try another color:
try another fontsize: 60% 70% 80% 90%

No image

Wireless - September 7, 2010

      
Date Published: 
September 7, 2010
Original Publication: 
ICCFA Wireless





ICCFA Wireless: News You Can Use

To ensure delivery of our e-mails to your inbox, add hq@iccfa.com to your address book.

Can't see the images in this e-mail? Please click this link to view it in a separate browser window.

ICCFA Wireless ... News You Can Use

FOLLOW ICCFA ON
  Facebook......YouTube......Twitter......Vimeo

August 11, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 17

ICCFA Wireless is a bi-weekly electronic newsletter bringing members of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association the latest government and legal, industry and association news. It is available to all ICCFA members current on their dues. Comments, questions and "hot news tips" are welcome. Write to: hq@iccfa.com.

Heart to Heart

American Funeral Financial
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

INDUSTRY NEWS

IRS Ramps Up Audits for Businesses Using Independent Contractors

eye on congressThe Internal Revenue Service has initiated an employment tax audit program that focuses heavily on worker classification. This program, the Employment Tax National Research Project, will audit 6,000 randomly selected businesses over the next three years by a team of specially trained agents. The IRS has estimated that employers who improperly classify employees as independent contractors cost the federal government as much as $2.72 billion in uncollected taxes.

Businesses often benefit financially by using independent contractors because, unlike employees, the business is not required to: 1.) withhold Medicare and Social Security taxes or pay a matching amount; 2.) withhold the full amount of an employees' federal unemployment tax; or 3.) withhold federal income taxes. The factors to determine whether a worker is properly classified are complicated, although the Revenue Act of 1978 provided "safe harbor" rules to protect businesses that have a history of classifying workers as independent contractors.

The IRS traditionally used a twenty-point "common law" analysis to determine the proper classification of a worker but, by 1987, the agency consolidated this analysis by grouping the factors into three categories. Fortunately, section 530 of the Revenue Act of 1978, mentioned above, provides a simplified method for the IRS to determine whether a business may retain its workers' classification, prior to using the "common law" analysis. Even if erroneously classified as an independent contractor, Section 530 provides that a worker "shall be deemed not to be an employee" of the employer if the employer meets its requirements. If the business meets these requirements, Section 530 will provide relief from employee tax obligations regardless of the actual relationship with the workers as determined under the general tax "common law" analysis. In practice, the common law test will not be used if the 530 requirements are satisfied.

Unfortunately, legislation has been introduced into Congress to sharply curtail and possibly eliminate the Section 530 protections. H.R. 3408, introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) and a companion bill, S. 2882, introduced by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) have been pending since last year. To date, no action has been taken on either bill. More information on this issue will be forthcoming, including a special article from ICCFA tax counsel Les Schneider's firm that outlines the factors used by the IRS. Stay tuned for more.

top

IRS Publishes List of Organizations at Risk of Tax-Exemption Revocation

Recent federal legislation requires that all organizations exempt from federal income tax must file an information tax return with the IRS, even those entities with annual income less than $25,000, which previously were not required to file a return. Since the entities that would be affected tend to be small, there is concern that these groups could be unaware of the new filing requirement and, as a result, lose their tax exemption by October 15 if a filing is not made. The IRS has published a list of organizations at risk for revocation, and provides links to additional relevant information at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=225889,00.html.

top

Call For Candidates For ICCFA Board of Directors: Deadline to Apply Next Wednesday

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 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 Scottsdale, Arizona, October 27-30. Information on the 12 candidates will then be distributed to the membership, which will vote during the ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 8-11, 2011. The top eight vote recipients will serve three-year terms on the Board.

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, 2010. Applications can be obtained by calling 1.800.645.7700 or by going to www.iccfa.com/files/BOD2011CandidateApp.pdf.

top

ICCFA NEWS

2011 Wide World of Sales: What's Your Re?
i

The ICCFA invites you to review the incredible sessions on the program for the Wide World of Sales Conference, January 12-14, 2011, at Bally's Resort & Casino in Las Vegs, Nevada. No matter what your reason for attending the conference, you'll find training sessions filled with useful, practical tools you can take back to your office and implement immediately.

Join us for the world's largest sales & marketing conference for death care professionals, featuring:

  • Internationally renowned keynote speakers Noah Rickun and "The Sales Whisperer®" Wes Schaeffer
  • Sessions on strategic marketing, social media & online leads, branding, sales strategy, setting & meeting goals, and more!
  • Two solid days of educational seminars offering practical tools and techniques for boosting sales
  • ICCFA take-home binder filled with handouts and "how to" instructions
  • Registration directory of all attendees to facilitate networking with more than 300 of the best industry sales counselors and managers from around the world
  • Wednesday evening Welcome Reception
  • Opportunity for counselors to participate in our "Speed Sales" session: 10 solid sales ideas shared in a "speed dating" format
  • A special Thursday networking and motivational luncheon with Gary O'Sullivan
  • A chance to win cash and prizes
  • and much more!

Register today. Download the registration form here. You may now make your hotel reservation at Bally's. Bally's Las Vegas is offering attendees the discounted room rate of $149 per night for single/double occupancy (a decrease of $29 from last year's hotel rate). To make your reservation, please call 1.800.358.8777 and identify yourself as an ICCFA attendee.

Printed copies of the program will be mailed out within the next two weeks.

top


Create a Strategic Plan and Position Your Company to Adjust to the Changing Market by 2017
fall

Registration is now open for the 2010 Fall Management Conference, October 27-30 at Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from two of the world's top authorities on business stretegy and management.

In addition to the educational sessions, the Fall Management Conference offers excellent opportunities for informal idea sharing, including the Fall Management Golf Tournament and several evening receptions.

  Austin
  Austin
   
  Malek
  Malek
   
  Morsch
  Morsch

On the first day of the conference, John Austin, Ph.D., senior consultant in executive development for Decision Strategies International and an instructor for senior executives at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, Georgetown University and Duke Corporate Education, will present a three-hour session on strategic planning. Based on a pre-conference industry-wide survey as well as in-depth interviews and study group sessions with some of the profession's top thought leaders, Austin will develop an exclusive "scenario report" with a five- to 10-year outlook for the cemetery, cremation and funeral service industry. He will present a one-hour keynote address on scenario-based strategic planning, followed by a two-hour workshop session in which he will facilitate a planning session using the scenarios in the report.

On day two of the conference, William Malek, strategy execution officer for Strategy2Reality LLC, former program director for Stanford University's Advanced Project Management program and author of "Executing Your Strategy: How to Break it Down & Get It Done," will conduct an interactive, experiential session on strategy execution. He'll share his expertise on how to take a strategic plan from idea to action, including topics such as recognizing necessary change, avoiding poor planning and understanding and communicating strategic goals.

The conference program will be rounded out on the final day with a presentation by employee benefits expert Scott Morsch on how the new health care laws and the choices employers make with regard to those laws will affect their companies, as well as a panel discussion on the government and legal issues facing the profession.

camelback innThe J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa will host this year's conference. Rated by AAA as a Five-Diamond destination, the resort has just completed a $50 million renovation and now includes a hacienda-style entry and lobby, several spectacular new restaurants, a grand courtyard, a 36-hole championship golf course that will host the Fall Management Golf Tournament, and access to endless Arizona recreation such as swimming, hiking, biking and more. The ICCFA has secured a discount rate of $235 per night. Please make your hotel reservation soon as rooms are going quickly. You may do this through the resort's Web site at www.camelbackinn.com or by calling 1.800.582.2169.

For complete program details and registration materials, visit www.iccfa.com or call 1.800.645.7700.

Download the registration form here or register online here. PLEASE NOTE: To register online, you must enter the exact, complete and correct billing address for the credit card you enter for payment or you will receive an error message. Please make sure you have this information handy before you proceed with your registration. Thank you!

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS!
Matthews International • Service Corporation International • StoneMor Partners LP • Batesville Casket Company • Forethought Financial Services • Stewart Enterprises • Wilbert Funeral Services • Cold Spring Memorial Group • Johnson Consulting Group • Lincoln Heritage Funeral Planning • Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries • Riviera Tailors Ltd. • Carriage Services • Aurora Casket Company Inc. • IMSA • Merendino Cemetery Care • Trigard • HMIS • J. Stuart Todd, Inc. • Independence Trust Company • Milne Construction Company • Gibraltar Remembrance Services

top


First Impression Cremation Phone Shopper Program Launched

The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association now offers the "First Impression" cremation phone shopper program to help owners and managers determine the type of impression their staff is making when answering a call for cremation information.

"Many people in our industry think of cremation phone shoppers as being primarily price-oriented," said ICCFA Director of Cremation Services Julie A. Burn, CCrE, CSE. "But in reality, many of them are concerned more with value than with cost. A cremation call is an opportunity to provide immediate value by providing exceptional customer service and education. It is an opportunity to capture the fastest growing market in your community."

Through the program, Burn acts as a consumer requesting information on cremation. The results of the telephone conversation are provided along with basic recommendations on how staff can improve their communication skills with the phone shopper. It assists participants in determining:

  • What their staff is communicating to today's cremation consumer
  • Whether their staff is fully promoting the value of their company
  • Whether they would do business with the person representing their company
  • Whether there is a need for a staff phone shopper training program

The cost of the program for ICCFA members is $85 per call for one to five calls and $75 per call for six or more calls. The cost for non-members is $125 per call for one to five calls and $115 per call for six or more calls. For information, contact the ICCFA at 1.800.645.7700 or visit www.iccfa.com/cremation/resources/phoneshopper.

top


ICCFA's Facebook Milestone

The ICCFA currently has 960 people who "like" us on Facebook. Haven't "liked" us yet? Go to www.facebook.com/ICCFACafe. The 1,000th person who likes us will receive a DVD of Ken Gronbach's presentation on how to prepare your business to succeed amidst the influx of aging baby-boomers and a changing racial composition of the country, "How to Profit From the Demographic Storm," from the 2010 Annual Convention & Expo as well as a copy of his book, "The Age Curve." Tell your friends, co-workers and colleagues to join us on Facebook, too. ICCFA posts its daily Industry News articles, exclusive offers, special news alerts and early access to conference registration on its Facebook page.

top


Now You May Purchase OSHA DVDs/CDs Online
iiiiii

The ICCFA is in the process of stocking its online store. The latest addition: All 14 OSHA training modules:

  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Confined Work Space
  • Electrical Safety
  • Ergonomics
  • Facility Design and Emergency Planning
  • Formaldehyde
  • Graveside Safety
  • Hazard Communicaton
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Machine Guarding and Lawn Mower Safety
  • Occupational Noise Exposure
  • Outdoor Work Safety
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Recordkeeping

Choose from DVD and CD format. Members: $80 per module; Non-members: $95 per module. Each module includes an audio-visual presentation, a user's guide, instructor notes, student handouts, a quiz and completion certificates. Order yours now.

top

CLASSIFIED ADS
Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

Funeral Director
Currently Seeking a Licensed Funeral Director in Jacksonville, FL.

This position interacts directly with client families during their time of need and is responsible for creating and maintaining a premier level of client family satisfaction.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Must be a licensed Funeral Director with the state or have the ability to reciprocate a current license from another state
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Check us out and consider what we have to offer for your career. Advanced on-line training resources, career advancement opportunities in the largest organization in our industry, attractive benefits, and a wonderful community to serve.

Excellent facilities and a respected funeral home in our community. Plus you'll have access to the very best training and employee resources in the industry.

For fastest consideration, send your resume via email to larry.newsom@sci-us.com OR
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

top

Maintenance Supervisor
A premier Southwest Florida cemetery combo that does 500 burials and has a 1,000 call funeralhome is looking for an experienced Maintenance Supervisor.
Great medical, dental, vision plan, 401k and other benefits. $45-$55K with bonus. Confidential, serious inquiries only please. If SW Florida is a place you would like to live and work, fax your resume to 239-936-1205 or call 239-274-1740.

top

For Sale: Funeral Home
Funeral home
located in lower Westchester County. Grand Victorian House totally renovated, two chapels, state-of-the-art embalming room, lift, new heating system, large parking lot, huge newly renovated income apartment, two-car detached garage. Interested parties please e-mail waterburykelly@aol.com. All offers considered.

top

Funeral Director
Currently Seeking a Licensed Funeral Director in Terre Haute, IN. The funeral home is located on the area's premier cemetery.

This position interacts directly with client families during their time of need and is responsible for creating and maintaining a premier level of client family satisfaction.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Must have the appropriate state licensure for Funeral Service.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Check us out and consider what we have to offer for your career. Advanced on-line training resources, career advancement opportunities in the largest organization in our industry, attractive benefits, and a wonderful community to serve.

Excellent facilities and a respected funeral home in our community. Plus you'll have access to the very best training and employee resources in the industry.

For fastest consideration, send your resume via email to larry.newsom@sci-us.com OR
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

top

Funeral Director
Currently Seeking a Licensed Funeral Director for a large Funeral Home/Cemetery Combo in Houston, TX.

This position interacts directly with client families during their time of need and is responsible for creating and maintaining a premier level of client family satisfaction. We utilize a Central Care Facility for preparation and transport.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Must have the appropriate state licensure for Funeral Service.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Must be organized and a team player with sufficient organizational skills to handle the challenges of a large funeral home and diverse clientle.

Check us out and consider what we have to offer for your career. Advanced on-line training resources, career advancement opportunities in the largest organization in our industry, attractive benefits, and a wonderful community to serve.

Excellent facilities and a respected funeral home in our community. Plus you'll have access to the very best training and employee resources in the industry!

For fastest consideration, send your resume via email to larry.newsom@sci-us.com OR
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

top

Brand New Combo—Immediate Opening
TOP SALES POSISTIONS AVAILABLE

Beinhauer Family of Funeral Homes consists of 5 Funeral Homes all within a 7-mile radius of Woodruff Memorial Park. The privately owned Beinhauer Family of Funeral Homes has been in business for over 150 years with an impeccable reputation in the greater Pittsburg area. The 100-acre Woodruff Memorial Park just completed construction on a 2.5 million dollar Chapel Mausoleum.

This is a $100,000.00 sales opportunity.

We also offer Great Benefits:

  • Medical & Dental
  • 401K and Profit Sharing
  • Direct Mail Leads
  • Diversified Marketing Plan

If quality is what you are looking for, look no further. Submit your resume to Charles Rouse for a confidential interview at cwrouse@comcast.net.

top

Opportunity. New Approach.
Death Care Industry is in Need of These Services

Saber Management is now offering Final Expense products/services in eleven Kentucky market areas.

We offer:

  • Thousands of Qualified Prospects (They're in our files.)
  • Traditional Buyer (Low cremation rate of 10%)
  • Advanced Commissions
  • Pro-Sales Environment

For confidential interview e-mail your resume to Joe Franckewitz,
National Sales Director Final Expense/Saber Management at jfranckewitz@sabermgmt.net.

top

Top Sales Director Needed
Top sales director needed for two beautiful New York cemeteries with a combined 1,200 interments and $6,000,000 in annual revenue. These cemeteries encompass almost 200 picturesque acres of rolling hills and offer a magnificent view of the surrounding tree-covered mountains. The cemeteries feature several mausoleum complexes, beautiful chapels with indoor mausoleums and niches, and several hundred outdoor mausoleums and niches. We're looking for a highly experienced sales leader who can take us to the next level and secure their own future as well as that of these storied properties.

For a confidential interview, please forward your resume to rocketrecruiters@rocketmail.com.

top

Sales Manager
We are looking for driven, experienced entrepreneurs who can build a
successful teams for long term growth.

Qualified candidates must possess unbridled energy, ability to energize and inspire, the edge to make
the right and, sometimes, difficult decisions, and a demonstrated ability to execute for results.

Only proven "A" Players need apply; we only seek the best!

Opportunity available in Montana with responsibility for 3 Funeral Homes & 1 Cemetery
For confidential consideration, email resume to: craig.oprea@carriageservices.com
E.o.e/m/f

top

Arizona Funeral Homes For Sale
Two well established funeral homes for sale in Miami (founded 1913) and Globe (founded 1930's), Arizona. Great potential for growth. Will sell business, buildings or combination. Motivated seller willing to carry a portion of the purchase price. Take advantage of this great opportunity! Contact Jackie Guthrie at ROX Real Estate 520-560-4821 or jguthrie@jackieguthrie.com.

top

Funeral Home For Sale

  • Suffolk County, NY
  • 2 Large chapels convertible to 1 or 3 rooms
  • Lounge, Prep, Floral & Display Rooms with Casket Lift
  • 6 room live-in or income apartment
  • Rentable office space attached to building
  • Parking
  • Inquire at PFH.LB40@yahoo.com

top

Sales Professionals
Live and Work in Paradise.

Northstar Memorial Group is looking for a few great sales professionals (Sales Managers and Sales Counselors).

If you are looking for:

  • Sun, Sand, Palm Trees, and Fun
  • Zero state income tax
  • Retirement capital of the world as a customer base

We offer:

  • Great Commissions
  • Great Medical, Dental, and Vision plan.
  • 401K
  • Bonus Programs
  • Company Incentive Travel
  • Leads, Leads, Leads.

Our sales professionals are some of the highest paid in the industry. Northstar Memorial Group is owned and managed by sales people who understand the value of great sales professionals.

If Florida is a place you would like to live and work send a confidential email to detlef.taylor@nsmg.com or call 407-616-4049 or fax 352-360-1054 or Sam.upton@nsmg.com or 352-552-6753

See ya on the Beach!

top

Embalmer—El Paso, TX
Currently Seeking a Licensed Embalmer in El Paso, TX.

This position interacts directly with client families during their time of need but is primarily responsible for embalming and removals thru the Central Care Facility.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • State Embalming license or state certification required, according to state regulation.
  • At least one year of embalming experience required.
  • Excellent technical skills

Check us out and consider what we have to offer for your career. Advanced on-line training resources, career advancement opportunities in the largest organization in our industry, attractive benefits, and a wonderful community to serve with plenty of culture and personality.

Excellent facilities and a respected funeral home in our community. Plus you'll have access to the very best training and employee resources in the industry.

For fastest consideration, send your resume via e-mail to max.mosher@sci-us.com OR CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

top

Funeral Director/Embalmer—Corpus Christi
SCI is the largest Funeral Services Company in North America, located in over 40 states with over 1,600 locations encompassing 20,000 employees.

We are currently seeking a licensed Funeral Director. This position reports directly to the Funeral Home Manager. You will interact directly with client families during their time of need and is responsible for creating and maintaining a premier level of client family satisfaction.

Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years experience as a Funeral Director/ Embalmer.
  • Must have a current Texas Funeral Director/Embalmer license
  • Familiar with Texas Laws.
  • Bilingual skills in English and Spanish
  • Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills.

For fastest consideration, send your resume via e-mail to max.mosher@sci-us.com OR CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

top

Have More Fun and Make More Money in Michigan
Are you ready to work with a real sales company that recognizes performance over paperwork? Are you ready to be part of a young, dynamic, growing company where you can actually make more money while having fun?

Midwest Memorial Group, the owner of 29 cemeteries in Michigan, seeks a sales management professional to help us continue our 30% annual pre-need growth using our proven selling system.

Now let's be clear. We are looking only for professional and goal oriented individuals with a track record of integrity who have at least 2 year or more of sales management experience. If you have a track record of building a successful sales team while earning the respect of your counselors, stop what you are doing and contact us today.

Your comp plan includes impressive overrides, monthly bonus, quarterly bonus, signing bonus, moving allowance, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, and matching 401k.

To apply email your resume to careers@midwestmemorialgroup.com or fax to 866/836-3170.

top

Sales Management
Recession, what recession? 2009 was by far our best year ever when we achieved a 56% increase in sales versus 2008.

Regional management positions may now be available in your area!

Senior Life Services, a large independent insurance agency operating in 20 states is expanding. Get in on the EXPLODING SENIOR MARKET selling final expense life to seniors. Easy issue, lowest rates, unlimited leads provided to you and your agents weekly. In the current recession many businesses are hurting in the USA and throughout the world, however our business is booming. Thousands of seniors purchase our product each week!

We have regional management positions available in Illinois, Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. We are now accepting resumes for these positions.

Requirements include a State Life Insurance License to work, but not to apply. Applicants should have a strong successful Sales Management background in either Life Insurance or Preneed Cemetery/Funeral Sales or the equivalent. You must also have shown a track record of success in both personal sales and Recruiting/Team building.

INCOME POTENTIAL—250K TO 500K+

We offer initial and ongoing training of both management and sales agents. We have an outstanding lead program (unlimited weekly), advance commissions, benefits (disability, death and retirement), annual convention, special incentives and agent & client support.

We are looking for FULL-TIME FLEXIBLE, ADAPTABLE, TRAINABLE individuals
DRIVEN TO SUCEED! CONTACT TAMMY TAYLOR AT 800-548-3249 or e-mail your resume to recruit@senior-lifeservices.com.

top

Simply Put... Becoming the Best
Remember the days of creating lead programs and having monies to support it? Rolling out a monthly sales contest? Recognition and award trips to exotic destinations?

At Carriage Services "The Good Ole Days" are NOW!

We are looking for driven, experienced entrepreneurs who can build successful teams for long term growth. The qualified candidate must possess unbridled energy, can energize and inspire, has the edge to make the right and sometimes difficult decisions, and execute results.

Only proven "A" Players need apply; we only have room for the best!

Current Sales Manager opportunity in our Florida market.

For confidential consideration
E-mail or fax resume to:
chuck.horvath@carriageservices.com
713-332-5417 fax
E.o.e/m/f

top

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.

member benefits

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.

Discounts at FuneralReview.com and Dignity University
The ICCFA has partnered with FuneralReview.Com to provide online continuing education at a discount for members. Founded in 2002, FuneralReview.Com is North America's largest provider of online continuing education courses designed specifically for funeral directors, embalmers and preneed counselors. ICCFA members are being provided a code for use in obtaining a discount on the site's funeral courses.

All funeral courses at FuneralReview.com are approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. ICCFA members in good standing can log in using a special code to receive a discounted price on the funeral service courses. If you have not yet received your code or have misplaced it, call the ICCFA at 1.800.645.7700. For more information, visit www.funeralreview.com.

The ICCFA also offers low-cost online training on a variety of OSHA topics through a partnership with Dignity University. To access the 23 OSHA courses, visit http://online.ecampustraining.com/Dignityu/.

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 Lemasters Consulting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Poul is an attorney and licensed funeral director, and members in good standing may call him at 513.407.8114 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 513.407.8114.

top

CONTACT US

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 2010, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association

top

 


Code: 
wireless090710