DIRECTORS PUB. 2 2023, ISSUE 2 2023 CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW Miles City Event Center Miles City, Montana June 11-13 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
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©2023 Directors Digest | The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Directors Digest is published four times each year by The newsLINK Group, LLC for the Montana Funeral Directors Association and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Montana Funeral Directors Association its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Directors Digest is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of the Montana Funeral Directors Association. While the Montana Funeral Directors Association encourages a first-print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at 855.747.4003. Table of Contents 14 10 04 President’s Message Summer Activities and Excitement T.J. Stevenson 06 Executive Director Report Welcome to the 2023 MFDA Annual Convention and Trade Show James Brown 08 In Loving Memory Gerry Ann Grymes Stephen P. “Steve” Axelson 10 Tissue Implant Helps Montana Woman Get Back to Her Mission By LifeNet Health 12 Special NFDA Bulletin: FTC Action Leads to Civil Penalties, Strict Requirements for Funeral and Cremation Provider That Withheld Remains from Loved Ones to Extract Payment 14 MFDA Advocacy By Chris Holt, NFDA State Association Representative 16 Legislator Update Montana Legislature Review By Brad Longcake, MFDA Lobbyist 18 2023 MFDA Convention & Trade Show 19 Convention Schedule 20 Convention Speakers 22 The Power of Welcoming Words: Five Ways to Build Your Funeral Home’s Reputation By Debbie Sorensen, Founder of Welcoming Words 24 MFDA 2023 Calendar of Events 24 2023 Golf Tournament 26 Award Recipients montanafda.org | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE T.J. Stevenson It is hard to believe that we went directly from winter to summer! It was great seeing everyone at the district meetings. All the meetings were well attended, and I am looking forward to catching up with you at our upcoming conference. We are pleased to announce that both the bills we brought forward as an association (SB 244 and HB 505) were signed by the governor. Thanks to all those who submitted written testimony on these issues as well as the ones who made the time to testify in person. It was greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Brad Longcake for doing a wonderful job of lobbying for us this session. Jim Brown, Terri James, Chris Holt and I attended the Advocacy Summit for the NFDA in Washington, D.C. What a wonderful experience. Jim’s expertise and knowledge of how to get around the U.S. Capitol came in key for our meetings with all four of our Montana Delegates. Our state convention is approaching very quickly. I encourage those who have not registered to do so. Terri James has some great speakers lined up for us all to get in those all-important continuing education credits. We also have some fun outings planned for everyone such as golf, a prairie dog shoot, and complimentary Clydesdale horse rides. Hope to see you all in Miles City in just a few weeks. Summer Activities and Excitement Thank you all for this wonderful experience of serving as your MFDA President. It has been a great learning experience for me. 4 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
Thank you all for this wonderful experience of serving as your MFDA President. It has been a great learning experience for me. If anyone has suggestions on how we can better serve our membership, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. Sincerely, T.J. Stevenson Strengthening futures, one relationship at a time. dadavidson.com TROST WEALTH MANAGEMENT a service of D.A. Davidson & Co. member SIPC montanafda.org | 5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT James Brown, Esq., Executive Director Welcome to the 2023 MFDA Annual Convention and Trade Show edition of the Directors Digest magazine. I am writing this article on a beautiful April day in Montana. April is always one of my favorite months. This is due to the fact that one day it can be snowing, and the next, it can be 50 degrees and sunny. And, to be able to say, “spring has sprung” is a welcomed opportunity after experiencing another very wintery weather season. The winter months were busy ones for the MFDA. In January, the 2023 Montana Legislature convened. As always, the Association has been up “on the hill” to represent Montana’s funeral industry. As of writing this, the Association has been successful in advancing its two major legislative bills for this session. The first bill, HB 505, raised the initial policy limit cap on funeral insurance from its current $15,000 to $25,000. The cap on funeral insurance has not been raised in Montana for over a decade and, thus, has not kept up with inflation. Further, Montana is the only state in the union to have a funeral insurance cap. The second bill is SB 244. This bill, sponsored by Senator Mike Cuffe, revises existing Montana law to allow mortuary science students to conduct their internship while they are in school. Prior to this bill, the required internship could only be performed after the student passes the examination. This resulted in Montana losing out to other states when attempting to recruit and employ recent mortuary science school graduates. Turning now to other matters, early in February, the Association hosted its biannual Mid-Winter Conference and Legislative Reception in Helena. I am pleased to write that the conference had the highest number of attendees during my tenure as MFDA’s Executive Director. I believe the Legislative Reception was successful Welcome to the 2023 MFDA Annual Convention and Trade Show 6 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
in building goodwill between the members of the legislature who attended and the Association. In addition, the Association attended the NFDA D.C. Advocacy Summit on April 18–21 in Washington, D.C. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued in-person meeting restrictions that followed in the wake of the pandemic, the NFDA summit has not been held as an in-person event since 2019. While in D.C., the Association met with Montana’s congressional delegation. We brought a message to them that the FTC is overreaching in its proposed revisions to the funeral rule. As the saying goes, “If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” So it goes with the funeral rule. It is MFDA’s position that the proposed rule changes are the equivalent of a hammer pounding an unneeded nail. The Association made its position known when it submitted its comments to the FTC in early January. In this issue of Directors Digest, you will find all the information needed to attend MFDA’s annual convention. The convention will be held June 11–13 at the Miles City event center. We are excited about this year’s quality lineup of speakers. MFDA is pleased to have NFDA President-Elect Dutch Nie from the great state of Michigan join us as our keynote speaker. Other great speakers include member favorites Dominick Astorino, Debbie Sorensen, and Diane Morris. Topics will range from OSHA training to “Value in Results: Real Solutions for Modern Embalming Challenges.” The convention is the place to get your CE credits completed in one convenient setting. In addition, the annual state convention always presents the best opportunity for our members to act with their friends, peers, and business partners. The number one reason identified by people for attending a trade association convention is to see and visit with their colleagues. And MFDA’s state convention schedule is geared toward that outcome in Montana. The annual golf tournament will be held at the Miles City Town & Country Club. Attendees and their family members will have the opportunity to participate in a wagon ride and barbeque. In light of the roster quality of education speakers and fun convention events, we hope to see you, your employees, and your family, in eastern Montana’s Cowboy Capitol in a few short weeks. All the information you need to register for the 2023 convention is contained within the pages of this edition of the magazine. I hope you have a great summer. Sincerely, James Brown, Esq. The number one reason identified by people for attending a trade association convention is to see and visit with their colleagues. And MFDA’s state convention schedule is geared toward that outcome in Montana. montanafda.org | 7
Gerry Ann Grymes, 81, of Hamilton passed away at Discovery Care Center in Hamilton. Gerry was born September 9, 1941, in Santa Cruz, California, the daughter of the late Gerald C. and Margaret E. Bales Stanley. When Gerry was young, her parents were asked if she could be the child model for Sunbeam Great Company, but her father said no. During WWII, Gerry’s father flew a B17. He was the only married man on the crew, and when it came time to name the plane, the crew voted to name it “The Miss Gerry Ann.” Gerry’s youth was spent in California. Her sister, Patty, was born five years later and Barbara five years after that. They were known in the neighborhood as the “five and dime girls.” She was a voracious reader since childhood and always enjoyed her English classes. Gerry started oil painting at a young age and was a very skilled artist. Her first job at 17 was as a typist for an attorney. She spent the rest of her working life as a typist primarily for the Government, the majority of the time for the U.S. Coast Guard. Gerry married Robert “Bob” Grymes in 1965 in California. He adopted Gerry’s daughters, Jodi and Leslie, from her first marriage, and just over a year later her son, Robert “Tom” Grymes, Jr. was born. During their marriage, the family lived in California, Texas, Alaska, Virginia, Oregon, Louisiana, Washington, and Montana. As the children were growing up, Gerry was active with them. She served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She made sure that the kids were involved in activities while she still worked full-time. Gerry and Bob also welcomed Gerry’s mother, Margaret, to live with them for several years while the kids were in school. In 1986, Gerry was diagnosed with MS following the death of her daughter Jodi. She kept a positive attitude and struggled with the disease in various ways. Overall, she coped with her situation very well and remained active in several church groups and with the MS Support Group for many years. While living in Montana, Gerry was active in several churches. She is currently a member of the Corvallis Community Church. Shortly after she and Bob divorced, Gerry’s caregiver, Mary Benson, became her roommate. Gerry and Mary were very active around town and supported each other over their 20-plus years of living together. When Gerry lost her ability to walk and started to struggle with dementia, she moved to Discovery Care Center where she has lived for the last five years. The staff at Discovery Care Center provided her with a loving home, fun activities, and the best quality of life that she could have hoped for. Gerry was preceded in death by her daughters, Jodi Lynn Grymes and Leslie Ann Lindell Strachan. She is survived by her son, Tom (Carron) Grymes of Hamilton; grandchildren, Michael (Danelle) Lindell of Eugene, Oregon, Nikki (Peter) Gorz of Romeoville, Illinois, Kyla Grymes of Great Falls, Montana and KaSondra Grymes of Hamilton, Montana; great-grandchildren, Maggie, James, and Aradia; sisters, Patty Berry of Ohio and Barbara (Patrick) Waller of California; Uncle Bob Stanley of California; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Private family interment took place at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. A celebration of life service was also held at a later date. The family suggests memorials to the Bitterroot Health Foundation to assist with the building of the Cancer and Infusion Center. ■ IN LOVING MEMORY Gerry Ann Grymes SEPTEMBER 9, 1941 - MARCH 23, 2023 8 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
Longtime Butte funeral director, Steve Axelson of Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services, passed away on the evening of April 14 in Butte, surrounded and lifted up by his loving family. He was 75. Steve was born on April 10, 1948, in Butte to Arlo and Wilda (Parker) Axelson and attended local schools graduating from Butte High School in 1966. After attending Montana State University, Steve served his country with The United States Navy during the Vietnam Era being honorably discharged as a Senior Damage Control Officer. Following his military service, he returned to college at Montana Tech and graduated from The San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in June of 1973. Following graduation, he returned to Butte to join his family in funeral service, a career that lasted 50 years. He was also the owner and operator of Butte Crematories in Butte. Steve was very active in community organizations having served as Master of Butte Lodge #22 A.F. & A.M. during the lodge’s centennial year in 1976. He and his wife, Lorie, were very involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Butte and were honored as Montana’s Big Couple of The Year by Governor Marc Racicot. He was a charter member of Sunrise Kiwanis and had served as President in 2011–2012. A superb woodworker, Steve created cherished works that he gave to all his family and friends. He was also a stained-glass artist and crafted windows that he would donate to various local charities to be auctioned at fundraisers. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mike Axelson and his parents-in-law, Mary Anderson and Gene Reed. Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Lorie, brother and sister-in-law Jim and Janet Axelson, brothers in law and sisters in law Mike and Sally Reed, Kevin and Carol Reed, Dan Reed, Kelly and Bob Prystajko, Sandy Seccomb, Debbie and Chris Moore and Tracy and Mike Sheard. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews that he treated like his own children. Services were conducted in Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Pastor Seth Leypoldt officiating. Entombment with Military Honors was in Mount Moriah Cemetery. Memorials are requested to a charity of the donor’s choice. ■ Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is greatly privileged to care for Steve and his family. It is the greatest honor to care for those that came before us. Stephen P. “Steve” Axelson APRIL 10, 1948 – APRIL 14, 2023 A superb woodworker, Steve created cherished works that he gave to all his family and friends. montanafda.org | 9
TISSUE IMPLANT HELPS MONTANA WOMAN Get Back to Her Mission By LifeNet Health
LifeNet Health is a non-profit global leader in regenerative medicine and the world's largest provider of allograft bio-implants and organs for transplantation. Since 1982, LifeNet Health has helped to save lives, restore health and give hope to thousands of patients each year. The following is a story from one of their recipients. Fran Albrecht has dedicated her life to helping others. She’s a past director of an emergency children’s shelter, and now she serves as the Chief Philanthropy Officer of Providence Montana Health Foundation, where her work supports health care provided in hospitals and medical clinics across Western Montana. She’s also a dedicated mother of two. When Fran was injured in a ski accident, the roles were reversed — and suddenly she needed help. The devastating mishap resulted in an impaction fracture of her tibial plateau and a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. Fran found herself bedridden. She was unable to work or care for her family for several weeks. “I have compassion for people who are immobile,” Fran said. “There are a lot of inconveniences, but the worst part was the impact on the work I do every day, which is serving others.” Her doctor explained that once the bone fracture healed, the best option would be a tissue implant from a donor to repair her ACL. “It would help me recover much more quickly, as opposed to using my own tissue, which would prolong the process,” she said. Fran underwent the procedure a few weeks after her accident. Within a few months, she was able to gradually return to the activities she loves, including walking, hiking, skiing — and yoga, which has a special importance to her. “I began doing yoga when I was leading the emergency children’s shelter, and it’s been critical for my mental health and balance,” she said. “I believe it helps me be a better wife, a better mother, a better leader, a better colleague.” But most importantly, the tissue implant has enabled Fran to continue her life’s work to support essential care in her community and beyond. “I don’t know if I have the words to express my gratitude for such an incredible gift,” she said. “It has allowed me to continue to be my best in service to others. I work with amazing people, whose ultimate focus is to care for every patient, often in a very vulnerable time when they need lifesaving care. I see it as a mission. I hope I will honor the person who gifted this ACL to me with how I live my life.” ■ To learn more about LifeNet Health, please visit www.lifenethealth.org. I don’t know if I have the words to express my gratitude for such an incredible gift. montanafda.org | 11
The Federal Trade Commission has ordered Anthony Joseph Damiano and his funeral service companies — Funeral & Cremation Group of North America and Legacy Cremation Services (doing business as Heritage Cremation Provider, Evergreen Funeral Home and Crematory, and Carolina Central Crematory) — to pay civil penalties and abide by strict requirements on how they communicate with customers to resolve a lawsuit filed on behalf of the FTC by the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ and FTC filed their complaint against Damiano and his companies in April 2022, alleging that they misrepresented their location, leading consumers to believe they were a local provider, advertised deceptively low prices, illegally threatened and failed to return cremated remains to bereaved consumers, and failed to provide disclosures required by the Funeral Rule. “Lying to consumers about critical information, including price and location of services when they are dealing with the loss of a loved one, is outrageous and illegal,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Our actions in this case show the FTC’s commitment to enforcing the Funeral Rule to protect consumers and honest funeral homes.” The complaint alleged that the defendants claimed to be local funeral or cremation providers when speaking with customers, failing to disclose that the services would be contracted to a third party, sometimes hours away from loved ones. The complaint also alleged that, when consumers were presented with undisclosed fees and higher prices, the defendants, in some cases, withheld the remains of their loved ones to extract payment. The proposed court order, which was agreed to by the defendants in the case, would require the defendants to: • Share important info on their website: The order requires the defendants to disclose key Special NFDA Bulletin: FTC ACTION LEADS TO CIVIL PENALTIES, STRICT REQUIREMENTS FOR FUNERAL AND CREMATION PROVIDER THAT WITHHELD REMAINS FROM LOVED ONES TO EXTRACT PAYMENT 12 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
facts on their website, including their actual physical location and a general price list, as well as a notice when funeral goods or services will be provided by a third-party company not owned by the defendants. • Disclose their price list upfront: The defendants are required to provide consumers with a general price list either during or immediately after their first interaction with a consumer about funeral goods or services, whether online or by telephone, and before any discussion of price occurs. • Provide info on third parties: The order requires the defendants to give consumers the name, address, and contact information for any third-party provider that will provide funeral goods or services. • Pay a civil penalty: The order requires the defendants to pay $275,000 in civil penalties. Chris Farmer, NFDA General Counsel, noted that this is an agreed order that the Defendants and the FTC agreed to and are asking the Court to enter. “Therefore, this order does not set a precedential interpretation of the Funeral Rule or any other law as it currently exists, and it does not apply to any other funeral provider other than defendants.” He added that the order imposes restrictions on defendants that far exceed the requirements of the Funeral Rule as it currently exists. “While we are glad that the FTC is able to crack down on behavior that has marred the funeral service profession for years, whether it is intentionally vague drafting or an unawareness of the implications of the language employed, there are some elements of the Order which I am concerned might have farther reaching consequences,” Farmer said. “I am still digesting the Order and considering its effects and will have more analysis for NFDA’s members next week; however, I anticipate we will see many, if not all, of these elements in a revised Funeral Rule in the future.” The Department of Justice filed the order and civil penalty judgment on behalf of the Commission in the U.S. District Court for the District of Florida. Of note, consent judgments have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge. ■ MYSHIELD® IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO PROTECT MFDA MEMBERS Safety Training Resources and HR Support at Your Fingertips Commercial Insurance Property & Casualty | Life & Disability Income | Workers Compensation | Business Succession and Estate Planning | Bonding Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries** | federatedinsurance.com 23.02 Ed. 1/23 *View A.M. Best Rating Guide information at www.ambest.com. **Not licensed in all states. © 2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company Access industry-specific training, sample forms and policies, an employee handbook builder tool, and more 24/7 with mySHIELD®. Scan to learn more about mySHIELD®. The content of this publication is for general information purposes only. Consult with a qualified professional when you have detailed questions regarding any topic in this publication. As the endorsed MFDA merchant service provider Select Bankcard can offer: Help bring revenue into the MFDA by contacting us for a free rate analysis today! • Preferred pricing for MFDA members • No additional fees • Complete confidentiality • Buyout of current contract • In-house merchant support Sign up with Select Bankcard and receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card “It was really easy to set-up and we had no issues at all. We’re very happy with Select Bankcard.” Jacqui Courts - Medallion Vault & Casket Co. Pete Mudrow W: 801-901-8143 C: 801-791-1938 pmudrow@selectbankcard.com montanafda.org | 13
Happy summer. I hope everyone is finally enjoying some good weather and time outdoors. After a hiatus of three years, we were finally able to attend an Advocacy Summit Fly In, held in Washington, D.C. The NFDA set up hotel arrangements and opportunities for meetings with Congress. MFDA President T.J. Stevenson, his wife, myself and my wife, in addition to MFDA Assistant Terri James and MFDA Executive Director Jim Brown, were able to go and represent the MFDA and its members. Terri James and Jim Brown were able to set up meetings with Rep. Matt Rosendale, Rep. Ryan Zinke, Sen. Steve Daines, and Sen. John Tester’s offices for us. We flew in on Tuesday, April 18 and were able to see some sights. On Wednesday, April 19, the Montana Delegation hosted a meet-and-greet coffee at the Hart Senate Office Building. There, we were able to meet the whole delegation and had an opportunity for a photo shoot. It seems like the Montana Delegation is one of a few or the only one that does this to meet with their constituents on a weekly basis. It was a very nice event to kickstart the week. The NFDA provided us with four main issues to talk about to our delegation. The first being FTC’s proposed changes to the Funeral Rule in an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Funeral Rule. The FTC is considering different areas to expand the current Rule. As a State Association with the NFDA, we are strongly against any changes to the rule as unnecessary and unwarranted. The FTC has not met the burden established by Congress and the Court necessary to revise and expand the Rule. Please contact our Montana Delegation expressing our opposition to any changes to the current Rule. The second issue was the EPA and formaldehyde risk assessment. The EPA periodically conducts risk assessments on particular uses of chemicals and the effects on human health and the environment. NFDA’s MFDA ADVOCACY By Chris Holt, NFDA State Association Representative data shows, in a recent study, that trained funeral professionals can effectively manage exposure to formaldehyde to well-below current acceptable levels and no need is shown to limit this vital tool in our profession. This is an issue to keep on Congress’s radar. Third is Health Savings Accounts. This one is simple. The NFDA is proposing a change in the current law allowing beneficiaries to use the money in a decedent’s HSA for funeral expenses. Now that is not allowed. The NFDA is seeking legislation to amend what is allowed, including funeral expenses, to ease the financial burden if a decedent has an HSA at the time of passing. Lastly, the legislation introduced the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act of 2023. The NFDA is fully behind this introduced legislation that will provide oversight and authority to the Secretary of HHS to oversee facilities that receive donated human bodies and body parts for education and research. To date, there is no regulation in this area, which is a huge issue for us as a profession and for families who choose body donation. Learn more at https://www.nfda.org/BodyBrokerBill. Please contact our Montana Delegation showing our support for these issues. If you have not gone to Washington D.C., you should try — what a city. The weather was phenomenal, and the city was HUGE. All the monuments, history, architecture of the buildings and the enormity of the Federal Buildings are awe-inspiring. I had never been, so this was a treat. There is so much to do and see and experience and not enough hours in the day to take it all in. The monuments were awesome, the memorials were sobering, and the enormity of the Federal Government is mind-boggling. Of course, we had to see the White House, the first stop on our tour — it seems smaller in person than on TV. I encourage anyone to take a trip and see D.C.; it is well worth it. A great big “Thank you” to Terri James and Jim Brown for all their hard work, to MFDA President T.J. Stevenson, and to our lovely wives for their assistance. Thank you to all our members of the MFDA and your hard work. I look forward to representing Montana with the NFDA Advocacy and making sure Montana is heard. God Bless and have a great summer. ■ montanafda.org | 15
The 68th meeting of the Montana Legislature has come to a close. This session was action-packed and very successful for the MFDA. The MFDA had two priority bills that we proactively carried, and I am pleased to announce that both made it through the House and Senate and to the Governor’s desk. The first bill HB 505, carried by Representative Nelly Nicol of Billings, increased the initial policy insurance limit for funeral insurance from $15,000 to $25,000. This will allow all Montanans the ability to purchase insurance at a higher level to provide funeral services for their loved ones. It has been officially signed by the Governor. The second bill that the MFDA carried is SB 244, sponsored by Senator Mike Cuffe of Eureka. Again, I am happy to report that this bill made its way through the process and is now at the Governor’s desk. We had a bill signing ceremony with the Governor on this bill to help commemorate the hard work that the MFDA put into getting it through the process. SB 244 revises the internship requirements to obtain a license so that a student who is currently enrolled or has already graduated from the program may be granted an intern mortician’s license to practice mortuary science under the supervision of a licensed mortician. The bill will go into effect on July 1. The MFDA also worked on several other bills this session that would affect the MFDA membership. HB 40 pertained to fetal, infant, child, and maternal mortality review teams. This was a bill that we were monitoring to ensure that there were no unintended consequences if passed. The bill passed out of committee but died on the house floor prior to the transmittal date. HB 87 was brought forth by the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Labor as one of the Governor’s Red Tape Initiative bills. This bill looked to change the makeup of several of the licensing boards across the state. It drew a lot of stakeholder input from all licensing boards and presented several issues that would have affected MFDA. After much effort and a number of amendments, the bill was something that the MFDA supported. We were able to initiate changes to address the issues that would have affected the board negatively. Our time and effort with meetings and testimony was impactful and now this is a bill that we can all be proud of. HB 152 is another bill brought by the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Labor as one of the Governor’s Red Tape Initiative bills. This bill also looked to drastically change licensing boards in Montana. Again, the bill was amended in a way that MFDA was able to offer support. It failed in the Senate. HB 183 revises the Crime Victim Compensation Act to increase reasonable funeral expenses for victims. The allowable expenses were increased from $3,500 to $10,000. This bill was carried by Representative Nelly Nicol and has been signed by the Governor. HB 932 was sponsored by Representative Joe Read, after a suggestion from a constituent. It again was targeted at funeral services licensing and reporting laws. I was able to share the concerns of MFDA with Representative Read and am pleased to share that, following our conversation, he chose not to bring the bill forward to a hearing. SB 39 was requested by DEQ as part of the Governor’s Red Tape Initiative. This bill changed the permitting requirements for incinerators and crematoriums to a registration program. It simplified the process and allowed for a 15-day comment period for the public. This bill has been signed by the Governor. SR 36 is the confirmation of the Governor’s appointees to the Board of Funeral Services. MFDA supported the bill, and it has been signed by the Governor. As you can see, MFDA was very busy this legislative session working on nine bills. When you step back and look at what was accomplished, the MFDA had a great session and is set up to be very successful for many years to come. ■ LEGISLATOR UPDATE By Brad Longcake, MFDA Lobbyist Montana Legislature Review 16 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
JUNE 11–13 MILES CITY EVENT CENTER Award Ceremony Service of Remembrance CE Classes Vendors on Exhibit Golf Tournament REGISTRATION OPEN Scan the QR code or email Terri at info@montanafda.org to register. https://montanafda.org/2023-convention 2023 MFDA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW
SUNDAY, JUNE 11 8:00 am–11:00 am MFDA Board Meeting Miles City Hotel and Suites 11:00 am MFDA Annual Golf Tournament Miles City Town & Country Club Vendors are welcome to attend and mingle with the funeral directors. 2:00 pm–4:00 pm Prairie Dog Shoot — no experience necessary Meeting place TBA 4:00 pm–5:30 pm Vendor set up 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Registration Event Center 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Welcome Reception Hosted by Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home MONDAY, JUNE 12 Event Center 8:00 am–10:00 am Registration 9:00 am–9:45 am Speaker: Mike Myer, SightLife 1 CE 10:00 am–12:00 pm Membership Meeting 2 CE 12:00 pm–1:00 pm Lunch with Vendors 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Speaker: Dominick Astorino 1 CE 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Speaker: Debbie Sorensen — “Welcoming Words” 1 CE 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Wagon Rides 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Vendor Reception Appetizers and Cocktails 6:00 pm Country Barbeque Awards New officers announced Speaker: NFDA President-Elect Dutch Nie — “NFDA Update” 1 CE TUESDAY, JUNE 13 8:00 am–8:45 am Past President’s breakfast Speaker: Congressman Matt Rosendale 9:00 am Service of Remembrance 10:00 am Diane Morris — “OSHA Training” 1 CE 10:00 am Vendor Meeting CONVENTION Schedule montanafda.org | 19
“Value in Results: Real Solutions for Modern Embalming Challenges” By Dominick J. Astorino Dominick is an adjunct professor of mortuary science both at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago, and Wayne State University, Detroit, where he teaches courses in embalming, restorative art, pathology, and microbiology. A proponent of education, Dominick holds degrees in cellular biology and mortuary science and sits on the restorative art curriculum review committee for the American Board of Funeral Service Education. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Michigan and Illinois and is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Michigan Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. In his lecture, he will be tackling some of the most pertinent and common challenges the embalmer faces and will offer proven solutions, demonstrating the value of the embalmer to funeral service and society. He will also touch on motor vehicle accidents, opioid overdoses and alcohol abuse, gunshots of the head, and facial lacerations. “NFDA Update” By Dutch Nie, NFDA President-Elect Dutch is a second-generation funeral director who grew up above his parent's funeral home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended Wayne State University where he received his bachelors degree in Mortuary Science in 1992. He continued to work with his parents until their retirement in 2000, at which time his wife, Donna, and he bought the funeral home from them. In 2008, they built an additional location on the west side of Ann Arbor, and between the two locations, they serve all the families of Washtenaw County. On the National level, Dutch has served on the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Board of Directors as an At-Large Member as well as many committees and task forces, including currently as a member of the Spokesperson Committee, Audit Committee, Pursuit of Excellence Committee. CONVENTION Speakers 20 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
“Welcoming Words” By Debbie Sorenson Debbie, a Montana native and founder of Welcoming Words, grew up on a small ranch in the north-central part of the state. Through the decades, she has had many opportunities to participate in the celebrations of life for family, friends and acquaintances. Those years and connections have provided a wealth of information on the power of Welcoming Words that show you care. She offers simple, caring and powerful suggestions that can enhance your good business practices. Genuine encouragement goes a long in promoting client appreciation that results in business referrals. “The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of Cornea Donation” By Mike Meyer Mike Meyer is the Regional Development Manager for SightLife. SightLife is the local Lions Eye Bank that helps over 100 men, women and children every day gain restored eyesight through corneal transplants. Mike is a Certified Eye Bank Technician through the Eye Bank Association of America and has been with SightLife for 26 years. During this time, he has been involved in every aspect of the eye bank recovery process. His current focus is to improve the donation process for those involved with deaths that occur outside of a hospital setting. This includes working with coroners, Medical Examiners and funeral homes. These programs provide tissue and cornea donations to individuals that normally would not have options. ■ montanafda.org | 21
This break-out session during the upcoming 2023 MFDA Convention and Trade Show in Miles City, will give funeral directors the opportunity to craft welcoming words to build their business reputation. The use of welcoming words has the possibility to change lives and truly show people that you care. The April 2023 edition of the American Funeral Director’s Education Guide opened with a column by Patti Martin Bartsche. She wrote of her grandfather: “One of his most valuable life lessons was shared in three words. ‘Listen and learn.’” Listen with your heart and be sure to hear what is said. Then speak. On the facing page, in the table of contents in that guide, an article caught my attention immediately: “Five Ways to Ruin Your Funeral Home’s On-line Reputation.” Certainly not what a business wants for their future. Too often our decisions get out of whack in our haste to deal with a situation. Whether it’s distraction, disinterest, or fear, it benefits us to pay attention to what is being said to us. We need to exercise restraint and discernment in what we say in response to what we have heard. Ways to build your business reputation: 1.) Become known for warm unspoken words of welcome: Welcoming and measured body language can ease tension. Calm, quiet and peaceful, set the tone for how to proceed. Kindness and genuine caring make it possible for people to face dealing with final preparations in a dignified manner. Find out the clients’ needs. Let them know that you care. 2.) Give welcoming words away lavishly: Professionals in the funeral business are faced daily with families and individuals that need to hear words of welcome in their over-whelmed world. Although not spoken, clients will be looking for direction and purpose in a time of distress when decision-making is required. 3.) Listen with focus and clarify: Keen ears can pick up on nuances that are not clearly stated by a client. Engaged listening and choosing welcoming words can provide a powerful way to connect with people who need caring guidance and help. These actions can reinforce that you are there to be of service. 4.) Be confident in how you direct folks: Do not try and push an agenda or product. Listen to felt needs. Gently lead. Let folks know they are cared for and appreciated. Thank them for trusting you in their need. 5.) Be sincere and genuine in the words that are used: Satisfied customers result in personal referrals back to your business. Without clients, you don’t have a business. ■ Please join us for a session on the “Power of Welcoming Words.” Learn about simple and effective ways, to show people that you do care. If you have questions ahead of the convention, please feel free to email me at sorensendebbie5@gmail.com. THE POWER OF WELCOMING WORDS FIVE WAYS TO BUILD YOUR FUNERAL HOME’S REPUTATION By Debbie Sorensen, Founder of Welcoming Words 22 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
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MFDA 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MFDA Convention & Trade Show June 11–13 Miles City Event Center MFDA Board Meeting June 11 Miles City Hotel and Suites MFDA Annual Golf Tournament June 11 NFDA Leadership Conference June 25–28 Phoenix, AZ NFDA Convention September 10–13 Las Vegas, NV NFDA Scholarship Submission Cycle September 15–November 1 Fall Board Meeting November 9 District Meeting November 16 Virtual
Trust Wisely When it comes to serving your families, trust Montana Funeral Trust. •Funds are 100% government-backed •Quarterly audit ensuring investments are fully secure and properly managed •24/7 online access, convenient forms make the Trust consumer-friendly Take advantage of this exclusive MFDA member benefit! mft@montanafuneraltrust.org | 844.206.0049 | www.montanafuneraltrust.org Montana Funeral Trust If you are interested in: • Helping Others • The Human Biological Sciences • Community Involvement • A Business Environment Then a career in funeral service may be right for you! Funeral service professionals work with the bereaved during times of emotional need. These professional caregivers enable families and communities to express their emotions and help them to grieve properly. Looking for an awarding career? Offering up to $5,000 in scholarships for mortuary science schools. CONTACT ONE OF OUR MEMBER FIRMS OR MFDA TODAY! 406-449-7244 info@montanafda.org MONTANA’S ONLY FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION. MFDA Montana Funeral Directors Association montanafda.org | 25
Congratulations to Our 2023 Award Recipients Awards will be presented at the Convention & Trade Show in Miles City. 1963 — 60 years Jered Scherer 1973 — 50 years Terry Bullis 1978 — 45 years Dick Brown Greg Kirkwood 1993 — 30 years Denis Pitman Dan Whitted 1998 — 25 years Jennifer Kinsella Keith Kneeland 2003 — 20 years Brian Bell Julie Briggs Shawnee Krauszer John Rae Fred Thompson 2008 — 15 years Matthew O'Brien 2013 — 10 years Thomas Weiss Tyson Moore Karen Jelly 2018 — 5 Years Madisen McIntosh Dannon Gibby UNLOCK THE HIDDEN VALUE IN POST-CREMATION METALS TO GET STARTED, CALL (800) 523-0968 OR EMAIL CREMATORY@GARFIELDREFINING.COM 26 | Montana Funeral Directors Association
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