhered to by those engaged in the activity." The conditions include
restricting the minimum altitude of any aircraft used to scatter, prohibiting
the use of any plastics or other toxic materials associated with the remains
and requiring that remains be "sufficiently incinerated."
The request for public comments is the result of permit applications to
spread cremated remains over the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary,
which authorized a general burial at sea of cremated remains (for commercial
entities and individuals) in 1998. This authorization expires in April 2004
and applies only to the Monterey Bay sanctuary. Interested parties should
file comments on the requirement for a special use permit no later than July
19. For more information, contact the ICFA at mailto:wireless@icfa.org.
---------------------------------------------------
SUPREME COURT SEEKS ICFA APPLICANTS FOR 2003-2004 FELLOWS PROGRAM
Once again, the ICFA has been contacted by the U.S. Supreme Court Fellows
Program seeking applicants for the 2003-2004 program year. This program
searches for individuals from a variety of backgrounds who will work at the
Court and at various federal agencies in the Washington, D.C., area. For more
information, including application forms, contact the ICFA or visit the
Fellows Program Web page at http://www.fellows.supremecourtus.gov.
---------------------------------------------------
HARVARD RESEARCHER CITES FAMIC'S WIRTHLIN SURVEY DATA
A research student at Harvard University's Department of Sociology has cited
data in the Wirthlin surveys on "Consumer Attitudes Toward Ritualization and
Memorialization" in a study analyzing the effects of religious beliefs on
funeral practices in the United States. According to the study, "These
findings show that people make different decisions about certain funeral
practices based on their religious affiliation."
For example, approximately "18 percent of Protestants choose to have a closed
casket service (or 82 percent choose to have an open casket service)É.
Catholics and Baptists are more likely to have an open casket service than
Protestants, while Jews, non-specific Christians, people of other religious
affiliations, people of no religious affiliation, people of no organized
religion, Pentecostals, Mormons, Buddhists, and Jehovah's Witnesses are less
likely to have an open casket service than Protestants."
The Wirthlin studies, performed in 1991, 1995 and 1999, were commissioned by
the Funeral and Memorialization Information Council (FAMIC), an umbrella
group of the major national trade associations in the funeral services
industries. The ICFA is a founding member of FAMIC and approved the use of
the Wirthlin survey material for this research project. Copies of the
Wirthlin Report can be purchased through the ICFA by calling 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
-------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
JUST RELEASED: VIDEOS ON CREMATION AND NICHE MARKETING
The ICFA has released two new videotapes from Naked Sales II, the ICFA's 2000
Sales Management and Marketing Conference. The tapes cover a total of 10
presentations with more than 160 minutes of information on effectively
marketing cremation and marketing to niche populations.
"Cremation Marketing" offers dozens of ideas for reaching cremation consumers
and helping them incorporate memorialization and remembrance into their
decision. "Niche Marketing" provides a guide to working with four specific
populations: Asians, Latinos, Catholics and customers interested in
purchasing private burial estates.
The videos are available for $18 each to ICFA members and $28 each for
non-members. For more information or to order, call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
BOOK ON '50+ BOOMERS' NOW AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH ICFA
Cemetery and funeral home owners eager to reach Baby Boomers age 50 and over
now have an authoritative resource to help them. "The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to
70 Million Customers" offers a guide to marketing to the largest, most
affluent market in the United States, and is available to the industry
exclusively through the ICFA.
Author Don Potter, CEO of Potter, Katz, Postal & Ferguson, an advertising
agency in North Hollywood, California, uses his expertise in working with the
cemetery and funeral industry and other industries to offer insights into how
to influence the purchasing decisions of the 50+ Boomer.
The book is available for $15.50 to ICFA members and $19.50 for non-members.
For more information or to order, call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
ICFA UNIVERSITY REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 5
The registration deadline for ICFA University, July 19-24 at the University
of Memphis, has been extended to July 5. Classes are limited to 35 students
each. At press time, spaces were available in each of the colleges.
Housing at the Fogelman Executive Center is sold out; however, rooms are
still available at the Holiday Inn University. Please note that the hotels
cannot accept cancellations on reservations.
ICFAU offers a five-day program presented by top industry educators and
college business department faculty. Challenging coursework, small classroom
sizes and extra-curricular networking opportunities make this annual school
the preeminent educational experience in the industry.
For complete schedules, course descriptions, prices and registration
information, visit http://www.icfa.org/ICFAU02.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
JULY PRENEED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: ICFA SALES MEETINGS GUIDEBOOK
For the month of July, the ICFA is offering the ICFA Sales Meetings Guidebook
for half price! As a sales manager, your ability to deliver exciting,
interesting sales meetings is crucial to your success. Why reinvent the
wheel? The ICFA Sales Meetings Guidebook offers an ideal starting point for
meetings that get results.
Compiled by the ICFA Manuscript and Marketing Committee, this Guidebook
contains a year's worth of weekly sales meetings, submitted by some of the
most successful sales managers in the prearrangement industry: Regular price:
$50; July price: $25! And please note: ICFA WIRELESS readers receive an
additional $5 discount. Simply mention that you saw this promotion in
WIRELESS and receive the Guidebook for $20!
For additional information on this product discount, visit
www.icfa.org/july.htm or call the ICFA at 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
NOTICE: MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HERSCHEL AUERBACH SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 30
A memorial service for ICFA Past President Herschel Auerbach, who died
November 11, will be held at 10 a.m. on June 30 at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700
West Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Auerbach was instrumental in merging the National Association of Cemeteries
with the American Cemetery Association, which later became the ICFA. He was a
recipient of the ICFA Hall of Fame award and was a decorated World War II
veteran.
---------------------------------------------------
AND MORE É
The ICFA Small Cemetery and Funeral Management Conference, August 22-24 in
Greeley, Colorado, will feature a keynote address by well-known grief
educator Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D., as well as educational sessions on topics such
as preneed sales, obtaining revenue from outside sources, the September 11
disaster recovery effort and more. Additional highlights include a tour of
Linn Grove Cemetery, equipment demonstrations and a table-top trade show. For
a complete program and registration forms, visit
http://www.icfa.org/small02.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
The ICFA News Page at http://www.icfa.org/newspage.htm takes you to sources
throughout the world for industry news and updates. It brings you the most
comprehensive selection of funeral service and cemetery news available
anywhere, along with frequently updated general news items related to
national and world events. The News Page is the fourth most visited page on
the ICFA Web site. Stop in each day and you'll see why.
The ICFA has spearheaded the Music License Coalition to obtain discounted
music licensing for industry members. The goal of the Coalition is to offer a
discount price of $185 annually for licensing from BMI, ASCAP and SESAC
beginning January 1, 2003. Membership in the Coalition is free and is not
tied to membership in any other industry organization. For more information
or to join the Coalition, visit http://www.icfa.org/music/ or call
1-800-645-7700.
Need a labor relations and employment law attorney? Check out ICFA's benefit
program offering free telephone legal consultations at
http://www.icfa.org/pepperman.htm .
The ICFA uses a national media placement agency to distribute an ongoing
series of newspaper articles and radio announcements with positive preneed
and memorialization messages. Placements to date have been highly successful,
reaching hundreds of markets throughout the country. For more information and
to view copies of the actual releases, visit http://www.icfa.org/media.htm.
ICFA members can establish their own Web sites for just $14.95 per month,
with no up-front fees. FuneralAssistant.com provides complete Web site
design, up to six pages; monthly site hosting; assignment of a Keyword that
directs Internet customers to the site; and Web site updates. For more
information, visit http://www.icfa.org/WebBenefit.htm .
---------------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact: Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org <mailto:lacorn@icfa.org>
NEW BOOK ON MARKETING TO THE '50+ BOOMER' NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH ICFA
RESTON, VA (June 21, 2002) - Cemetery and funeral home owners eager to
reach Baby Boomers age 50 and over now have an authoritative resource to
help them. "The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to 70 Million Customers" offers a
guide to marketing to the largest, most affluent market in the United
States, and is available to the industry exclusively through the
International Cemetery and Funeral Association.
The need to understand and communicate effectively with the 50+ Boomer
is becoming increasingly important for cemeteries and funeral homes as
these individuals begin considering preneed cemetery and funeral
purchases for their parents and themselves. Among the topics covered in
the book are:
o 15 things you should know about the 50+ Boomer;
o developing a relationship with the 50+ Boomer;
o using service to successfully market to the 50+ Boomer;
o generating leads with the 50+ Boomer;
o applying old techniques to make new sales inroads with the 50+ Boomer; and
o turning the 50+ Boomer's individuality into a memorialization opportunity.
Author Don Potter is chief executive officer of Potter, Katz, Postal &
Ferguson, an advertising, marketing and media agency in North Hollywood,
California. His clients include cemeteries, funeral homes and suppliers
to the industry, as well as leading national and regional companies from
other industries.
"The 50+ Boomer" is available for $15.50 to ICFA members and $19.50 for
non-members by calling 1-800-645-7700.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association
representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization
industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 5,800 cemeteries,
funeral homes, memorial designers, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Contact: Linda Budzinski
1-800-645-7700
lacorn@icfa.org
ICFA OFFERS MEMBERS FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS
RESTON, VA (June 24, 2002) - The International Cemetery and Funeral
Association has renewed a major benefit program allowing members to
access free telephone legal consultations on labor relations, human
resource management and employment law. Attorney Michael Pepperman of
the Labor Relations and Employment Law Department at Obermayer Rebmann
Maxwell & Hippel LLP (ORM&H), addresses management questions on topics
ranging from hiring and firing, to employee privacy and workplace
violence, to wages and hours, to equal employment opportunity and
wrongful discharge issues.
The introduction of this benefit has been well received among members,
generating frequent calls for information and advice. According to
Pepperman, the topics most frequently addressed include disability leave
and other leave of absence issues and termination procedures. In
addition, he has offered consultation on questions regarding wage
payment, sexual harassment policies and other employment concerns.
"Hiring, firing and retaining staff is an area rife with legal
pitfalls," Pepperman said. "We've seen constant changes in federal and
state legislation as well as new court rulings that make it difficult
for managers to know what they need to do to remain compliant with the
law. Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed with a simple
phone call, and we are more than happy to share our expertise in this
area with ICFA's members."
All ICFA members current on their dues may call ORM&H for unlimited
telephone consultations. And for those who require additional
assistance, ORM&H provides its legal services at special rates. ORM&H,
established almost a century ago, has offices in Pennsylvania, New
Jersey and Delaware and serves clients throughout the country. Pepperman
has spoken on labor and employment issues at several ICFA conferences
and regional industry meetings.
For more information or to join the ICFA, call 1-800-645-7700 or visit
the ICFA Web site at www.icfa.org.
Founded in 1887, the ICFA is the only international trade association
representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization
industry. Its membership is comprised of more than 5,800 cemeteries,
funeral homes, memorial designers, crematories and related businesses
worldwide.
In a message dated 7/15/02 7:06:32 AM, Eamonn In Ireland writes:
Hi John, Don't know if You saw this or not, very mean, but it's well done.
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact: Fay Spano 262/814-1549
NFDA Testifies at SBA Hearing
Milwaukee-area funeral director presented issues facing funeral
service
Brookfield, Wis. ? Small business owners testified about federal
regulatory enforcement during the Small Business Administration
Regulatory Fairness Hearing at the Italian Community Center in
Milwaukee, Wis., Monday, July 8, 2002. Small Business Administration
(SBA) National Ombudsman, Michael Barrera, heard the testimony.
Joe Becker, of Becker-Ritter Funeral Home, Brookfield, Wis., presented
testimony on behalf of the National Funeral Directors Association
(NFDA). Becker testified in opposition to the Federal Trade
Commission's (FTC) current method for enforcing its Funeral Rule, and
the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) enforcement of rules
regarding disposing of wastewater into septic systems.
"The vasReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byt majority of funeral homes are family-owned small businesses,"
said NFDA Director of Government Relations, John Fitch. "That is why it
is of the utmost importance to take advantage of opportunities like this
one, which give small business owners a voice against unreasonable
enforcement of government regulations."
According to Becker's testimony, the FTC undercover shops funeral homes
without regard to any complaints or other evidence of a violation of the
FTC Funeral Rule. Also, the EPA cites funeral homes for violations of
federal clean water standards when a septic system is involved despite
any proof that funeral home wastewater discharged to a septic system
harms underground drinking water sources.
Becker went on to testify that NFDA and its members have repeatedly
requested the FTC modify the section of the Rule that dictates that a
General Price List (GPL) must be given to an individual "upon beginning
discussion" of funeral service. As NFDA has repeatedly pointed out to
the FTC, the word "discussion" is too broad and vague to serve as the
trigger point for when a GPL must be distributed. NFDA believes GPL
distribution should be triggered by any request from a consumer for
price information or before any selection of funeral goods or services
by a consumer.
"NFDA has been working on behalf of our membership to cooperate with
the FTC and EPA on these issues, but the most compelling testimony is
made by the actual funeral directors whose businesses are effected by
such rules and regulations," stated NFDA Chief Executive Officer
Christine Pepper. "NFDA is thankful to Joe Becker, and our many other
members, who take time from their busy schedules to work towards making
funeral service better for both professionals and families."
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn more about NFDA,
visit our Website at www.nfda.org.
News from the Funeral Service Foundation ? The Charitable Voice for All of Funeral Service
EDITORS NOTE: I wrote the Funeral Service Foundation
In a message dated 7/10/02 7:12:20 AM, LOWELL MA writes:
Please enlighten me,
1. "The Charitable Voice for All of Funeral Service" Who bestowed Funeral Service Foundation with such an honor ?
2. How much money have you received to be able to give such a generous scholarship of $1,000. ?
3. How was distribution of applications executed ?
FROM: John L. McDonough
Founder: Funeral Service Professional Association
WHEN A RESPONSE COMES IN, I'LL PUT IT RIGHT HERE.
BELOW IS THE NEWS FROM NFDA's "Funeral Service Foundation"
July, 2002. The Board of Trustees of the Funeral Service Foundation is very pleased to announce that Matthew C. Myrhum has been awarded the first Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Myrhum merited the 2002 scholarship award of $1,000 based on his outstanding academic and community service record and winning essay, "The Funeral Service Challenge."
A student at the Milwaukee Area Technical College School of Mortuary Science, the recipient is currently an apprentice at a local funeral home who will graduate with an associate degree in applied science in funeral service in the spring of 2003.
The Hagan Memorial Scholarship, established in 2000 by the Board of Trustees of the Funeral Service Foundation, honors one of funeral service?s finest directors who served countless families and his chosen profession with distinction for over 60 years, receiving many accolades throughout his life.
Joseph Hagan never departed from his core philosophy that serving every family with the utmost consideration, kindness, and understanding is the paramount duty of a funeral director. This scholarship program for a deserving mortuary science student was established in his honor and in the tradition of the timeless principles he lived by.
FSF MISSION STATEMENT
The Funeral Service Foundation through charitable gifts and grants provides resources for:
>Public awareness and education
>The improvement of children?s lives
>Career and professional development
>The support of funeral service and allied professions.
Scholarships are an important component of Funeral Service Foundation educational opportunities. The foundation places high priority on securing additional funding for new scholarships in the future.
Currently, FSF scholarships include this Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a selected student in a mortuary science program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and FSF Professional Women?s Conference scholarships, awarded in March of each year.
If you are interested in more information about FSF scholarships or about FSF in general, please email fsf@funeralservicefoundation.org. Thank you.
In a message dated 6/25/02 2:00:17 PM, awright@Dodgeco.com writes:
Hello:
As you may already know, Arnold "Jake" Dodge, president of The Dodge
Company, has recently passed away.
One of our reps suggested that one way to get his death notice to a wide
audience is to have you post it in your newsletter and/or site.
I have attached an html document that I am hoping you can use. Please
let me know if you need any additional information.
Jake was a great guy, and well known in the industry. We sincerely
appreciate your helping us get news of his death to as many of his
customers, associates and friends as possible.
Alison Wright
System Administrator
The Dodge Company
(800) 443-6343
awright@dodgeco.com
<<JakeDodge.htm>>
Arnold "Jake" Dodge
May 15, 1920 &endash; June 17, 2002
The Dodge family regrets to inform their customers and associates of the death of Arnold J. "Jake" Dodge, President of The Dodge Company, on June 17, 2002.
Jake's service was held at the New England Institute at Mt. Ida College in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, which was fitting since his grandfather was the founder of NEI, as well as founder of The Dodge Company. And, the house he was born in also housed the New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science & Embalming (the original NEI). He really was born into the profession!
Even though he was born in a school, attending school wasn't one of Jake's favorite pastimes - he much preferred working at The Dodge Chemical Company. He began working at age 15 and only briefly interrupted his career at Dodge to finish high school and later for a stint in the Army during World War II. He spent the last 40+ years of his career at Dodge as President and Sales Manager.
Jake is survived by his wife Joyce, sons John & Keith, John's wife Judy and their sons Jeff & Michael, his brother Mike and sister-in-law Nancy, and their daughters, Debbie & Kristie.
For those of you who knew Jake, you know what a great person he was. For those of you who never met him, we wish you had! He will be sorely missed by all of us at Dodge (where he was working until just a few days before he died), his family, and many, many friends and business associates.
Mike, John, Kristie & Debbie Dodge
In a message dated 6/18/02 8:57:28 AM, Mike Flynn in Massachusetts writes:
Dodge, Arnold J.
Of Belmont, MA, and Pemaquid Beach, ME, June 17, 2002, at age 82. Beloved husband of Joyce (Gleason) Dodge. Loving father of John Dodge and wife Judy of Acton, MA, and Keith Dodge of Oak Bluffs, MA, Dear brother of George B. "Mike" Dodge and wife Nancy of Belmont, Loving grandfather of Jeff & Mike Dodge of CT. Uncle of Debbie & Kristie Dodge of Belmont, Carol O'Donnell & Barbara Flewelling both of ME, William Flewelling of CO. Visiting hours 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Funeral Service 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, at the N.E. Institute at Mount Ida College, in the Dodge Auditorium, 777 Dedham St., Newton Centre, MA 02459. Late Veteran WW II, Fellow, British Institute of Embalmers. For information about contributions call 1-800-HI-DODGE
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE ¤ DATE: July 8, 2002
Olive B. Cooper
Olive B. Cooper, mother of Don Cooper at Wells Funeral Homes, Inc., Canton
and Waynesville died on Monday, July 8, 2002.
Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 11, 2002, at
Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Chapel in Fayetteville, NC. The family will
receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at the
funeral home.
In a message dated 6/17/02 11:09:53 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Grey Shackelford Phillips
Grey Shackelford Phillips, 77, of Kenly died on Monday, June 17, 2002, at
Wilson Medical Center. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June
19, at 11:00 AM at Kenly United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the
Kenly Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening, June 18, from
7:00 - 8:30 PM at Coley Funeral Home in Kenly.
Mrs. Phillips is survived by her husband, Charles M. Phillips (past member
and former Executive Director of the NC Board of Mortuary Science) and a
daughter, Susan Grey Phillips of the home.
Memorials may be made to Kenly United Methodist Church, c/o Elaine
Richardson, 1355 Richardson Bass Road, Kenly, NC 27542.
In a message dated 6/18/02 9:52:42 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
T. E. Smith, Jr., 53, father of Garrick Smith of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral
Home of Newland, died on June 17, 2002.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Wright Smith of the home; a son, Garrick
Smith of Banner Elk; and a step-daughter, Stephanie Johnson of Deep Gap.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 20, at the
Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church outside of Banner Elk followed by interment
in the Smith Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 -
8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 19, at the funeral home.
In a message dated 6/19/02 7:46:08 AM, Mflynn6705 writes:
Of Woburn June 16, Husband of the late Rosemary (McHugh) Father of Elizabeth "Betty Anne" Gravelle, and her Husband Jack, of Plymouth, Thomas J. Cox Jr., and his wife Susan of MD, Brother of Ann Twarog of Chelsmford, Catherine T. Cox, Margaret J. Foley. & Agnes M. Carson, all of Woburn, and the late Helen Callahan, John, Edward, & Charles Cox, also survived by a grandson Thomas Russell Cox, of MD, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral from his residence 14 Highland St. WOBURN, Thursday June 20th at 9 AM. Followed by a funeral mass in St. Charles Church at 10 A.M. Visiting hours Wed 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Boston Catholic TV Center Box 9109 Newtonville Ma 02158. Late owner of the P.J. Cox & Sons Funeral Home, Woburn MA. Robert E. Foley, Funeral Director 781-933-0340
In a message dated 6/27/02 11:16:37 AM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Mrs. Ruby Nance Burney, 86, mother of I. Edward Burney of Meares Funeral
Home in Fair Bluff, died on Tuesday, June 25, 2002.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 27, 2002, at 2:00 PM at the
Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church in Lake Waccamaw, NC.
Memorials may be made to Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church, 506
Lakeshore Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.
In a message dated 7/2/02 12:41:09 PM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Mrs. Stella Mae Jenkins Ballard, 86, mother-in-law of Carroll Carpenter,
owner of Carpenter Funeral Home in Cherryville, died July 2, 2002.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 4, 2002, at 11:00 AM at the
First Wesleyan Church in Cherryville. Burial will follow in City Memorial
Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Wednesday, July 3, from 6:00 -
8:00 PM at Carpenter1s Funeral Home in Cherryville.
Memorials may be made to the First Wesleyan Church, 800 North Pink Street,
Cherryville, NC 28021.
In a message dated 7/3/02 3:29:01 PM, staff@ncfda.org writes:
Mr. Hardy Sanford "Sam" West, 79, owner of West & Dunn Funeral Homes of
Benson and Newton Grove died on July 3, 2002.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2002, at West
& Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove, NC. Burial will follow in Hillcrest
Cemetery in Newton Grove. The family will be at West & Dunn Funeral Home in
Newton Grove, NC from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Thursday, July 4, 2002.
Mr. Dunn is survived by his wife, Ianna Reaves; one son and daughter-in-law,
DeWayne and Judy West; and two daughters and sons-in-law, Minne and Garry
Wilkes of Greenville, SC and Lisa and Quentin Lewis of Gloucester, NC.
In a message dated 7/8/02 12:29:00 PM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
funeral service issues and potential coverage. They also met with the
press secretary to Representative Mark Foley, R-Fla., and attended
several political fundraisers, along with John Fitch, NFDA's director of
government relations.
NATIONAL MEDIA CONDUCTS INTERVIEW ON PREPLANNING. A reporter from the
Wall Street Journal contacted NFDA recently to obtain information and
conduct an interview on preplanning funerals. NFDA Spokesperson Ron
Troyer, Kok Funeral Home, St. Paul, Minn., conducted the interview.
Education
CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS; SIGN UP FOR NFDA'S ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICES
TELECONFERENCE. NFDA is offering an important presentation,
"Environmental Best Practices for Funeral Homes," featuring NFDA
Environmental Counsel Carol Lynn Green, Esq., on July 11, 2002, 1-3 p.m.
Central Standard Time. Here's your chance to learn environmental best
practices:
- to comply with federal, state, and local EnvirReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byonmental Protection
Agency requirements.
- to meet your funeral home's environmental obligations to the
community, families served, and staff.
The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and most state
boards have approved the teleconference for 2 hours of
continuing-education credit. Cost is only $105 for the first registrant
and $40 for each additional registrant from the same location. To
register, call 800-228-6332.
ENHANCE SERVICE TO CREMATION FAMILIES; SEMINAR VALUABLE TO ALL FUNERAL
SERVICE PROVIDERS. NFDA and the Cremation Association of North America
(CANA) are offering an important training seminar, Advanced Cremation
Arranging for Cremation Providers. The event will be held August 23-24,
2002, at NFDA's headquarters in Brookfield, Wis. Featuring marketing
strategist, Thom Winninger, this program is the most comprehensive
training available today for arrangers who work with cremation
families.
During the event, funeral service professionals will:
Strengthen their ability to serve today's cremation family.
Update their knowledge and skills to more effectively serve today's
cremation family.
Gain a better understanding of the changing face of today's cremation
family.
Learn how to better serve an increasing population of cremation
families.
This dynamic seminar will help you:
Explain the value of funerals to cremation families.
Work with the family more effectively at the first call.
Develop rapport while explaining the significance of commemoration.
Present choices that define commemoration for the family.
Respond to the family's questions.
Finalize the family's choices.
The price for members of NFDA or CANA is $560; the non-member price is
$835.
Call CANA at 312-673-5754 for more information today!
Convention
A GRAND EXPERIENCE AWAITS YOU; MARK YOUR CALENDAR! With an all-new
lineup of networking events, educational opportunities and
entertainment, NFDA's 121st Annual Convention and Expo, October 20-23,
2002, in San Antonio, Texas, is expected to be one of the greatest in
the association's history. Watch for more information in the coming
weeks and visit NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/convention/ for the latest
details of this year's big event. In July 2002, a floor plan of the
exhibit hall will be available on NFDA Online at
www.nfda.org/convention. The floor plan will include information
on the growing number of companies registered to exhibit at this year's
show. Visitors are able to search for products and services by category,
and choose booths they want to visit at the Convention. The online floor
plan is sponsored by the Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company.
September 11, 2001
NFDA VOLUNTEERS&emdash;JOB WELL DONE. THANK YOU. NFDA concluded its
volunteer efforts in New York. The funeral directors who volunteered in
this mission assisted the Medical Examiner's office in New York City as
part of the World Trade Center disaster recovery effort. The last
funeral director volunteers included Wayne D. Knapp, Watseka, Illinois;
Derrick Husmann, New Baden, Illinois; Brian R. Calhoun, Mount Pleasant,
land; Ann Yager
Hamlin, Danville, Kentucky. NFDA thanks all of the volunteers who
participated in this worthwhile effort.
FaxBack
NEW DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE VIA FAXBACK. Four new funeral rite summaries
have been added to NFDA's FaxBack "Funeral Director as Caregiver"
section: the Roman Catholic Funeral, the Lutheran Funeral, the Methodist
Funeral and the Presbyterian Funeral.
For an updated catalog of all FaxBack documents, call the NFDA FaxBack
line at 800-713-0661. (In the greater Milwaukee area please call
262-814-1590.) You will be asked if you would like to request the latest
FaxBack Catalog of Documents. To order the catalog, press 1 and you will
be prompted to type in your fax number.
Information on FaxBack includes a wide variety of information from
compliance and business forms to survey statistics. Because information
is added and updated routinely, it's a good idea for you to order the
latest copy of the FaxBack Catalog of Documents on a regular basis
before placing an order.
Member News
ARE YOU TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP? NFDA is constantly
looking to increase value to your membership. We would love to hear from
you. Call an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332 to
learn about NFDA's member benefits.
PLEASE SEND US YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS AND FAX NUMBER. To speed NFDA's
vital communications to you, NFDA needs to have your current e-mail
address and fax number. We urge you to e-mail us at mmichels@nfda.org,
or to call an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332.
The NFDA Bulletin
PERMISSION TO REPRINT. NFDA encourages publications to reprint the
material included in this or any issue of The NFDA Bulletin (unless
otherwise indicated) in their publications with source attributed to
NFDA. For more information on any item included in this or any issue of
The NFDA Bulletin, contact Renee Gryzkewicz, NFDA's communication
manager, at 262-814-1547 or e-mail rgryzkewicz@nfda.org.
Renee:MSWord/2002-Bulletin/070302.doc
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
NORTH CAROLINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
919-876-7886 * 800-616-2332 * FAX: 919-876-5382
http://www.ncfda.org
E-LINE DATE: July 8, 2002
IMPORTANT NOTICE!!
TO: NCFDA Membership DATE: July 8, 2002
FR: NCFDA Staff
During the past several days we have experienced telephone equipment
problems at the NCFDA office. It is believed our problems are due to
lighting damage. If you have been unable to reach us, we apologize and we
expect to have the problem resolved soon.
In the interim you may want to reach us by one of the following alternate
methods:
Fax: 919-876-5382
E-Mail: staff@ncfda.org
Web Page: www.ncfda.com
Thank you for your understanding.
NCFDA Mid-Winter Conference Ð February 17 - 19, 2003,
In a message dated 7/1/02 11:56:18 AM, Beacham in North Carolina writes:
LOXLEY, Alabama - An evangelist who was asked to sing at his wife's uncle's funeral claims he had a revelation from God that led him to insult mourners and say that the dead man was damned.
Orlando Bethel said he spoke words that ``the Lord revealed to me.'' Preaching over a microphone at the Greater Pine Grove Baptist Church, he told some 100 mourners they were ``fornicators'' and ``whoremongers.'' He said the deceased, Lish Devan Taylor, had gone to hell.
The microphone was abruptly disconnected. Bethel then reached into a gym bag for what apparently was a bullhorn. Some thought he was reaching for a gun. About half the crowd fled, with a few dragging Bethel out a side door.
``Those boys picked him up when the preacher said he wanted him out of there,'' said Glenita Andrews, a cousin of Taylor.
Stephen Taylor, who came from California for his uncle's funeral, said it appeared Bethel had planned to denounce Taylor and his family at the June 14 funeral.
Lish Devan Taylor, 56, who died of prostate cancer, was eulogized fondly by other ministers before Bethel took the microphone, mourners said. They said Taylor had gone to ``a better place.''
``They were lying,'' Bethel said recently.
Andrews said she thinks Bethel's outburst stemmed from a dispute over property inherited by Bethel's wife, Glynis.
``The Taylor family is large. Orlando and Devan had some problems,'' Andrews said.
Bethel moved from Miami to rural Alabama about 18 months ago, settling on an acre of land his wife inherited from her grandfather. The couple live in two campers beside their big, blue-striped gospel tent in the Ellisville community off U.S. 90.
Glynis Bethel said her deceased uncle had run-ins with the law and was ``so mean he would toss shotgun shells into a burning fire and yell, `Run!'''
She defends her husband, saying he was mobbed by ``unbelievers,'' one of whom followed Bethel from the church back to the gospel tent and tackled him on the sandy road. The Bethels contend they've been denied justice because no one has been arrested.
Loxley police Chief Cliff Yetter said Friday that he's still investigating, but no one has been charged. He said three officers responded to a 911 call at the church, but did not enter the church during the funeral.
Yetter said Bethel's only apparent injury was a scrape on his shoulder. Bethel was examined at a hospital emergency room five days after the funeral.
In a later report the police decided not to arrest anyone and the minister was pondering suit.
In a message dated 6/15/02 6:08:27 PM, Mflynn6705 writes:
Buddhist Funeral Rites Held for Ape
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - They flocked to his extravagant wedding, avidly followed his spicy love life and on Saturday came to bid farewell to Mike, Thailand's celebrity ape.Thai fans by the hundreds arrived to take part in Buddhist funeral rites for the gentle orangutan who died Thursday at the age of 17 of complications from water in the lungs.He is to be buried Sunday beneath his own statue in the Sa Kaew Zoo at Lopburi, 70 miles north of Bangkok, where he and his family were the star attractions for years.``Mike has helped the province's economy a great deal. He attracted millions of baht (hundreds of thousands of dollars) and created lots of jobs for local residents. This is the best we can do for him to ensure his happy life after death,'' said Yongyuth Kitwatananuson, a local businessman who has promoted Lopburi as a haven for free-roaming monkeys.Buddhist chants and a bathing ceremony, in which holy water is poured over the hands of the deceased, are to be held in the zoo.Mike's wife Susu and offspring Lamyai will be present at the funeral, wearing black outfits provided by the zoo staff.The orangutan first gained fame in 1995, when a matchmaker found him a bride from Taiwan after he lost his first mate.Mike's lavish 1996 wedding with Susu drew hundreds of guests to the zoo. The ceremony followed Thai tradition, with the couple wearing golden clothing and jasmine garlands. Four human couples were wed alongside them. Yongyuth, the Lopburi businessman, built them a dream house.Susu produced a son, Monsit, but trouble was brewing. Mike was moved to separate quarters because his handlers feared he was jealous of the attention given his newborn son and might harm him.Mike moved back in with his family a year later. By then he had taken on a second mate, Mali.Lopburi has been dubbed Thailand's ``Monkey Town,'' and is a haven for hundreds of monkeys who clamber around its buildings and temples.Every year, Yongyuth offers the monkeys a feast of their favorite foods laid out on tables. The event is popular with Thai and foreign tourists.
In a message dated 6/18/02 6:11:37 PM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
Contact: Fay Spano For Immediate
Release
800-228-6332 June 18, 2002
NFDA #19-02
An Exciting Experience Awaits
NFDA 2002 Convention & Expo Attendees
New Workshops, Networking Opportunities, Harley Raffle
Brookfield, Wis. - With an all-new lineup of networking events,
educational opportunities and entertainment, the National Funeral
Directors Association (NFDA) 121st Annual Convention and Expo, October
20-23, 2002, in San Antonio, Texas, is expected to be one of the
greatest in the association's history.
"We have exciting plans underway for this year's convention," said NFDA
Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. "We're confident that
attendees will be very pleased with our convention destination. San
Antonio is a beautiful city filled with southwestern flavor and family
activities. Watch for more exciting announcements about this year's
convention."
A unique party will kick off the convention on the evening of Sunday,
October 20, 2002. "The NFDA Rally" will feature a motorcycle theme and
include photo opportunities, a tattoo parlor offering temporary tattoos,
great food and lots of fun. Bring the entire family! The party also will
incorporate NFDA's annual President-elect's reception, so watch for
President-elect Dwayne Spence and his wife, Patty, dressed in
traditional motorcycle gear! Feel free to don your biker finest!
The NFDA Rally theme will carry over to a raffle benefiting the NFDA
Political Action Committee (PAC), which supports members of Congress who
advocate public policies that benefit funeral directors, funeral service
and small business. The grand prize of the raffle, a new Harley-Davidson
V-Rod motorcycle, will be awarded during the convention. Only 1,000
raffle tickets are being sold for this prize. Raffle tickets are $100
each and begin going on sale at NFDA's Leadership Conference in Coeur
d'Alene, Idaho, July 29-31, 2002. To purchase a ticket, contact any
member of the NFDA Executive Board, NFDA Policy Board or call Debbie
Graser, NFDA's government relations secretary, at 800-228-6332.
The PAC is also hosting its Second Annual Silent Auction during the
convention, which will feature a wide variety of items that attendees
can bid on including local and regional arts and crafts, jewelry, food,
wine, trips and sports memorabilia.
Attendees also may choose from more than 40 educational sessions,
covering a variety of topics including Hispanic funerals, military
funerals, holiday grief, mastering the media, celebrant training and
event planning. A special pre-convention embalming seminar will be
offered for the first time in both English and Spanish on Saturday,
October 19, 2002. During the convention, there will be a special
follow-up on the NFDA Future's Forum, which took place in May 2002.
The 2002 Expo is not to be forgotten. The exhibit hall will have new
hours this year: Monday, October 21, 2002, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday,
October 22, 2002, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Wednesday, October 23, 2002, 9
a.m.-1 p.m.
In July 2002, a floor plan of the exhibit hall will be available on
NFDA Online at www.nfda.org/convention. The floor plan will include
information on the growing number of companies registered to exhibit at
this year's show. Visitors are able to search for products and services
by category, and choose booths they want to visit at the Convention. The
online floor plan is sponsored by the Funeral Directors Life Insurance
Company.
The fun doesn't stop there! The Annual Banquet will feature Ohio's
favorite rock n' roll band, Phil Dirt and the Dozers, on stage. The
Leadership Breakfast will offer play-by-play excitement from invited
speaker Dr. Homer Rice, former winning football coach and Georgia Tech
athletic director.
This year's Spouses Luncheon speaker is three-time Emmy & Golden Globe
Award winning actress and singer, Ann Jillian. Ann's motivational
presentation offers a blend of humor and hope.
For the latest information on NFDA's 121st Annual Convention & Expo,
visit NFDA Online Convention Central at www.nfda.org/convention and
download the 2002 NFDA Annual Convention & Expo At-a-Glance.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. For more information, visit
www.nfda.org.
Fay Spano
Public Relations Manager
National Funeral Directors Assoc.
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
fspano@nfda.org
In a message dated 6/21/02 5:19:30 PM, kshay@nfda.org writes:
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2002
Contact: Fay Spano
800-228-6332
NFDA Wins Top National Honor
For September 11 Community Service
Brookfield, Wis. &endash; The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
has been chosen to receive a Summit Award ? the highest award in the
Associations Advance America Awards program for its community service
work and relief fund related to September 11, 2001. The national awards
competition is sponsored by the American Society of Association
Executives (ASAE).
"NFDA is honored to receive such a prestigious award," stated NFDA
Chief Executive Officer, Christine Pepper. "This is truly a testament
to the caring nature and civic mindedness of our member funeral
directors, who give their all to the families and communities they
serve, and to all of those who in some way participated in NFDA's 9-11
relief effort."
The NFDA September 11 Relief Effort proviReceived: from GRPWISE-MTA byded uniquely qualified
assistance to the New York City Medical Examiner's Office following the
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Within 48 hours of the attacks,
1,500 funeral directors nationwide contacted NFDA and offered to
volunteer and help the families affected by the disaster in any way
possible. New York's Chief Medical Examiner accepted NFDA's offer to
assist him in the World Trade Center disaster recovery effort. As a
result, NFDA mobilized more than 50 funeral director volunteers who
dedicated two-week periods from November 2001 through Summer 2002 to
assist the medical examiner's office.
NFDA members also donated $56,000 to the NFDA 9-11 Relief Fund to
support the work of the medical examiner's office. These funds have
been earmarked to help defray the cost of housing, travel and meals for
the funeral director volunteers. According to the medical examiner's
office, NFDA was a tremendous asset without which they would not have
been equipped to help the multitude of grieving families, and handle the
tremendous amount of necessary record documentation. In selecting the
award winners, ASAE narrowed 331 entries down to 50, including NFDA,
which all received the Award of Excellence in June. Of that 50, NFDA
became one of eight recipients of the Summit Award. The award will be
presented during the third annual Summit Awards Dinner in Washington,
D.C., on Tuesday, October 8, 2002.
Now in its 12th year, the ASAE's Associations Advance America Awards
program recognizes associations that propel America forward with
innovative projects in education, skills training, standards-setting,
business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and
community service. Although association activities have a powerful
impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public.
"NFDA's program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance
America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this
activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making
to advance American society," remarked ASAE President Michael S. Olson,
CAE.
NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in
Washington, D.C. It is the world's oldest and largest funeral service
association, serving about 13,500 members. To learn more about NFDA,
visit our Website at www.nfda.org.
In a message dated 6/24/02 11:29:48 PM, Betty in Ohio writes:
<< ---copy------ICFA's numbers:
I am writing to "note" that the ICFA's report seems self serving, offering an editorial claim of significant convention attendance by independent FDs without showing the number. With ICFA's new president, one might wonder about things like independent representation.
Corporations operators have abundant resources. Independents should consider what focus their association take towards problems or lose the contest. NFDA may be a bit stogy and has it's own issues, but splitting up national funeral industry representation is simply counterproductive in many ways. Joining ICFA could be considered an endorsement of the new marketing plans of our larger competitors before those plans have been through the acid test for fairness. It's time for independents to get involved in NFDA.
END copy -----
I don't think you are comparing apples to apples. The NFDA restricts membership - they do not include all the death care industry. They are also not -in my opinion- as open and factual in areas where they need to be concerning fairness. (And I can see the ICFA tries to be fair all the way around). Ask any casket store retailer or look up on the web, and see the slanted news the NFDA offer their members on "HOW to handle third party caskets." Their form they suggest their members use to "sign off" on acceptance of product is flawed as well. It does not say "if any" when mentioning any imperfections of the arriving goods, it just has a line item for description of flaws.
And from what I see of the issues the NFDA fight for wages and the "good ole boy network" consisting of the owners and THEIR issues, not the employees, their reputation is getting very tarnished from within too. Their web site and their meetings ignore the casket store industry as part of the death care industry (except when it is to their talks to the FTC to include them in the funeral rule, btw, no objection there)- I wrote (emailed) the Pres. of the NFDA about the: Funeral Service Consumer Protection Forum and asked for the National Casket Retailer's Association to be informed and invited to the next meeting. And I copied it to all that were there at the first. Funny - I got responses from those other emails, but not from the NFDA. And they know of the NCRA, yet ....well if the public is truly on their mind, they would invite someone from our Assoc. to attend. Perhaps the NFDA would like to respond here to confirm or explain this away?
The ICFA is very forward thinking - battling for the little guys - puts up a very informative site AND isn't afraid of competition nor tries to teach their members to be using sales tactics to TRY to stifle lost sales to competitors as well. While I am not a member, as an interested onlooker (for now) I see a group who is more American in their attitude of fair play and respect - both for the business owner, members, and the public. Offering freedom to choose, not trying to make up someone's mind for them - but offering UNSLANTED education all the way around, so the owners and pubic can choose themselves.
Also, changing the subject, the Funeral Service Professional Association is another plus we as death care industries have going for us.
The site (sorry, hint) text is a big large for me to read comfortably, and I thought I'd pass on a hint. Maybe it is because I use Netscape?? However, if anyone else feels this way, all they need to do, once the page has fully loaded, is press the control button and the { button at the same time and it will shrink the text, do it again, smaller still, and again. To enlarge, use the control button and the } together.
The { is the cap of the key next to the p. I have never tried to print the pages on the Funeral Service Professional Association site, but the large print would take many pages I am sure.
And offering your laugh of the day, Check this link...read it with your best Japanese accent...
http://www.origamiboulder.com
Regards, Betty B.
Vice Chair of the NCRA
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Hi Betty, did you know that if it were not for the arrogance of a Funeral Director in Vermont, there would be no Funeral Consumers Alliance, my friend Lisa Carlson was mistreated by a Vermont Funeral Director his arrogance forced Lisa Carlson to do something about it. If it were not for the Arrogance of Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and their Kissin Cousin New England Funeral Trust there would be no Funeral Service Professionals Association, even today MFDA/NEFT do not return my communications.
NFDA on the other hand usually steps to the plate, I am surprised you never heard from NFDA, maybe vacation season, once in a while I write NFDA and the message falls through the cracks, I do agree that NFDA does represent Owners and not employees, the election process that NFDA has is very flawed, officers are voted into office by non members, only State Associations (none are paid members) can vote for officers, so there is credibility to your good old boy angle. ICFA does elect officers by members voting, I was delighted to see ICFA's election process at their convention, ICFA can only move in a direction that members elect, ICFA is much quicker to make course changes, although ICFA boasts they are the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral and memorialization industry, ICFA members consist of mostly management level people. Speaking to FSPA, membership is open to all Funeral Service Professionals, the articles are read by the movers and shakers in our industry. We both know all associations can only do what participating members demand.
Membership Participation is the underlying a plague in most associations, members are participating less and less, NFDA boasts being is the oldest and largest funeral service association, serving about 13,500 members, thousands do go to NFDA's Convention but I think ICFA Convention percentage of membership attendence is higher than NFDA's percentage of membership attendence.
NFDA has published every article I have ever submitted speaking on fair wages to employees, even though NFDA long standing objectives is to not offer fair wage and hour protection to Funeral Service Professionals. NFDA in the recent past has encouraged me to continue to communicate on issues I disagree with. As flawed as each association may be, NFDA and ICFA have both bent over backwards communicate with me.
BOTTOM LINE: Competition is good in any area, t