ICCFA Submits Testimony on Burr Oak Cemetery to House Energy and Commerce Committee

Following up from the August 4, 2009 edition of ICCFA Wireless, the ICCFA has submitted comments to Rep. Bobby Rush, chair of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Energy and Consumer Protection concerning Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. The cemetery made national news in July when it was revealed that as many as 300 gravesites where illegally disinterred, the remains dumped or placed in a mass grave, and the spaces resold. Four cemetery employees were charged. Rep. Rush has called for the introduction of federal legislation into Congress to regulate cemeteries, protect gravesites and give peace of mind to the families who have loved ones buried.

The ICCFA has been in discussions with Energy and Commerce staff and submitted comments following the Subcommittee hearing in Chicago on July 27. The ICCFA stated, "To place the Burr Oak atrocity into perspective, references have been made to other cases of the desecration of graves elsewhere in the United States. However, we believe that the Burr Oak case is singular and unique... Previous cases of illegal disinterments involved third parties breaking into a cemetery and rifling graves... Where cemetery personnel have been involved, burial spaces were opened in the belief they were empty. The misconduct occurred when personnel discovered the previous burial or an encroachment on the burial space by an adjacent gravesite, and sought to 'correct' the situation through unethical and illegal means. The Burr Oak allegations indicate that the accused deliberately opened graves they knew contained human remains, removed the remains and discarded them in order to resell the spaces. We repeat that this heinous misconduct is unprecedented to the best of our knowledge."

The ICCFA also pointed out that "there is no federal law that specifically governs cemetery operations. However, cemeteries must comply with literally dozens of federal statutes and regulations that affect their operations from the Departments of Labor, Treasury, Justice, Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, even the Federal Reserve Board. In particular, it is important to note that Section 5 of the FTC Act gives the Commission regulatory authority over businesses engaging in unfair or deceptive practices, which includes cemeteries... We respectfully suggest that federal regulations already address most aspects of cemetery operations including sales and marketing practices."

By way of recommendations, the ICCFA noted that "federal law at 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1369 currently makes the willful injury or destruction or attempts to injure or destroy any veterans' memorial on public property, i.e., a national cemetery, a federal crime punishable by fine or imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or both. The ICCFA recommends that this statute be amended to include veterans' memorials on private property, and all cemetery memorials and monuments whether commemorating veterans or non-veterans. Also, the ICCFA asks the Subcommittee to give serious consideration to making unauthorized disinterments in any cemetery punishable as a federal crime." The complete text of the ICCFA comments can be viewed at http://www.iccfa.com/files/EnergyCommBurrOakComments.pdf.

Coming Soon to a Town Near You—the H1N1 Swine Flu

Federal health agencies have rarely been as certain as they are now that the H1N1 "Swine" influenza will be taking a greater toll throughout the United States this fall. The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology has stated that as a "plausible scenario," and not a prediction, the H1N1 flu could cause approximately 1.8 million hospital admissions and between 30,000 and 90,000 deaths in the U.S. Seasonal flu typically causes 30,000 to 40,000 deaths, mainly in people over 65. Those at greatest risk of contracting the H1N1 flu are younger people.

In addition to the "regular" flu shot, a special vaccination designed to combat the H1N1 strain is expected to be available by mid-October. If quantities of the vaccine are not sufficient, it may be necessary to establish a priority of who gets the shot first. In descending order: pregnant women are listed first, followed by caregivers to children less than 6 months old, health care and emergency medical services personnel, all people age 6 months to 18 years, then those 18 to 24, then people 25 to 65 who have medical conditions that make them at higher risk for complications from the flu.

Both large and small businesses are urged to have flu prevention plans in place and contingent plans for absenteeism. The Centers for Disease Control has taken the lead in publishing planning tools and the information can be obtained at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/guidance/.

The best attitude to anticipate the flu season this year is "plan for the worse and hope for the best."

ICCFA Members Invited to Join HSIN—Homeland Security Information Network

In partnership with representatives from across the Healthcare and Public Health Sector, the Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) and the Department of Health and Human Services invites ICCFA members to join the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) Health and Public Health (HPH) Sector web portal. The HSIN-HPH web portal is designed specifically for those responsible for collecting, analyzing, and using information for the protection of our nation's healthcare and public health infrastructure. HSIN-HPH was developed to give the government and private sector a tool that enables the timely exchange of information for preparing for and responding to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other all-hazards events. The content of the site includes:

• Incident information—continuous updates during all-hazards events
• Alerts, warnings and notifications of credible threats
• Effective practices and protective measures for sector organizations
• Policy analysis and research reports
• Access to other subject matter experts

The HSIN-HPH web portal fully supports government and industry partners in two-way information sharing. The web portal has been organized to display steady-state information as well as the latest updates on current incidents. A separate Incident section can follow several all-hazards events at one time with continuous updates. HSIN has been designed to facilitate information exchange before, during and after an all-hazards event.

How to Register for HSIN-HPH Access

• Step 1: Go to: https://connect.hsin.gov/hph/event/registration.html.
• Step 2: Complete all required fields. Note: Be sure to retain your password as it will be required to access the Web site initially.
• Step 3: Press "Submit" once form is completed.
• Step 4: Upon submitting the form, an e-mail receipt will be sent to the e-mail address provided which will contain information on the timeframe for application processing and contact information for further assistance. Currently, a response will be received in about seven days.

The ICCFA co-chairs the Mass Fatalities Management Services Sub-Council, which is part of the Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) working in conjunction with the Dept. of Homeland Security and the Dept. of Health and Human Services. For more information, please contact ICCFA general counsel Bob Fells at rfells@iccfa.com or call 1-800-645-7700.

IRS Seeks Comments on Form 1041-QFT

The Internal Revenue Service announced last week that it is seeking public comments on whether any changes should be made to Form 1041-QFT. This form is used when a trustee of a qualified funeral trust elects to report and pay the tax on trust earnings. The IRS uses the information on the form to determine that the trustee filed the proper return and paid the correct tax. No changes to the form are being made by IRS at this time but the agency has established a public comment period through October 19, 2009 to consider any proposed changes.

According to IRS, approximately 15,000 entities file the Form 1041 QFT and the estimated time to complete the form per respondent is "18 hrs., 1 min." For more information, please contact ICCFA general counsel Bob Fells at rfells@iccfa.com or call 1-800-645-7700.

Call For Candidates For ICCFA Board of Directors

Serving on the ICCFA Board of Directors offers members a chance to learn about and participate in the leadership of the association, and is a meaningful way to give back to the organization and to the cemetery and funeral service profession as a whole.

The ICCFA's Nominating and Elections Committee is currently inviting members to apply to run for the ICCFA Board of Directors.

The committee will narrow all applications received to 12 nominees, which will be reviewed and approved by the board at the ICCFA Fall Management Conference in Washington, DC, October 7-10. Information on the 12 candidates will then be distributed to the membership, which will vote during the ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition in San Antonio, Texas, March 10-13, 2010. The top eight vote recipients will serve three-year terms.

To apply, you must be a designated representative of a Regular (Cemetery, Funeral Home or Allied) Member in good standing or you must be an Individual Regular Member in good standing. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2009. Applications can be obtained by calling 1.800.645.7700 or by downloading the file.

Career Development/Training Executive
The Stewart Enterprises, Division for the Virginias, Ohio and Kentucky is now accepting applications for this position. Ideal candidate should be a confident public speaker, well-organized teacher, have demonstrated understanding of a pre-need sales presentation, and possess proficient computer skills that include: MS Excel, MS Word, MS Publisher, and PowerPoint.

This position is salary based with performance bonus opportunities and includes excellent benefits. Please contact the Area Senior Sales Executive, John Dawson, at 304-254-3250, e-mail your resume in confidence to jdawson@stei.com, or fax your resume to 304-254-3258.

Stewart Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer.

General Manager; Licensed Funeral Director
If you are seeking an outstanding opportunity to take charge of a premier multiple location funeral business that offers a great opportunity to personally grow and develop a strong employee staff, then this is the opportunity you've been searching for.

We are looking for an experienced manager with at least 5 to 7 years experience managing multiple locations with a minimum annual call volume of 1500 call to manage this multiple funeral home operation in Riverside County, CA. Candidate should possess strong leadership qualities and a focus on customer satisfaction.

We offer a competitive salary, healthcare benefits, 401K, paid vacation and Life Insurance. Compensation also includes an incentive plan tied to customer satisfaction and business results.

Please send your resume along with salary history to Lisa at Ldstreiff@comcast.net.

September Trade Show Display Discount for ICCFA Members
The Image Design and Communications, Inc is offering ICCFA members 10% off during the month of September only. Their Wholesale Portable Displays include US made 10' UPS-able Pop Up Displays which ship UPS and weigh under 100 lbs. Prices range from $995 for the STANDARD back wall with lights and case to counter conversion to $1,445 SUPER which includes their Unique Backlit Logo hardware. Displays on the net will add a full 10' x 90" h photo mural package at a 20% Discount from $1600 to $1295. Visit www.DisplaysOnTheNet.com.

Also available are 33" w x 87" h Roll Up Banner Stand signs with aluminum bases starting at $415 at BannerStandsOnTheNet.com.

Other products include Tension Fabric Walls, Hanging Signs and ContempoLite; their own line of Custom Modular 20' systems. Prices range from $3,500 to $15,000 for larger sizes. Visit TradeShowDisplaysInLA.com.

Hourly Graphic Design fees are reduced 10% off as well at $85 hr. Displays On The Net has been providing ICCFA members with quality products and services for over 2 years.

Mention ICCFA when ordering to receive your discount! Call Jim or Nick at 818.563.3322 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST for more info.

New 'Unforgettable' Custom Photo Tribute Magnets From Pocket Reference Journals
Pocket Reference Journals introduces personalized custom photo tribute magnets to sell to customers who are looking for that 'something extra' for when "after the funerals over." They will be considered a gracious keepsake of their loved one to mail out to family, and friends. Custom phrases atop the photo in addition to the face, name and years lived from and to, are what make up the magnet. In addition a Star of David, or Cross can also be added. It's a welcome gift/keepsake that will be added to the condolence appreciation thank-you cards most families send.

Pocket Reference Journals has also been publishing the My Life Journal, a pocket journal that's been a very effective pre-arrangements planning gift (that can also be imprinted with your funeral homes name) and was written by an Estate planner, a CPA, and CFP. Call with any questions regarding samples, or pricing, to Bonnie Schachter at 714. 914. 2565 or check out our website at www.pocketreferencejournals.com.
Quantity wholesale pricing is available.

Memorial Garden Cemeteries for Sale
My name is Milton Marshall, and I am the sole owner of two Memorial Garden cemeteries for over 36 years. I am 75 years old and I am ready to retire! The properties are conveniently located only 35 minutes apart, one in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and the other in Clarksville, Tennessee. I am presenting these cemeteries for sale to professional individuals or companies that will continue to serve these communities while achieving their own business goals.

Thank you for visiting this site: www.cemeteryforsale.com

You are welcome to contact me by e-mail or phone:
Milton Marshall
milton@cemeteryforsale.com
270-887-3549

Sales Director/Managers
Our top Sales Director/Managers easily earn six figures annually. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can lead and manage a team of trained professionals.

We currently have Sales Director positions available in the Midwest Region If you are seeking a career with a future, we offer the following:

• Outstanding Compensation Package including a base salary
• 401K/Profit Sharing
• Complete Health Package including Medical, Dental & Vision care
• Limited travel

Interested persons should e-mail dfarrow@stei.com or call Doug Farrow at 816 353 5091.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Implement and supervise the sales program in such a manner as to achieve and exceed sales plans with established budgets.
• Recruit, hire and field train new sales counselors.
• Supervise activities of established and new sales counselors and managers to secure sales goals, maximize individual performance and maintain established minimum achievement levels.
• Conduct sales meetings daily with full staff with the objectives of educating, informing and inspiring through participative involvement.
• Control distribution and follow-up of company generated sales opportunities (leads) (call-ins, walk-ins, reply cards from mailings, reload card assignments, etc.) and prepare reports showing results achieved on any and all such leads on a weekly/monthly basis.
• Audit sales proficiency and quality by periodic review of each counselor and manages complete sales presentation. Such review should also assure that the company "story" is being told in an honest and accurate manner consistent with the company's service philosophy.
• Assist sales personnel to learn and maintain an acceptable level of In-field activity by periodic review of such activity.
• Maintain a level of personal sales activity necessary to achieve established personal production goals.
• Perform related duties as required.

Job Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent—Some College Preferred!
• Valid Driver's License
• 2 year previous Cemetery Sales Management experience a must
• Above average communication skills
• High level of compassion and integrity
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to multi-task and set priorities
• Must be able to manage his/her own time and organize each day's activities without constant supervision

Advanced Planning Funeral Director
Earn up to a $25,000+ sign on bonus if you are a top notch Advanced Planning Funeral Director! We will be hiring someone with a proven track record in advanced planning funeral sales. Are you that person? Woodlawn Memorial Gardens located in beautiful Norfolk, VA is a Funeral Home/Cemetery Combo facility. We are expanding our business and looking for a top notch Advance Planning Funeral Director who will be responsible for our advanced planning funeral services. Must have Life & Annuities Insurance Licensure (or the ability to obtain with in a short period of time) and currently be licensed as a Virginia Funeral Director (or the ability to be licensed as one). Must be proficient w/computer and be willing to learn new software. Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups. This is a full-time position that offers competitive pay, excellent benefits including 401k, profit sharing and vacation. For consideration, please e-mail your resume with salary history to debbiebatliner@woodlawngroup.com. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning Professional
Earn up to a $25,000 sign on bonus if you are a top notch salesperson with proven pre-need cemetery sales experience.
Have you always wanted to live and work close to the beach? Well, it's time to make that dream a reality. Woodlawn Memorial Gardens has 75 acres of beautifully landscaped and maintained property and is located in Norfolk, Virginia, just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Woodlawn is a combo facility and is in the process of expanding our Advanced Planning sales team by adding more top notch talent. Sales experience must be proven and demonstrated. This is a full-time commissioned opportunity with benefits and high earnings potential. Must have a valid driver's license, be able to obtain a Virginia cemetery sales license, have excellent computer skills, closing skills and the desire to write your own paycheck. For further consideration, please email your resume, with salary history included to debbiebatliner@woodlawngroup.com. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

Place your classified advertisement with ICCFA today!

• ICCFA Wireless classified ads cost $80 and must be prepaid.
• Ads run in two consecutive issues, and include free placement on the ICCFA Web site for four weeks.
• Ads include a link to the company Web site and/or e-mail at no charge.
• Ads with a box number for confidential reply are available for an additional $15.
• Ads must be no longer than 250 words.
• ICCFA reserves the right to limit the number of ads per issue on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All advertising is subject to the publisher's approval; advertisers assume liability for all content of advertisements printed and for any claims arising therefrom against the publisher.

  For more information or to place an ad, contact Rick Platter at rickp@iccfa.com or call 800.645.7700. See more classified ads at www.iccfa.com/classifieds.

ICCFA Supply Link Allows Easy Buyer's Guide Searching
The ICCFA Supply Link, an online buyer's guide members can use to easily search for products and services from the convenience of their computers, can be accessed directly from the ICCFA home page. The Supply Link offers a "Search" function whereby members can search according to product type or company name and can be limited to a state or to a certain radius distance from a specified city or ZIP code. Users also can narrow their search to include only ICCFA-member companies. Suppliers that are ICCFA members and exhibitors are identified as such in their listings.

ICCFA News Page
The ICCFA News Page 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 reports the news before anyone else and is one of the most visited page on the ICCFA Web site. Stop in each day and you'll see why.

Music Licensing
The 2009 Music Licenses are available for just $248 per property, no additional fees. Covers ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Any U.S. funeral home, cemetery or related business is eligible for membership as a Music License Member. Licensing directly with the agencies this year would cost nearly $600 per location, so this price—which requires no additional membership fee—is still the lowest available to the industry.

Tax-Related Questions
ICCFA members now also have access to an attorney for tax-related questions regarding trust earnings, care fund allocations, capital gains, investments and more. The ICCFA has retained Leslie Schneider, CPA, a tax attorney with Ivins, Phillips & Barker in Washington, DC, for telephone consultations for up to 20 minutes with no obligation. To take advantage of this member benefit, call Schneider at 202.393.7600.

ICCFA Insurance Program

Administered by Alliant Insurance Services, this program allows members to purchase commercial property and casualty insurance -- including general liability, commercial property, automobile liability and physical damage, umbrella liability, professional liability, workers compensation, employee benefits and more—at rates they probably would not be able to afford on
their own. For details, call 800.390.9099.

HR Law Benefit
Through an unprecedented new benefit program, ICCFA members can now access free legal consultations regarding 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), is available to address 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. Michael Pepperman, Esq., has spoken on labor and employment issues at several ICCFA conferences and regional industry meetings. To take advantage of this benefit, please call 215.665.3032.

ICCFA Introduces New Sales Training Programs
ICCFA introduces new sales training programs by sales trainer and professional speaker Gary O'Sullivan, CCE. O'Sullivan's two latest products include a 10 DVD Series—The Power to Sell Preneed, and a training support system called the GoSell System. Both products provide sales managers with tools and training strategies that will help them to strengthen and motivate their teams. For more details or to place an order, call the ICCFA at 800.645.7700.

ICCFA Internet Expo
The ICCFA Internet Expo is the largest online exposition in the cemetery and funeral service industry. Cemetery and funeral home owners and operators will find 300+ providers in more than 100 product and service categories. Exhibit space is provided as a free, exclusive benefit to all ICCFA supplier and professional members. Check it out today!

Fraud Prevention & Detection Consultation Service
ICCFA has retained the services of veteran fraud investigator Robert A. Garvey Jr., CPA, CFE, CrFA, CVA, to serve as a consultative resource for members' employee theft and fraud concerns. The new member benefit, the "Fraud Investigation and Deterrence Consultation Service" or FIDCS, will allow members to discuss by telephone any issues or concerns related to suspected fraudulent activity or a desire to put systems and controls in place at their locations to deter such activity. There is no cost to ICCFA members in good standing to utilize this benefit. The number to call is 866.649.1902.

Legal Advice on Cremation Concerns
Courtesy of the ICCFA Government and Legal Fund, ICCFA members now have access to pre-paid legal advice on cremation-related issues. Through this exclusive member benefit, the association has retained Poul H. Lemasters, Esq., of Rosenacker & Associates, Ltd., Cincinnati, Ohio. Poul is an attorney and licensed funeral director, and members in good standing may call him at 800.221.2889 to discuss cremation concerns for up to 20 minutes at no charge.

FTC 'Red Flag' Compliance Program
ICCFA now offers members a sample compliance program concerning new Federal Trade Commission rules to fight identity theft. To have the program template sent to you, please contact us at 800.645.7700 or rfells@iccfa.com.

GPL Compliance Check
Members whose businesses must follow the FTC Funeral Rule's General Price List (GPL) requirements can have their lists reviewed for compliance by attorney Poul H. Lemasters, Esq., without charge. Contact Lemasters at 800.221.2889.

International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association
107 Carpenter Drive, Suite 100
Sterling, VA 20164
1.800.645.7700
703.391.8400
Fax: 703.391.8416
www.iccfa.com

Copyright 2009, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association