EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT As I write this article, Montana is now well into the spring months. Having grown up in Montana, this is one of the best times of the year to be a resident of the Treasure State. Spring sees the leaves returning to the trees, the grasses are greener than they will be for the remainder of the year, the bears are out of hibernation and the roads into Glacier National Park are being plowed open. Spring 2024 sees the MFDA preparing for the annual Convention and Tradeshow. This year’s convention will be held June 23-25 in Missoula. The venue is the Holiday Inn Downtown. We are excited to return to the Garden City this year, not the least of which for the reason that is the location of Norman Maclean’s iconic book “A River Runs Through It.” And to quote Mr. Maclean, “I did not know that stories of life are often more like rivers than books.” You will find within the pages of this edition of the magazine all the information you need to attend the 2024 convention, including how to register, how to sign up for fun activities and hotel information. The Association has arranged for a great lineup of informative speakers and timely topics and issues. Among our amazing speakers are long-time favorites Dominick Astorino and Poul Lemasters. The convention will kick off with axe throwing on Saturday night, followed by Sunday’s annual golf tournament or white-water rafting. That night, MFDA will host the opening night reception, which is always a lot of fun! The next day, Monday, will feature speakers Tracy Rassley and Dr. Tina Barrett. In addition, Monday will serve as the day for hosting the ever-popular Vendor Night Reception and Officer Installation. The final day of the convention, June 25, affords the opportunity to obtain 3.5 CE credits and share breakfast with your peers and colleagues. Needless to say, the MFDA Tradeshow will get you in touch with the latest funeral industry technology and products. And, as always, the MFDA Convention presents your best opportunity to obtain your required CE credits, with 9.5 hours of credits available this year. MFDA’s board and staff look forward to seeing you in June for big fun under the Big Sky. To register for the convention and/or to find out more information, please visit the MFDA webpage located at montanafda.org/2024-convention. Questions related to sponsorships and activities can be directed to Terri James at (406) 449-7244 or info@montanafda.org. Spring 2024 also saw the Association travel to NFDA’s Washington, D.C., Policy Summit. The Summit was held March 20-22. Myself, Tyson Moore, Chris Holt and Terri James represented Montana at that national event. During the trip, we visited with all four members of Montana’s congressional delegation. Issues addressed with Montana’s two U.S. senators and two members of Congress included a request to support the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act, the FTC’s Funeral Rule and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPAs) Helping MFDA Members Succeed James Brown, Esq., Executive Director, MFDA 6 | Directors Digest
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