ICCFA in conjunction with the Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia conducted a crematory operator certification program yesterday at the Richmond Marriott West in Glen Allen, Virginia.  53 attendees participated in the one-day program which proved to be a huge success. 98% of the attendees rated the program as very good/excellent!! 

Three of ICCFA's cremation coaches, along with ICCFA member Blair Nelsen, conducted the presentations for the program.  Our main speaker/instructor was Larry Stuart Jr., president of Crematory Manufacturing & Service, Inc. who did an exceptional job of covering all aspects of crematory operation and maintenance.  ICCFA's cremation counsel Poul Lemasters, Esq. dazzled the audience with his cremation liability presentation:  "Being safe so that you don't get BURNED".  My presentation consisted of a short segment on "Facts and Figures" which alerted attendees as to what is actually taking place in today's cremation market.   We were also very appreciative that Blair Nelsen, president and CEO of Nelsen Family Funeral Services, Inc. and a member of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers of Virginia, joined us and updated the attendees on Virginia law. In addition, Linda and Joe Budzinski were also on hand to assist with the program. 

One of the main things that I believe added to the success of the program was the large amount of interaction between the attendees and presenters. Many of the attendees shared their own experiences (good and bad), and all in all, were very inquisitive regarding the program content.  It is so refreshing to see when your audience acts in this manner.  You know that it is important to them and that they truly care about learning as much as they can to contribute to the profession.

ICCFA's next crematory operator certification program will be held as part of the Cremation College at the ICCFA University, July 23-28, in Memphis, Tennessee.  Join us for the profession's leading cremation educational program and receive three certifications:  ICCFA Certified Crematory Operator, ICCFA Certified Crematory Administrator and ICCFA Certified Cremation Arranger.     

Poul Lemasters keeps them wanting more on cremation liability.

 Larry Stuart, Jr., keynote educator and Joe Budzinski