June 19, 2007, Edition - Volume 8 - No. 14
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.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
INDUSTRY NEWS
ICCFA Evaluates Funeral-Related Consumer Complaints Filed with FTC
FTC Warns of Bogus "FTC" Email That Installs Spyware on Personal Computers
Preparing for Mass Fatalities Management: Upcoming Conference Set for September 18
ICCFA NEWS
Registration Deadline for ICCFA University: Tomorrow!
Make Your Next Getaway Destination Palm Springs
Wide World of Sales Conference Proposals: Due June 22
Fulfill OSHA Requirements, Earn CE Credits at Home or Office
Product of the Month: Spanish-Language Sales Presentation Kit
CLASSIFIED ADS
INDUSTRY NEWS
ICCFA Evaluates Funeral-Related Consumer Complaints Filed with FTC
The ICCFA has resumed its biennial review of funeral-related consumer complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission. The current study is evaluating complaints filed with the FTC between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2006. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by the Association, over 1600 pages of documents were produced, translating into approximately 800 complaints during the two-year period. Based on past reviews of complaints during 2001-2002 and 2003-2004, the apparent total of 2005-2006 complaints represents a modest increase from earlier years. However, a number of complaints originate from businesses complaining about a competitor or are simply inquiries and requests for information.
The most common complaints involve alleged violations of the Funeral Rule, such as a failure to provide a general price list or charging a casket handling fee when the customer purchases the casket from a third party. The study is expected to be completed later this summer. At that time, a summary will be published in the ICCFA Magazine and the results will also be provided to the FTC to provide its staff an opportunity to confirm our findings. The report is extremely useful in documenting trends and areas of concern, rather than depending on anecdotal incidents in the past.
FTC Warns of Bogus "FTC" Email That Installs Spyware on Personal Computers
Earlier this week, the FTC posted an alert on its web page stating, "Consumers, including corporate and banking executives, appear to be targets of a bogus e-mail supposedly sent by the Federal Trade Commission but actually sent by third parties hoping to install spyware on computers. The bogus e-mail poses as an acknowledgment of a complaint filed by the recipient, and includes an attachment. Consumers who open the attachment to this e-mail unleash malicious spyware onto their computer. The agency warns consumers who get this email that purports to be from the FTC: Don't open the attachment. Delete the e-mail. Empty the deleted items folder."
The FTC offers more information on protecting against malicious spyware and bogus e-mails at www.OnGuardOnline.gov, a website created by the FTC in partnership with other federal agencies and the technology industry. The complete text of this alert can be viewed at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/06/email.shtm.
Preparing for Mass Fatalities Management: Upcoming Conference Set for September 18
The private sector Mass Fatalities Management Services Sub-Council will be meeting in Washington, D.C. on September 18, 2007, as part of the Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) disaster management preparedness program jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services. The primary mission of the HSCC is to develop plans to protect the healthcare, and by extension deathcare, infrastructure in the United States. Planning sessions focus on a potential pandemic influenza event but the recommendations can apply to natural disasters or terrorist attacks. (See the May 8, 2007 edition of ICCFA WIRELESS for more information).
Most of the national trade associations are represented in the Mass Fatalities Sub-Council, which is co-chaired by NFDA's John Fitch and ICCFA's Bob Fells. The group initially convened on October 27, 2006, for an organizational meeting. Follow up meetings for the HSCC chairs occurred in January and May of this year. All participating members of the Sub-Council are invited to the September 18th meeting and details will be forthcoming. For more information, contact ICCFA General Counsel Bob Fells at 1.800.645.7700.
ICCFA NEWS
Registration Deadline for ICCFA University: Tomorrow!
Classes are filling up quickly for the 2007 ICCFA University, July 20-25, at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. To ensure the class placement of your choice, register by June 20. After this date, forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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. 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 approvals.
More than 115 students have already signed up. Reserve your spot today by visiting www.iccfa.com/iccfau07.htm, or by calling 1.800.645.7700.
Make Your Next Getaway Destination Palm Springs
Every year, ICCFA's Fall Management Conference offers cemetery and funeral service CEOs and business executives a chance to learn from experts in our field, discuss ideas and business strategies, and network and unwind with colleagues. On October 3-6, 2007, the ICCFA will continue this tradition at the luxurious Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino in Palm Springs, California.
Palm Springs, with its beautiful mountainous scenery and charming surrounding towns, offers an ideal setting for a wide range of outdoor activities, including golfing, hiking and swimming. There is plenty to do, whether you're bringing the whole family or looking for a relaxing retreat.
Don't forget to sign up your spouse or guest for an exclusive tour of Robergé, an art complex set on the desert's world-famous El Paseo. Participants will experience a masterpiece of space, light and artwork from all over the world. They also will enjoy an extraordinary walking tour of the Robergé Gallery and Penthouse as a guide discusses the unique art objects, ironwork ceilings, exotic wood floors and handmade furnishings.
Following the tour, participants will lunch at the neighboring Augusta Restaurant, where exceptional cuisine, art and architecture combine to create an unforgettable festival for the senses. The trip will conclude with an afternoon of shopping along El Paseo, known as the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert."
The tour will take place on Thursday, October 4 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and costs $105.
To view the complete conference program and to register, visit www.iccfa.com/fall07.htm or call 1.800.645.7700.
Wide World of Sales Conference Proposals: Due June 22
If you or someone you know is interested in speaking at ICCFA's 2008 Wide World of Sales Conference, this is your last chance to submit a proposal. All presentation proposals must be received by the ICCFA by Friday, June 22 to be considered. The conference will be held January 9-11 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This year's conference theme will be "Recipes for Success." The ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee is looking for presentations that offer step-by-step, how-to information on programs and techniques that sales managers and/or counselors can take back and use immediately at their locations.
Instructions for preparing your proposal are available by downloading them at http://www.iccfa.com/docs/presentations08.doc or by calling the ICCFA at 1.800.645.7700.
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)
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
Exciting Sales Opportunities!
StoneMor, a leader in the industry, has exciting opportunities for Sales Professionals at many locations.
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.