Louisiana Funeral Directors Association
3 RD QUARTER NEWSLETTER
Special Points of Interest: LFDA Southeast District Highlights LFDA Southwest District Highlights LFDA South District News LFDA North District News & Highlights I’m 24 and Work in the Funeral Industry—Here’s What I’ve Learned 2015 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards Table of Contents Fall Edition Featured Articles 7-11 LFDA News 7 LFDA President Appoints Committee Chairpersons 8 LFDA Southeast District Meeting Highlights Louisiana Board 8 LFDA Southwest District Meeting Highlights License Renewal 8 LFDA South District News Deadline Approaching 8 LFDA North District News Information on page 10 9 LFDA North District Meeting Highlights 10 Industry News 10 Louisiana Board License Renewal Deadline Approaching 10 I’m 24 and Work in the Funeral Industry—Here’s What I’ve Learned 11-14 NFDA News 2015 NFDA Pursuit of 11 Bob Arrington Installed as President of the NFDA Excellence Awards 11 NFDA Announces New Xerox Office Sales & Leasing Partnership Story on page 12 with XMC, Inc. 12 2015 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards 13 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report Released 14 Are You Taking Advantage of Your NFDA Membership?
Departments 3 A Message From the President
NFDA Cremation and 5 Policy Board in Review Burial Report 6 Tune In - Executive Director Update Released Story on page 14 15 Benefit Spotlight :: Social Media Copilot 17 In Memory of… 19 Classifieds 19 Advertisers Index 20 Upcoming Events
Page 2 A Message From the President Greetings LFDA members!
I am excited to have finally made it into the President’s position, however, a bit nervous as there is much to do. I would like to first start by thanking everyone for their generous support and participation with what seemed to be a fantastic LFDA and MFDA convention. Teaming up with Mississippi proved to be successful, and I cannot wait to tell you what’s in store for our members in the upcoming 2016 Annual Convention being held in Biloxi. Please mark your calendar for June 12-14, 2016!
I am pleased to say that all committee chairs have been selected, and we are off to a great start. As your President, I am looking forward to making William “Bill” Wimberly LFDA President a positive impact in several areas of our association. As we are all aware, our death care industry has been around for a long time, and we have all seen many changes as the industry has evolved with modern times. Looking back, our association along with its past leaders, have done a wonderful job building and maintaining the association to accommodate the many changes that have come along. With the help of the committees, as well as dedicated members & Past Presidents, I am hoping to continue that trend but also do more and become proactive in areas that are of major importance. “Our industry is changing every For many people, the word “change” can be scary and uncomfortable. However, we would not be where we are today if change had not day, and I occurred. Our industry is changing every day, and I intend to ensure that intend to ensure our great association adapts to those changes in a positive and effective way. More importantly, I hope to strengthen and build relationships with that our great funeral professionals in our great state. As I walked and looked around association the convention and some district get-togethers, I couldn’t help but notice and meet a lot of new faces. Some with familiar last names and some just adapts to these totally new! It is exciting to watch another generation come into their changes in a family business as well as first timers getting their opportunity to make a difference and build a legacy. positive and
I enjoyed visiting with everyone at our Fall Meeting & Seminar in the newly effective way.” built Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel on October 1 & 2 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Thank you to everyone who attended!
In closing, I want to again thank you all for your support as we embark on an exciting yet challenging upcoming year. Take very good care, and I hope to see you all real soon.
Sincerely, William “Bill” Wimberly
Page 3 LFDA Leadership 2015-2016 LFDA Board of Directors Executive Director & Staff President Immediate Past President LFDA William Wimberly Joel Swisher P.O. Box 82531 Ardoin Funeral Home Hixson Brothers Funeral Home Baton Rouge, LA 70884 [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (225) 767-7640 (337) 457-3371 (318) 442-3363 Fax: (225) 767-7648 Email: [email protected] Vice-President South Governor Joel Swisher Boyd Mothe, Jr. Executive Director Hixson Brothers Funeral Home Mothe Funeral Homes David Tatman [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (318) 442-3363 (504) 366-4343 Senior Account Manager Treasurer Southeast Governor Kathleen O’Regan Timothy I. Dulany Chad Saia, CFSP [email protected] Osborn Funeral Home Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home [email protected] [email protected] Intern (318) 865-8426 (225) 567-1884 Jamee Blink [email protected] Secretary Southwest Governor Isabel Espinosa Pat Menard Ourso Funeral Home Pellerin Funeral Home [email protected] [email protected] (225) 473-8122 (337) 332-2111
Sergeant-at-Arms North Governor Jimmy Bordelon Brad Austin Martin & Castille Funeral Home Hixson Brothers Funeral Home [email protected] [email protected] (337) 234-2311 (318) 449-8867
LFDA Mission Statement
The Louisiana Funeral Directors Association (LFDA) promotes integrity in the funeral service industry through education, legislation, networking and communications.
Have an interesting article to include in the LFDA Newsletter? Send suggested articles to the LFDA office. Your article could appear in the next quarterly issue!
Office: (225) 767-7640 Fax: (225) 767-7648 Email: [email protected]
Page 4 Policy Board In Review
Hello members of LFDA, I am getting ready to go to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the National Funeral Directors Association’s 2015 International Convention & Expo. The last several weeks have been extremely busy with NFDA. At the NFDA meeting in Orlando, Florida, the executive board introduced a new plan to change the structure of NFDA, how the voting process takes place, and the election of officers to the board. NFDA hired a consulting firm to come in and give recommendations for restructure and new procedures. These recommendations were met with strong opposition from a high percentage of policy board members. After all of the discussions that ensued following the changes that the NFDA Executive Board wanted to make, the board revised its position. The last notification I received has no changes being made as of August 19, 2015. Peter “Butch” Mulhearn In reading the new structuring plan in Orlando, FL, I saw numerous issues with the Policy Board recommendations that were presented to the Policy Board. I am very thankful Representative these changes were not set into motion. It would have not been in the best interest of LFDA on the national level. In the new proposal, LFDA and all other states would have no voting rights of any kind for NFDA. All the states would have been able to make recommendations only, but ultimately the vote would be made by the Executive Board for NFDA. There were several other items I was firmly against and had conferred with LFDA President and the Executive Board Members to verify our position on the new proposal. NFDA is a very strong leader for our funeral industry. Granted there are a few items that need to be addressed, but that is expected with any organization. I hope other members of LFDA will be able to attend the convention in Indianapolis, IN. There will be numerous quality speakers for continuing education, round table discussions, and new products being introduced at the convention. See you there!!! Sincerely, Butch Mulhearn Louisiana Policy Board Member for NFDA
Register TODAY at www.LFDAweb.org/lastchance!
Page 5 Tune In David Tatman, Executive Director & Legislative Lobbyist Fall is always a special time in beautiful South goals and objectives as outlined in last year’s Louisiana. Our weekends are filled with football: strategic plan. We also made recommendations for from high school on Friday nights, to our favorite new and refined goals for the years to come. college teams on Saturday and our beloved Saints We are encouraging all of our members to review on Sunday. We can also look forward to fairs and the plan and help us accomplish our goals by festivals, a break from the summer heat, and – most becoming active in committees and in your districts. importantly – the first gumbo of the season. You may download the plan on the LFDA website This fall is even more exciting because we’re in the under the “Minutes” field in the Members Only middle of a big election cycle. The primary section. We would like to thank Joel Swisher and statewide election was held October 24, 2015, the Hixson Family for hosting the retreat at the resulting in a runoff between gubernatorial beautiful Hixson camp in Jonesville, Louisiana again candidates David Vitter, Republican, and John Bel this year. Productive work is accomplished each Edwards, Democrat. They, along with other state year during the retreat. More importantly, your David Tatman Legislature and state-wide elected officials, will leadership had a chance to bond and get to know LFDA Executive Director return to the ballot for the general election on each other better during this time. November 21, 2015. This has been one of the most and Our joint convention with the Mississippi Funeral competitive election cycles in a long time! The Legislative Lobbyist Directors Association over the summer was a campaigns have and will continue provide a lot of smashing success! We are partnering again in entertainment and create a lot of work for our 2016 to host our joint convention in Mississippi. industry. We have be working to help candidates, Mark your calendars on June 12-14 for the 2016 who have been friends, make new friends in open LFDA-MFDA Convention at the Beau Rivage Resort seats. Please take some time to engage in your & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Additional local races. It is a great time for you to build information about the convention will be posted to relationships with the people who will set the policy our website soon! for our industry over the next four years. (I emailed an overview of the remaining races shortly after the Finally, we want to extend a special THANK YOU primary; please email our office if you did not to all of our 2015 Fall Meeting participants. This receive that email.) year’s event included four total hours of continuing education. We began with Douglas R. Gober’s I will note that Paula Pellerin-Davis is in the runoff “Please take some Have the Talk of a Lifetime presentation. Gene for House District 69 in Baton Rouge. As you may Pellerin, your Laws & Legislative Committee time to engage in know, Paula's family owns and operates Pellerin Chairman, and I presented a Legislative Update. Funeral Homes and has a deep understanding of We wrapped up with the General Membership your local races. It our industry. Paula led the race with 38% and is in Meeting for the final hour of continuing education a runoff with Ryan Heck. Paula can use our help. If is a great time for credit. We want to thank our generous Fall Event you would like to make a contribution, please make sponsors: Silver Sponsors – Batesville, First your checks payable to, "The Paula Davis you to build Guaranty, and Honaker Funeral Home, Inc.; Bronze Campaign". Each individual can contribute up to Sponsors – Matthews International, SFLIC, American relationships with $2,500 per person. All contributions are welcome! Benefit Life Insurance Company, and Bass-Mollett. You can send your contributions to the LFDA Office. the people who There is still another opportunity to earn your 4 The new season also marks the changing of the hours of continuing education this year at the LFDA will set the policy guard for LFDA. Our new President, Bill Wimberly, Last Chance Seminar at Greenoaks Funeral Home has taken over the reins of leadership from Joel in Baton Rouge, LA on December 3. Before the for our industry Swisher. It has been a busy year for Joel! In holiday madness sets in, join us at Greenoaks for a addition to serving with great dedication and over the next four great seminar. Don’t let the end of the year creep tremendous commitment as President of the up on you! years.” Louisiana Funeral Directors Association, he and his wife have expanded their family. With so much David Tatman, LFDA Executive Director going on, Joel managed to be an outstanding President of LFDA by providing exceptional leadership. It was our pleasure to work with Joel as President. You can be sure we will not let him get very far way! Your new executive committee again came together for the fifth annual strategic planning retreat. We spent a few days talking about the history and tradition of LFDA and refined a vision for our association and industry moving forward. We learned that we are on track to accomplish our Page 6 LFDA News
LFDA President Appoints Committee Chairpersons New LFDA President, William “Bill” Wimberly, announced his Membership Committee appointments for the 2015-2016 Committee Chairpersons. Please Isabel Espinosa, Ourso Funeral Home welcome the following members to their respective roles: Outstanding District Award Committee Annual Convention Committee Brian Carroll, Batesville William Wimberly, Ardoin Funeral Home Policy Board C.A. Charlet Award Committee Peter G. “Butch” Mulhearn, Jr., Mulhearn Funeral Home Gene Pellerin, Pellerin Funeral Home Resolutions Committee Communications Committee Jimmy Bordelon, Martin & Castille Funeral Home RT Delhomme, Martin & Castille Funeral Home Scholarship Committee Constitution & Bylaw Committee Justin Lee, Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Tim Dulany, Osborn Funeral Home Sponsorship Committee Education Committee Isabel Espinosa, Ourso Funeral Home Joel Swisher, Hixson Brothers Funeral Home State Board Liaison Committee Finance Committee Gerard Schoen, Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home Tim Dulany, Osborn Funeral Home Coroner Liaison Laws & Legislative Committee Nicole Charlet Wilcher, Charlet Funeral Home Gene Pellerin, Pellerin Funeral Home If you are interesting in joining an LFDA Committee, please log on to your account at www.LFDAweb.org and complete the Committee Interest Form. If you have any questions, please contact the LFDA office at 225-767-7640.
Page 7 LFDA News Continued LFDA Southeast District Meeting Highlights The LFDA Southeast District held their of the Southeast District Meeting and District Meeting on Wednesday, Southeast District Governor, Chad M. September, 16, 2015 at Buddies Bar & Saia, CFSP, for hosting an amazing event! Grill in Hammond, LA. The meeting featured two hours of continuing education offered by Lindsey Hornsby, MA, PLPC, PLMFT & Mai Bishop, MA, PLMFT on death, grief, first responders, and counseling the bereaved. Upcoming The attendees then enjoyed a delicious District Events dinner in great company. LFDA would like to thank all the attendees
LFDA North District Meeting LFDA Southwest District Meeting Highlights November 5, 2015 The LFDA Southwest District held their Winn Parish Library District Meeting on Wednesday, August 26, Winnfield, LA 2015 at Oakbourne Country Club in Lafayette, LA. LFDA Southwest LFDA would like to thank all the attendees District Meeting of the Southwest District Meeting and December 2, 2015 Southwest Governor, Pat Menard for Evangeline Downs hosting an excellent event! Opelousas, LA LFDA South District News For more information on upcoming district The LFDA South District held their 6th events, please visit Annual Bowling Tournament on October LFDA’s website, 14, 2015 at Mid City Rock ‘n’ Bowl in www.LFDAweb.org/ New Orleans. districts. LFDA would like to thank all the attendees of the tournament and Tina Mayeux with If you do not have L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home for your login info, please organizing the event! contact the LFDA office at 225-767-7640. LFDA North District News
The North District, in conjunction with Winn Parish Fire District 3, sponsored a memorial program honoring and remembering first responders lost in the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Pictured below: Matt Miller & Bryan Price handed out U.S. flags to Mrs. Higgenbotham’s Kindergarten class in Winnfield on Patriot’s Day.
Page 8 LFDA News Continued LFDA North District Meeting Highlights The LFDA North District held a meeting on September 24, 2015 in Bastrop, LA. The following individuals were recognized during the event:
Graham Kramer and the Staff of Kramer Funeral Home are proud to announce that the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association– Northern District, awarded Funeral Director of the Year to Alfred E. Cook Jr., Director of Operations at Kramer Funeral Home. Alfred began his career with John Kramer & Son on November 1, 1976 and has served the families of Central Louisiana for 38 years. From the age of 8 years old, Alfred always knew that he wanted to be a funeral director. Alfred is married to the former Terri Willis and has two children, Alfred, III and Ellen Cook.
The family and staff at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home are proud to announce Michael P. Salard as the recipient of the 2015 Non- licensed Professional of the Year. Mr. Salard has been with Pictured from left to right: Hixson Brothers for several years and serves as a Funeral Brad Austin, LFDA North Distict Governor; Graham Kramer, Assistant for the Alexandria and Pineville firm locations. He has Kramer Funeral Home; Alfred Cook, Funeral Director of the shown care and compassion to many families in their times of Year; Michael Salard, Non-Licensed Professional; Bill Wimberly, need. He has also impacted his co-workers with his LFDA President. professionalism and strong work ethic in the workplace. Michael is currently working towards a degree in Mortuary Science to become a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer.
Page 9 Industry News
Louisiana Board License Renewal Deadline Approaching Don’t forget the renewal deadline for the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors! Renew your license by December 31, 2015! Effective January 1, 2013, all funeral directors are required to complete four hours of continuing education per licensing period. If you have not completed that requirement yet, please join us December 3 in Baton Rouge for our Last Chance Seminar.
Find renewal information online at www.lsbefd.state.la.us/forms.
Join us at Greenoaks Funeral Home (9595 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70817) for the Last Chance Seminar on December 3, 2015. Find more information and register online at www.LFDAweb.org/lastchance.
Perspective :: I’m 24 and Work in the Funeral Industry—Here’s What I’ve Learned By Lindsay Titus We agree that knowing the ins and outs of your industry is very will need in order to grieve properly. Funeral directors often run important. What we don’t focus on as much are the perceptions of into situations where the deceased pre-planned to be cremated our industry in the general public, but that is an important element to directly following the death, even though it may have helped the the nature of our trade. This piece recently ran in a popular online deceased’s loved ones grieve if they had been able to see them content publisher, HelloGiggles.com. We just had to share it with prior to the cremation. our membership! They have to complete many education classes each year. At 24 years old, I took a chance and jumped ship from working as Just like many other occupations, funeral directors must complete a reporter in a newsroom full of men, to a position working for all several hours of education classes each year to keep their funeral directors in the state of Ohio. The change was a somewhat licenses. These rules vary from state to state, but on top of an reluctant one as I had this picture of somber funeral directors and already demanding schedule, they show they care by learning a perpetual sense of sadness. how to serve you better. That could not be further from the truth. In the last two years, this is what I’ve learned from working with funeral directors: They are passionate people. They care about the families they serve to the point where they It’s not about the money. It’s about helping families through frequently lobby congress and work to pass legislation that will the grief process and beyond. benefit those families. They work nights, weekends, sun up to sun I often run into the idea that funeral directors are money hungry. down, to make sure the family receives the care and attention it They’re not. Some might be, but most are just trying to keep the deserves. Many of them follow up long after the service to see cash flowing through the funeral home so they may continue to what they can do to help the family members grieve. offer the products and services the families they serve need. If you ever have to work with a funeral director, don’t be quick to judge. They are not just older men with nice black suits anymore. They have the absolute best sense of humor. They are women with dark hair and bright lipstick, men and Funeral Directors are on par with stand-up comedians. They can women with tattoos, first generation funeral directors and ninth be serious when it’s warranted (i.e. arranging a service with a generation funeral directors. All of whom are there to serve your family) but they have to keep a light spirit in order to serve needs as the loved one of someone who’s died. families the best way they know how. If you ever come in contact with a funeral director outside of the funeral home, be prepared Lindsay Titus is juggling life as a mom and young professional with to crack a smile. the help of coffee. In addition to her full-time job working for the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and soccer/dance mom duties, It’s not an easy job. she enjoys freelancing as a social media marketing consultant. You Deaths strike close to home. They have to bury young children, can find her blogging about her adventures on friends, restructure body parts following a death from an MorningMomma.com or tweeting @LindsayNTitus. This piece accident, and much more. Even the most hard-hearted person can originally appeared October 16, 2015 on HelloGiggles.com, a crack in this profession. positive online community. This article expresses only the personal opinion of the author and It’s important to know what kind of service your loved one does not represent any positions, policies or opinions of the Ohio wants. Funeral Directors Association, its officers, directors or staff But also important that they recognize what your family members
Page 10 NFDA News Bob Arrington Installed as President of the National Funeral Directors Association By Jessica Koth, NFDA Brookfield, Wis. – Bob Arrington, CCO, of Arrington Funeral representatives; their installation took place during the House of Directors in Jackson, Tennessee, was installed October 20, 2015 Delegates meeting. They will serve two-year terms of office. as president of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). The installation took place during the House of Delegates Meeting At-large Representatives Alec S. Anderson, CFSP, of Anderson & during the 2015 NFDA International Convention & Expo, October Sons Mortuary in American Fork, Utah, and Stephen R. Kemp, 18-21 in Indianapolis, Indiana. CFSP, of Haley Funeral Directors in Southfield, Mich., will serve the second year of their two-year terms of office in 2015-16. Three individuals were elected by the NFDA House of Delegates and installed as officers: President-elect W. Ashley Cozine, CFSP, CPC, CCO, of Broadway Mortuary in Wichita, Kansas; Treasurer Kenneth “Ken” Cahall, CFSP, CCO, of Cahall Funeral Homes Inc. in Georgetown, Ohio; and Secretary Charles T. "Chuck" Bowman, CMSP, CFSP, CCO, of Horan & McConaty Funeral Service & Cremation in Denver, Colorado.
Additionally, Robert “Rob” C. Moore IV, CFSP, CCO, of Moore’s Home for Funerals in Wayne, New Jersey, was installed as immediate past president of NFDA and will serve a one-year term.
Randy Anderson, CFSP, CCO, of Radney’s Funeral Home in Alexander City, Alabama, and R. Bryant Hightower Jr., CFSP, of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home in Carrollton, Georgia, were elected by the NFDA Policy Board in July to serve as at-large
NFDA Announces New Xerox Office Sales and Leasing Partnership with XMC, Inc. By Jessica Koth, NFDA Brookfield, Wis. – To help members run efficient businesses, the 6332. National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has endorsed XMC Inc., one of the largest Xerox® office printer and office copier About XMC, Inc. dealers in the United States. The company will provide association XMC provides sales, leasing, service and supplies, including members with discounted equipment leasing, service and support. printers, digital presses, digital copiers and full document solution systems. Xerox products are designed for both offices and Under the agreement, XMC’s innovative products and U.S.-based production-printing environments. Xerox has expanded its customer support are offered as part of a comprehensive portfolio of services and software designed to help companies program that will enhance the technology NFDA members use in boost worker productivity, enhance collaboration and reduce their business. With world-class laser printing systems, facsimile costs. Headquartered in Memphis, XMC has offices in Jackson, machines, copiers and network enablers from Xerox, XMC will Savannah, Nashville, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Huntsville, Florence help NFDA members be more competitive, productive and and Chattanooga and has surpassed dealers in much larger U.S. profitable. Some of the XMC benefits available to NFDA market such as New York and Houston. members include exclusive discounts of up to 40 percent on office equipment, a dedicated customer service department, equipment training over the phone or in person, and afterhours service and troubleshooting.
NFDA members can call XMC at 888-814-3114 or visit www.xmcinc.com, for information about how to purchase or lease office equipment. Funeral professionals may also visit XMC – Xerox in booth 612 at the NFDA International Convention & Expo, October 18-21 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Association members can find information about the benefits available to them by visiting www.nfda.org/endorsedproviders or calling their NFDA member services representative at 800-228-
Page 11 NFDA News Continued
2015 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards Funeral Homes Honored for Excellence in Service to Families and Communities By Jessica Koth, NFDA Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association advertising and public relations programs. Participants (NFDA) is pleased to announce that 155 funeral homes are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices. have earned the 2015 Pursuit of Excellence Award. This award is NFDA will honor the 2015 Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients presented by NFDA annually to firms that have on October 19 during the All-Star Recognition demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service Ceremony, which will take place during the 2015 NFDA excellence by adhering to strict ethical and professional International Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. standards and providing outstanding service to families and Information about the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence program can be communities. found by visiting www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence. “We offer our congratulations to all NFDA members that earned Registration and application materials for 2016 will be available the 2015 Pursuit of Excellence Award,” said NFDA in October 2015. President Robert Moore, IV, CFSP, CCO. “These funeral homes are committed to exceeding families’ expectations every Louisiana honorees day and represent the very best in our profession. We are proud 2015 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients: to count them as members of NFDA.” To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a funeral home Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Hammond, Louisiana must demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, West Monroe, Louisiana* service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional *Previously inducted into the NFDA Hall of Excellence development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an To see the complete list of recipients, visit http://bit.ly/1Qnc5ro. active level of involvement in the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing,
Page 12 NFDA News Continued
NFDA Cremation and Burial Report Released Rate of Cremation Continues to Increase; Cremation Projected to Surpass Burial in 2015 By Jessica Koth, NFDA Brookfield, Wis. – The national rate of world for which reliable data is available, the NFDA website, www.nfda.org/tools/ cremation is projected to surpass that of the 2015 NFDA Cremation and Burial cremation. burial in 2015 according to a report Report also contains data about consumer released today by the National Funeral perceptions of end-of-life ceremonies and The 2015 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report: Research, Statistics and Directors Association (NFDA). The 2015 cremation. Projections is part of the association's effort NFDA Cremation and Burial Report: There are many reasons why consumers to offering cutting-edge cremation tools Research, Statistics and Projections features choose cremation, including cost and resources to funeral professionals. As statistics and in-depth analysis of consumer considerations, environmental concerns, the leading and largest funeral service attitudes toward cremation. fewer religious prohibitions, and changing association in the world, NFDA offers consumer preferences, such as a desire for comprehensive cremation-related NFDA is the world’s leading and largest less ritualized funerals. education; the profession's leading association representing funeral cremation certification program, the professionals. The majority of families who choose Certified Crematory OperatorTM (CCO) cremation also commemorate their loved According to the 2013 final data in the program; a cremation consultation hotline; one's life: 28 percent choose to have a informational resources, such as the NFDA report, the rate of cremation was 45.4 funeral with viewing before cremation and percent and the rate of burial was 48.7 Guide to Selected OSHA Standards for 37 percent have a memorial service after. Funeral Homes & percent. By the end of 2015, the rates of When talking about their own funerals, Crematories and Opening a Crematory - cremation and burial are projected to be more than one-half of adults 40 and older Frequently Asked Questions for Funeral 48.5 percent and 45.6 percent would encourage their loved ones to plan a Directors; and more. respectively. Should the 2015 projections funeral or memorial ceremony. Only 17 NFDA is the world's leading and largest bear out, the cremation rate will have percent of adults would discourage their funeral service association, serving 19,700 increased by more than 50 percent over loved ones from commemorating their life. individual members who represent more the last 10 years. The state and national death, cremation than 10,000 funeral homes in the United and burial projections contained in States and 39 countries around the world. "Cremation isn't just a trend – it's a service the 2015 NFDA Cremation and Burial NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for that funeral professionals like me have Report were compiled with the assistance ethics and the strongest advocate for the been offering for years," said NFDA of experts from the University of Wisconsin profession. NFDA is the association of President Robert Moore, IV, CFSP, CCO. – Madison Applied Population Laboratory choice because it offers funeral "Whether a family chooses a viewing and Department of Community and professionals comprehensive educational funeral before cremation or a memorial Environmental Sociology. Other findings resources, tools to manage successful service after, our duty is to help families presented in this report are from businesses, guidance to become pillars in understand their options so they can gather proprietary NFDA research studies, such as their communities and the expertise to to honor the life of their loved one in a the 2015 Consumer Awareness & foster future generations of funeral meaningful way." Preferences Study and 2015 NFDA professionals. He continued, "The 2015 NFDA Cremation General Price List Survey. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, and Burial Report will help NFDA members The 2015 NFDA Cremation and Burial Wisconsin, and has an office in understand consumer preferences so we Report: Research, Statistics and Washington, D.C. For more information, can better support the families we serve." Projections is available to NFDA members visit www.nfda.org. In addition to statistical information for the at no charge. It can be downloaded from United States and countries around the
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Page 13 NFDA News Continued
Are You Taking Advantage of Your NFDA Membership? Did you know that there are a variety of free, ready-to-use If you’re looking for effective advertising, community relations and marketing materials available exclusively to NFDA members to other image-building materials for your funeral home, you’ve help you communicate the value of a funeral to your community? come to the right place!
The Free Marketing Materials area of www.NFDA.org is your Visit http://bit.ly/1M8uZyv today! one-stop shop for community presentations, prewritten newspaper articles, website content, and more! You’ll also find the most current NFDA Proud Member logo files, and there are even customizable print ads! Be sure to check out the newest Holiday ads now available.
Page 14 Now is the time to get involved in the Have the Talk of a Lifetime Campaign! You can change attitudes about memorialization today! The Funeral and Memroial Information Council (FAMIC) is proud to introduce you to an exciting consumer education campaign, Have the Talk of a Lifetime. This national grassroots initiative is aimed at motivating families to talk about what matters most in their lives and how they made a difference. These conversations will translate to a more meaningful memorialization and a greater perceived value in the role of our profession.
We have the opportunity to advance our profession and reverse the trend of less memorialization. Helping families honor their loved ones lives in a meaningful way is the right thing to do and can ultimately help grow your business.
Learn how easy it is to start changing consumer attitudes towards memorialization in your community by visiting: www.famic.org/campaign. You’ll find all the tools you need to get started, including a brochure, workbook, video, digital and print ads, a community presentation and more!
www.famic.org/campaign Username: famic Password: campaign “It is critical funeral homes and suppliers get involved in Have the Talk of a Lifetime. It is your involvement that will help us begin to change consumer opinions and attitudes toward memorialization. For years, people who work in funeral service - myself included - have been asking for a national campaign to educate the public about the value of memorialization. Have the Talk of a Lifetime is that campaign we have been looking for. I ask for your help in making this campaign a huge success.” - Linda Darby, President of FAMIC, 2013-2014, Voting Representative - Funeral Service Foundation
READY TO GROW YOUR OUTREACH AND SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE?
Take advantage of the FREE Social Media Copilot tool. Visit funeralinnovations.com/users/register/famic?plans=44 and follow the few simple steps to begin sharing “Have the Talk of a Lifetime” campaign with your Facebook fans - AT NO COST TO YOU! This free tool may only be used with your business Facebook page and not your personal page.
LFDA uses the Social Media Copilot to engage its Facebook fans. Here’s an example of a recent post:
This is a great resource for our wonderful members!
Page 15 Page 16 In Memory Of... Julius J. “Skip” Montet
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Julius J. "Skip" Montet. Visiting was held in the LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Thursday, September 3, 2015 and resumed at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015 until a rosary was led by Reverend Gary Schexnayder, followed by the funeral service led by Pastor Benny Reppond. Interment followed at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Church Cemetery in Lafayette, LA. Skip, a resident of Opelousas, LA, died on Monday, September 1, 2015, at his residence. Skip will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the community that he so loved.
Skip was born May 22, 1947 on Weeks Island, LA, graduated from New Iberia High School and soon after began driving ambulance for a New Iberia funeral home which began his lifelong passion and career in the funeral profession. Skip graduated from Commonwealth School of Science in Houston, TX in 1968 and worked briefly in New Iberia until accepting a management job in 1973 with the Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. From then until his death, Skip was the acting manager and President of the LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Homes.
Skip's community involvement is what led to his 43 years of success in Opelousas and the surrounding communities. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where he served as the past Grandmaster of Louisiana; he was the acting State Treasurer for the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. Skip was a member of the Opelousas Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Opelousas Little Theater, past member of the Opelousas Rotary Club, the Opelousas Sertoma Club and a lifetime member of the Opelousas Elks Lodge 1048. He served as past secretary for the Southwest Louisiana Funeral Directors Association and was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association. Because of his success in the community that he so loved, Skip received numerous business awards for his accomplishments as a funeral home manager. Julius J.. “Skip” Montet
Skip Montet's tireless work ethic, his kindness and caring influenced and molded many young funeral directors who were blessed to have had him as their mentor. He is survived by his daughters, Molly M. Young of Shepherd, TX, Nora Lynn Fruge and husband, Alan, of Warren, TX, and Pattie Conroy and husband, Michael, of Opelousas, LA; his sisters, Laura Montet and John Melancon, of New Iberia, LA and Patsy Comeaux and husband, Roland, of Lydia, LA and his sisters-in-law, Sissy Montet and Peggy Montet. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, William Williams and wife, Laci; Trea' Mutter III and wife, Brandy, Payton Haltom, Morgan Young, Cole Young, Jonathan Fruge and wife, Susie, Hanna Andrews and husband, Kenyon, Joseph Conroy and Abbey Conroy; 7 great-grandchildren, Zack Williams, Sha Sha Williams, Jillian Williams, Aayden Andrews, K.K. Reed, Bubbie Reed and Marcus Reed and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Durand Montet; his parents, Philip and Antoine ''Peanut'' Lalonde Montet and his brothers, Dennis Montet, Glenn Montet and Gerald Montet. Pallbearers were Trea' Mutter III, William Williams, Joseph Conroy, Micahel Conroy, Kenyon Andrews, Greg Veillon and honorary pallbearers were Cole Young, Bubbie Reed, Marcus Reed and Zack Williams.
The family requested that donations in Skip's name be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, 200 Southeast 1st St, Suite 800, Miami, FL, 33131 or call 1-800-473-4636. Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com. LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337-942-2638) was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Jerry Dale Watson Jerry Dale Watson, owner of the kindest smile, warmest heart and the sweetest man to ever to call Morgan City his home passed away on August 15, 2015. He was 77 years young.
Visitation and services for Jerry was held on Tuesday, August 18 with service following at Pharr Chapel Methodist Church of Morgan City. A Masonic Service preceded the celebration of Jerry's life. Graveside services followed in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Born in Smackover, AR, Jerry graduated from Heidelberg High School in Heidelberg, MS and went on to earn his Bachelors of Science from Mississippi Southern College, now known as University of Southern Mississippi. After starting his professional career as an office manager with Bibbins and Rice Electronics Inc., Jerry went on to work for Franklin Jr. High School as a teacher of Remedial Math and Language. Later, he spent seven years as the greatest funeral director at Hargrave Funeral Home, helping families through hard times with compassion and love. Keeping himself busy and socially active, Jerry was an artist and loved painting many of the plantation homes of Louisiana. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge # 87 in Lafayette, part of the St. Mary Shrine Club of Acacia Temple of Baton Rouge, a member of the St. Mary Parish Selective Service Commission as well as a member, past secretary and treasurer, and past master of the Doric Lodge # 205. Jerry was also a dedicated member of Pharr Chapel Methodist Church of Morgan Jerry Dale Watson City. Truly, there are few people as good and kind as Jerry Watson.
Loved ones who will forever cherish Jerry's memory are his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Songe Watson; his daughter, Kathleen Watson Hodges; his son, Jack Leonce Watson and his wife, Holly; five grandchildren, Margaret Caroline Hodges, Beth Madelyn Watson, Olivia Kathleen Watson, Abigail Lynn Watson, and Bridget Carolyn Watson; two nephews, Michael Wayne Watson and his wife, Rachel, and Ted J Watson and his wife, Theresa; and one great niece, Morgan Watson, not to mention the many, many, many lifelong friendships he made during his lifetime. Jerry was reunited in heaven with his father, Preston Thetford Watson; his mother, Fleta Gertrude Farmer Watson; and two brothers, Thetford Wayne Watson and Jack M. Watson. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made in Jerry's happy memory to the youth group at Pharr Chapel Methodist Church of Morgan City. Page 17 Page 18 Classifieds
Classified ads are provided as a complimentary Funeral Director Employment Opportunity service to LFDA members. Ads will run for one issue, unless an extension is requested. To place your Ourso Funeral Home in classified ad, send a Word document with the Donaldsonville, Louisiana is information to: seeking a service-oriented Funeral Director/Embalmer to join their staff. Prefer candidate LFDA News to have license. P.O. Box 82531 This position requires working closely with client Baton Rouge, LA 70884 families to insure that their needs and wishes are met Or Email: [email protected] completely and to their satisfaction while complying with applicable regulations. Excellent communication The ad will appear in the following newsletter. The skills are needed for interacting with client families, printed ad should not be deemed to constitute a and for informing and educating them on the recommendation or endorsement of any type by appropriate service and product options available. LFDA. A willingness to actively participate in community organizations is an important aspect of the position.
Interested parties may email resume to
225-473-8122
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Save the Date!
LFDA North District Meeting November 5, 2015 Winnfield, LA
LFDA Southwest District Meeting December 2, 2015 Opelousas, LA
LFDA Last Chance Seminar December 3, 2015 Baton Rouge, LA
LFDA-MFDA Joint Convention June 12-14, 2016 Biloxi, MS