June 5, 2007, Edition - Volume 8 - No. 13
Welcome to the ICCFA Wireless newsletter! If you experience any problems with this html version, please let us know by calling 1.800.645.7700.
ICCFA WIRELESS is a biweekly 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.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Easy Way to Find Cheapest Gas Prices in Your Area
La. State Supreme Court: Burial Insurance Policy is Limited to Face Amount
Dangers of Body Donations: No Obligation to Track or Return Remains to Family
ICCFA NEWS
ICCFA University: A Valuable Investment
Now Online: 2007 Fall Management Conference Program
Fulfill OSHA Requirements, Earn CE Credits at Home or Office
Product of the Month: Spanish-Language Sales Presentation Kit
Deadline for Submitting Presentation Proposals: June 22
CLASSIFIED ADS
INDUSTRY NEWS
Easy Way to Find Cheapest Gas Prices in Your Area
The old line about "I'm from the Government and I'm here to help you" may have some truth when it comes to finding where you can buy the lowest price for gasoline in your area. With gas prices hitting near record levels in the last few weeks, the federal government's consumer website, "www.usa.gov," has taken the work out of locating both the lowest and the highest priced gas pumps throughout the nation and your neighborhood.
To access this information, visit http://www.usa.gov. On the left hand side of the screen, go to the link aptly titled, "Find Cheapest Gas Prices," and select your state. Subsequent screens will allow you to narrow your search to your county or city. The site names and provides addresses of places where you can fill up locally and know that you are getting the lowest price around.
La. State Supreme Court: Burial Insurance Policy is Limited to Face Amount
On May 22, the Louisiana Supreme Court waded into a controversial area of insurance by deciding whether a funeral home's burial insurance policy obligates it to provide all of the funeral services and merchandise contracted under the policy regardless of the policy's face value. The court decided, under the particular facts in this case, that the funeral home's obligation to perform the contract was limited to the face amount of the policy.
The decedent purchased two policies in 1958 and 1963 respectively, each with a face amount of $500. "Both policies provided that upon the death of the insured, funeral benefits in the face amount of the policies will be furnished, which shall include the following: casket and outside case, burial garments if requested, preparation of the body, funeral coach, arrangement and transportation of flowers, conducting of the funeral, furnishing information to newspapers, cemetery equipment, chairs, use of funeral home..." Following the insured's death in 2003, his widow presented the policies to the funeral director, who applied the total $1,000 in benefits to offset the total cost of the funeral of $5.998.39. The widow sued the funeral home in a class action for breach of contract and infliction of emotional distress claiming that the entire funeral contract should have been performed for the face value of the policies.
The court analyzed the policies using basic contract law stating, "An interpretation of the policies to provide for a complete funeral, at no additional expense, regardless of the amount of coverage purchased, is not reasonable and would lead to absurd consequences." The plaintiff also challenged as unconstitutional a 2004 state law that clearly limits the liability of burial policies to their stated face amounts. However, the court reasoned that it was unnecessary to review the statute for its constitutionality due to the clear language in the policies at issue in the case. The decision, Sims v. Mulhearn Funeral Home, Inc. can be viewed on the ICCFA web page at www.iccfa.com/docs/wireless060507.doc.
Dangers of Body Donations: No Obligation to Track or Return Remains to Family
In the second decision in as many years on the issue of bodies donated to science, the California state appeals court ruled that the University of California's "willed body program" had no responsibility to keep track of the bodies donated to it nor to return the cremated remains to the family. Unlike the liability in the private sector, the state university is specifically exempted from charges of mishandling a corpse.
The court explained the distinction by stating, "[Private sector] funeral-related services are principally for the comfort of the living, having as their aim the consolation of the leading mourners. The expectations of the survivors, and 'the essence of the contract for such services is a reasonable expectation of dignity, tranquility, and personal consolation.' In contrast, the mission of UCI's WBP [University of California's Willed Body Program] is to obtain cadavers for study and dissection by medical students. In recognition of this distinction, the Legislature specifically exempted public institutions, hospitals, and medical schools from the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Law." This decision, Conroy v. Regents of the University of California, is consistent with an earlier decision by the court in the Bennett case and reported in the October 25, 2005 edition of ICCFA WIRELESS. Both decisions suggest, at least implicitly, that individuals and families donating bodies to science waive their expectation of having the remains treated in a dignified manner and returned for interment or memorialization.
ICCFA NEWS
ICCFA University: A Valuable Investment
Classes are filling up quickly for the 2007 ICCFA University, July 20-25, at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. This five-day intensive program challenges students to learn from the top leaders in the cemetery, cremation and funeral service profession and share ideas with colleagues.
The high number of returning students to ICCFA University is proof of the program's value. Leo O'Connor from Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana, California shares his thoughts about ICCFAU:
"The benefits from attending ICCFAU far outweigh the costs involved. This is my second consecutive year, and I am still putting to good use the strategies and techniques I picked up last year. This is likely the single best investment anyone could make in their personal and career development."
Students can choose from five schools, including: Administration & Management, Cremation Services, Funeral Home Management, Land Management & Grounds Operations and Sales & Marketing. CE credits are available to funeral directors, pending individual state approval.
To ensure the class placement of your choice, register now by visiting www.iccfa.com/iccfau07.htm, or by calling 1.800.645.7700.
Now Online: 2007 Fall Management Conference Program
Visit www.iccfa.com/fall07.htm to view the complete program for ICCFA's Fall Management Conference, October 3-6, 2007, at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino in Palm Springs, California. The conference will offer a diverse selection of topics geared toward top managers and executives. Sessions will cover:
- how to develop new revenue sources
- providing exceptional customer service
- recruiting managers and sales counselors from outside the industry
- strategic planning
- techniques for differentiation
- today's top government and legal issues
For information on Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, visit http://www.fantasyspringsresort.com, or call 1.800.827.2946 to make reservations. Registration forms will be available later this week at www.iccfa.com/fall07.htm. Call 1.800.645.7700 with questions.
Fulfill OSHA Requirements, Earn CE Credits at Home or Office
Cemetery and funeral home owners, managers and staff can now participate in online safety training through 12 Web-based courses available on the ICCFA Web site at www.iccfa.com/institute.
The courses can be used to fulfill OSHA training requirements, and ICCFA-member funeral directors in most states can earn continuing education credits.
Among the benefits:
- The courses promote increased workplace safety and help staff recognize and correct potential hazards before they become a problem.
- The courses provide testing and verification, allowing managers to confirm participation and maintain appropriate personnel records.
- Staff have 24-hour access, allowing them to complete the work on their own schedule and from the convenience of their home or office.
- The courses are self-paced, allowing staff to spend as much time as needed on each lesson.
- At just $19.95 per unit, with no travel expenses, the courses are the most affordable way to obtain the legally required training.
Visit www.iccfa.com/institute for more information, or call 1.800.645.7700.
Product of the Month: Spanish-Language Sales Presentation Kit
For the month of June, save on ICCFA's Smart Presentation, Spanish-language version, a colorful, fact-driven sales tool designed specifically to reach the Hispanic market.
Each package includes 250 Smart Presentation folders and three training scripts. The presentation leads the counselor through the arrangement process and encourages two-way dialogue throughout each step, including:
- Family Profile
- Problem Awareness
- The Solution
- Product/Services Selection
- Right Way/Wrong Way/Close
- Post-Close
- Referrals
Regularly $135 for members and $200 for non-members, the Smart Presentation Spanish-language version can be purchased until June 30 for just $95 plus shipping. Call 1.800.645.7700 to place an order.
(Note: English-language version of this product also is available, at a cost of $135 for members and $200 for non-members)
Deadline for Submitting Presentation Proposals: June 22
As preparations begin for the ICCFA's 2008 Wide World of Sales Conference, January 9-11 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana, the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee invites ICCFA members and attendees who wish to speak at this event to submit proposals for presentations.
Interested candidates should submit their proposed presentation to the ICCFA headquarters no later than June 22. Instructions for preparing your proposal are available at http://www.iccfa.com/docs/presentations08.doc or by calling the ICCFA at 1.800.645.7700.
CLASSIFIED ADS
Exciting Sales Opportunities!
StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Managers at three of our locations in our Western Region.
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 Disability
- Long-term Disability
- 401K.
EOE
For more information, please call 877-857-8890 and refer to this ad or send your resume via fax at 215-826-2929 or email it to jobs@stonemor.com.
www.stonemor.com
Business Opportunity
CEMETERY FOR SALE
Location: Jefferson County Texas
Court appointed Receiver is seeking bids for a potential sale of a cemetery.
(Not a Trustee Sale)
Persons not familiar with laws concerning cemetery should seek appropriate counsel before replying to this request for bid.
Interested parties call 409.722.4684, and ask for the Receiver
DO YOU HAVE A BURIAL AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY?
Call Montgomery Vault. We are installing vaults in Arlington National Cemetery every day and can provide the best possible service. We offer a complete line of Eagle, Trigard and Clark vaults. Please call Montgomery Vault at 1.800.346.2069.
Grow Your Business with FuneralHomes.com
FuneralHomes.com—the Funeral Director's Resource for Effective Customer Acquisition. We connect At-need and Pre-planning consumers with Funeral Homes in their area, you are missing out on business! Position your Funeral Home at the top—Call us at 1.800.208.2580 to start receiving business today. www.FuneralHomes.com.
New Opportunities Await You!
People preplan for many reasons. Chief among them is peace of mind. Now you can offer your families additional peace of mind through the Omega Assured Return Plan, a service option offered through Inman Shipping Worldwide. Inman Shipping Worldwide has been the recognized leader in the deathcare industry for the repatriation of human remains, from anywhere in the world, for over 30 years.
With society traveling more and more today for business, vacations and even health care in distant cities, death away from home is becoming more common. When death occurs 100 miles or more away from an individual's legal residence, all the necessary services for returning the deceased to their home are covered for those enrolled in the Omega Assured Return Plan. The Omega Assured Return Plan is the logical companion for cemetery, funeral and cremation prearrangements. An ideal supplemental product, the Omega Assured Return Plan provides another opportunity to maintain contact with your client families. A simple enrollment form and onetime payment will provide a lifetime of coverage for this valuable service. Expand your selling portfolio and earn generous commissions. No license is required. To find out how you or your company can offer the Omega Assured Return Plan, call our toll free number at 1-888-889-8508 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM Eastern time Monday through Friday or send an email to omegareturninfo@yahoo.com.
Reach Thousands of Cemeteries and Funeral Homes With Your Classified Ad!
- ICCFA Wireless Classified Ads cost $75 and must be prepaid.
- Ads run in three consecutive issues, and include free placement on the ICCFA Web site for six 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 $5.
- Ads must be no longer than 250 words.
- The ICCFA limits the number of ads per issue to five, 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 Linda Budzinski at lindab@iccfa.com or call 1.800.645.7700.
And More ...
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. Click here to download a detailed description of each prodcut: www.iccfa.com/docs/osullivan.doc. To place an order, call the ICCFA at 1.800.645.7700.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2006 Keeping It Personal (KIP) Awards! The KIP Awards recognize outstanding examples of personalization of services or products in the cemetery and funeral service profession. Read about the winning entries at www.iccfa.com/kip.htm.
For a limited time, ICCFA members can purchase the McQuaig Job Survey, the McQuaig Word Survey and the McQuaig Self-Development Survey for just $100 per assessment, a savings of up to 50 percent off the regular price. The member discount offer expires June 30, 2007. Companies assessing more than 100 candidates per year are eligible for additional discounts. For additional information, visit http://www.icfa.org/pdf/mcquaig2.pdf and http://www.icfa.org/pdf/mcquaig.pdf. For questions and to sign up for the program, contact Michael Gravelle at The McQuaig Institute at 1.800.387.5455, ext. 361, or mgravelle@mcquaig.com. Join today!
The 2007 Music Licenses are available for just $232, 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. Join today!
The ICCFA Store allows members to purchase the latest ICCFA resources and training products online. Some products are available for immediate direct download, including the newly released Wirthlin Report on consumer attitudes and article packages on cremation, cemetery and funeral home valuations and trust funds.
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.
The Network is an online e-mail service that offers ICCFA members an easy, free way to share questions and answers to everyday on-the-job challenges. Recent discussions have examined issues such as working with the Muslim community, distance between burial sites, direct mail marketing, the growing popularity of geocaching at cemeteries, recruiting staff and more. Ideal for smaller companies with smaller budgets. Join today!
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!
Need a labor relations and employment law attorney? Check out ICCFA's HR Law Benefit program offering members no-cost telephone legal consultations, paid for by the ICCFA via an exclusive retainer agreement.
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, D.C., for telephone consultations for up to 20 minutes with no obligation. To take advantage of this member benefit, call Schneider at 202.393.7600.
The ICCFA and Applied Merchant Systems of Chicago, Illinois, currently offer members a Credit Card Processing Program with a special low discount rate of 1.75 percent, with no per transaction processing fee. This new benefit makes it less expensive for cemeteries, funeral homes, memorial designers and related businesses to accommodate customers who wish to pay via credit card. For more information, call 1-800-675-6573.
The ICCFA Insurance Program, administered by Alliant Insurance Services, 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.
To advertise in the ICCFA Wireless: The ICCFA accepts limited advertising in the ICCFA Wireless newsletter, a bi-weekly newsletter e-mailed to all ICCFA members that are current on their dues and have provided a current e-mail address. For rates and to place your insertion, contact Linda Budzinski at lindab@iccfa.com or 1.800.645.7700.
To unsubscribe from the ICCFA Wireless: Send an e-mail with "unsubscribe" in the subject line to: wireless@icfa.org. Please include your name and company name in the body of the e-mail.
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 2007 International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association.