opportunities, and meeting your continuing education obligations. Further, in 2024, MDFA will continue to be your voice in the halls of Congress and the Montana Legislature. MFDA has developed deep relationships with key state legislative leaders and all of Montana’s members of Congress. By renewing your membership with MFDA, you can be assured Montana’s funeral industry’s collective voice is heard both in our nation’s capital and in Helena. And, of course, MFDA’s annual trip to Washington, D.C., is one of the more informative member initiatives — combining a civic and history lesson with relationship building, lobbying and relationship building. As such, MFDA’s Board highly encourages you to join us in D.C. in March during NFDA’s annual Advocacy Summit. If the association has learned one thing since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that MFDA can never grow complacent in carrying out its century-long mission. While we beat back efforts during the 2023 Montana legislative session to fundamentally change the regulation of Montana’s funeral industry by eliminating the Board of Funeral Service, much work still needs to be done in terms of having the Montana Department of Labor serve as a helpful partner in administering the board moving forward. The fact that the board isn’t meeting on a quarterly basis is problematic both for the industry and the public. I have already received a bucket full of positive feedback from our members and guests regarding the venue for the 2024 state convention. Again, the venue will be the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown. The association is currently putting together the guest speakers, activities and agenda for this year’s event. I can make and keep a New Year’s promise that the annual convention and tradeshow will be another great happening with great opportunities for both fun and professional development. For our vendors and associate members, if you have not received the key registration information for the exhibitor and sponsorship kits, please let us know so. Feel free to reach out to me or Terri to reserve your booth before the trade show space fills up. The vendor spaces filled up early last year, so get your place reserved now. We trust that 2024 will be the best year yet for you. We also hope you will keep that resolution you made, which only an estimated 8% of you will keep. I look forward to seeing you in person in 2024! 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 Directors Digest | 7
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