Jan. 8, 2010

Michael Watkins Named NFDA Senior Vice President of Operations

BROOKFIELD, WIS. - Michael J. Watkins has been named senior vice president of operations of the National Funeral Directors Association, according to a news release. In his new role, Watkins will oversee the Member Services Division, the International Relations Department and the association’s internal operations, which includes the accounting, information technology and human resources departments. read more...

ICCFA Announces Cremation Program

STERLING, VA. - The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association's Cremation Coaching Center will offer its Cremation Arranger Certification Program as part of the 2010 ICCFA Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 in San Antonio, Texas, according to a news release. The program, which features educational sessions, led by industry leaders, will take place on Saturday, March 13. read more...

Learn to Boost Profits at CANA & NFDA Cremation Symposium

BROOKFIELD, WIS. - The Cremation Association of North America and the National Funeral Directors Association have teamed-up to host the annual Cremation Symposium, Feb. 17-19, at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, according to a news release. During this three-day, core-business conference, funeral and cremation professionals will learn to better serve families who choose cremation, before, during and after the first call. read more...

N.Y. Funeral Director Jailed for Embezzlement

BUFFALO, N.Y. - A funeral director has been sentenced to six months in jail for embezzling $175,000 from a widow's estate before she died, according to a report by The Associated Press. read more...

Funeral Home Sued After Brain Is Found In Personal Items Bag

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A funeral home is being sued by a New Mexico family who said they found a brain in a bag of their loved one’s personal effects, according to a report by The Associated Press. read more...

AMERICAN FUNERAL CONSULTANTS

16th Annual Funeral Service Winter Educational & Ski Seminar
Snowmass, Colo.
January 17-21, 2010

The Changing Face of Funeral Service:  Circa 2010

If you love skiing as much as you love funeral service, this seminar is for you!
Join us for a fun-filled educational week…
Call or e-mail for more details

1-800-832-6232 OR afc@teamafc.com

The Complete Preneed Perspective

The Complete Preneed Perspective is one of the most detailed books ever written about the preneed industry. With the help of some of the top thinkers in the profession, Daniel M. Isard dissects every aspect of preneed – from its historical beginnings to its modern-day operations. To learn more about the book, click here...

The Funeral Director’s Economic Recovery Guide

Weathering an economic downturn while positioning yourself to make the most out the recovery is a tough line to walk. But this book, with commentary from experts such as Tom Johnson with Johnson Consulting Group; Mayra Ruiz-McPherson of Ruiz-McPherson Communications; Alan Creedy of Trust 100 and others, outlines step-by-step actions you can take to ensure you survive the bad times and beat your competitors as the economy turns around. The book – a comprehensive manual on how to maximize profits when the recovery comes – includes our popular 2009 Salary and Casket surveys, filled with tips on how to keep labor costs down while holding on to top talent and how to score better deals with suppliers. Sponsored exclusively by Homesteaders Life Company, this guide is a must-have that you’ll keep on your bookshelf for years to come. To learn more about the Recovery Guide, click here...

Get Your Copy of the 2010 American Blue Book of Funeral Service!

New features for 2010: • U.S. Cemeteries • Hospice Care Facilities • Updated information with a more convenient easy-to-use layout And as always, the new Blue Book will include: • Listings for funeral service associations, crematories and mortuary science colleges, as well as international shipping regulations, and death certificates • Our buyer’s guide, which will give you access to all the inventory and services you need • PLUS a comprehensive listing of funeral homes in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and abroad. Call 800-500-4585 to order today!

NEW White Paper!

A new White Paper is now available from Tributes.com, an online obituary and memorial resource, titled "The Evolution of the Obituary."

Click here to view this White Paper.

Please take our Transfer of Business Ownership Survey

We need your help with an important survey, and we'll be passing along the results to our valued subscribers. Even if you do not subscribe, by participating and providing your e-mail address at the end of the survey, we'll be sure to send you a copy of the special report. The survey is for funeral home owners only, and focuses on transfer of business ownership. Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important as we try to help funeral service professionals with succession planning.

Click here to take the survey.

You Just Missed the Fourth Annual Funeral Service Business Plan Conference!

Attendees received top-notch guidance from some of the top minds in funeral service. We are already working on next years program, and we will announce details on our homepage soon. Next year's event will feature entirely new content!

Click here to learn more.

Online Buyer's Guide

Kates-Boylston's Buyer's Guide is a listing of some of the leading companies in the funeral industry, with information to help you with the needs of your business.

To access the Buyer's Guide, click here...

Join Kates-Boylston on Facebook!

Connect with other funeral professionals and view the latest articles and videos from the industry. A great and easy way to stay connected to the industry and your peers!

To sign up, please click here.

Editorial Submissions

Do you have an article or idea that you would like to submit to American Funeral Director or American Cemetery? Please e-mail your article in Word document format to: editorial@katesboylston.com

Articles are typically 1,500 to 2,500 words in length. Articles must not be overly self-promotional or libelous. Please note in your submission if you have accompanying images for the article. Images must be high resolution in order to be considered for publication.

Click here to view our editorial contractor agreement.