Last 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

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

Representatives 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Place your classified advertisement with ICCFA today!

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

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

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

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.

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