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Wireless - April 20, 2010

Date Published: 
April 20, 2010
Original Publication: 
ICCFA Wireless





ICCFA Wireless: News You Can Use

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ICCFA Wireless ... News You Can Use

April 20, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 9

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.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

FTC Staff Advises on Third-Party Caskets from Costco

Yesterday, the FTC staff posted a new advisory opinion letter regarding the application of the Funeral Rule to the sale of third-party caskets delivered to funeral homes. Specifically, Universal Casket Co. alleges that it has been encountering problems when delivering caskets purchased by consumers from Costco. FTC staff cited Sec. 453.4(b)(1) of the Funeral Rule to confirm its earlier opinions that the following practices violate the Rule:

  1. require a consumer's presence at a funeral home at the time of delivery of a third-party casket;
  2. refuse to sign an acknowledgement of delivery of a third-party casket in the consumer's absence;
  3. charge a fee for storage of a third-party casket delivered in advance of an at-need disposition; and
  4. charge a fee for disposal of the container or packaging in which a third-party casket is shipped.

The standard applied to the funeral home practices is whether they "unreasonably burden a consumer's choice to purchase an item from a third party," according to FTC staff. "It is staff's opinion that the following acts or practices would violate Sec. 453.4(b)(1), if applied exclusively to third-part casket retailers that contact a funeral provider in advance to arrange delivery:

  • Refusal to accept delivery of a third-party casket more than a specified number of days in advance of its use;
  • Refusal to accept delivery of a third-party casket less than a specified number of days in advance of its use;
  • Refusal to accept delivery of a third-party casket during regular business hours except by prior appointment; and
  • Refusal to accept delivery of a third-party casket during regular business hours at a particular date and time, unless the provider is unable to receive caskets from any regular supplier at that date and time (e.g., because the provider will be conducting a funeral)." (italics in original)

The FTC staff also discuss whether the funeral provider is required to assist in the unloading of a third-party casket or provide standard equipment (such as a "church truck") to assist in bringing the casket into the funeral home. Finally, the staff discusses whether it is a violation of the Funeral Rule for a provider to disparage the quality of third-party caskets or mislead consumers about the savings available from package pricing discounts. The FTC staff advisory opinion letter can be viewed at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/funerals/opinions/opinion10-1.pdf.

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ICCFA Contacts State Associations Concerning H.R. 3655, Bereaved Consumers Bill of Rights Act

eye on congressLast week, the ICCFA send a memo to all of the state funeral directors associations containing a blunt assessment of the likely impact of H.R. 3655, the Bereaved Consumers Bill of Rights Act, should it become law. The legislation is now pending action in the full Energy and Commerce Committee prior to being sent to floor of the House of Representatives for a vote. A similar memo, which has also been sent to the state cemetery associations, was authored by Government and Legal Affairs Chairman Irwin W. Shipper, CCE.

In part, the memo states, "I am taking this unusual step of contacting you directly because we are facing a most unusual bill in the Congress of the Unites States that could change the way we do business and literally put many of us out of business. I am referring to H.R. 3655, the Bereaved Consumers Bill of Rights Act, introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and recently reported favorably out of his subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. So this legislation is on the move!

"H.R. 3655 requires the Federal Trade Commission to establish a "Funeral Rule II" covering all sellers of funeral goods or services, including nonprofit, religious and municipal entities. Even funeral providers currently under the existing Funeral Rule—i.e., funeral homes—would be saddled with new disclosure requirements under this legislation so nobody gets a free ride. However, we are concerned that some of the state funeral directors associations, and the National Funeral Directors Association, have been lobbying in support of this legislation. Unless we're missing something, we believe this advocacy in favor of H.R. 3655 by members of our profession is counterproductive and very harmful. Here's why:

  • We have described H.R. 3655 as creating a minefield of relatively minor offenses that are punishable by crushing fines starting at $16,000 per violation. Under the rules of procedure, the FTC would have relatively little discretion imposing the fines, even on the smallest of funeral homes or cemeteries. Truly, the "dead hand of government" at work.
  • More troubling, if this legislation becomes law, it would create something that does not currently exist—a statute section in the U.S. Code that specifically regulates funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, monument builders, and related businesses. As with other sections of the U.S. Code, this could be amended endlessly by the introduction of new legislation by any of the 535 members of Congress, anytime there is a problem with a local funeral home, cemetery, crematory, monument dealer, etc. in their district. Remember, the FTC Funeral Rule is not a federal statute and currently there is no federal statute that specifically regulates our profession. H.R. 3655 would change that."

"We are all consumers and everybody is in favor of consumer protection. That said, we are convinced that H.R. 3655 is a bad bill that would make bad law, then open the floodgates to amendments and expansion in the years ahead.

"Stop for just a minute and estimate the costs to your business should H.R. 3655 become law and the FTC regulates, or in the case of funeral homes, increases the regulation of your business. Add the risk of astronomical fines and the effect all this will have on your bottom line.

"I think you will agree that we must do everything possible to stop H.R. 3655 from becoming law. There are two ways you can help: First, as a state association, please contact the members of your state Congressional delegation by phone or e-mail and tell them that a.) H.R. 3655 is a highly controversial bill within our profession; and b.) you believe the legislation if enacted will cause substantial harm to our businesses with little or no commensurate benefit in consumer protection. Second, please urge your members to contact their respective members of Congress by phone or email with the same two points."

The ICCFA memo concluded by observing, "The time to discover that H.R. 3655 is harmful to your business is NOT after it has been enacted into law. Please take action now. Thank you." A copy of the memo can be viewed on the ICCFA Web site at https://www.iccfa.com/files/HR3655StateFuneralAssnMemo.pdf.

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State Supreme Court: Scattering Cremated Remains Does Not Create a Cemetery

Last week, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a family cemetery had not been established simply because cremated remains had been scattered on the ground and the affected area was marked off and plaques commemorating the decedents were installed. In the case of Shilling v. Baker, the original owner of the tract of land had his cremated remains scattered on the site in 1949 and named the area, "Baker Cemetery." In subsequent years, the cremated remains of other family members were scattered over the same area. In 1991, the property changed ownership and the new owner permitted relatives of the decedents to visit the site and, in 1999, bury an urn of another family member. However, in 2007 the owner contracted to sell the parcel but the sale was conditioned upon the "Baker Cemetery" being moved 500 feet from its present location.

The family sued the owner to prevent the site from being moved, claiming that as a cemetery it was protected from being disturbed. The owner, citing county zoning ordinances, claimed that a cemetery never existed, that the scattering was performed prior to the enactment of 1984 zoning ordinances requiring a special use permit for a family cemetery, and that the burial of the urn in 1999 was unlawful because it was performed without a special use permit that by then was required by law.

The Virginia Supreme Court held, in a split 4-3 decision, that a "final disposition" by scattering is not comparable to a final disposition by ground burial, mausoleum crypt or columbarium niche. "In sum, interment is more than the scattering of ashes; it requires a permanent and 'final disposal' of human remains. As such, [Virginia] Code Sec. 54.1-2310's definition of cemetery does not encompass land used merely to scatter cremains." In a spirited dissent to the majority opinion, three of the seven justices believed that a family cemetery was established. "Today, this special resting place for the family's loved ones is forever swept away by the majority's view that 'some form of actual burial is required to create a cemetery' under Virginia law... In this case, the holding of funeral ceremonies, the placing of memorial plaques, the scattering of cremains in a specific area, and the continued upkeep and treatment of the areas as the family cemetery, including referring to it as such, all support the conclusion that the ‘Baker Cemetery' is and has been since 1949 a valid cemetery. The text of the court's decision can be viewed at http://valawyersweekly.com/vlwblog/2010/04/15/it's-not-cemetery-unless-it-contains-a-dead-body/.

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ICCFA NEWS

2011 Wide World of Sales: Call For Presentations

The ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee is preparing for the 2011 Wide World of Sales Conference, January 12-14 at Bally's Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and we invite you to share your expertise with your colleagues.

The Wide World of Sales is the largest sales and marketing conference in the cemetery, cremation and funeral service profession.

We are seeking the very best, most relevant and most thought-provoking sales and marketing programs, tools and techniques being used today. We want presentations with concrete, how-to information, with an emphasis on the "how" rather than the "why." If you have expertise to share, this is your opportunity to give back to the profession. The committee invites you to submit a session proposal, to include:

  • your contact information
  • a detailed description of your "how to" topic, including the specific tools, techniques and/or initiatives the attendee will be able to put to use immediately
  • the primary target for your presentation (managers, counselors or both; cemeteries, funeral homes or both)
  • a list of handouts you will provide for our attendee on-site binder supplementing your presentation (at least two handouts are required)
  • a brief bio regarding your background and qualifications, including any previous speaking experience

The format for this conference calls for numerous brief (20- or 30-minute) sessions, so please narrow your topic to one or two key points that you can fully develop and communicate within that time period. Please submit your proposal by June 4, 2010, to Linda Budzinski via fax at 703.391.8416.

Thank you for your willingness to share your time and talents!

2010 Annual Convention & Expo


Register Online Now For the 2010 Session of ICCFA University

ICCFA UniversityOnline registration is now available for ICCFA University, July 23-28 at the Fogelman Conference Center at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. The ICCFAU offers five days of intensive educational programming in six colleges and two graduate programs:

  • College of 21st Century Funeral Services
  • College of Administration and Management
  • College of Cremation Services
  • College of Funeral Home Management
  • College of Land Management & Grounds Operations
  • College of Sales & Marketing
  • Master's program
  • CEO program

ICCFAU combines five days of intensive classroom education with campus-style networking and recreation to provide a unique experience within the cemetery, cremation and funeral service profession.

ALUMNI & FRESHMAN: Students who have attended four or more years and first-time students receive a $100 discount on registration! (subject to verification)

Each year, this program is rated as the best educational and networking opportunity available. Students are welcome to come for one or two years, but most continue on through four years to become ICCFAU "graduates." From front-line maintenance workers, counselors and funeral directors through top executives and owners, the program offers something for everyone. Find out for yourself what draws our students back year after year.

Funeral directors can earn up to 24.5 CE credits, pending state approvals.

Registration fees include all meals from Friday dinner through Wednesday breakfast. A complete program, registration materials and online registration for the 2010 session of ICCFA University are now available at www.iccfa.com.

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Florida Funeral Directors Association Members: Apply for a Scholarship to ICCFA University

The Florida Funeral Directors Association has created a professional development scholarship covering the cost of all registration fees up to $1,750 (scholarship recipients are responsible for travel and hotel accomodations).

You may find the application here. Application deadline: May 15.

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Crematory Operator Training: May 27 in Glen Allen/Richmond, VA

ATTENTION ALL VIRGINIA FUNERAL DIRECTORS, CREMATIONISTS & CEMETERIANS:
If you haven't already received your crematory operator certification, you have
another chance to do so before July 1! The International Cemetery, Cremation
and Funeral Association, in conjunction with the Independent Funeral Homes of
Virginia, will be conducting a one-day crematory operator certification program on
Thursday, May 27, at the Richmond Marriott West in Glen Allen, Virginia.

GLEN ALLEN/RICHMOND AREA
Thursday, May 27

Richmond Marriott West
4240 Dominion Boulevard
Glen Allen, VA 23060
804.965.9500
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with continental breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Download a registration form here
COST: $349 for ICCFA or IFHV members; $429 for non-members

The ICCFA Crematory Operator Certification program, presented in concert with Crematory
Manufacturing & Service Inc. consists of extensive training including:

  • professional terminology
  • incinerator terminology
  • principles of combustion
  • cremation and the environment
  • incinerator criteria and design
  • basics of operating cremation equipment
  • general maintenance and troubleshooting
  • forms and record keeping
  • handling and exposure control

All attendees will receive a comprehensive Operations Manual covering all aspects
of crematory operation and maintenance. The Commonwealth of Virginia has recognized the ICCFA as an official provider of crematory
certification training.

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CLASSIFIED ADS
Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

Great Florida Sales Management Opportunity!
Six Figure Income!
Are you tired of fighting those Northern winters?
We are looking for a talented Sales Manager to run 2 well established, highly respected funeral homes on Florida's Gulf Coast. These businesses have been successfully serving Florida families for over 100 years!

As a selling Sales Manger you will have access to the following:

  • A Family Service Presence Serving over 500 Cases Annually!
  • Great Direct Mail and Telemarketing Lead Programs!
  • National Corporation with Strong Sales Mentality!
  • Great Benefit Package with Major Medical and 401K!

This could be your chance to enjoy a fantastic lifestyle while earning a 100K+ income!
Please email your resume to:
Mark Helmintoller, Regional Sales Manager at mhjh2000@aol.com or call 941-474-2413

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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, Tennesee, 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/Teambuilding.

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.

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Do You Want an Opportunity to Earn What You Are Worth?
Stewart Enterprises is looking for an experienced sales manager with a proven track record of success in combination operations that wants an opportunity to earn what you are worth and not have your income potential capped.

We are currently seeking a sales manager in Little Rock, Arkansas to manage sales for two cemeteries and a funeral home. The successful candidate that will be selected for this position must have:

  • at least 3 years experience as a sales manager in the cemetery/funeral business
  • a proven track record of hiring and maintaining a stable, productive sales force
  • experience managing sales in a combination funeral home/cemetery environment
  • experience managing multiple locations in a single market

We offer the following benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Complete health package including medical, dental, and vision care
  • Bonus Programs
  • Advancement opportunities

If you are looking for a company that you can retire from, give Joe Everly a call at 504-265-0370 or e-mail your resume to Jeverly@stei.com. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

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Be a Part of "New Acquistions"
We are a Private Company in the process of adding New Businesses to our family of Cemeteries and Funeral Homes.
In preparation of the upcoming closings we find ourselves in need of expanding our Sales Management Team. These are high profile
Businesses in great market areas with unlimited income potential.

If you are a Seasoned Sales Manager and looking for a breath of fresh air, WE OFFER:

  • Advance Commissions and Overrides
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401K Plan
  • Relocation Benefit
  • Direct Mail Advertising
  • Appointment Setters

If you are interested in a confidential interview e-mail your resume with past history to cwrouse@comcast.net.

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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

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Easy Extra Revenue Source
Awesome opportunity for Directors to make make additional revenue. While Directors are assisting their clients in getting their affairs in order...what better time to ask them if they have their estate in order? This is a win/win/win opportunity and a fantastic means of generating additional bottom line income for funeral homes and crematoriums.

Our comprehensive Estate Planning package is far more than just a will or trust; and ensures that your client is completely prepared in the event of death or incapacitation. The program is available in all states but Louisiana.

How it works: The Client contacts us by telephone and all pressing questions are answered in plain English. We will hold your Client's hand, so to speak, and make sure they are completely comfortable. Once the documents are prepared, we'll have them drawn up under the umbrella of a top estate planning Attorney in your State. Next, they are bound and shipped to your Client with complete instructions on where to sign and mail each document.

People expect to pay thousands for this service. We are Integrity Life Skills, Salt Lake City, Utah based LLC. We are offering this service at a wholesale price for Funeral home and Crematorium Directors of $595. You should feel comfortable offering this service for anywhere between $795 and $1495 while still delivering tremendous value to your clients.

Go to www.IntegrityLifeSkills.com/EstatePartners or call Kevin @ 866-749-2555.

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Consider the Possibilities—Oakbrook Terrace, IL
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Oakbrook Terrace, IL area.

As Sales Manager, you'll manage leads and be responsible for coaching our Sales Staff—acting as their primary reference regarding customer service and satisfaction, prospecting, product knowledge, sales presentations, closing skills, prices, terms, paperwork, and sales guideline interpretation. In return, we'll provide the most professional training our industry offers, career advancement opportunities, excellent earning potential, and a respectful and professional work environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Promote Sales
  • Ensure that location sales quotas are achieved
  • Recruit sales representatives
  • Provide sales staff with proper training regarding sales techniques, legal requirements, and company products, policies, and procedures
  • Review and evaluate sales staff performance
  • Handle personnel issues and problems
  • Conduct weekly sales meetings
  • Ensure all contracts/paperwork are completed and returned accurately and in a timely manner
  • Work in the field with the sales team (ride with staff on presentations)

If you qualify, the position offers:

  • Outstanding Compensation and Bonus Potential
  • Professional Training and Materials
  • Full Benefit Package
  • Advancement Opportunities

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Minimum of two years sales experience, preferably six years or more
  • Minimum of one year sales management experience

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

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Consider the Possibilities—Arlington Heights, IL
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Oakbrook Terrace, IL area.

As Sales Manager, you'll manage leads and be responsible for coaching our Sales Staff—acting as their primary reference regarding customer service and satisfaction, prospecting, product knowledge, sales presentations, closing skills, prices, terms, paperwork, and sales guideline interpretation. In return, we'll provide the most professional training our industry offers, career advancement opportunities, excellent earning potential, and a respectful and professional work environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Promote Sales
  • Ensure that location sales quotas are achieved
  • Recruit sales representatives
  • Provide sales staff with proper training regarding sales techniques, legal requirements, and company products, policies, and procedures
  • Review and evaluate sales staff performance
  • Handle personnel issues and problems
  • Conduct weekly sales meetings
  • Ensure all contracts/paperwork are completed and returned accurately and in a timely manner
  • Work in the field with the sales team (ride with staff on presentations)

If you qualify, the position offers:

  • Outstanding Compensation and Bonus Potential
  • Professional Training and Materials
  • Full Benefit Package
  • Advancement Opportunities

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Minimum of two years sales experience, preferably six years or more
  • Minimum of one year sales management experience

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

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Funeral Director
Currently Seeking a Licensed Funeral Director in Houston, TX

The Funeral Director is directly involved with client families during their time of need.

  • Creates and maintains the Company's premier level of client family satisfaction
  • Consistently establishes rapport with client families and develops an understanding of each family situation
  • Effectively analyzes needs and proactively communicates appropriate Company service/product options to all client families
  • Assumes responsibility for insuring that the services provided to the client family are in accordance with their wishes, while maintaining total compliance with applicable regulations
  • Actively participates in community organizations in the areas they are employed
  • Supports the location's marketing efforts and functions as a liaison with designated key community members
  • As required by business demand, works individually and as a team member to arrange, direct and/or supervise personalized services in a single, or at multiple Company locations
  • Depending on location and business demand, may also act as embalmer and/or assist prep room staff
  • May assist in training of others
  • Anticipates potential problems and effectively resolves customer conflicts to maintain the company's reputation as the funeral provider of choice

Education

  • Graduation from accredited mortuary college required
  • State Funeral Director license required
  • Successful completion of apprenticeship program required
  • Two years Associate's degree preferred
  • International Funeral Conference Examining Board Certificate preferred
  • Embalming license preferred

Experience
Minimum two years funeral service experience required

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

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General Manager
General Manager needed for Houston, TX Funeral Home/Cemetery Combination Location.

This position is responsible for all activities associated with operations, customers, staff, facilities and financials in the assigned locations. The primary responsibilities of the General Manager role include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Manage the daily business operations as if it were your own.
  • Achieve the location's annual financial and marketing goals.
  • Continuously track the ratio of sales and ensure targets are met.
  • Implement new service and revenue enhancement programs to help grow market share.
  • Ensure all company operational procedures and policies are implemented and practiced.
  • Maintain a motivated and dedicated staff with the skills necessary to service client family needs.
  • Select, train and motivate location staff to assure that they create and maintain a premier level of client family satisfaction.
  • Practice and promote teamwork among location staff.
  • Ensure visitations and services are conducted in a manner that exceeds the expectations of our client families and friends.
  • Continuously review processes and procedures to identify areas for training/potential improvement/cost reduction.
  • Plan and participate in community events designed to heighten awareness of the location

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in business is preferred.
  • Managerial experience in either a funeral home, cemetery, or combo location is strongly desired.
  • High level understanding of all competitors and the demographic patterns influencing location business and market share.

***Successful candidate will hold a Texas Funeral Service License or have the ability to reciprocate their license quickly OR will have extensive cemetery management and sales experience.

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

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Consider the Possibilities—Kokomo, IN
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Kokomo, IN area.

As Sales Manager, you'll manage leads and be responsible for coaching our Sales Staff—acting as their primary reference regarding customer service and satisfaction, prospecting, product knowledge, sales presentations, closing skills, prices, terms, paperwork, and sales guideline interpretation. In return, we'll provide the most professional training our industry offers, career advancement opportunities, excellent earning potential, and a respectful and professional work environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Promote Sales
  • Ensure that location sales quotas are achieved
  • Recruit sales representatives
  • Provide sales staff with proper training regarding sales techniques, legal requirements, and company products, policies, and procedures
  • Review and evaluate sales staff performance
  • Handle personnel issues and problems
  • Conduct weekly sales meetings
  • Ensure all contracts/paperwork are completed and returned accurately and in a timely manner
  • Work in the field with the sales team (ride with staff on presentations)

If you qualify, the position offers:

  • Outstanding Compensation and Bonus Potential
  • Professional Training and Materials
  • Full Benefit Package
  • Advancement Opportunities

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Minimum of two years sales experience, preferably six years or more
  • Minimum of one year sales management experience

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

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Funeral Director—Leader
Currently Seeking a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in Lake Jackson, TX to lead our operations in this NEW funeral home (built on an existing 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. The position could lead to a Location Manager role as soon as the location warrants adding additional licensees. We are already at 75 calls in less than 1 year!

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Texas Funeral Service & Embalming License (or ability to reciprocate)
  • Experienced Funeral Director ready for management opportunity

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 new facilities built on a respected cemetery in this Texas Gulf Coast Community (5 miles to the beach). 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 larry.newsom@sci-us.com OR CLICK HERE TO APPLY. Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

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Career Opportunity
Combine the reasons you became a funeral director with your entrepreneurial spirit to work for highly respected, independent, local funeral home group in Western Pennsylvania. Seeking a highly motivated, caring professional to step into established pre-need program. Excellent income potential with guaranteed training base, health insurance, professional training and support staff, opportunity for growth, and you control your schedule. Must have Pennsylvania funeral director license and insurance license or able to obtain one. Comprehensive lead generation program (no cold calling!). For a CONFIDENTIAL interview, please call 1-888-922-2292, or e-mail directconnectrc@bellsouth.net.

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Separate Yourself from the Pack
NorthStar Memorial Group is a dynamic and rapidly growing collection of the most talented leaders in the industry. Our formula is simple; we have the best people at the best properties in the best markets.

We are seeking Top Producers and Top Sales Managers as we gear up for even greater expansion. We provide all the tools, training, incentives and culture that have resulted in the most prosperous and stable team in the nation.

If you want to position yourself for success, I invite you to come grow with us. Send your resume to Bob March at bob.march@nsmg.com.

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Cemetery Director
Active 150+ acres in NYC Metropolitan Area.

Minimum of 8 years full time experience required in administration and all operations inclusive of computers, office skills and systems, records and documentation, sales, fieldwork, and reading maps. Also, candidates must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and proven business management experiences. Must be able to work well with others, multi task, understand financial and payroll reports, manage staff, communicate and implement company policy and procedures.

Excellent compensation, inclusive of medical and pension benefits.

Please send resume to NYCemConsult@aol.com.

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Consider the Possibilities—Atlanta, GA
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Atlanta, GA area. This is an opportunity to manage the sales function for a combo in Kennesaw, a cemetery in Roswell and a funeral home in Woodstock.

Apply to today and discover how rewarding it can be to work with us:

  • Salary plus performance bonuses
  • Attractive benefits
  • Continued learning/development/advancement

Requirements:

  • Minimum of five years sales experience
  • Minimum of three years sales management experience
  • Must also be:
    • An excellent recruiter and trainer
    • A person of integrity
    • High energy, creative, and have the ability to motivate

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

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Consider the Possibilities—Des Plaines, IN
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Chicago, IL area (Des Plaines). This is an opportunity to manage the sales function for a cemetery and nearby funeral home.
Apply to today and discover how rewarding it can be to work with us:

  • Salary plus performance bonuses
  • Attractive benefits
  • Continued learning/development/advancement

Requirements:

  • Minimum of five years sales experience
  • Minimum of three years sales management experience

Must also be:

  • An excellent recruiter and trainer
  • A person of integrity
  • High energy, creative, and have the ability to motivate

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

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Consider the Possibilities—Rockford, IL
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Rockford, IL area. This is an opportunity to assume the reins of an already high performing sales team, not a fixer-upper.
Apply to today and discover how rewarding it can be to work with us:

  • Salary plus performance bonuses
  • Attractive benefits
  • Continued learning/development/advancement

Requirements:

  • Minimum of five years sales experience
  • Minimum of three years sales management experience

Must also be:

  • An excellent recruiter and trainer
  • A person of integrity
  • High energy, creative, and have the ability to motivate

For fastest consideration, send your resume via email to larry.newsom@sci-us.com OR
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA4/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SCICORP&cws=1&rid=625
Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

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Immediate Opening—A SOLID PERFORMER!
A solid Company is looking for an Experienced Sales Manager to work with the sales functions of a 300+ burial Cemetery in the Mid-West. Candidate must have experience in cemetery/funeral Sales Management. The ideal candidate would be a team player who understands that recruiting and training of a sales staff is a daily function of management. The manager we select for this high profile position must have a strong work ethic, can multi task, works well with others, can manage people, communicate and implement company policy and procedures.

In return, you will be compensated extremely well and live a quality of life that most only dream about. Medical, Dental, 401K and Life Insurance is only a part of what is available to you. Don't delay, this position will not stay open long.

If you are a candidate looking for such an opportunity please e-mail your resume to rosehillelmwood@aol.com.

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Opportunity With Graystone Associates, Inc.
We are hiring a SR Consultant/Account Manager/Facilitator. We are a consulting company to independent funeral homes/mortuaries with clients throughout the United States and Canada. In this position, you will assist your accounts by providing financial, managerial and training support for the Owners and their staff. Seventy five percent of your time will be spent consulting and the other 25% will consist of training. This position requires extensive travel (80%) both in the US and Canada (valid Passport required). To be considered for this position, you must have a minimum of Bachelors or MBA degree and a minimum of 5 plus years of experience in management and account facilitation. You must be able to read and analyze financial documents, have strong verbal and written communication skills, feel comfortable speaking with all levels of employees in a funeral home, comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people, and capable of working independently. You must also be tech savvy and capable
of using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, etc. Experience as a General
Manager of a Funeral Home or Regional Management responsibilities are highly
desirable. Close proximity to a hub airport essential. Please send your resume, along with a cover letter, including your salary requirements to
terrie@graystoneassociates.com.

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Assistant Sales Manager
Seeking Assistant Sales Manager. Must have funeral industry experience. We are looking for an energetic, positive, detail oriented person with good communication skills for a full-time position. Excellent medical, dental & vision benefits, vacation & 401k plan. Extensive management training.

Fax resumes to Liz at (866) 363-3129 or e-mail Liz at lwelch@fairhavenmemorial.com

Mail resumes:
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92705
Attn: Liz Welch

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Operations Manager
Premier central Orange County mortuary seeking an individual looking for a challenging
opportunity that offers the ability to grow & develop a strong employee staff.

We are looking for an experienced manager with a minimum of 5 years of funeral home management experience, managing an annual call volume of over 700 cases. Candidate should possess strong leadership qualities & a focus on customer satisfaction. CA licensed Funeral Director preferred.

We offer a competitive salary, healthcare benefits, 401k, paid vacation & life insurance.

Please fax your resume to 866-210-7246.

Mail resumes to:
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92705
Attn: Liz Welch

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Family Service Counselor
We are seeking a motivated, self starting, experienced Funeral Director / Family Service Counselor for our Mission Viejo office location. Duties include promotion of the funeral home through public relations visits along with traditional responsibilities of serving families. Excellent medical, dental, vision benefits, vacation & 401k plan.

Fax resume to Liz at (866) 363-3129 or email to Liz at lwelch@fairhavenmemorial.com

Mail resumes to:
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92705
Attn: Liz Welch

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Chief Operating Officer
Allegheny Cemetery & Crematory, Homewood Cemetery, Smithfield Cemetery & Rapp Funeral Home

Requirements include: Hands on management of significant
(historic) properties, five years senior management experience, Bachelor degree, strong financial & cemetery sales skills and working with non-profit Boards & experienced staff.

Allegheny Cemetery
Thomas G. Roberts, President

Please send or e-mail Resume & Salary Requirements
for a Confidential response.
4734 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Ph 412-682-1624 | Fax 412-622-0655
E-mail: tgpr52@hotmail.com

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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

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Excellence in the Removal Procedure: The Manual
How do you explain something that you have been doing for years without leaving out the details to a new employee? This newly revised Removal Manual is finally back and available. There is no other type of publication dedicated to the proper handling of deceased. It is a needed guide for the experienced and one who is new to the funeral business. Every removal is not created equal, each removal is different. Some funeral establishments have used this as their primary operations and procedure manual.

The purpose of the manual is to improve the protocol and the standards of performance. It is created to save the company from litigation and headaches, as a result out of a lack of improperly training of the mortuary staff. This is a practical manual on various types of decedent removals, important risk management issues (such as proper identification, use of PPE's), the dangers of various pathogens present, and understanding OSHA standards.

This newly revised edition is much easier to read and use. This edition is no longer coiled, it is seamed together for endurance and durability. It is our hope, that the ideas and techniques will be deemed useful into the protocol that exist today. What a great addition to funeral service resources.

Reduced Price: $19.95 each
(Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping)

Please mail check or money order
payable to: Shun Newbern

Shun Newbern & Associates
P.O. Box 1865
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
www.shunnewbern.com
shunnewbern@aol.com

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Do You Remember?
Do you remember when telemarketing was going strong; direct mail flowed from a spigot and the sales team acted as one with a common goal in mind. For most those days are nothing but a distant memory, for us it is a way of life and the way we do business.

We thoroughly understand the value of lead flow and the impact it has on developing new sales talent into our industry. Our sales division does not report to any operations, general manager or maintenance superintendent. We report only to the Vice President who is a sales guy.

We are a National Company with one Sales Management opportunity currently available and the position has a great benefit plan too. If you are interested in quality leads, no micro-management and a chance to be among the highest paid Sales Management team in the industry. Then E-mail your resume to memorialparkcemetery@comcast.net and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised about the opportunity.

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Exciting Sales Opportunities!
StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.

We boast one of the highest commission rates in the industry and our Sales Managers enjoy triple override bonuses on all location sales after hitting performance goals.

We have excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

We are currently searching for experienced Sales Managers and Sales Counselors in PA, DE and MD. EOE

For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax to 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com. www.stonemor.com

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Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent wanted for 500 burial memorial park in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Cemetery Superintendent is responsible for the overall appearance and condition of the cemetery grounds. The Superintendent must also demonstrate a commitment to NorthStar's goal of being the employer of choice in the death services industry.

The person chosen for this position will be required to maintain a dedicated staff with the skills necessary to serve client family needs.

This is a salaried position with a range of $40,000 to $45,000 per year, as well as carrying the potential for a production bonus. NorthStar offers a comprehensive benefits package including matching 401K, Health, Life Insurance and other benefits.

Please submit you resume to alan.teal@nsmg.com or call 386-747-1586.

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Professionals: Service & Sales with Operations Experience
Are you successful today (or in recent past) in outreach & marketing within diverse communities? Can you quantify & verify with references your past successes? How have you balanced revenue needs with operational integrity? Does your experience include high traditional and moderate to high cremation consumers, and if yes, where, with whom and how?

We are a family run business seeking two people of integrity for two of our markets:

Mississippi Gulf Coast
Eastern Slope, Colorado Rockies

We seek and demand:

  • Integrity
  • Lead development skills worthy of the 21st century
  • Coaching & training of small, expert teams
  • Five years minimum successful experience in both funeral and cemetery spaces
  • Leadership by works
  • Licensed funeral directors are welcome to apply

We Offer:

  • A family company seeking quality through talented people
  • Compensation that drives positive cash flow for you and the company
  • A company to retire with someday
  • A suite of benefit opportunities
  • Owners that work in the trenches every day with families

Please forward your resume and cover letter to Mark Sadowski at I.amunknown@live.com and include your references. We would like to secure and begin working with you in the beginning of 2010.

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Two Cemeteries for Sale
"New" asking price $275,000.00. Franklin, Virginia, and Emporia, Virginia (30 minutes apart); $250,000.00 in receivables, $400,000.00 in trust accounts. Due to owner health issues we are doing a drastic reduction in price. Take advantage of this great opportunity. E-mail inquiries to acc@gamewood.net, or fax to 434.822.1647, or call Gary Hall at 434.250.6121. To view pictures go to www.myspace.com/accinc.

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Preneed Sales Manager
New Tacoma Cemeteries & Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a Sales Manager to lead our cemetery & funeral home preneed sales team.

Our ideal candidate has their Washington insurance license and previous cemetery managerial experience leading a sales team. Benefits include salary + commission, medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick and 401K plan. Please e-mail resume to: patty@newtacoma.com or contact Jack Harding at 253 564-1311.

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Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
GRS is growing again!

Gibraltar Remembrance Services is on the grow again and we are looking for a Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers for new location in the Midwest and expansion of our Seattle operations of the USA.

Our Sales Managers and Division Managers ALL earn in excess of $100,000. Some exceed that mark handsomely.

We are looking for a track record of:

  • Strong Leadership Skills
  • Aggressive Work Ethic
  • Integrity
  • Vision (ability to identify opportunity and sell the vision)
  • Ability to Recruit and Train a Large Sales Team
  • Experience in lead development
  • Consistent Performance and Growth

We Offer:

  • Best Compensation Plan in the Profession
  • Full Line of Fringe Benefits including 401K with Company Match
  • A Preneed Sales Driven Corporate Philosophy
  • Opportunity for Career Advancement
  • Effective Sales and Training Materials
  • Relocation Program

For more information in an informal and confidential chat call Gary Osborne at 713-702-2886 (cell) or send a brief e-mail to GOsborne@RemembranceSvcs.com. I do not need a formal resume but a brief work history or comments about what you are seeking would be helpful to our discussion.

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For Sale
Perpetual care cemetery, located approximately eighteen miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas.

Includes:

  • 10 acres dedicated land with approximately 4,000 spaces available
  • Approximately 25 additional adjacent acres
  • Mausoleum/ chapel/ office building
  • Maintenance and storage building
  • 2 tractors, one with 36" backhoe
  • 10 X 6 dump trailer
  • Zero turn mowers and miscellaneous equipment
  • Perpetual care trust fund fully funded and continues to receive #1 audit rating from the Texas Banking Commission.

Asking Price: Open
Contact Betty Haas at bjh@citbroadband.com for more details or information.

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Sales Manager
We are looking for a selling sales manager who has a pro-active approach for pre-need mausoleum sales, is capable of establishing community awareness in the surrounding communities of the cemetery, as well as establish mutual business relationships with area professionals to service residents on a broader spectrum of needs. Daily and weekly responsibilities require the sales manager to meet and counsel area families regarding the advantages of preplanning, in addition to assisting with the on-site training and motivation of sales counselors in order to grow the number of pre-need sales for their cemetery.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Hands on sales approach
  • Motivate and encourage a healthy competitive spirit
  • Earn a six figure + income

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2 years successful cemetery sales management experience
  • High energy, results oriented

Visit our Web site to see the country's most beautiful and sought-after mausoleums! All responses are kept confidential.

Contact Jill Baum, Memorial Properties, 1.888.662.9600
E-mail your resume to Memprop@aol.com
www.MemorialProperties.com
Opportunities available in Savannah, GA and NJ

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Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales 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 @ 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 yr 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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Code: 
wireless042010

Wireless - March 23, 2010

Date Published: 
March 23, 2010





ICCFA Wireless: News You Can Use

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ICCFA Wireless ... News You Can Use

March 23, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 7

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.


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INDUSTRY NEWS

TSA Clarifies Screening Human Remains and the August 1 Deadline

The previous edition of ICCFA Wireless published the text of an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stating that "the current screening protocols for Human Remains (HR) shipments will remain in effect on August 1, 2010, when the 100% air cargo screening Congressional mandate becomes effective." This statement has lead to some confusion as to its practical effect and discussions between TSA officials and ICCFA staff have clarified the practical implications: the screening of Human Remains shipped by passenger airliners in the U.S. went into effect in February 2009 at the 50% level. These are the protocols that will remain in effect "on August 1, 2010 when the 100% air cargo screening... becomes effective." As one TSA official explained it, whatever funeral homes are doing today when they ship human remains by air, they can continue doing on and after August 1 until further notice.

However, TSA urges funeral homes and other interested parties who wish to qualify as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) or an Independent Cargo Screening Facility (ICSF) should pursue the application process without delay. Currently, there are 10 funeral homes in the United States that are certified screeners. TSA emphasizes that funeral homes should be determining now how their shipouts will be screened, and by what facility and where. For more information, contact ICCFA general counsel Bob Fells at rfells@iccfa.com.

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FTC Conducts Massive Nine-State Sweep for Funeral Rule Compliance

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had conducted undercover investigations (or sweeps) in nine states and in the District of Columbia to determine the level of compliance with the Funeral Rule. The FTC "found significant violations of Federal Trade Commission consumer protection rules at 52 of 175 funeral homes they visited during 2009." Of the 59 mortuaries examined in the Washington, D.C. area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia, a total of 19 had significant violations. In El Paso, TX, six of 12 funeral homes had significant violations. In Nassau County, NY, seven of 14 funeral homes had significant violations. Other regions investigated were Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville, TN, New Orleans and New Iberia, LA, and several cities in Montana.

Violations are punishable by fines up to $16,000 per violation (increased recently from $11,000) or funeral homes have the option of enrolling in the Funeral Rule Offenders Program (FROP) that the FTC initiated in 1996 in conjunction with NFDA. The three-year program requires that participating funeral homes contribute a fee to the U.S. Treasury in place of the civil penalties, calculated at the rate of .08% of gross income. According to FTC, since 1996, 362 funeral homes out of more than 2,300 inspected were substantially out of compliance with the Funeral Rule. For more information on the Funeral Rule and the nine state sweeps, go to http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/funeral.shtm.

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Employers Gain Tax Breaks in New HIRE Act

eye on congressOvershadowed by the media attention to the health care reform legislation, last week President Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act that provides some significant tax incentives to hire and retain individuals who have been unemployed for at least 60 days. The new law also reinstates the higher maximum amounts that can be expensed under Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code. Perhaps most important, employers can take advantage of an immediate payroll tax savings under the new law through a "payroll tax holiday."

The HIRE Act defines several key terms: "qualified employer" is any employer other than the U.S., a state, or a political subdivision of a state. Household employers are also excluded. A "qualified individual" is anyone who begins employment after February 3, 2010 and before January 1, 2011; certifies that he or she has not been employed for more than 40 hours during the 60 days immediately preceding the employment; has not been employed to replace another employee unless that person left voluntarily or was terminated for cause; and is not related to the employer in a way that would disqualify the employer from the "Work Opportunity Credit" under Section 38 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The "payroll tax holiday" provisions exempt an employer from paying its share of the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) tax of 6.2% of wages paid to "qualified individuals" after March 18, 2010 and before January 1, 2011. A second tax incentive is a non-refundable tax credit that provides employers with a tax credit up to $1,000 for any tax year ending after March 18, 2010 for those "qualified individuals" that also meet the definition of a "retained worker," that is, any qualified individual who was employed by the qualified employer on any date during the tax year; was so employed for a period of not less than 52 consecutive weeks; and received wages during the last 26 weeks of the 52 week period that equal at least 80% of the wages received for the first 26 weeks of that period.

For more information on the new law, please go to this link.

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ICCFA NEWS

2010 Annual Convention & Exposition: Another Record Breaker!
2010 Annual Convention & Expo

The ICCFA 2010 Convention & Exposition in San Antonio, Texas, was the largest in association history with a record number of booths and attendees.

Evaluations of this event were exceptional, with 93 percent of attendees who responded rating their overall Convention experience as "excellent" or "very good," and 86 percent indicating they "definitely" or "probably" will attend the 2011 Convention in Las Vegas. Among the comments:

"The best array of speakers and networking I have ever attended. The future of funeral service is in the hands of the ICCFA." (Anthony Ripepi Jr., A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Homes, Middleburg Heights, Ohio)

"My first time ever. Went away with valuable information that will hopefully not only position us but make us soar into the next generation." (Robbie Cody, Constant Companion Pet Funeral Home and Crematory, Cleveland, Tennessee)

"Great array of workshops touching on the various aspects of our industry—new and old." (James A. DeCastro, Diocese of Tucson Catholic Cemeteries, Tucson, Arizona)

"This was my first ICCFA Convention after 15 years in the business. I couldn't have been more impressed and pleased. Everything was done with excellence, and everything (speakers, products and services) was relevant to our current times." (Michael Brooks, Dempsey Funeral Services, Cartersville, Georgia)

"This was a wonderful experience. I appreciate, as a student, having the opportunity to attend. It was very educational." (Tammie Jorgensen, San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas)

Several albums of photos from the Convention are posted on Facebook. Check them out at:

Become a "fan" of the ICCFA page to be notified of photos as they go up. "Friend"
robt@iccfa.com to allow us to "tag" you in photos. If you haven't already become a fan of ICCFA on Facebook, you can do so now.

The ICCFA PAC raffle raised a record amount of $16,750. Marcia Williams won a VIP package to next year's Convention in Las Vegas, John Linge won a 42-inch widescreen LCD HDTV and Ken Stevens won an ultra-HD Flip Camcorder.

Additional Convention details including final attendance tallies will be available in the next edition of Wireless.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR 2011 ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPOSITION, MARCH 8-11, AT MANDALAY BAY RESORT & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA!

2010 Annual Convention & Expo


New ICCFA Officers, Board Elected at Annual Convention

The ICCFA elected new leadership during its 2010 Annual Convention & Exposition, March 8-11 in San Antonio, Texas. Congratulations to the following newly elected officers:

  • President—Kevin R. Daniels, CCE, Daniels Family Funeral Services, Albuquerque, New Mexico;
  • President-Elect—Kenneth E. Varner, CCFE, Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association, Colma, California;
  • Vice President, Education—Nancy R. Lohman, CCFE, Lohman Funeral Homes, Cemeteries & Cremation, Ormond Beach, Florida;
  • Vice President, Membership & Marketing—Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE, Heritage Park, Metro Manila, Philippines;
  • Vice President, Internal Affairs—Darin B. Drabing, Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries, Glendale, California;
  • Vice President, External Affairs—I. Frederick Lappin, CCE, Knollwood Cemetery Corporation and Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, Massachusetts;
  • Treasurer—Jay Brammer, Gibraltar Remembrance Services LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana; and
  • Secretary—Christine Toson Hentges, CCE, The Tribute Companies Inc., Hartland, Wisconsin.

Members elected to serve three-year terms on the ICCFA Board of Directors are:

  • Richard O. Baldwin Jr., CCE, Celebris Memorial Services, Montreal, Quebec;
  • Gary Freytag, Spring Grove Family, Cincinnati, Ohio;
  • Corey Gaffney, Gaffney Funeral Home, Tacoma, Washington;
  • Ed Horn, CCE, St. Michael's Cemetery, East Elmhurst, New York;
  • Hamilton Jones, CFSP, Miller-Jones Mortuary and Crematory, Hemet, California;
  • F. Daniel Moloney Jr., Moloney Funeral Homes, Lake Ronkonkoma, New York;
  • Thomas A. "TR" Routsong, CFSP, Routsong Funeral Home, Dayton, Ohio;
  • Michael Schoedinger, CFSP, Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service, Columbus, Ohio.

Past presidents elected to serve a one-year term on the Board are:

  • Timothy F. Brammer, CCE, Gibraltar Remembrance Services, Indianapolis, Indiana;
  • Arlie T. Davenport Jr., Greenwood-Mount Olivet, Fort Worth, Texas; and
  • Irwin W. Shipper, CCE, Rose Hills Memorial Park, Putnam Valley, New York.

The International Memorialization Supply Association appointment to serve a one-year term on the Board is:

  • Timothy M. Hentges, Tribute Precast Systems LLC, Hartland, Wisconsin.

The presidential appointments to represent the ICCFA on the Cemetery Consumer Service Council are:

  • Thomas P. Daly, CCE, CCCE, CHS Consulting Group, Westwood, Massachusetts; and
  • William P. Tate, CCE, CCrE, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco, Maine.

Members of the 2010-2011 Executive Committee are as follows:

  • ICCFA President Kevin R. Daniels, CCE, Daniels Family Funeral Services, Albuquerque, New Mexico;
  • ICCFA President-Elect Kenneth E. Varner, CCFE, Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association, Colma, California;
  • ICCFA Immediate Past President Gregg M. Williamson, CCE, Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, Whittier, California;
  • Richard T. Sells, CCE (past president's appointment);
  • Paul M. Elvig (president's appointment);
  • ICCFA Treasurer Jay Brammer (ex-officio);
  • ICCFA External Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Robert Fells, Esq., (ex-officio); and
  • ICCFA Internal Chief Operating Officer Joseph Budzinski (ex-officio).

2010 Annual Convention & Expo


ICCFA Presents Member Awards, ICCFA University Scholarships

The ICCFA awarded several scholarships to the ICCFA University and honored several members during its 2010 Convention & Exposition.

Certification Designations
The ICCFA certification program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high degree of competence and a high level of cemetery, cremation, funeral or supplier management, experience and skills. The ICCFA awarded the following designations:

  • Mark Pennington, CCFE, CCrE, CSE, president and CEO of Halo International Corporation in Twinsburg, Ohio, was awarded a Certified Cremation Executive (CCrE) designation; and
  • Ronald J. Nestor, CCE, grounds and operations foreman at Knollwood Cemetery Corporation, Sharon Memorial Park and Knollwood Memorial Park in Sharon, Massachusetts, was awarded a Certified Cemetery Executive (CCE) designation.

Quarter and Half Century Clubs
The ICCFA presented awards honoring those who have belonged to the association for 25 and 50 years.

Inducted into the Quarter-Century Club were:

  • Thomas M. Flynn, Homewood Memorial Gardens in Homewood, Illinois;
  • Harry C. Neel, Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
  • Dennis Syndergaard, Cedar Memorial Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
  • David J. Middlemiss, Jefferson Memorial Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
  • Michael Walker, Jefferson Memorial Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Inducted into the Half-Century Club was the late Harold P. Ray, Cedar Memorial Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (awarded posthumously).

University Scholarships
ICCFA University, to be held July 23-28, 2010, at the Fogelman Conference Center at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, is the only advanced training program of its kind for cemetery, cremation and funeral service professionals.

The ICCFA Educational Foundation awarded a $1,500 scholarship to ICCFA University to:

  • Cassandra Canez, Miller-Jones Mortuary, Sun City, California

The ICCFA Educational Foundation also awarded two $1,000 scholarship to:

  • Chris Cooke, City Cemeteries of Evansville, Indiana
  • Caren Harville, Glen Haven, Sylmar, California

The Central States Scholarship Winner for full tuition to any of the six ICCFAU colleges is:

  • Rebecca Ehlert, Pinelawn Memorial Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A complete program and registration materials for the 2010 session of ICCFA University will be available at www.iccfa.com next week.

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Crematory Operator Training: May 27 in Glen Allen/Richmond, VA

ATTENTION ALL VIRGINA FUNERAL DIRECTORS, CREMATIONISTS & CEMETERIANS:
If you haven't already received your crematory operator certification, you have
another chance to do so before July 1! The International Cemetery, Cremation
and Funeral Association, in conjunction with the Independent Funeral Homes of
Virginia, will be conducting a one-day crematory operator certification program on
Thursday, May 27, at the Richmond Marriott West in Glen Allen, Virginia.

GLEN ALLEN/RICHMOND AREA
Thursday, May 27

Richmond Marriott West
4240 Dominion Boulevard
Glen Allen, VA 23060
804.965.9500
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with continental breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Download a registration form here
COST: $349 for ICCFA or IFHV members; $429 for non-members

The ICCFA Crematory Operator Certification program, presented in concert with Crematory
Manufacturing & Service Inc. consists of extensive training including:

  • professional terminology
  • incinerator terminology
  • principles of combustion
  • cremation and the environment
  • incinerator criteria and design
  • basics of operating cremation equipment
  • general maintenance and troubleshooting
  • forms and record keeping
  • handling and exposure control

All attendees will receive a comprehensive Operations Manual covering all aspects
of crematory operation and maintenance. The Commonwealth of Virginia has recognized the ICCFA as an official provider of crematory
certification training.

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CLASSIFIED ADS
Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

Cemetery Director
Active 150+ acres in NYC Metropolitan Area.

Minimum of 8 years full time experience required in administration and all operations inclusive of computers, office skills and systems, records and documentation, sales, fieldwork, and reading maps. Also, candidates must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and proven business management experiences. Must be able to work well with others, multi task, understand financial and payroll reports, manage staff, communicate and implement company policy and procedures.

Excellent compensation, inclusive of medical and pension benefits.

Please send resume to NYCemConsult@aol.com.

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Consider the Possibilities—Des Plaines, IN
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Chicago, IL area (Des Plaines). This is an opportunity to manage the sales function for a cemetery and nearby funeral home.
Apply to today and discover how rewarding it can be to work with us:

  • Salary plus performance bonuses
  • Attractive benefits
  • Continued learning/development/advancement

Requirements:

  • Minimum of five years sales experience
  • Minimum of three years sales management experience

Must also be:

  • An excellent recruiter and trainer
  • A person of integrity
  • High energy, creative, and have the ability to motivate

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

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Consider the Possibilities—Schereville, IN
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in NW Indiana (Schererville, IN) area. This is an opportunity to manage the sales function for a cemetery/funeral home combo.
Apply to today and discover how rewarding it can be to work with us:

  • Salary plus performance bonuses
  • Attractive benefits
  • Continued learning/development/advancement

Requirements:

  • Minimum of five years sales experience
  • Minimum of three years sales management experience

Must also be:

  • An excellent recruiter and trainer
  • A person of integrity
  • High energy, creative, and have the ability to motivate

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

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Consider the Possibilities—Rockford, IL
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to lead a professional sales force in the Rockford, IL area. This is an opportunity to assume the reins of an already high performing sales team, not a fixer-upper.
Apply to today and discover how rewarding it can be to work with us:

  • Salary plus performance bonuses
  • Attractive benefits
  • Continued learning/development/advancement

Requirements:

  • Minimum of five years sales experience
  • Minimum of three years sales management experience

Must also be:

  • An excellent recruiter and trainer
  • A person of integrity
  • High energy, creative, and have the ability to motivate

For fastest consideration, send your resume via email to larry.newsom@sci-us.com
OR
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA4/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SCICORP&cws=1&rid=625
Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

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Immediate Opening—A SOLID PERFORMER!
A solid Company is looking for an Experienced Sales Manager to work with the sales functions of a 300+ burial Cemetery in the Mid-West. Candidate must have experience in cemetery/funeral Sales Management. The ideal candidate would be a team player who understands that recruiting and training of a sales staff is a daily function of management. The manager we select for this high profile position must have a strong work ethic, can multi task, works well with others, can manage people, communicate and implement company policy and procedures.

In return, you will be compensated extremely well and live a quality of life that most only dream about. Medical, Dental, 401K and Life Insurance is only a part of what is available to you. Don't delay, this position will not stay open long.

If you are a candidate looking for such an opportunity please e-mail your resume to rosehillelmwood@aol.com.

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Opportunity With Graystone Associates, Inc.
We are hiring a SR Consultant/Account Manager/Facilitator. We are a consulting company to independent funeral homes/mortuaries with clients throughout the United States and Canada. In this position, you will assist your accounts by providing financial, managerial and training support for the Owners and their staff. Seventy five percent of your time will be spent consulting and the other 25% will consist of training. This position requires extensive travel (80%) both in the US and Canada (valid Passport required). To be considered for this position, you must have a minimum of Bachelors or MBA degree and a minimum of 5 plus years of experience in management and account facilitation. You must be able to read and analyze financial documents, have strong verbal and written communication skills, feel comfortable speaking with all levels of employees in a funeral home, comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people, and capable of working independently. You must also be tech savvy and capable
of using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, etc. Experience as a General
Manager of a Funeral Home or Regional Management responsibilities are highly
desirable. Close proximity to a hub airport essential. Please send your resume, along with a cover letter, including your salary requirements to
terrie@graystoneassociates.com.

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Assistant Sales Manager
Seeking Assistant Sales Manager. Must have funeral industry experience. We are looking for an energetic, positive, detail oriented person with good communication skills for a full-time position. Excellent medical, dental & vision benefits, vacation & 401k plan. Extensive management training.

Fax resumes to Liz at (866) 363-3129 or e-mail Liz at lwelch@fairhavenmemorial.com

Mail resumes:
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92705
Attn: Liz Welch

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Operations Manager
Premier central Orange County mortuary seeking an individual looking for a challenging
opportunity that offers the ability to grow & develop a strong employee staff.

We are looking for an experienced manager with a minimum of 5 years of funeral home management experience, managing an annual call volume of over 700 cases. Candidate should possess strong leadership qualities & a focus on customer satisfaction. CA licensed Funeral Director preferred.

We offer a competitive salary, healthcare benefits, 401k, paid vacation & life insurance.

Please fax your resume to 866-210-7246.

Mail resumes to:
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92705
Attn: Liz Welch

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Family Service Counselor
We are seeking a motivated, self starting, experienced Funeral Director / Family Service Counselor for our Mission Viejo office location. Duties include promotion of the funeral home through public relations visits along with traditional responsibilities of serving families. Excellent medical, dental, vision benefits, vacation & 401k plan.

Fax resume to Liz at (866) 363-3129 or email to Liz at lwelch@fairhavenmemorial.com

Mail resumes to:
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92705
Attn: Liz Welch

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Chief Operating Officer
Allegheny Cemetery & Crematory, Homewood Cemetery, Smithfield Cemetery & Rapp Funeral Home

Requirements include: Hands on management of significant
(historic) properties, five years senior management experience, Bachelor degree, strong financial & cemetery sales skills and working with non-profit Boards & experienced staff.

Allegheny Cemetery
Thomas G. Roberts, President

Please send or e-mail Resume & Salary Requirements
for a Confidential response.
4734 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Ph 412-682-1624 | Fax 412-622-0655
E-mail: tgpr52@hotmail.com

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Do You Want an Opportunity to Earn What You Are Worth?
Stewart Enterprises is looking for an experienced sales manager with a proven track record of success in combination operations that wants an opportunity to earn what you are worth and not have your income potential capped.

We are currently seeking a sales manager in Mobile, Alabama, to manage sales for two cemeteries and a funeral home. The successful candidate that will be selected for this position must have:

  • at least 3 years experience as a sales manager in the cemetery/funeral business
  • a proven track record of hiring and maintaining a stable, productive sales force
  • experience managing sales in a combination funeral home/cemetery environment
  • experience managing multiple locations in a single market

We offer the following benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Complete health package including medical, dental, and vision care
  • Bonus Programs
  • Advancement opportunities

If you are looking for a company that you can retire from, give Joe Everly a call at 504-265-0370 or email your resume to Jeverly@stei.com. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

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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

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Excellence in the Removal Procedure: The Manual
How do you explain something that you have been doing for years without leaving out the details to a new employee? This newly revised Removal Manual is finally back and available. There is no other type of publication dedicated to the proper handling of deceased. It is a needed guide for the experienced and one who is new to the funeral business. Every removal is not created equal, each removal is different. Some funeral establishments have used this as their primary operations and procedure manual.

The purpose of the manual is to improve the protocol and the standards of performance. It is created to save the company from litigation and headaches, as a result out of a lack of improperly training of the mortuary staff. This is a practical manual on various types of decedent removals, important risk management issues (such as proper identification, use of PPE's), the dangers of various pathogens present, and understanding OSHA standards.

This newly revised edition is much easier to read and use. This edition is no longer coiled, it is seamed together for endurance and durability. It is our hope, that the ideas and techniques will be deemed useful into the protocol that exist today. What a great addition to funeral service resources.

Reduced Price: $19.95 each
(Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping)

Please mail check or money order
payable to: Shun Newbern

Shun Newbern & Associates
P.O. Box 1865
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
www.shunnewbern.com
shunnewbern@aol.com

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Experienced Family Service Unit Leader—Central Florida
Carriage Services is a leading provider of professional funeral and cemetery services and products in the United States. Carriage serves families from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds.

Carriage is committed to being the most professional, ethical, and highest quality funeral and cemetery service organization in our industry. To assist us in maintaining this commitment, we are seeking a Family Service Unit Leader for one of our Central Florida locations.

Tired of the snow & winters? Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens has a fantastic opportunity!

We are looking for a talented Family Service Unit Leader to direct and oversee our Family Service Team. This person should have proven success as a Unit Leader or Sales Manager of Family Service; combination experience would be an added plus but is not mandatory.

  • Finest Combo Location in a Central Florida County of a Nearly 600,000 Population!
  • Best Pay Plan in the Industry!
  • $100K Potential!
  • Generous Override on Family Service Team!
  • Sign On Bonus!
  • Great Company Benefits!
  • 401K!
  • Moderate Cost of Living!

For the right candidate this could be your last move! Contact me immediately to discuss this position with our company. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Chuck Horvath, 863-686-2125 or e-mail resume & salary requirements to Chuck.Horvath@carriageservices.com. Or you may fax 713-332-5417

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Position Wanted—Preneed Sales Manager
I will double your man power, and double your preneed volume in one year or you can fire me!! Do you as a company have a manager, or many managers that won't leave there desk unless the pay checks came in? In this industry we sell peace of mind, not a desk and a title. It's time to ask yourself as a private owner, and/or large company: do you have the right people in place. Do you know most companies loose 35% of the volume, and sales because the counselor didn't know how to build the sale/or close it. Call a manager that has a proven track record. Call Kevin Williams—989-392-5419 or kwilliamspreneed@yahoo.com.

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Position Wanted—Sales Director
Experienced and successful area sales director with 22 years experience in the cemetery and funeral home industry. I am a consistent million dollar personal volume writer, yearly. My track record is one of the best in the cemetery industry. Sales, training, marketing, property owner updates, door knocking, telemarketing, referrals, and after care. In the past 10 years I have personally written $12.3 million in preneed sales. I have taken cemetery operations from very little volume to over a million in pre need sales every year. At my most recent position I have doubled the man power and tripled the volume in one year. I am seeking a management position. Contact Kevin Williams at: 989-392-5419 or kwilliamspreneed@yahoo.com.

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Advanced Planning Funeral Director
Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity and have a desire to be a key player in a top notch Funeral Home? We will be hiring someone with a proven track record in advanced planning funeral sales. Are you that person? Woodlawn Funeral Home is a combo state of the art facility located in beautiful Norfolk, VA. 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. 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 & commission along with an excellent benefits package. For further consideration, please e-mail your resume with salary history to debbiebatliner@woodlawngroup.com. Only resumes with salary history will be considered. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

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Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning & Family Service Professionals
Are you looking for a change? We will be hiring top-notch Cemetery Sales Professionals. But we only have a couple of team member positions available. So if you've been looking to make a change, now is the time. 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, a combo facility, has 75 acres of beautifully landscaped and maintained property and is located in Norfolk, Virginia, just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 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.

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Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
Immediate Opening for Alabama Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer With 50 percent "partnership opportunity," located in Lanett, Alabama.
Call Tony Arboritanza 352-232-2536 or email info@dearborllc.com
Web site: www.dearborllc.com

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Do You Remember?
Do you remember when telemarketing was going strong; direct mail flowed from a spigot and the sales team acted as one with a common goal in mind. For most those days are nothing but a distant memory, for us it is a way of life and the way we do business.

We thoroughly understand the value of lead flow and the impact it has on developing new sales talent into our industry. Our sales division does not report to any operations, general manager or maintenance superintendent. We report only to the Vice President who is a sales guy.

We are a National Company with one Sales Management opportunity currently available and the position has a great benefit plan too. If you are interested in quality leads, no micro-management and a chance to be among the highest paid Sales Management team in the industry. Then E-mail your resume to memorialparkcemetery@comcast.net and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised about the opportunity.

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Exciting Sales Opportunities!
StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.

We boast one of the highest commission rates in the industry and our Sales Managers enjoy triple override bonuses on all location sales after hitting performance goals.

We have excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

We are currently searching for experienced Sales Managers and Sales Counselors in PA, DE and MD. EOE

For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax to 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com. www.stonemor.com

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Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent wanted for 500 burial memorial park in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Cemetery Superintendent is responsible for the overall appearance and condition of the cemetery grounds. The Superintendent must also demonstrate a commitment to NorthStar's goal of being the employer of choice in the death services industry.

The person chosen for this position will be required to maintain a dedicated staff with the skills necessary to serve client family needs.

This is a salaried position with a range of $40,000 to $45,000 per year, as well as carrying the potential for a production bonus. NorthStar offers a comprehensive benefits package including matching 401K, Health, Life Insurance and other benefits.

Please submit you resume to alan.teal@nsmg.com or call 386-747-1586.

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Professionals: Service & Sales with Operations Experience
Are you successful today (or in recent past) in outreach & marketing within diverse communities? Can you quantify & verify with references your past successes? How have you balanced revenue needs with operational integrity? Does your experience include high traditional and moderate to high cremation consumers, and if yes, where, with whom and how?

We are a family run business seeking two people of integrity for two of our markets:

Mississippi Gulf Coast
Eastern Slope, Colorado Rockies

We seek and demand:

  • Integrity
  • Lead development skills worthy of the 21st century
  • Coaching & training of small, expert teams
  • Five years minimum successful experience in both funeral and cemetery spaces
  • Leadership by works
  • Licensed funeral directors are welcome to apply

We Offer:

  • A family company seeking quality through talented people
  • Compensation that drives positive cash flow for you and the company
  • A company to retire with someday
  • A suite of benefit opportunities
  • Owners that work in the trenches every day with families

Please forward your resume and cover letter to Mark Sadowski at I.amunknown@live.com and include your references. We would like to secure and begin working with you in the beginning of 2010.

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Two Cemeteries for Sale
"New" asking price $275,000.00. Franklin, Virginia, and Emporia, Virginia (30 minutes apart); $250,000.00 in receivables, $400,000.00 in trust accounts. Due to owner health issues we are doing a drastic reduction in price. Take advantage of this great opportunity. E-mail inquiries to acc@gamewood.net, or fax to 434.822.1647, or call Gary Hall at 434.250.6121. To view pictures go to www.myspace.com/accinc.

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Preneed Sales Manager
New Tacoma Cemeteries & Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a Sales Manager to lead our cemetery & funeral home preneed sales team.

Our ideal candidate has their Washington insurance license and previous cemetery managerial experience leading a sales team. Benefits include salary + commission, medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick and 401K plan. Please e-mail resume to: patty@newtacoma.com or contact Jack Harding at 253 564-1311.

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Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
GRS is growing again!

Gibraltar Remembrance Services is on the grow again and we are looking for a Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers for new location in the Midwest and expansion of our Seattle operations of the USA.

Our Sales Managers and Division Managers ALL earn in excess of $100,000. Some exceed that mark handsomely.

We are looking for a track record of:

  • Strong Leadership Skills
  • Aggressive Work Ethic
  • Integrity
  • Vision (ability to identify opportunity and sell the vision)
  • Ability to Recruit and Train a Large Sales Team
  • Experience in lead development
  • Consistent Performance and Growth

We Offer:

  • Best Compensation Plan in the Profession
  • Full Line of Fringe Benefits including 401K with Company Match
  • A Preneed Sales Driven Corporate Philosophy
  • Opportunity for Career Advancement
  • Effective Sales and Training Materials
  • Relocation Program

For more information in an informal and confidential chat call Gary Osborne at 713-702-2886 (cell) or send a brief e-mail to GOsborne@RemembranceSvcs.com. I do not need a formal resume but a brief work history or comments about what you are seeking would be helpful to our discussion.

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For Sale
Perpetual care cemetery, located approximately eighteen miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas.

Includes:

  • 10 acres dedicated land with approximately 4,000 spaces available
  • Approximately 25 additional adjacent acres
  • Mausoleum/ chapel/ office building
  • Maintenance and storage building
  • 2 tractors, one with 36" backhoe
  • 10 X 6 dump trailer
  • Zero turn mowers and miscellaneous equipment
  • Perpetual care trust fund fully funded and continues to receive #1 audit rating from the Texas Banking Commission.

Asking Price: Open
Contact Betty Haas at bjh@citbroadband.com for more details or information.

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Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
Is NOW the time to JUMP START your sales management career or take it to the next level?

NorthStar Memorial Group is a DYNAMIC and growing company with locations throughout the U.S. Take charge of your future by joining our team at Floral Haven, a premier property in Oklahoma, where you will build and supervise your own sales force. We are looking for TOP SALES PRODUCERS and CURRENT SALES MANAGERS who want to increase their earning potential!

Great benefits including health, 401k and life!

Position yourself for success! Send your resume today to gdaniel@fhaven.com or, for more information, contact Donna Wagner @ (918) 894-8808. We respect your need for confidentiality.

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Sales Manager
We are looking for a selling sales manager who has a pro-active approach for pre-need mausoleum sales, is capable of establishing community awareness in the surrounding communities of the cemetery, as well as establish mutual business relationships with area professionals to service residents on a broader spectrum of needs. Daily and weekly responsibilities require the sales manager to meet and counsel area families regarding the advantages of preplanning, in addition to assisting with the on-site training and motivation of sales counselors in order to grow the number of pre-need sales for their cemetery.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Hands on sales approach
  • Motivate and encourage a healthy competitive spirit
  • Earn a six figure + income

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2 years successful cemetery sales management experience
  • High energy, results oriented

Visit our Web site to see the country's most beautiful and sought-after mausoleums! All responses are kept confidential.

Contact Jill Baum, Memorial Properties, 1.888.662.9600
E-mail your resume to Memprop@aol.com
www.MemorialProperties.com
Opportunities available in Savannah, GA and NJ

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Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales 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 @ 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 yr 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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Code: 
wireless032310

Wireless - March 2, 2010

Date Published: 
March 2, 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.

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ICCFA Wireless ... News You Can Use

March 2, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 6

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.


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Have you visited www.iccfa.com lately? See today's HOT TOPIC:
Closing the Book on February
by Ed Defort

Pre-Convention Interviews
with Rob Heppell, Technology Track Chairman

IN THIS EDITION

Industry News
TSA Delays Screening Human Remains; August 1 Deadline Pushed Back

ICCFA News
STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR ANNUAL CONVENTION!: Registering Easy as 1-2-3
2009 KIP Award Winners Announced

ICCFA Classifieds
Do You Want an Opportunity to Earn What You Are Worth?
Simply Put... Becoming the Best
Excellence in the Removal Procedure: The Manual
Experienced Family Service Unit Leader—Central Florida
Position Wanted—Preeneed Sales Manager
Position Wanted—Sales Director
Advanced Planning Funeral Director
Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning & Family Service Professionals
Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
Do You Remember?
Exciting Sales Opportunities!
Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
Professionals: Service & Sales With Operations Experience
Two Cemeteries For Sale
Preneed Sales Manager
Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
For Sale
Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
Sales Manager
Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales Managers
General Manager; Licensed Funeral Director
Memorial Garden Cemeteries For Sale

Check Out These Member Benefits
ICCFA Supply Link Allows Easy Buyer's Guide Searching
Discounts at FuneralReview.com and Dignity University

ICCFA News Page
Music Licensing
ICCFA Insurance Program
HR Law Benefit
ICCFA Introduces New Sales Training Programs
ICCFA Internet Expo
Fraud Prevention & Detection Consultation Service
ICCFA Offers Legal Advice on Cremation Concerns
FTC 'Red Flag' Compliance Program
GPL Compliance Check


PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

INDUSTRY NEWS

TSA Delays Screening Human Remains; August 1 Deadline Pushed Back

eye on congress

Over the weekend, the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that the August 1, 2010 effective date for screening all air cargo shipped by passenger flights would not apply to human remains for the time being. The text of the announcement states:

"The current screening protocols for Human Remains (HR) shipments will remain in effect on August 1, 2010, when the 100% air cargo screening Congressional mandate becomes effective. TSA is continually reviewing the current HR screening protocols. Our timeframe for 100% screening of HR will remain flexible as we continue to work with your industry to find viable screening and possible alarm resolution solutions. We strongly encourage the funeral industry to remain engaged in the process and foster continued dialog with TSA and the airlines so that your industry is prepared when additional screening measures are required."

The ICCFA contacted TSA officials to clarify the practical implications of this statement. We received confirmation of our interpretation, that is, the 100% screening requirement effective on August 1, 2010, will not apply to human remains on that date or thereafter until further notice. We understand that there would be an advanced notice of the new effective date of say, 60 or 90 days in advance. We appreciate that TSA is giving our industry 120-day notice that the current screening protocols will remain in effect on August 1, 2010, and presumably thereafter. In addition, we understand that TSA strongly advises funeral homes and related businesses that are applying to be CCSFs (Certified Cargo Screening Facility) or ICSFs (Independent Cargo Screening Facility) should continue to pursue this certification process diligently and not delay.

An important briefing by Gary E. Lupinacci, Assistant Branch Chief of the TSA's Certified Cargo Screening Program, on the latest regulations for shipping human remains by air will be provided at the ICCFA Annual Convention & Expo next Friday, March 12, in San Antonio, Texas.

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ICCFA NEWS

Registering for Annual Convention Easy as 1-2-3!
Still time to register for our largest Convention ever; Airfare bargains to be had
2010 Annual Convention & Expo

San Antonio Weather

Sunny
High: 72° F

Forecast highs for the next five days
.Wed 69
.Thu 68
.Fri 66
.Sat 69
.Sun 73

Step 1: Register Online Now
The ICCFA 2010 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 at the San Antonio Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, offers the best educational value of the year. This year's event is on track to meet and possibly beat the attendance record set last year in Las Vegas. Don't miss your opportunity to:

  • Select from among 84 hours of educational sessions spread across nine educational tracks
  • Attend what will be our largest exposition ever with 369 exhibit booths
  • Share ideas with hundreds of colleagues... top decision makers at the most successful cemetery, cremation and funeral business throughout North America and abroad
  • Enjoy free food, beverages and an open bar during all Expo hours
  • If you are not a member, pay the non-member Convention registration rate and receive one year of ICCFA membership (a savings of $55)
  • Earn up to 19 CE credits
  • Take advantage of the best value and fastest-growing event of its kind in our industry

Even The New York Times "Thinking Entrepreneur" columnist Jay Goltz wrote this weekend that attending trade shows are very necessary to keep up with the latest trends and technologies to grow your business. Register now!

Step 2: Reserve Your Hotel Room
If you have not already made your room reservation, please be assured that there are several reasonably priced hotels adjacent to the Convention Center. View a list now on our Web site.

Step 3: Make Your Airline Reservation
Take advantage of "airfare wars" going on now. Find low fares and book your flight now at one of the following Web sites (listed in alphabetical order):

For a complete Convention program and for hotel reservation & registration materials, visit www.iccfaconvention.com.

2010 Annual Convention & Expo


2009 KIP Award Winners Announced

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry for a chance to win a 2009 Keeping It Personal (KIP) Award. This year's contest drew 27 entries from across the United States and abroad. Communications and marketing professionals from outside the cemetery and funeral service profession performed the judging. The winners are as follows:

MOST PERSONALIZED SERVICE OR MEMORIAL
First Place & Grand Prize Winner
:
Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory (Sun City, California)
When Betty Billings, beloved wife and mother and admirer of the work of painter Thomas Kinkade, passed away suddenly, her family turned to Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory to arrange a meaningful celebration of her life. They said that they will "always remember her in her favorite La-Z-Boy chair adorned with Kinkade art, with her Kinkade blanket, Kinkade painting and personal bedside poem." Miller-Jones arranged for all of these things to be transported to the mortuary and included in the viewing presentation, with Billings lain out in her favorite chair instead of a casket, with her blanket and other favorite artwork near her. The family was comforted by the innovative idea and appreciated the opportunity to create a final family photo in this setting.

Find out what company won an honorable mention are read more about the first place winner here.

BEST PRACTICE
First Place:
Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home
(Klamath Falls, Oregon)
In an effort to personalize services for every family they serve, Eternal Hills created an extensive interview guide to find out the life history, special events and important details that lead to a more personalized service. A service arranger along with an arrangement counselor plan and coordinate all personalization and order of service with the celebrant after he/she meets with the family. Eternal Hills uses an extensive interview that focuses on six areas of life: family, work/profession, community involvement/clubs, hobbies, church/religion, and vacations/special activities. After this information is gathered, a meeting is arranged with the clergy or celebrant to parlay the specific details. The service director is the master of ceremony introducing all participants, the order of service, and the wow factor—the special personalization planned for each service. In addition, Eternal Hills requires each service arranger to be a certified celebrant.

Find out what company won an honorable mention are read more about the first place winner here.

EVENTS
First Place:
Speaks Family Legacy Chapels
(Independence, Missouri)
Speaks Family Legacy Chapels hosted its Fourth Annual "Lest They Be Forgotten" Veterans Program at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. The program featured the premiere of "Vietnam—Remembered" by documentary filmmaker Larry Cappetto; a recounting of the heroic actions of two Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor recipients; a firsthand account of the war and homecoming of the founder of the Heart of America Stand Down Foundation; and a Huey helicopter that was shot down four times during the war. Speaks Chapels also sponsored a movie presentation on public television, a one-hour discussion on public radio, and presenting the Cappetto movie at nursing home veterans programs.

Find out what companies won honorable mentions are read more about the first place winner here.

INNOVATIVE/PERSONALIZED PRODUCT (SUPPLIERS)
First Place:
Heartsong Memory Beads
(San Diego, California)
Heartsong Memory Beads creates custom jewelry with cremated remains infused in glass beads. Customers say they find comfort in feeling that their loved one is always with them.

Find out what companies won honorable mentions are read more about the first place winner here.

 

Grand prize winner Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory receives a free registration to the ICCFA 2010 Annual Convention & Exposition, March 10-13, at the San Antonio Convention Center & The Grand Hyatt San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas.

All first place and honorable mention winners will be recognized at the Convention, in ICCFA Magazine, in industry publications and are being provided promotional news releases to submit to their local media.

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CLASSIFIED ADS
Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

Do You Want an Opportunity to Earn What You Are Worth?
Stewart Enterprises is looking for an experienced sales manager with a proven track record of success in combination operations that wants an opportunity to earn what you are worth and not have your income potential capped.

We are currently seeking a sales manager in Mobile, Alabama, to manage sales for two cemeteries and a funeral home. The successful candidate that will be selected for this position must have:

  • at least 3 years experience as a sales manager in the cemetery/funeral business
  • a proven track record of hiring and maintaining a stable, productive sales force
  • experience managing sales in a combination funeral home/cemetery environment
  • experience managing multiple locations in a single market

We offer the following benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Complete health package including medical, dental, and vision care
  • Bonus Programs
  • Advancement opportunities

If you are looking for a company that you can retire from, give Joe Everly a call at 504-265-0370 or email your resume to Jeverly@stei.com. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

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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

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Excellence in the Removal Procedure: The Manual
How do you explain something that you have been doing for years without leaving out the details to a new employee? This newly revised Removal Manual is finally back and available. There is no other type of publication dedicated to the proper handling of deceased. It is a needed guide for the experienced and one who is new to the funeral business. Every removal is not created equal, each removal is different. Some funeral establishments have used this as their primary operations and procedure manual.

The purpose of the manual is to improve the protocol and the standards of performance. It is created to save the company from litigation and headaches, as a result out of a lack of improperly training of the mortuary staff. This is a practical manual on various types of decedent removals, important risk management issues (such as proper identification, use of PPE's), the dangers of various pathogens present, and understanding OSHA standards.

This newly revised edition is much easier to read and use. This edition is no longer coiled, it is seamed together for endurance and durability. It is our hope, that the ideas and techniques will be deemed useful into the protocol that exist today. What a great addition to funeral service resources.

Reduced Price: $19.95 each
(Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping)

Please mail check or money order
payable to: Shun Newbern

Shun Newbern & Associates
P.O. Box 1865
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

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Experienced Family Service Unit Leader—Central Florida
Carriage Services is a leading provider of professional funeral and cemetery services and products in the United States. Carriage serves families from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds.

Carriage is committed to being the most professional, ethical, and highest quality funeral and cemetery service organization in our industry. To assist us in maintaining this commitment, we are seeking a Family Service Unit Leader for one of our Central Florida locations.

Tired of the snow & winters? Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens has a fantastic opportunity!

We are looking for a talented Family Service Unit Leader to direct and oversee our Family Service Team. This person should have proven success as a Unit Leader or Sales Manager of Family Service; combination experience would be an added plus but is not mandatory.

  • Finest Combo Location in a Central Florida County of a Nearly 600,000 Population!
  • Best Pay Plan in the Industry!
  • $100K Potential!
  • Generous Override on Family Service Team!
  • Sign On Bonus!
  • Great Company Benefits!
  • 401K!
  • Moderate Cost of Living!

For the right candidate this could be your last move! Contact me immediately to discuss this position with our company. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Chuck Horvath, 863-686-2125 or e-mail resume & salary requirements to Chuck.Horvath@carriageservices.com. Or you may fax 713-332-5417

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Position Wanted—Preneed Sales Manager
I will double your man power, and double your preneed volume in one year or you can fire me!! Do you as a company have a manager, or many managers that won't leave there desk unless the pay checks came in? In this industry we sell peace of mind, not a desk and a title. It's time to ask yourself as a private owner, and/or large company: do you have the right people in place. Do you know most companies loose 35% of the volume, and sales because the counselor didn't know how to build the sale/or close it. Call a manager that has a proven track record. Call Kevin Williams—kwilliamspreneed@yahoo.com.

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Position Wanted—Sales Director
Experienced and successful area sales director with 22 years experience in the cemetery and funeral home industry. I am a consistent million dollar personal volume writer, yearly. My track record is one of the best in the cemetery industry. Sales, training, marketing, property owner updates, door knocking, telamarketing, referrals, and after care. In the past 10 years I have personally written $12.3 million in preneed sales. I have taken cemetery operations from very little volume to over a million in pre need sales every year. At my most recent position I have doubled the man power and tripled the volume in one year. I am seeking a management position. Contact Kevin Williams at: 989-245-3910.

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Advanced Planning Funeral Director
Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity and have a desire to be a key player in a top notch Funeral Home? We will be hiring someone with a proven track record in advanced planning funeral sales. Are you that person? Woodlawn Funeral Home is a combo state of the art facility located in beautiful Norfolk, VA. 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. 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 & commission along with an excellent benefits package. For further consideration, please e-mail your resume with salary history to debbiebatliner@woodlawngroup.com. Only resumes with salary history will be considered. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

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Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning & Family Service Professionals
Are you looking for a change? We will be hiring top-notch Cemetery Sales Professionals. But we only have a couple of team member positions available. So if you've been looking to make a change, now is the time. 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, a combo facility, has 75 acres of beautifully landscaped and maintained property and is located in Norfolk, Virginia, just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 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.

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Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
Immediate Opening for Alabama Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer With 50 percent "partnership opportunity," located in Lanett, Alabama.
Call Tony Arboritanza 352-232-2536 or email info@dearborllc.com
Web site: www.dearborllc.com

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Do You Remember?
Do you remember when telemarketing was going strong; direct mail flowed from a spigot and the sales team acted as one with a common goal in mind. For most those days are nothing but a distant memory, for us it is a way of life and the way we do business.

We thoroughly understand the value of lead flow and the impact it has on developing new sales talent into our industry. Our sales division does not report to any operations, general manager or maintenance superintendent. We report only to the Vice President who is a sales guy.

We are a National Company with one Sales Management opportunity currently available and the position has a great benefit plan too. If you are interested in quality leads, no micro-management and a chance to be among the highest paid Sales Management team in the industry. Then E-mail your resume to memorialparkcemetery@comcast.net and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised about the opportunity.

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Exciting Sales Opportunities!
StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.

We boast one of the highest commission rates in the industry and our Sales Managers enjoy triple override bonuses on all location sales after hitting performance goals.

We have excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

We are currently searching for experienced Sales Managers and Sales Counselors in PA, DE and MD. EOE

For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax to 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com. www.stonemor.com

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Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent wanted for 500 burial memorial park in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Cemetery Superintendent is responsible for the overall appearance and condition of the cemetery grounds. The Superintendent must also demonstrate a commitment to NorthStar's goal of being the employer of choice in the death services industry.

The person chosen for this position will be required to maintain a dedicated staff with the skills necessary to serve client family needs.

This is a salaried position with a range of $40,000 to $45,000 per year, as well as carrying the potential for a production bonus. NorthStar offers a comprehensive benefits package including matching 401K, Health, Life Insurance and other benefits.

Please submit you resume to alan.teal@nsmg.com or call 386-747-1586.

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Professionals: Service & Sales with Operations Experience
Are you successful today (or in recent past) in outreach & marketing within diverse communities? Can you quantify & verify with references your past successes? How have you balanced revenue needs with operational integrity? Does your experience include high traditional and moderate to high cremation consumers, and if yes, where, with whom and how?

We are a family run business seeking two people of integrity for two of our markets:

Mississippi Gulf Coast
Eastern Slope, Colorado Rockies

We seek and demand:

  • Integrity
  • Lead development skills worthy of the 21st century
  • Coaching & training of small, expert teams
  • Five years minimum successful experience in both funeral and cemetery spaces
  • Leadership by works
  • Licensed funeral directors are welcome to apply

We Offer:

  • A family company seeking quality through talented people
  • Compensation that drives positive cash flow for you and the company
  • A company to retire with someday
  • A suite of benefit opportunities
  • Owners that work in the trenches every day with families

Please forward your resume and cover letter to Mark Sadowski at I.amunknown@live.com and include your references. We would like to secure and begin working with you in the beginning of 2010.

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Two Cemeteries for Sale
"New" asking price $275,000.00. Franklin, Virginia, and Emporia, Virginia (30 minutes apart); $250,000.00 in receivables, $400,000.00 in trust accounts. Due to owner health issues we are doing a drastic reduction in price. Take advantage of this great opportunity. E-mail inquiries to acc@gamewood.net, or fax to 434.822.1647, or call Gary Hall at 434.250.6121. To view pictures go to www.myspace.com/accinc.

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Preneed Sales Manager
New Tacoma Cemeteries & Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a Sales Manager to lead our cemetery & funeral home preneed sales team.

Our ideal candidate has their Washington insurance license and previous cemetery managerial experience leading a sales team. Benefits include salary + commission, medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick and 401K plan. Please e-mail resume to: patty@newtacoma.com or contact Jack Harding at 253 564-1311.

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Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
GRS is growing again!

Gibraltar Remembrance Services is on the grow again and we are looking for a Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers for new location in the Midwest and expansion of our Seattle operations of the USA.

Our Sales Managers and Division Managers ALL earn in excess of $100,000. Some exceed that mark handsomely.

We are looking for a track record of:

  • Strong Leadership Skills
  • Aggressive Work Ethic
  • Integrity
  • Vision (ability to identify opportunity and sell the vision)
  • Ability to Recruit and Train a Large Sales Team
  • Experience in lead development
  • Consistent Performance and Growth

We Offer:

  • Best Compensation Plan in the Profession
  • Full Line of Fringe Benefits including 401K with Company Match
  • A Preneed Sales Driven Corporate Philosophy
  • Opportunity for Career Advancement
  • Effective Sales and Training Materials
  • Relocation Program

For more information in an informal and confidential chat call Gary Osborne at 713-702-2886 (cell) or send a brief e-mail to GOsborne@RemembranceSvcs.com. I do not need a formal resume but a brief work history or comments about what you are seeking would be helpful to our discussion.

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For Sale
Perpetual care cemetery, located approximately eighteen miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas.

Includes:

  • 10 acres dedicated land with approximately 4,000 spaces available
  • Approximately 25 additional adjacent acres
  • Mausoleum/ chapel/ office building
  • Maintenance and storage building
  • 2 tractors, one with 36" backhoe
  • 10 X 6 dump trailer
  • Zero turn mowers and miscellaneous equipment
  • Perpetual care trust fund fully funded and continues to receive #1 audit rating from the Texas Banking Commission.

Asking Price: Open
Contact Betty Haas at bjh@citbroadband.com for more details or information.

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Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
Is NOW the time to JUMP START your sales management career or take it to the next level?

NorthStar Memorial Group is a DYNAMIC and growing company with locations throughout the U.S. Take charge of your future by joining our team at Floral Haven, a premier property in Oklahoma, where you will build and supervise your own sales force. We are looking for TOP SALES PRODUCERS and CURRENT SALES MANAGERS who want to increase their earning potential!

Great benefits including health, 401k and life!

Position yourself for success! Send your resume today to gdaniel@fhaven.com or, for more information, contact Donna Wagner @ (918) 894-8808. We respect your need for confidentiality.

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Sales Manager
We are looking for a selling sales manager who has a pro-active approach for pre-need mausoleum sales, is capable of establishing community awareness in the surrounding communities of the cemetery, as well as establish mutual business relationships with area professionals to service residents on a broader spectrum of needs. Daily and weekly responsibilities require the sales manager to meet and counsel area families regarding the advantages of preplanning, in addition to assisting with the on-site training and motivation of sales counselors in order to grow the number of pre-need sales for their cemetery.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Hands on sales approach
  • Motivate and encourage a healthy competitive spirit
  • Earn a six figure + income

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2 years successful cemetery sales management experience
  • High energy, results oriented

Visit our Web site to see the country's most beautiful and sought-after mausoleums! All responses are kept confidential.

Contact Jill Baum, Memorial Properties, 1.888.662.9600
E-mail your resume to Memprop@aol.com
www.MemorialProperties.com
Opportunities available in Savannah, GA and NJ

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Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales 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 @ 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 yr 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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 2009, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association

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Code: 
wireless030210

Wireless - February 16, 2010

Date Published: 
February 16, 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

February 16, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 5

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.


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Have you visited www.iccfa.com lately? See today's HOT TOPIC:
The Veil of History
by Todd Van Beck

Pre-Convention Interviews
with Rob Heppell, Technology Track Chairman

IN THIS EDITION

Industry News
It Hasn't Gone Away: Red Flag Compliance Deadline June 1
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Seeks ICCFA Feedback on 2012 Economic Census Form

ICCFA News
Have You Registered For Annual Convention? Many of Your Competitors Have!
Annual Meeting of Members Packets
Central States Scholarship Deadline THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

ICCFA Classifieds
Experienced Family Service Unit Leader—Central Florida
Position Wanted—Preeneed Sales Manager
Position Wanted—Sales Director
Advanced Planning Funeral Director
Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning & Family Service Professionals
Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
Do You Remember?
Exciting Sales Opportunities!
Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
Professionals: Service & Sales With Operations Experience
Two Cemeteries For Sale
Preneed Sales Manager
Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
For Sale
Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
Sales Manager
Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales Managers
General Manager; Licensed Funeral Director
Memorial Garden Cemeteries For Sale

Check Out These Member Benefits
ICCFA Supply Link Allows Easy Buyer's Guide Searching
Discounts at FuneralReview.com and Dignity University

ICCFA News Page
Music Licensing
ICCFA Insurance Program
HR Law Benefit
ICCFA Introduces New Sales Training Programs
ICCFA Internet Expo
Fraud Prevention & Detection Consultation Service
ICCFA Offers Legal Advice on Cremation Concerns
FTC 'Red Flag' Compliance Program
GPL Compliance Check


PAID ADVERTISEMENT
INDUSTRY NEWS

It Hasn't Gone Away: Red Flag Compliance Deadline June 1

eye on congressThere has been some confusion over the effective date of the Federal Trade Commission's "Red Flags" Rule, which has been delayed several times. The latest—and probably final—word from the FTC is that enforcement of the "Red Flags" Rule will begin on June 1, 2010, for financial institutions and creditors subject to enforcement by the FTC. However, the terms "financial institution" and "creditor" are broadly defined and cover many retailers.

The Rule was promulgated under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in which Congress directed the Commission and other agencies to develop regulations requiring "creditors" and "financial institutions" to address the risk of identity theft. The resulting Red Flags Rule requires all such entities that have "covered accounts" to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities—known as "red flags"—that could indicate identity theft.

Generally, if a business only accepts credit cards as payment for goods and services, they are not covered under the Rule. However, if a business helps customers fill out credit applications or accepts multiple installment payments (more than two), they may come under the Red Flags Rule. A number of other scenarios also trigger compliance.

The Commission previously delayed the enforcement of the Rule for entities under its jurisdiction until November 1, 2009. The Commission staff has continued to provide guidance to entities within its jurisdiction through materials posted on the dedicated Red Flags Rule Web site, www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule. The ICCFA also provides, without charge, its sample Red Flags compliance program to members in good standing. To obtain a copy, contact general counsel Bob Fells at rfells@iccfa.com or call 1.800.645.7700.

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U.S. Dept. of Commerce Seeks ICCFA Feedback on 2012 Economic Census Form

The ICCFA has been contacted by the U.S. Department of Commerce concerning the planned 2012 economic census forms. In particular, Commerce wants to know our members' data needs and reporting problems in the census. The previous 2007 economic census provides useful data although the information appears incomplete. The Census or NAICS Code for "Death Care Services" is 8122, and is subdivided into 81221 for "Funeral Homes and Funeral Services" and 81222 for "Cemeteries and Crematories."

According to the 2007 economic census data, there are a total of 21,313 death care services establishments in the U.S., having revenue of $15.3 Billion, and an annual payroll of $4.2 Billion. Funeral homes account for 15,634 of the total number, $11.9 Billion in revenue, and an annual payroll of $3.0 Billion. The number of cemeteries and crematories in the U.S. is listed at 5,679 establishments, with $3.3 Billion in revenue and $1.1 Billion annual payroll. In both cases of funeral homes and cemeteries/crematories, the number of establishments seems low.

Industry census data can be viewed at www.census.gov and selecting "American Fact Finder." Funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories are listed under category 81, "Other Services (Except Public Administration)." Any comments for the Department of Commerce concerning the 2012 economic census should be forwarded to ICCFA general counsel Bob Fells at rfells@iccfa.com or cal 1-800-645-7700.

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ICCFA NEWS

Are You Attending Annual Convention? Your Competitor Will Be!
2010 Annual Convention & Expo

San Antonio Weather

Sunny
High: 60° F

Winds 5-10 mph

Forecast highs for the next five days
.Wed 64
.Thu 66
.Fri 65
.Sat 70
.Sun 71

Stay Ahead of Your Competition: Register Today!
The ICCFA 2010 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 at the San Antonio Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, offers the best educational value of the year. Hundreds of top decision makers in our profession and their staff members have already pre-registered to take advantage of the 80+ hours of educational sessions, roughly 360 exhibit booths and networking luncheons, receptions and dinners. So there's just one question: ARE YOU REGISTERED?

Attention Owners & Managers: Of particular interest to you may be the "Competing as an Independent" and "Managing For Success" educational tracks. These two tracks feature successful business owners and managers with decades of experience who will teach you best practices for growing your business. The tracks are as follows:

  • Competing As An Independent

    • "Tearing Down the Sign," Michael Schoedinger, CFSP, CPC
    • "High Performance Cultures: How They Do It (And How You Can, Too)," Alan Creedy
    • "Good to Great Funeral Homes," Rod Atwell
    • "Marketing to Non-Profits and Seniors," Laura Markey
  • Managing for Success

    • "It's (Still) Hard to Find Good People," Mark Jorgenson
    • "Fire, Ready, Aim! (Is This How Your Sales Pay Plan is Designed?)," Nevin Mann, CCFE
    • "Financial Statements: A Window to Your Future," Frank Rosenacker, Esq.
    • "Your Perpetual Care Fund: How Much Is Enough?," Hayden Burrus
    • "Avoiding Prefunding Pitfalls," Mark Hornibrook
  • For a complete Convention program and for hotel reservation & registration materials, visit www.iccfaconvention.com.

     

    Expo Booths Sold Out
    It's official—this will be our largest exposition in association history. All 364 Expo Hall booths are sold out. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations, please contact Rick Platter, Supplier Relations Manager, at 1.800.645.7700 or rickp@iccfa.com.

    Convention Hotel Sold Out, But There Are Several Nearby Options
    The 2010 Convention & Exposition headquarters hotel, the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, is completely sold out during our Convention dates. If you have not already made your room reservation, please be assured that there are several nearby hotels that are very close to the Convention Center. View a list now on our Web site.

    2010 Annual Convention & Expo


    Annual Meeting of Members Packets
    Voting certificates, awards/recognition forms and ICCFA Memorial Service forms have been mailed out to members for the Annual Meeting of Members to take place on Thursday, March 11, from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. during the ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition. Please watch the mail for your packet or download them now:

    Materials are due back to the ICCFA offices THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19.

    i


    Central States Scholarship Deadline THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

    Thank you to all applicants of the ICCFA Educational Foundation Scholarship Awards. The committee will deliberate over the applications and awardees will be notified in the next 2-3 weeks.

    The deadline to apply to receive a Central States Cemetery Association Scholarship to the 2010 session of ICCFA University is THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19. Last year, CSCA made an endowment to the ICCFA Educational Foundation to establish an annual scholarship award to the ICCFA University. To be eligible, applicants must be employed by a cemetery for a minimum of two years and work in one of the central states of:

    • Arkansas
    • Illinois
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Missouri
    • Oklahoma
    • Wisconsin

    Applicants must be able to attend the 2010 ICCFA University, July 23-28 at the University of Memphis, and may not assign the scholarship award to another person. All decisions of the Central States Cemetery Association Scholarship Committee and the ICCFA Educational Foundation are final. To print out an application, go to www.iccfa.com/files/2010centralstates.pdf.

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    CLASSIFIED ADS
    Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

    Experienced Family Service Unit Leader—Central Florida
    Carriage Services is a leading provider of professional funeral and cemetery services and products in the United States. Carriage serves families from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds.
    Carriage is committed to being the most professional, ethical, and highest quality funeral and cemetery service organization in our industry. To assist us in maintaining this commitment, we are seeking a Family Service Unit Leader for one of our Central Florida locations.

    Tired of the snow & winters? Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens has a fantastic opportunity!

    We are looking for a talented Family Service Unit Leader to direct and oversee our Family Service Team. This person should have proven success as a Unit Leader or Sales Manager of Family Service; combination experience would be an added plus but is not mandatory.

    • Finest Combo Location in a Central Florida County of a Nearly 600,000 Population!
    • Best Pay Plan in the Industry!
    • $100K Potential!
    • Generous Override on Family Service Team!
    • Sign On Bonus!
    • Great Company Benefits!
    • 401K!
    • Moderate Cost of Living!

    For the right candidate this could be your last move! Contact me immediately to discuss this position with our company. Looking forward to hearing from you!

    Mark Helmintoller, Director of Sales & Marketing, 863-686-2125 or e-mail resume & salary requirements to Mark.Helmintoll@carriageservices.com. Or you may fax 863-688-8156.

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    Position Wanted—Preneed Sales Manager
    I will double your man power, and double your preneed volume in one year or you can fire me!! Do you as a company have a manager, or many managers that won't leave there desk unless the pay checks came in? In this industry we sell peace of mind, not a desk and a title. It's time to ask yourself as a private owner, and/or large company: do you have the right people in place. Do you know most companies loose 35% of the volume, and sales because the counselor didn't know how to build the sale/or close it. Call a manager that has a proven track record. Call Kevin Williams—kwilliamspreneed@yahoo.com.

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    Position Wanted—Sales Director
    Experienced and successful area sales director with 22 years experience in the cemetery and funeral home industry. I am a consistent million dollar personal volume writer, yearly. My track record is one of the best in the cemetery industry. Sales, training, marketing, property owner updates, door knocking, telamarketing, referrals, and after care. In the past 10 years I have personally written $12.3 million in preneed sales. I have taken cemetery operations from very little volume to over a million in pre need sales every year. At my most recent position I have doubled the man power and tripled the volume in one year. I am seeking a management position. Contact Kevin Williams at: 989-245-3910.

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    Advanced Planning Funeral Director
    Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity and have a desire to be a key player in a top notch Funeral Home? We will be hiring someone with a proven track record in advanced planning funeral sales. Are you that person? Woodlawn Funeral Home is a combo state of the art facility located in beautiful Norfolk, VA. 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. 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 & commission along with an excellent benefits package. For further consideration, please e-mail your resume with salary history to debbiebatliner@woodlawngroup.com. Only resumes with salary history will be considered. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

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    Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning & Family Service Professionals
    Are you looking for a change? We will be hiring top-notch Cemetery Sales Professionals. But we only have a couple of team member positions available. So if you've been looking to make a change, now is the time. 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, a combo facility, has 75 acres of beautifully landscaped and maintained property and is located in Norfolk, Virginia, just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 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.

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    Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
    Immediate Opening for Alabama Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer With 50 percent "partnership opportunity," located in Lanett, Alabama.
    Call Tony Arboritanza 352-232-2536 or email info@dearborllc.com
    Web site: www.dearborllc.com

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    Do You Remember?
    Do you remember when telemarketing was going strong; direct mail flowed from a spigot and the sales team acted as one with a common goal in mind. For most those days are nothing but a distant memory, for us it is a way of life and the way we do business.

    We thoroughly understand the value of lead flow and the impact it has on developing new sales talent into our industry. Our sales division does not report to any operations, general manager or maintenance superintendent. We report only to the Vice President who is a sales guy.

    We are a National Company with one Sales Management opportunity currently available and the position has a great benefit plan too. If you are interested in quality leads, no micro-management and a chance to be among the highest paid Sales Management team in the industry. Then E-mail your resume to memorialparkcemetery@comcast.net and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised about the opportunity.

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    Exciting Sales Opportunities!
    StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.

    We boast one of the highest commission rates in the industry and our Sales Managers enjoy triple override bonuses on all location sales after hitting performance goals.

    We have excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

    We are currently searching for experienced Sales Managers and Sales Counselors in PA, DE and MD. EOE

    For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax to 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com. www.stonemor.com

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    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent wanted for 500 burial memorial park in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

    The Cemetery Superintendent is responsible for the overall appearance and condition of the cemetery grounds. The Superintendent must also demonstrate a commitment to NorthStar's goal of being the employer of choice in the death services industry.

    The person chosen for this position will be required to maintain a dedicated staff with the skills necessary to serve client family needs.

    This is a salaried position with a range of $40,000 to $45,000 per year, as well as carrying the potential for a production bonus. NorthStar offers a comprehensive benefits package including matching 401K, Health, Life Insurance and other benefits.

    Please submit you resume to alan.teal@nsmg.com or call 386-747-1586.

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    Professionals: Service & Sales with Operations Experience
    Are you successful today (or in recent past) in outreach & marketing within diverse communities? Can you quantify & verify with references your past successes? How have you balanced revenue needs with operational integrity? Does your experience include high traditional and moderate to high cremation consumers, and if yes, where, with whom and how?

    We are a family run business seeking two people of integrity for two of our markets:

    Mississippi Gulf Coast
    Eastern Slope, Colorado Rockies

    We seek and demand:

    • Integrity
    • Lead development skills worthy of the 21st century
    • Coaching & training of small, expert teams
    • Five years minimum successful experience in both funeral and cemetery spaces
    • Leadership by works
    • Licensed funeral directors are welcome to apply

    We Offer:

    • A family company seeking quality through talented people
    • Compensation that drives positive cash flow for you and the company
    • A company to retire with someday
    • A suite of benefit opportunities
    • Owners that work in the trenches every day with families

    Please forward your resume and cover letter to Mark Sadowski at I.amunknown@live.com and include your references. We would like to secure and begin working with you in the beginning of 2010.

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    Two Cemeteries for Sale
    "New" asking price $275,000.00. Franklin, Virginia, and Emporia, Virginia (30 minutes apart); $250,000.00 in receivables, $400,000.00 in trust accounts. Due to owner health issues we are doing a drastic reduction in price. Take advantage of this great opportunity. E-mail inquiries to acc@gamewood.net, or fax to 434.822.1647, or call Gary Hall at 434.250.6121. To view pictures go to www.myspace.com/accinc.

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    Preneed Sales Manager
    New Tacoma Cemeteries & Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a Sales Manager to lead our cemetery & funeral home preneed sales team.

    Our ideal candidate has their Washington insurance license and previous cemetery managerial experience leading a sales team. Benefits include salary + commission, medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick and 401K plan. Please e-mail resume to: patty@newtacoma.com or contact Jack Harding at 253 564-1311.

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    Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
    GRS is growing again!

    Gibraltar Remembrance Services is on the grow again and we are looking for a Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers for new location in the Midwest and expansion of our Seattle operations of the USA.

    Our Sales Managers and Division Managers ALL earn in excess of $100,000. Some exceed that mark handsomely.

    We are looking for a track record of:

    • Strong Leadership Skills
    • Aggressive Work Ethic
    • Integrity
    • Vision (ability to identify opportunity and sell the vision)
    • Ability to Recruit and Train a Large Sales Team
    • Experience in lead development
    • Consistent Performance and Growth

    We Offer:

    • Best Compensation Plan in the Profession
    • Full Line of Fringe Benefits including 401K with Company Match
    • A Preneed Sales Driven Corporate Philosophy
    • Opportunity for Career Advancement
    • Effective Sales and Training Materials
    • Relocation Program

    For more information in an informal and confidential chat call Gary Osborne at 713-702-2886 (cell) or send a brief e-mail to GOsborne@RemembranceSvcs.com. I do not need a formal resume but a brief work history or comments about what you are seeking would be helpful to our discussion.

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    For Sale
    Perpetual care cemetery, located approximately eighteen miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas.

    Includes:

    • 10 acres dedicated land with approximately 4,000 spaces available
    • Approximately 25 additional adjacent acres
    • Mausoleum/ chapel/ office building
    • Maintenance and storage building
    • 2 tractors, one with 36" backhoe
    • 10 X 6 dump trailer
    • Zero turn mowers and miscellaneous equipment
    • Perpetual care trust fund fully funded and continues to receive #1 audit rating from the Texas Banking Commission.

    Asking Price: Open
    Contact Betty Haas at bjh@citbroadband.com for more details or information.

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    Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
    Is NOW the time to JUMP START your sales management career or take it to the next level?

    NorthStar Memorial Group is a DYNAMIC and growing company with locations throughout the U.S. Take charge of your future by joining our team at Floral Haven, a premier property in Oklahoma, where you will build and supervise your own sales force. We are looking for TOP SALES PRODUCERS and CURRENT SALES MANAGERS who want to increase their earning potential!

    Great benefits including health, 401k and life!

    Position yourself for success! Send your resume today to gdaniel@fhaven.com or, for more information, contact Donna Wagner @ (918) 894-8808. We respect your need for confidentiality.

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    Sales Manager
    We are looking for a selling sales manager who has a pro-active approach for pre-need mausoleum sales, is capable of establishing community awareness in the surrounding communities of the cemetery, as well as establish mutual business relationships with area professionals to service residents on a broader spectrum of needs. Daily and weekly responsibilities require the sales manager to meet and counsel area families regarding the advantages of preplanning, in addition to assisting with the on-site training and motivation of sales counselors in order to grow the number of pre-need sales for their cemetery.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Hands on sales approach
    • Motivate and encourage a healthy competitive spirit
    • Earn a six figure + income

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • 2 years successful cemetery sales management experience
    • High energy, results oriented

    Visit our Web site to see the country's most beautiful and sought-after mausoleums! All responses are kept confidential.

    Contact Jill Baum, Memorial Properties, 1.888.662.9600
    E-mail your resume to Memprop@aol.com
    www.MemorialProperties.com
    Opportunities available in Savannah, GA and NJ

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    Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales 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 @ 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 yr 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

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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 2009, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association

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    Code: 
    wireless021610

    Wireless - February 2, 2010

    Date Published: 
    February 2, 2010

    To ensure delivery of our e-mails to your inbox,

    add hq@iccfa.com to your address book.

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    ICCFA Wireless ... News You Can Use

    February 2, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 4

    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.


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT

    Have you visited www.iccfa.com lately? See today's HOT TOPIC:
    Pre-Convention Interviews

    Rob Heppell asks social media expert Ze Frank how funeral, cemetery and cremation businesses can create and maintain a strong Web presence as part of his "Technology Track Tuesday" series leading up to the ICCFA Convention.

    Also available online are his interviews with Keynote Speaker Tara Hunt and ICCFA Internal COO Joe Budzinski.

    IN THIS EDITION

    Industry News
    ICCFA Testifies on H.R. 3655: Seeking to Create "Funeral Rule II"
    New TSA Air Cargo Regulations Require Screening of all Human Remains

    ICCFA News
    REGISTER BY FRIDAY FOR EARLY-BIRD CONVENTON REGISTRATION RATE
    Annual Meeting of Members Packets
    2010 ICCFA University Scholarship Deadline February 15
    SUPPLIERS: Only 7 Booths Remaining in Expo Hall

    ICCFA Classifieds
    Position Wanted—Sales Director
    Advanced Planning Funeral Director
    Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning & Family Service Professionals
    Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
    Do You Remember?
    Exciting Sales Opportunities!
    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
    Professionals: Service & Sales With Operations Experience
    Two Cemeteries For Sale
    Preneed Sales Manager
    Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
    For Sale
    Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
    Sales Manager
    Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales Managers
    General Manager; Licensed Funeral Director
    Memorial Garden Cemeteries For Sale

    Check Out These Member Benefits
    ICCFA Supply Link Allows Easy Buyer's Guide Searching
    Discounts at FuneralReview.com and Dignity University

    ICCFA News Page
    Music Licensing
    ICCFA Insurance Program
    HR Law Benefit
    ICCFA Introduces New Sales Training Programs
    ICCFA Internet Expo
    Fraud Prevention & Detection Consultation Service
    ICCFA Offers Legal Advice on Cremation Concerns
    FTC 'Red Flag' Compliance Program
    GPL Compliance Check


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT
    INDUSTRY NEWS

    ICCFA Testifies on H.R. 3655: Seeking to Create "Funeral Rule II;" Bill Would Impose Excessive Penalties for Minor Omissions

    eye on congressLast week, the ICCFA testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection concerning H.R. 3655, the Bereaved Consumers Bill of Rights Act. The Subcommittee Chair is also the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), who introduced H.R. 3655 in response to the Burr Oak Cemetery investigation in his Congressional district. According to reports, human remains at Burr Oak were illegally disinterred and mishandled, and the graves fraudulently resold. However, the ICCFA expressed its concern that H.R. 3655 addresses none of these issues but instead requires the Federal Trade Commission to initiate a new "Funeral Rule II" covering all sellers of funeral goods or services, including nonprofit and religious cemeteries.

    The ICCFA was represented at the hearing by Past President Paul M. Elvig who complimented Chairman Rush on his leadership regarding the issues and urged that the bill be amended to make illegal disinterments a federal crime punishable as a felony. Elvig stated that the ICCFA supports "the concepts and disclosures contained in Section 3 of H. R. 3655 as good business practices" and "reflect the very same standards contained in the ICCFA Model Guidelines published over a decade ago" and accessed on the Association's Web site.

    The centerpiece of the bill would require the FTC to enact a new trade rule requiring various consumer disclosures by any business selling any type of funeral merchandise or services. "Typically, under an FTC trade rule, we understand that violations are statutorily imposed at the rate of $11,000 per violation," Elvig stated. "Frankly, this amount could bankrupt a number of smaller cemeteries that operate with volunteer staffs and possibly one or two paid employees." In the alternative, ICCFA suggested the development of FTC "Funeral Guides" enforced by Section 5 of the FTC Act. "The advantage of this approach would also track patterns of misconduct by a business as determined by the Guides, rather than imposing fines for isolated, one-event 'gotcha' shortcomings that are sometimes the approach to trade rule enforcement. In its present form, H.R. 3655 would impose excessive penalties for some relatively minor omissions of disclosure in a manner suggesting that the punishment outweighs the offense."

    The ICCFA also expressed its concerns with the bill's coverage of nonprofit entities including religious organizations that raises both constitutional and jurisdictional issues. For example, the FTC's jurisdiction is generally limited to for-profit businesses although the witness for FTC affirmed that the Commission could bring enforcement actions against municipal cemeteries. Elvig stated that ICCFA "believes that cemeteries and funeral homes are most efficiently and effectively regulated at the state level. These entities operate locally in their communities and therefore it makes sense to hold them accountable locally. Elvig also noted that state authorities in Illinois swiftly investigated the Burr Oak scandal and enacted new legislation. "We think it fair to ask what role, if any, the federal government could have or should have played when state and local authorities had the situation well in hand."

    Also testifying at the hearing were witnesses representing the FTC, NFDA and the Illinois Cemetery Task Force. The written testimonies and a video of the hearing itself can be viewed at the Subcommittee Web site at http://bit.ly/9cUUEk. [PLEASE NOTE: when viewing the video, fast forward to the 18:00 minute mark on the timer for the beginning of the hearing; the ICCFA testimony begins just after the 50:00 minute mark.]

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    New TSA Air Cargo Regulations Require Screening of all Human Remains—August 1 is the Drop-Dead Deadline
    TSA Official to Speak at ICCFA Annual Convention

    Effective this August, 1, all human remains shipped on passenger aircraft from the United States must be screened. Currently, only 50% of air cargo is screened and human remains have been excluded. However, new mandates from Congress through the Department of Homeland Security require the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to screen 100% of cargo that is shipped via passenger aircraft. The new requirements have raised many questions involving the mechanics of physical inspection, chain of custody, and procedures for funeral homes to qualify as certified cargo screeners so they can screen the remains themselves. The ICCFA is pleased that Doug Brittin, TSA Air Cargo Manager, has agreed to speak at the Annual Convention and Expo on Friday, March 12, to review the latest updates of this important new requirement that will affect everyone who ships remains by air. The August 1st effective date is fixed by statute and cannot be delayed or rescheduled.

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    ICCFA NEWS

    REGISTER NOW TO SAVE $50; RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM
    2010 Annual Convention & Expo

    Register By Friday to Save $50 on Your Registration!
    Act now to attend the most-talked-about convention in our industry at a reduced rate. Register today to attend the ICCFA 2010 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 at the San Antonio Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, and receive $50 OFF your registration fee. This year's Convention & Expo offers 80+ hours of education and 360 booths. You may download a registration form from our Web site or register online now. DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5.

    Convention Hotel Sold Out, But There Are Several Nearby Options
    The room block at our 2010 Convention & Exposition headquarters hotel, the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, is sold out and we have received word that the entire hotel is now sold out as well. If you have not already made your room reservation, please be assured that there are several nearby hotels that are very close to the Convention Center, including:

    Hotel Proximity to Conv. Center Internet Price (as of 1/27) Phone Website
    Hilton Palacio Del Rio Adjacent $209-254 210.222.1400
    Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter Adjacent $219-249 800.648.4462
    The Fairmont Hotel 1 short block $157-207 877.229.8808
    La Quinta Inn & Suites 2 blocks $164-184 210.222.9181
    Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk Next to $219-309 210.224.4555
    If you have trouble viewing this graphic, please visit www.iccfaconvention.com.

    "Next Generation" to Hold Tech Panel and Happy Hour
    The "next generation" of death care professionals will have an opportunity to meet and share ideas at two activities geared specifically toward them and their interests. On Friday, March 12, ICCFA's recently formed Next Generation Steering Committee, composed of up-and-coming industry and association leaders, will host a panel discussion on technology and social media within the profession, to be followed that evening by a Happy Hour gathering at 5 p.m. at Bar Rojo in the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. All Convention attendees are welcome to attend these events.

    For a complete Convention program and for hotel reservation & registration materials, visit www.iccfaconvention.com.

    2010 Annual Convention & Expo


    Annual Meeting of Members Packets
    Voting certificates, awards/recognition forms and ICCFA Memorial Service forms have been mailed out to members for the Annual Meeting of Members to take place on Thursday, March 11, from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. during the ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition. Please watch the mail for your packet or download them now:

    Materials are due back to the ICCFA offices on February 15.

    i


    2010 ICCFA University Scholarship Deadline February 15

    The ICCFA provides scholarships to attend ICCFA University through the ICCFA Educational Foundation programs detailed below. All applications are due February 15, 2010. The 2010 ICCFA University will be held July 23-28 at the Fogelman Conference Center on the campus of the University of Memphis.

    • The ICCFA Educational Foundation is now accepting applications for its third annual scholarship award(s) to the 2010 ICCFA University. The scholarship can be used to pay the registration fee, lodging and travel expenses related to attending the University program. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity that supports the association's educational programs. Applicants for the scholarship must be ICCFA members in good standing and employed in the cemetery, cremation and funeral profession for a minimum of two years. For more information and to download a copy of the scholarship application, visit the ICCFA Web site at www.iccfa.com/files/2010iccfaedfndtn.pdf.
    • Last year, the Central States Cemetery Association made an endowment to the ICCFA Educational Foundation to establish an annual scholarship award to the ICCFA University. To be eligible, applicants must work in one of the central states of Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma or Wisconsin, and be employed by a cemetery for a minimum of two years. Applicants must be able to attend the 2010 ICCFA University, and may not assign the scholarship award to another person. All decisions of the Central States Cemetery Association Scholarship Committee and the ICCFA Educational Foundation are final. To print out an application, go to www.iccfa.com/files/2010centralstates.pdf.

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    Suppliers: Annual Convention Booths Nearly Sold Out
    George Fern Co. Service Kit Now Available Online

    ATTENTION SUPPLIERS: Haven't reserved your booth yet? Act quickly! At press time, we had only seven booths still available. Download the prospectus here. Exhibit at the fastest-growing industry expo hall and take your business to "the Next Step."

    For those of you who have reserved your booth, you may download the George Fern Company service kit by visiting the ICCFA Web site. This kit details all items and services available for rent from the George Fern Company, the official decorator of the ICCFA Annual Convention.

    For more information, please contact Rick Platter, Supplier Relations Manager, at rickp@iccfa.com or 1.800.645.7700.

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    CLASSIFIED ADS
    Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

    Position Wanted—Sales Director
    Experienced and successful area sales director with 22 years experience in the cemetery and funeral home industry. I am a consistent million dollar personal volume writer, yearly. My track record is one of the best in the cemetery industry. Sales, training, marketing, property owner updates, door knocking, telamarketing, referrels, and after care. In the past 10 years I have personally written $12.3 million in preneed sales. I have taken cemetery operations from very little volume to over a million in pre need sales every year. At my most recent position I have doubled the man power and tripled the volume in one year. I am seeking a management position. Contact Kevin Williams at: 989-245-3910.

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    Advanced Planning Funeral Director
    Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity and have a desire to be a key player in a top notch Funeral Home? We will be hiring someone with a proven track record in advanced planning funeral sales. Are you that person? Woodlawn Funeral Home is a combo state of the art facility located in beautiful Norfolk, VA. 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. 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 & commission along with an excellent benefits package. For further consideration, please email your resume with salary history to debbiebatliner@woodlawngroup.com. Only resumes with salary history will be considered. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

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    Cemetery Sales—Advanced Planning & Family Service Professionals
    Are you looking for a change? We will be hiring top-notch Cemetery Sales Professionals. But we only have a couple of team member positions available. So if you've been looking to make a change, now is the time. 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, a combo facility, has 75 acres of beautifully landscaped and maintained property and is located in Norfolk, Virginia, just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 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.

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    Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
    Immediate Opening for Alabama Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer With 50 percent "partnership opportunity," located in Lanett, Alabama.
    Call Tony Arboritanza 352-232-2536 or email info@dearborllc.com
    Website: www.dearborllc.com

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    Do You Remember?
    Do you remember when telemarketing was going strong; direct mail flowed from a spigot and the sales team acted as one with a common goal in mind. For most those days are nothing but a distant memory, for us it is a way of life and the way we do business.

    We thoroughly understand the value of lead flow and the impact it has on developing new sales talent into our industry. Our sales division does not report to any operations, general manager or maintenance superintendent. We report only to the Vice President who is a sales guy.

    We are a National Company with one Sales Management opportunity currently available and the position has a great benefit plan too. If you are interested in quality leads, no micro-management and a chance to be among the highest paid Sales Management team in the industry. Then E-mail your resume to memorialparkcemetery@comcast.net and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised about the opportunity.

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    Exciting Sales Opportunities!
    StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.

    We boast one of the highest commission rates in the industry and our Sales Managers enjoy triple override bonuses on all location sales after hitting performance goals.

    We have excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

    We are currently searching for experienced Sales Managers and Sales Counselors in PA, DE and MD. EOE

    For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax to 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com. www.stonemor.com

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    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent wanted for 500 burial memorial park in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

    The Cemetery Superintendent is responsible for the overall appearance and condition of the cemetery grounds. The Superintendent must also demonstrate a commitment to NorthStar's goal of being the employer of choice in the death services industry.

    The person chosen for this position will be required to maintain a dedicated staff with the skills necessary to serve client family needs.

    This is a salaried position with a range of $40,000 to $45,000 per year, as well as carrying the potential for a production bonus. NorthStar offers a comprehensive benefits package including matching 401K, Health, Life Insurance and other benefits.

    Please submit you resume to alan.teal@nsmg.com or call 386-747-1586.

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    Professionals: Service & Sales with Operations Experience
    Are you successful today (or in recent past) in outreach & marketing within diverse communities? Can you quantify & verify with references your past successes? How have you balanced revenue needs with operational integrity? Does your experience include high traditional and moderate to high cremation consumers, and if yes, where, with whom and how?

    We are a family run business seeking two people of integrity for two of our markets:

    Mississippi Gulf Coast
    Eastern Slope, Colorado Rockies

    We seek and demand:

    • Integrity
    • Lead development skills worthy of the 21st century
    • Coaching & training of small, expert teams
    • Five years minimum successful experience in both funeral and cemetery spaces
    • Leadership by works
    • Licensed funeral directors are welcome to apply

    We Offer:

    • A family company seeking quality through talented people
    • Compensation that drives positive cash flow for you and the company
    • A company to retire with someday
    • A suite of benefit opportunities
    • Owners that work in the trenches every day with families

    Please forward your resume and cover letter to Mark Sadowski at I.amunknown@live.com and include your references. We would like to secure and begin working with you in the beginning of 2010.

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    Two Cemeteries for Sale
    "New" asking price $275,000.00. Franklin, Virginia, and Emporia, Virginia (30 minutes apart); $250,000.00 in receivables, $400,000.00 in trust accounts. Due to owner health issues we are doing a drastic reduction in price. Take advantage of this great opportunity. E-mail inquiries to acc@gamewood.net, or fax to 434.822.1647, or call Gary Hall at 434.250.6121. To view pictures go to www.myspace.com/accinc.

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    Preneed Sales Manager
    New Tacoma Cemeteries & Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a Sales Manager to lead our cemetery & funeral home preneed sales team.

    Our ideal candidate has their Washington insurance license and previous cemetery managerial experience leading a sales team. Benefits include salary + commission, medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick and 401K plan. Please e-mail resume to: patty@newtacoma.com or contact Jack Harding at 253 564-1311.

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    Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
    GRS is growing again!

    Gibraltar Remembrance Services is on the grow again and we are looking for a Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers for new location in the Midwest and expansion of our Seattle operations of the USA.

    Our Sales Managers and Division Managers ALL earn in excess of $100,000. Some exceed that mark handsomely.

    We are looking for a track record of:

    • Strong Leadership Skills
    • Aggressive Work Ethic
    • Integrity
    • Vision (ability to identify opportunity and sell the vision)
    • Ability to Recruit and Train a Large Sales Team
    • Experience in lead development
    • Consistent Performance and Growth

    We Offer:

    • Best Compensation Plan in the Profession
    • Full Line of Fringe Benefits including 401K with Company Match
    • A Preneed Sales Driven Corporate Philosophy
    • Opportunity for Career Advancement
    • Effective Sales and Training Materials
    • Relocation Program

    For more information in an informal and confidential chat call Gary Osborne at 713-702-2886 (cell) or send a brief e-mail to GOsborne@RemembranceSvcs.com. I do not need a formal resume but a brief work history or comments about what you are seeking would be helpful to our discussion.

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    For Sale
    Perpetual care cemetery, located approximately eighteen miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas.

    Includes:

    • 10 acres dedicated land with approximately 4,000 spaces available
    • Approximately 25 additional adjacent acres
    • Mausoleum/ chapel/ office building
    • Maintenance and storage building
    • 2 tractors, one with 36" backhoe
    • 10 X 6 dump trailer
    • Zero turn mowers and miscellaneous equipment
    • Perpetual care trust fund fully funded and continues to receive #1 audit rating from the Texas Banking Commission.

    Asking Price: Open
    Contact Betty Haas at bjh@citbroadband.com for more details or information.

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    Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
    Is NOW the time to JUMP START your sales management career or take it to the next level?

    NorthStar Memorial Group is a DYNAMIC and growing company with locations throughout the U.S. Take charge of your future by joining our team at Floral Haven, a premier property in Oklahoma, where you will build and supervise your own sales force. We are looking for TOP SALES PRODUCERS and CURRENT SALES MANAGERS who want to increase their earning potential!

    Great benefits including health, 401k and life!

    Position yourself for success! Send your resume today to gdaniel@fhaven.com or, for more information, contact Donna Wagner @ (918) 894-8808. We respect your need for confidentiality.

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    Sales Manager
    We are looking for a selling sales manager who has a pro-active approach for pre-need mausoleum sales, is capable of establishing community awareness in the surrounding communities of the cemetery, as well as establish mutual business relationships with area professionals to service residents on a broader spectrum of needs. Daily and weekly responsibilities require the sales manager to meet and counsel area families regarding the advantages of preplanning, in addition to assisting with the on-site training and motivation of sales counselors in order to grow the number of pre-need sales for their cemetery.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Hands on sales approach
    • Motivate and encourage a healthy competitive spirit
    • Earn a six figure + income

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • 2 years successful cemetery sales management experience
    • High energy, results oriented

    Visit our Web site to see the country's most beautiful and sought-after mausoleums! All responses are kept confidential.

    Contact Jill Baum, Memorial Properties, 1.888.662.9600
    E-mail your resume to Memprop@aol.com
    www.MemorialProperties.com
    Opportunities available in Savannah, GA and NJ

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    Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales 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 @ 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 yr 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

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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 2009, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association

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    Code: 
    wireless020210

    Wireless - January 19, 2010

    Date Published: 
    January 19, 2010
    Original Publication: 
    ICCFA Wireless

    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

    January 19, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 3

    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.


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT

    Have you visited www.iccfa.com lately? See today's HOT TOPIC:

    "Tech Track Tuesdays"
    Every Tuesday from now through March, Technology Track Chairman Rob Heppell will be presenting "Technology Track Tuesday" as an educational lead up to the ICCFA Convention.

    IN THIS EDITION

    Industry News
    Fast Track to Help Haitian Disaster Relief Assistance
    HHS Publishes the First U.S. Health Security Strategy
    IRS: No Tax Exemption for Group That Pays Burial Benefits to Members
    VA Boosts 2010 Cash Allowance for Private Purchase of Outer Burial Receptacles in National
    Cemeteries by $1

    ICCFA News
    Annual Convention Hotel Room Block Nearly Sold Out
    More Than 300 Attend Wide World of Sales Conference
    Apply for a 2010 ICCFA University Scholarship
    SUPPLIERS: Annual Convention Booths Nearly Sold Out

    ICCFA Classifieds
    Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
    Do You Remember?
    Exciting Sales Opportunities!
    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
    Professionals: Service & Sales With Operations Experience
    Two Cemeteries For Sale
    Preneed Sales Manager
    Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
    For Sale
    Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
    Sales Manager
    Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales Managers
    General Manager; Licensed Funeral Director
    Memorial Garden Cemeteries For Sale

    Check Out These Member Benefits
    ICCFA Supply Link Allows Easy Buyer's Guide Searching
    Discounts at FuneralReview.com and Dignity University

    ICCFA News Page
    Music Licensing
    ICCFA Insurance Program
    HR Law Benefit
    ICCFA Introduces New Sales Training Programs
    ICCFA Internet Expo
    Fraud Prevention & Detection Consultation Service
    ICCFA Offers Legal Advice on Cremation Concerns
    FTC 'Red Flag' Compliance Program
    GPL Compliance Check


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT
    INDUSTRY NEWS

    Fast Track to Help Haitian Disaster Relief Assistance

    The FTC warns of scams and there has been considerable confusion over exactly what type of assistance is needed, where and when, concerning the catastrophic earthquake that hit Haiti last week. The ICCFA has participated in conference calls with HHS personnel and has learned that the best way to take the fastest action for anyone wanting to contribute their time, talents or treasure is by contacting the Center for International Disaster Information at www.cidi.org.

    The cidi.org site is a one-stop center for donating money to legitimate organizations, for donating (or selling) materials and supplies, and for volunteering your services in the stricken nation. The White House Web page also contains updates and links to various organizations that are coordinating aid to Haiti (www.whitehouse.gov). All disaster assistance sites have made it clear that the most effective way to help at this point is by making cash contributions.

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    HHS Publishes the First U.S. Health Security Strategy

    In a related development, last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released The National Health Security Strategy, the nation's first comprehensive strategy focused on protecting people's health during a large-scale emergency. The strategy sets priorities for government and non-government activities over the next four years. National health security means that the nation and its people are prepared for, protected from, and resilient in the face of health threats or incidents with potentially negative health consequences such as bioterrorism and natural disasters. The strategy provides a framework for actions that will build community resilience, strengthen and sustain health emergency response systems, and fill current gaps.

    The National Health Security Strategy and the accompanying interim implementation guide outline 10 objectives to achieve health security, and also highlights specific actions that the nation—including individuals, communities, non-government organizations, and government agencies—should take to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from health threats. The ICCFA has served on the HHS/DHS Mass Fatalities Management Services Sub-Council to provide advice and expertise as needed.

    Among the initial actions for the federal government are conducting a review to improve the system for developing and delivering countermeasures—medications, vaccines, supplies and equipment for health emergencies; coordinating across government and with communities to identify and prioritize the capabilities, research, and investments needed to achieve national health security; and evaluating the impact of these investments.

    The Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act directed the HHS Secretary to develop the National Health Security Strategy with an accompanying implementation plan by 2009 and to revise the documents every four years. HHS, however, will update the implementation plan every two years to reflect advances in public health and medicine. To obtain a copy of the strategy and implementation guide, visit www.hhs.gov/disasters.

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    IRS: No Tax Exemption for Group That Pays Burial Benefits to Members

    Last week, the Internal Revenue Service published Private Letter Ruling 201001023 that examined whether an organization's primary purpose of paying burial benefits to members qualifies it for a tax exemption as a 501(c)(3) entity. The IRS ruled against the organization stating, "You are not operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes because you are operated for the private benefit of your members rather than operating to provide a public benefit... In addition, the payment of death benefits is not a recognized exempt activity under section 501(c)(3) of the Code."

    The IRS distinguished several previous revenue rulings from the present case. Here, the members were of the same religion but the organization's purpose did not involve the carrying out of any religious burial services. A 1979 ruling did allow an exemption for an organization that was formed to support and maintain its basic tenants and beliefs of a religion regarding the burial of its members. According to IRS in this case, "...You were not formed to carry out any religious burial services with regards to your deceased members. Your purpose is to pay death benefits, that is, pay money, to members or to relatives of the members' immediate family upon the death of a member... You are not operated for a religious purpose within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Code. For more information, including a copy of the Private Letter Ruling, contact ICCFA general counsel Bob Fells at rfells@iccfa.com.

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    VA Boosts 2010 Cash Allowance for Private Purchase of Outer Burial Receptacles in National Cemeteries by $1

    The VA has announced its annual adjustment in the cash allowance given to veterans' families who privately purchase an outer burial container for use in a VA national cemetery. The allowance is based on the government's cost to provide standard graveliners furnished for use in the national cemeteries, less administrative expenses. The cash allowance payable for qualified interments during 2009 was $254. For 2010, the cash allowance payable has been raised to $255.00.

    This amount is based on the government's total cost during the fiscal year for single-depth graveliners, and dividing the cost by the total number of graveliners procured by the VA during the fiscal year. This amount was determined to be $264.00, minus an administrative cost per liner of $9.00, resulting in the allowance of $254.00 for 2009.

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    ICCFA NEWS

    Annual Convention Hotel Room Block Nearly Sold Out
    2010 Annual Convention & Expo

    The room block at our headquarters hotel for the 2010 ICCFA Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 in San Antonio, Texas, is selling out quickly. The ICCFA has negotiated the discount rate at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio of $219 per night. To reserve your room, you may click here to make your reservation online now, or you may call 1.888.421.1442. Simply mention that you are with the ICCFA Annual Convention.

    This year's Expo will be our largest ever, with 364 booths representing a wide range of supplier companies. Click here to find out which companies will be on hand to show you the latest products and services available to our industry.

    The ICCFA show is known as the friendliest and most productive in the industry, with no competing activities during Expo hours and free food and drink throughout the show.

    REMINDER: ICCFA members who register by February 5 will receive the early bird discount of $50. You may find the registration form here. Register now to secure this special rate.

    For a complete Convention program and for hotel reservation & registration materials, visit www.iccfaconvention.com.

    2010 Annual Convention & Expo


    More Than 300 Attend Wide World of Sales Conference
    i

    More than 300 sales and marketing professionals attended ICCFA's Wide World of Sales Conference in New Orleans last week to kick-start their 2010 sales year. Here's what some attendees had to say:

    • "It was refreshing to hear about some very real ways to get into the community and engage prospects with real time face to face programs. Great stuff!"
    • "My first time—enjoying my time here—great presentations, great education, awesome networking!"
    • "The [networking opportunities] are very conducive to picking other successful people's brains for ideas to take home. Good conference!"
    • "Left me wanting more."

    Plan now to attend the world's largest sales & marketing conference for death care professionals.

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
    Wide World of Sales Conference
    January 12-14, 2011
    Bally's Las Vegas
    Las Vegas, Nevada

    If you haven't downloaded the free gifts from Victor Antonio ("Cold Calling Success" [PDF or audiobook]) and Don Cooper ("Power Words for Sales & Marketing" and "Plan Your Prospecting for More Sales" [PDFs]), become a fan of ICCFA on Facebook to download them now.

    i


    Apply for a 2010 ICCFA University Scholarship

    The ICCFA provides scholarships to attend ICCFA University through the ICCFA Educational Foundation programs detailed below. All applications are due February 15, 2010. The 2010 ICCFA University will be held July 23-28 at the Fogelman Conference Center on the campus of the University of Memphis.

    • The ICCFA Educational Foundation is now accepting applications for its third annual scholarship award(s) to the 2010 ICCFA University. The scholarship can be used to pay the registration fee, lodging and travel expenses related to attending the University program. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity that supports the association's educational programs. Applicants for the scholarship must be ICCFA members in good standing and employed in the cemetery, cremation and funeral profession for a minimum of two years. For more information and to download a copy of the scholarship application, visit the ICCFA Web site at www.iccfa.com/files/2010iccfaedfndtn.pdf.
    • Last year, the Central States Cemetery Association made an endowment to the ICCFA Educational Foundation to establish an annual scholarship award to the ICCFA University. To be eligible, applicants must work in one of the central states of Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma or Wisconsin, and be employed by a cemetery for a minimum of two years. Applicants must be able to attend the 2010 ICCFA University, and may not assign the scholarship award to another person. All decisions of the Central States Cemetery Association Scholarship Committee and the ICCFA Educational Foundation are final. To print out an application, go to www.iccfa.com/files/2010centralstates.pdf.

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    Suppliers: Annual Convention Booths Nearly Sold Out
    George Fern Co. Service Kit Now Available Online

    ATTENTION SUPPLIERS: Haven't reserved your booth yet? Act quickly! We have sold nearly 90 percent of the hall. Download the prospectus here. Exhibit at the fastest-growing industry expo hall and take your business to "the Next Step."

    For those of you who have reserved your booth, you may download the George Fern Company service kit by visiting the ICCFA Web site. This kit details all items and services available for rent from the George Fern Company, the official decorator of the ICCFA Annual Convention.

    For more information, please contact Rick Platter, Supplier Relations Manager, at rickp@iccfa.com or 1.800.645.7700.

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    CLASSIFIED ADS
    Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

    Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
    Immediate Opening for Alabama Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer With 50 percent "partnership opportunity," located in Lanett, Alabama.
    Call Tony Arboritanza 352-232-2536 or email info@dearborllc.com
    Website: www.dearborllc.com

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    Do You Remember?
    Do you remember when telemarketing was going strong; direct mail flowed from a spigot and the sales team acted as one with a common goal in mind. For most those days are nothing but a distant memory, for us it is a way of life and the way we do business.

    We thoroughly understand the value of lead flow and the impact it has on developing new sales talent into our industry. Our sales division does not report to any operations, general manager or maintenance superintendent. We report only to the Vice President who is a sales guy.

    We are a National Company with one Sales Management opportunity currently available and the position has a great benefit plan too. If you are interested in quality leads, no micro-management and a chance to be among the highest paid Sales Management team in the industry. Then E-mail your resume to memorialparkcemetery@comcast.net and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised about the opportunity.

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    Exciting Sales Opportunities!
    StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.

    We boast one of the highest commission rates in the industry and our Sales Managers enjoy triple override bonuses on all location sales after hitting performance goals.

    We have excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

    We are currently searching for experienced Sales Managers and Sales Counselors in PA, DE and MD. EOE

    For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax to 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com. www.stonemor.com

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    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent wanted for 500 burial memorial park in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

    The Cemetery Superintendent is responsible for the overall appearance and condition of the cemetery grounds. The Superintendent must also demonstrate a commitment to NorthStar's goal of being the employer of choice in the death services industry.

    The person chosen for this position will be required to maintain a dedicated staff with the skills necessary to serve client family needs.

    This is a salaried position with a range of $40,000 to $45,000 per year, as well as carrying the potential for a production bonus. NorthStar offers a comprehensive benefits package including matching 401K, Health, Life Insurance and other benefits.

    Please submit you resume to alan.teal@nsmg.com or call 386-747-1586.

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    Professionals: Service & Sales with Operations Experience
    Are you successful today (or in recent past) in outreach & marketing within diverse communities? Can you quantify & verify with references your past successes? How have you balanced revenue needs with operational integrity? Does your experience include high traditional and moderate to high cremation consumers, and if yes, where, with whom and how?

    We are a family run business seeking two people of integrity for two of our markets:

    Mississippi Gulf Coast
    Eastern Slope, Colorado Rockies

    We seek and demand:

    • Integrity
    • Lead development skills worthy of the 21st century
    • Coaching & training of small, expert teams
    • Five years minimum successful experience in both funeral and cemetery spaces
    • Leadership by works
    • Licensed funeral directors are welcome to apply

    We Offer:

    • A family company seeking quality through talented people
    • Compensation that drives positive cash flow for you and the company
    • A company to retire with someday
    • A suite of benefit opportunities
    • Owners that work in the trenches every day with families

    Please forward your resume and cover letter to Mark Sadowski at I.amunknown@live.com and include your references. We would like to secure and begin working with you in the beginning of 2010.

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    Two Cemeteries for Sale
    "New" asking price $275,000.00. Franklin, Virginia, and Emporia, Virginia (30 minutes apart); $250,000.00 in receivables, $400,000.00 in trust accounts. Due to owner health issues we are doing a drastic reduction in price. Take advantage of this great opportunity. E-mail inquiries to acc@gamewood.net, or fax to 434.822.1647, or call Gary Hall at 434.250.6121. To view pictures go to www.myspace.com/accinc.

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    Preneed Sales Manager
    New Tacoma Cemeteries & Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a Sales Manager to lead our cemetery & funeral home preneed sales team.

    Our ideal candidate has their Washington insurance license and previous cemetery managerial experience leading a sales team. Benefits include salary + commission, medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick and 401K plan. Please e-mail resume to: patty@newtacoma.com or contact Jack Harding at 253 564-1311.

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    Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
    GRS is growing again!

    Gibraltar Remembrance Services is on the grow again and we are looking for a Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers for new location in the Midwest and expansion of our Seattle operations of the USA.

    Our Sales Managers and Division Managers ALL earn in excess of $100,000. Some exceed that mark handsomely.

    We are looking for a track record of:

    • Strong Leadership Skills
    • Aggressive Work Ethic
    • Integrity
    • Vision (ability to identify opportunity and sell the vision)
    • Ability to Recruit and Train a Large Sales Team
    • Experience in lead development
    • Consistent Performance and Growth

    We Offer:

    • Best Compensation Plan in the Profession
    • Full Line of Fringe Benefits including 401K with Company Match
    • A Preneed Sales Driven Corporate Philosophy
    • Opportunity for Career Advancement
    • Effective Sales and Training Materials
    • Relocation Program

    For more information in an informal and confidential chat call Gary Osborne at 713-702-2886 (cell) or send a brief e-mail to GOsborne@RemembranceSvcs.com. I do not need a formal resume but a brief work history or comments about what you are seeking would be helpful to our discussion.

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    For Sale
    Perpetual care cemetery, located approximately eighteen miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas.

    Includes:

    • 10 acres dedicated land with approximately 4,000 spaces available
    • Approximately 25 additional adjacent acres
    • Mausoleum/ chapel/ office building
    • Maintenance and storage building
    • 2 tractors, one with 36" backhoe
    • 10 X 6 dump trailer
    • Zero turn mowers and miscellaneous equipment
    • Perpetual care trust fund fully funded and continues to receive #1 audit rating from the Texas Banking Commission.

    Asking Price: Open
    Contact Betty Haas at bjh@citbroadband.com for more details or information.

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    Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
    Is NOW the time to JUMP START your sales management career or take it to the next level?

    NorthStar Memorial Group is a DYNAMIC and growing company with locations throughout the U.S. Take charge of your future by joining our team at Floral Haven, a premier property in Oklahoma, where you will build and supervise your own sales force. We are looking for TOP SALES PRODUCERS and CURRENT SALES MANAGERS who want to increase their earning potential!

    Great benefits including health, 401k and life!

    Position yourself for success! Send your resume today to gdaniel@fhaven.com or, for more information, contact Donna Wagner @ (918) 894-8808. We respect your need for confidentiality.

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    Sales Manager
    We are looking for a selling sales manager who has a pro-active approach for pre-need mausoleum sales, is capable of establishing community awareness in the surrounding communities of the cemetery, as well as establish mutual business relationships with area professionals to service residents on a broader spectrum of needs. Daily and weekly responsibilities require the sales manager to meet and counsel area families regarding the advantages of preplanning, in addition to assisting with the on-site training and motivation of sales counselors in order to grow the number of pre-need sales for their cemetery.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Hands on sales approach
    • Motivate and encourage a healthy competitive spirit
    • Earn a six figure + income

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • 2 years successful cemetery sales management experience
    • High energy, results oriented

    Visit our Web site to see the country's most beautiful and sought-after mausoleums! All responses are kept confidential.

    Contact Jill Baum, Memorial Properties, 1.888.662.9600
    E-mail your resume to Memprop@aol.com
    www.MemorialProperties.com
    Opportunities available in Savannah, GA and NJ

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    Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales 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 @ 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 yr 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

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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 2009, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association

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    Code: 
    wireless011910

    Wireless - January 6, 2010

    Date Published: 
    January 6, 2010
    Original Publication: 
    ICCFA Wireless

    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

    January 6, 2010 Edition - Volume 11 - No. 2

    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.


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT

    Have you visited www.iccfa.com lately? See today's HOT TOPIC:

    IN THIS EDITION

    Industry News
    COBRA Subsidy Update: Eligibility Through February 28
    TSA: All Human Remains Shipped on Passenger Planes Must Be Screened Beginning August 1
    IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates
    Donations to ICCFA Educational Foundation Tax-Deductible

    ICCFA News
    Sign Up Now for the Wide World of Sales Conference—More Than 280 Already Registered!
    Annual Convention Spotlight: Cremation Arranger Certification
    ICCFA University Scholarship Applications Now Available
    SUPPLIERS: 78 Percent of Annual Convention Booths Sold; Service Kit Now Online

    ICCFA Classifieds
    Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
    Do You Remember?
    Exciting Sales Opportunities!
    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
    Professionals: Service & Sales With Operations Experience
    Two Cemeteries For Sale
    Preneed Sales Manager
    Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
    For Sale
    Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
    Sales Manager
    Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales Managers
    General Manager; Licensed Funeral Director
    Memorial Garden Cemeteries For Sale

    Check Out These Member Benefits
    ICCFA Supply Link Allows Easy Buyer's Guide Searching
    Discounts at FuneralReview.com and Dignity University

    ICCFA News Page
    Music Licensing
    ICCFA Insurance Program
    HR Law Benefit
    ICCFA Introduces New Sales Training Programs
    ICCFA Internet Expo
    Fraud Prevention & Detection Consultation Service
    ICCFA Offers Legal Advice on Cremation Concerns
    FTC 'Red Flag' Compliance Program
    GPL Compliance Check


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT
    INDUSTRY NEWS

    COBRA Subsidy Update: Eligibility Through February 28, 2010

    eye on congressLast year, legislation created a new requirement for continued health coverage under COBRA for employees and their dependents that lose their group health coverage due to termination or other qualifying events. "Assistance Eligible Individuals" (AEI) may have 65 percent of their health insurance premium covered by a federal subsidy for up to nine months between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009. However, the 2010 Defense Appropriations Act has authorized an extension of this benefit for another two months, through February 28, 2010. Employers subject the state "mini-COBRA" laws should monitor developments under their applicable state laws to determine how their state reacts to changes made by this extension.

    The COBRA subsidy is actually paid by the employer, which is reimbursed by the government through a tax credit against its wage withholdings and FICA payroll taxes. COBRA generally does not apply to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. ICCFA members in good standing may consult with the Association's labor law attorney, Michael Pepperman, at 215.665.3032, for any questions or concerns they may have. The following links also provide important information for compliance.

    DOL Model Notices: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRAmodelnotice.html

    DOL Updated FAQ: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-cobra-premiumreductionER.html

    The general DOL COBRA Web site link is: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html

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    TSA: All Human Remains Shipped on Passenger Planes Must Be Screened Beginning August 1, 2010

    eye on congressRepresentatives from the ICCFA attended a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Air Cargo forum in Washington, DC, on December 14, 2009. The purpose of the forum was to ensure that companies in the U.S. are fully aware of the impact the 9/11 Act of 2007 will have on air cargo. Under the Act, 100% of all air cargo transported on passenger aircraft will need to be screened at the piece level by August 1, 2010. The technology to screen cargo is limited to: X-Ray, Explosive Trace Detection, Explosive Detection Systems, canine and physical search. However, not all commodities can be screened using technology. Items such as computers, perishables, art, pharmaceuticals/medical equipment and chemicals/powders have proven to provide screening challenges. It is important to note that the new screening requirement was established prior to the attempted bombing of a Northwest flight in Detroit on Christmas Day.

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of DHS, was authorized to establish a system to screen all cargo, but TSA does not screen cargo (as it does passenger baggage). Listening to industry concerns that passenger airlines cannot meet the mandate (consider all the skids of cargo that would need to be taken apart, screened, and possibly opened/contents removed for physical search) without delaying shipments, TSA established the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP).

    The CCSP enables entities, on a voluntary basis, to screen cargo before it arrives at the airport, thus avoiding screening back logs and delays. Freight forwarders, independent screening facilities, and many shippers have already become certified. Most shippers who have joined the program so far have not had to invest in screening technology, as they have been able to incorporate the TSA approved physical search screening process into their packing/shipping process. Shippers currently in the program include: high-tech, pharmaceuticals, fresh produce/perishables, and museums.

    Before the 100% deadline arrives in August 2010, shippers should be prepared to consider their options. For U.S. "domestic" shipments, truck or all-cargo aircraft may be used, but may not meet your time/cost requirements. For U.S. "exports," shipments may also be diverted to ocean or all-cargo aircraft, but again, time and cost issues would need to be considered. To avoid such potentially major modifications to your supply chain, becoming a certified Shipper under the CCSP should also be considered.

    The ICCFA is working closely with DHS/TSA to expedite compliance with the new screening requirements for our members. Douglas J. Brittin, TSA Air Cargo Manager, will be speaking at the ICCFA Annual Convention, on Friday, March 12, 2010, on both the new air cargo screening requirements and the Known Shipper requirements that became effective during 2009. For more information on the cargo screening requirements, contact the TSA at CCSP@dhs.gov or www.tsa.gov/CCSP.

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    IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates

    The Internal Revenue Service has published the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

    • 50 cents per mile for business miles driven
    • 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
    • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

    The new rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than last year's. The mileage rates for 2010 reflect generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago. According to the IRS, "The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study. A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates."

    For more information, go to Revenue Procedure 2009-54 that contains additional details regarding the standard mileage rates.

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    Donations to ICCFA Educational Foundation Tax-Deductible

    Looking for a charitable tax deduction? Consider a donation to the ICCFA Educational Foundation. Over the past two years the foundation has provided financial assistance to industry professionals who could not otherwise attend career-advancing training and educational sessions at ICCFA University. This is your chance to provide educational opportunity to colleagues in need of assistance and receive a tax deduction for you or your company. For more information, reply to this message and you will receive a detailed e-mail response.

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    ICCFA NEWS

    Sign Up for the Wide World of Sales Conference—More Than 280 Already Registered!
    i

    OWNERS! SALES EXECUTIVES! SALES MANAGERS! SALES COUNSELORS!...

    More than 280 people are already pre-registered for the largest death care sales and marketing conference in the world! Seats are still available, so register today.

    You'll learn:

    • How to increase your cremation profit margins
    • How to generate new business in a tough economy
    • Counselor sales skills, including advanced presentation skills, answering objections, non-verbal communication, asking questions and more
    • Marketing and advertising dos and don'ts
    • 25 ways to close the sale
    • And more!

    For a complete conference program and for hotel reservation and registration materials, visit www.wideworldofsales.com.

    i


    Annual Convention Spotlight: Cremation Arranger Certification
    2010 Annual Convention & Expo

    The ICCFA will offer its Cremation Arranger Certification Program as part of the 2010 ICCFA Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 in San Antonio, Texas. The program, which features educational sessions led by industry leaders, will take place on Saturday, March 13.

    Attendees who participate in the program will be awarded a Cremation Arranger Certification as well as six hours of continuing education credits. Six one-hour sessions will provide training on how to arrange and create meaningful tributes and memorialization for cremation families and how to best communicate those options to them.

    "The 2010 Cremation Arranger Certification Program has been refined to include fresh, up-to-date information vital to the success of today's funeral establishments," said Julie A. Burn, CCrE, CSE, director of cremation services for the ICCFA. "A new hands-on, interactive session will help to improve communication skills, and a session led by ICCFA's special cremation counsel, Poul Lemasters, will address the many cremation liability issues the industry faces when working with cremation families."

    For more information on the program, visit www.iccfaconvention.com. For information on the Cremation Coaching Center and to access its many resources, visit www.cremationcoach.com.

    For a complete Convention program and for hotel reservation and registration materials, visit www.iccfaconvention.com.

    2010 Annual Convention & Expo


    ICCFA University Scholarship Applications Available

    The ICCFA provides scholarships to attend ICCFA University through the ICCFA Educational Foundation programs detailed below. All applications are due February 15, 2010. The 2010 ICCFA University will be held July 23-28 at the Fogelman Conference Center on the campus of the University of Memphis.

    • The ICCFA Educational Foundation is now accepting applications for its third annual scholarship award(s) to the 2010 ICCFA University. The scholarship can be used to pay the registration fee, lodging and travel expenses related to attending the University program. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity that supports the association's educational programs. Applicants for the scholarship must be ICCFA members in good standing and employed in the cemetery, cremation and funeral profession for a minimum of two years. For more information and to download a copy of the scholarship application, visit the ICCFA Web site at www.iccfa.com/files/2010iccfaedfndtn.pdf.
    • Last year, the Central States Cemetery Association made an endowment to the ICCFA Educational Foundation to establish an annual scholarship award to the ICCFA University. To be eligible, applicants must work in one of the central states of Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma or Wisconsin, and be employed by a cemetery for a minimum of two years. Applicants must be able to attend the 2010 ICCFA University, and may not assign the scholarship award to another person. All decisions of the Central States Cemetery Association Scholarship Committee and the ICCFA Educational Foundation are final. To print out an application, go to www.iccfa.com/files/2010centralstates.pdf.

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    Suppliers: 78 Percent of Annual Convention Booths Sold
    George Fern Co. Service Kit Now Available Online

    ATTENTION SUPPLIERS: Haven't reserved your booth yet? Act quickly! We have already sold 78 percent of the hall. Download the prospectus here. Exhibit at the fastest-growing industry expo hall and take your business to "the Next Step."

    For those of you who have reserved your booth, you may download the George Fern Company service kit by visiting the ICCFA Web site. This kit details all items and services available for rent from the George Fern Company, the official decorator of the ICCFA Annual Convention.

    For more information, please contact Rick Platter, Supplier Relations Manager, at rickp@iccfa.com or 1.800.645.7700.

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    CLASSIFIED ADS
    Reach Thousands with an ICCFA Classifieds Ad

    Wanted: Funeral Director/Embalmer
    Immediate Opening for Alabama Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer With 50 percent "partnership opportunity," located in Lanett, Alabama.
    Call Tony Arboritanza 352-232-2536 or email info@dearborllc.com
    Website: www.dearborllc.com

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    Do You Remember?
    Do you remember when telemarketing was going strong; direct mail flowed from a spigot and the sales team acted as one with a common goal in mind. For most those days are nothing but a distant memory, for us it is a way of life and the way we do business.

    We thoroughly understand the value of lead flow and the impact it has on developing new sales talent into our industry. Our sales division does not report to any operations, general manager or maintenance superintendent. We report only to the Vice President who is a sales guy.

    We are a National Company with one Sales Management opportunity currently available and the position has a great benefit plan too. If you are interested in quality leads, no micro-management and a chance to be among the highest paid Sales Management team in the industry. Then E-mail your resume to memorialparkcemetery@comcast.net and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised about the opportunity.

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    Exciting Sales Opportunities!
    StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.

    We boast one of the highest commission rates in the industry and our Sales Managers enjoy triple override bonuses on all location sales after hitting performance goals.

    We have excellent benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

    We are currently searching for experienced Sales Managers and Sales Counselors in PA, DE and MD. EOE

    For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax to 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com. www.stonemor.com

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    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent
    Cemetery Caretaker Superintendent wanted for 500 burial memorial park in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

    The Cemetery Superintendent is responsible for the overall appearance and condition of the cemetery grounds. The Superintendent must also demonstrate a commitment to NorthStar's goal of being the employer of choice in the death services industry.

    The person chosen for this position will be required to maintain a dedicated staff with the skills necessary to serve client family needs.

    This is a salaried position with a range of $40,000 to $45,000 per year, as well as carrying the potential for a production bonus. NorthStar offers a comprehensive benefits package including matching 401K, Health, Life Insurance and other benefits.

    Please submit you resume to alan.teal@nsmg.com or call 386-747-1586.

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    Professionals: Service & Sales with Operations Experience
    Are you successful today (or in recent past) in outreach & marketing within diverse communities? Can you quantify & verify with references your past successes? How have you balanced revenue needs with operational integrity? Does your experience include high traditional and moderate to high cremation consumers, and if yes, where, with whom and how?

    We are a family run business seeking two people of integrity for two of our markets:

    Mississippi Gulf Coast
    Eastern Slope, Colorado Rockies

    We seek and demand:

    • Integrity
    • Lead development skills worthy of the 21st century
    • Coaching & training of small, expert teams
    • Five years minimum successful experience in both funeral and cemetery spaces
    • Leadership by works
    • Licensed funeral directors are welcome to apply

    We Offer:

    • A family company seeking quality through talented people
    • Compensation that drives positive cash flow for you and the company
    • A company to retire with someday
    • A suite of benefit opportunities
    • Owners that work in the trenches every day with families

    Please forward your resume and cover letter to Mark Sadowski at I.amunknown@live.com and include your references. We would like to secure and begin working with you in the beginning of 2010.

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    Two Cemeteries for Sale
    "New" asking price $275,000.00. Franklin, Virginia, and Emporia, Virginia (30 minutes apart); $250,000.00 in receivables, $400,000.00 in trust accounts. Due to owner health issues we are doing a drastic reduction in price. Take advantage of this great opportunity. E-mail inquiries to acc@gamewood.net, or fax to 434.822.1647, or call Gary Hall at 434.250.6121. To view pictures go to www.myspace.com/accinc.

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    Preneed Sales Manager
    New Tacoma Cemeteries & Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a Sales Manager to lead our cemetery & funeral home preneed sales team.

    Our ideal candidate has their Washington insurance license and previous cemetery managerial experience leading a sales team. Benefits include salary + commission, medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick and 401K plan. Please e-mail resume to: patty@newtacoma.com or contact Jack Harding at 253 564-1311.

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    Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers
    GRS is growing again!

    Gibraltar Remembrance Services is on the grow again and we are looking for a Sales Manager, Family Service Division Managers and Field Force Division Managers for new location in the Midwest and expansion of our Seattle operations of the USA.

    Our Sales Managers and Division Managers ALL earn in excess of $100,000. Some exceed that mark handsomely.

    We are looking for a track record of:

    • Strong Leadership Skills
    • Aggressive Work Ethic
    • Integrity
    • Vision (ability to identify opportunity and sell the vision)
    • Ability to Recruit and Train a Large Sales Team
    • Experience in lead development
    • Consistent Performance and Growth

    We Offer:

    • Best Compensation Plan in the Profession
    • Full Line of Fringe Benefits including 401K with Company Match
    • A Preneed Sales Driven Corporate Philosophy
    • Opportunity for Career Advancement
    • Effective Sales and Training Materials
    • Relocation Program

    For more information in an informal and confidential chat call Gary Osborne at 713-702-2886 (cell) or send a brief e-mail to GOsborne@RemembranceSvcs.com. I do not need a formal resume but a brief work history or comments about what you are seeking would be helpful to our discussion.

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    For Sale
    Perpetual care cemetery, located approximately eighteen miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas.

    Includes:

    • 10 acres dedicated land with approximately 4,000 spaces available
    • Approximately 25 additional adjacent acres
    • Mausoleum/ chapel/ office building
    • Maintenance and storage building
    • 2 tractors, one with 36" backhoe
    • 10 X 6 dump trailer
    • Zero turn mowers and miscellaneous equipment
    • Perpetual care trust fund fully funded and continues to receive #1 audit rating from the Texas Banking Commission.

    Asking Price: Open
    Contact Betty Haas at bjh@citbroadband.com for more details or information.

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    Jump Start Your Sales Management Career
    Is NOW the time to JUMP START your sales management career or take it to the next level?

    NorthStar Memorial Group is a DYNAMIC and growing company with locations throughout the U.S. Take charge of your future by joining our team at Floral Haven, a premier property in Oklahoma, where you will build and supervise your own sales force. We are looking for TOP SALES PRODUCERS and CURRENT SALES MANAGERS who want to increase their earning potential!

    Great benefits including health, 401k and life!

    Position yourself for success! Send your resume today to gdaniel@fhaven.com or, for more information, contact Donna Wagner @ (918) 894-8808. We respect your need for confidentiality.

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    Sales Manager
    We are looking for a selling sales manager who has a pro-active approach for pre-need mausoleum sales, is capable of establishing community awareness in the surrounding communities of the cemetery, as well as establish mutual business relationships with area professionals to service residents on a broader spectrum of needs. Daily and weekly responsibilities require the sales manager to meet and counsel area families regarding the advantages of preplanning, in addition to assisting with the on-site training and motivation of sales counselors in order to grow the number of pre-need sales for their cemetery.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Hands on sales approach
    • Motivate and encourage a healthy competitive spirit
    • Earn a six figure + income

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • 2 years successful cemetery sales management experience
    • High energy, results oriented

    Visit our Web site to see the country's most beautiful and sought-after mausoleums! All responses are kept confidential.

    Contact Jill Baum, Memorial Properties, 1.888.662.9600
    E-mail your resume to Memprop@aol.com
    www.MemorialProperties.com
    Opportunities available in Savannah, GA and NJ

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    Combination Locations: Funeral Home/Cemetery; Sales 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 @ 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 yr 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

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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 2009, International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association

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    Code: 
    wireless010610

    Wireless - December 16, 2008

    Date Published: 
    122008
    Original Publication: 
    ICCFA Wireless

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    ICCFA Wireless ... News You Can Use

    December 2, 2008 Edition - Volume 9 - No. 27

    Welcome to the ICCFA Wireless newsletter!
    If you experience any problems with this HTML version, please let us know. Call 1.800.645.7700.

    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.


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT


    PAID ADVERTISEMENT

    INDUSTRY NEWS
     

    FTC Advisory Opinion: Crematories Selling Urns Must Comply With Funeral Rule

    The Federal Trade Commission recently made public a staff advisory opinion in response to an inquiry whether a crematory must comply with the provisions of the Funeral Rule. In the FTC staff's view, "a crematory must comply with all the requirements of the rule is it offers or sells cremation services and any funeral goods, such as caskets, alternative containers, or urns."

    Under the Funeral Rule, any entity that is a "funeral provider" must comply. A funeral provider includes two elements: the offer or sale of both "funeral good" and "funeral services." The advisory opinion states that cremation is considered a "funeral service" because, among other reasons, "crematories 'care for' a body from the moment they receive it, because it has been remitted to their care, and may need to be held or refrigerated for a period of time as required by state law or the availability of the crematory's retort. Crematories must also take any necessary steps to 'prepare' the body for cremation, which may include, for example, removing the body from a shell container or rental casket, as well as the removal of pacemakers, metal implants and jewelry.”

    The FTC staff further explained that since crematories are covered under the Rule, they must provide "price information by telephone upon request, give consumers a General Price List (GPL) describing the goods and services the crematory offers for sale, and the requirement that they show consumers a Casket Price List if caskets are offered but not listed in the GPL...". The staff cautions that the views expressed "have not been reviewed, approved, or adopted by the Commission, and they are not binding on the Commission or any individual Commissioner. However, they do reflect the views of FTC staff charged with enforcement of the Funeral Rule." The advisory opinion can be viewed on the FTC Web site at http://ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/funerals/opinions/opinions08-1.pdf.

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    IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rates

    The Internal Revenue Service has announced the optional mileage rates for 2009 to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. Beginning on January 1, 2009, the standard mileage will be:

    • 55 cents per mile for business miles driven
    • 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
    • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

    The IRS notes that the new rates are slightly lower than the rates for the second half of 2008 (58.5 cents for business and 27 cents for medical and moving) that were raised by special adjustment due to the spike in gasoline prices. However, the rate for charitable purposes is set by law and is unchanged from 2008. For more information, check the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov.

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    ICCFA NEWS
     

    Office Closure
    The ICCFA offices will be closed December 22-26. We wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

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    Julie A. Burn Hired As Director of Cremation Services

    ICCFA has hired Julie A. Burn, CCrE, CSE, as director of cremation services to lead the association's cremation-related program development, effective December 31.

    Burn was formerly cremation services manager for Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc. in Forest Park, Illinois. A frequent speaker at many industry-related meetings and conventions, she is a professor at the ICCFA University College of Cremation Services and is chairman of the ICCFA Personalization Committee, which conducts the annual Keeping It Personal (KIP) Awards program.

    "The addition of a 'cremation czar' is the next logical step in the evolution of the ICCFA, which continues to lead the evolution of the industry as a whole," said ICCFA President Mark Krause, CFuE. "Whether we are cemeterians, funeral directors or cremationists, our biggest challenge is promoting tribute ceremonies and memorialization among our cremation clients. Julie Burn is an outstanding educator and is one of the most well recognized experts on cremation issues in North America. She is the right person at the right time to build on the ICCFA's current cremation programming and to ensure our members have the tools they need to meet the demands posed by cremation now and into the future."

    Burn worked for Wilbert Funeral Services from 1991 to 2008. She started out as manager of funeral service communications before being promoted to a regional manager position in 1996 and to the cremation services manager position in 2000.

    She has served as supplier liaison to the board of directors of the Cremation Association of North America and as a member of the National Concrete Burial Vault Association's Marketing Committee. Burn holds the designations of Certified Cremation Executive and Certified Supplier Executive from the ICCFA and the designation of Associate Certified Preplanning Consultant from the National Funeral Directors Association.

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    REGISTER NOW!
    Preneed Sales Conference Just a Month Away

    Register multiple staff and receive a hefty discount

     

    The ICCFA Wide World of Sales Conference, to be held January 13-15, 2009, at the Las Vegas Hilton, offers "how to" advice developed by dozens of top sales & marketig experts.

    THE WORLD'S LARGEST PRENEED SALES CONFERENCE IS JUST A MONTH AWAY! Don't miss out on specific how-to instructions and operational templates provided in the "Playbook" binder of speaker handouts, including:

    You'll receive two solid days of educational seminars offering practical tools and techniques for boosting sales. Not only is the Playbook included in your registration, you'll also receive:

    • Registration directory to facilitate networking with more than 400 of the best industry sales counselors and managers from around the world
    • Admission to the Tuesday evening Welcome Reception
    • Entry into either the Wednesday counselors-only lunch with Gary O'Sullivan or managers' networking lunch
    • A chance to win cash and prizes

    For complete program details, visit www.wideworldofsales.com.
    Registration materials are available for download below:

    HOTEL ROOM BLOCK SELLING QUICKLY
    If you are planning to attend, the ICCFA urges you to make your hotel reservations now as our room block is selling quickly. The Hilton Las Vegas is offering ICCFA attendees the discounted room rate of $125 for single/double occupancy. To make your reservation, please call 1.800.635.7711 or book your hotel room online. Be sure to say that you are attending the ICCFA Wide World of Sales Conference.

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    The ICCFA is offering 2009 music licensing with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC for only $248 per property.With no additional fees or membership requirements, this is the LOWEST PRICE available in the industry!

    Companies that currently hold their licenses through the ICCFA should receive invoices for 2009 in the mail within the next couple of weeks.

    All companies that did not have a music license in 2008 and wish to purchase the 2009 license can do so by downloading the form or by calling the ICCFA at 1.800.645.7700.

    The 2009 price is a direct pass-through of the combined annual price increases from ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Licensing directly with the agencies this year would cost nearly $600 per location, so this price is still the lowest available to the industry.

    Music licensing is the law, and failure to obtain a license where one is required can be costly: Copyright law provides for damages similar to fines of up to $30,000 for each song that is infringed. If your company, regardless of size, hosts performances of copyrighted music—whether the music is performed live or played from recordings—music copyright owners say you are legally required to pay an annual licensing fee.

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    i
    Spotlight on the Going Green Symposium

    .
    The world's most insightful branding & marketing experts and entertaining speakers will present keynote addresses at the 2009 ICCFA Convention & Expo, April 20-23 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    At the 2008 Convention, you learned about the latest trends in green burial and environmentally conscious practices. In this year's two-hour breakout session, you'll learn how to introduce these techniques at your cemetery, crematory or funeral home. Among the topics to be covered:

    • why sound and sustainable does not mean unprofitable
    • natural and environmentally friendly alternatives for burials and cremations
    • how to perform green burials, including techniques, pitfalls and pricing considerations
    • solar panels
    • integrated pest management
    • xeriscaping through effective planting, irrigation and water management choices
    • marketing and promotion

    The panel will provide plenty of time for Q&A, so bring your questions!


    JUST ANNOUNCED: "GREEN OPPORTUNITY" SEMINAR—APRIL 20
    This all day seminar will take place on April 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Manadalay Bay Resort & Casino. The program will have four segments. Glenn Gould will begin with a program on consumer attitudes toward green funeral and natural burial with information derived from research studies conducted by MKJ Marketing. Gould will demonstrate how much of the support for green services is derived from people that presently prefer cremation. As such, developing the green market is a net gain for funeral homes and vendors as consumers will purchase more in merchandise and services then the cremation consumer presently does.

    Joe Sehee will follow with a program that builds on the presentations he has been making nationally at state conventions. He will focus on what being green and natural entails, and how to accomplish it.

    Marilyn Gould will discuss h