PUB. 3 2024, ISSUE 3 2024 Convention and Trade Show Made Quite a Splash OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
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©2024 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. 6 10 04 President’s Message The Lifeblood of Our Association By Steve Kirkegard, President, MFDA 06 Executive Director’s Report That’s a Wrap – Another Great MFDA Convention in the Books By James Brown, Esq., Executive Director, MFDA 08 2024-2025 MFDA Board of Directors 10 2024 MFDA Convention and Trade Show 12 Thank You, 2024 Convention Sponsors and Vendors 14 NFDA Update By Chris Holt, State Association Representative, NFDA 15 Join MFDA for Dinner in New Orleans 16 Reducing Formaldehyde Exposure in the Preparation Room Sharing Best Practices to Protect Embalmers 18 Office of Justice Programs Announces the Children’s Justice Project to Identify Children’s Remains By U.S. Department of Justice 20 NFDA Legislative Agenda for the 118th Congress (January 2023-January 2025) 21 Board of Funeral Service’s Update By Jim Axelson, Chairman, Montana Board of Funeral Service 22 2024 MFDA Associate Members 23 2024 MFDA Members Table of Contents Directors Digest | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Lifeblood of Our Association Steve Kirkegard, President, MFDA Hello fellow MFDA members and friends, It has been a busy summer starting with our state convention in Missoula in June. Numbers were record‑setting in terms of membership attendance, vendors and sponsor contributions. A very special thank you to my predecessor, Tyson Moore. Tyson has been a shepherd of our organization this past year and continues his leadership as immediate past president. His wisdom and guidance are much appreciated as I take my turn at leading our association. Thanks are also in order for Chris Holt, past president, who has navigated difficult waters in his tenure to be sure. I’m grateful for your support and counsel. Also, I want to express a big thank you to Rick Evans and Garden City and staff for their amazing hospitality for this year’s annual convention. And a very special thank you to our Executive Director Jim Brown and Executive Assistant Terri James. Your leadership is what drives our strategic vision and the day-to-day application of the associated logistics through your hard work makes us an association on the rise. Your contributions and efforts truly make MFDA what it is today. July 29, 2024, through Aug. 1, 2024, found Terri, Chris and me in Jacksonville, Florida, for the NFDA 2024 Leadership Conference. It was so nice to spend time with Chris (and family) and Terri in northeast Florida. I paid particular attention to presentations by Lesley Witter (NFDA lobbyist) and NFDA Counsel Chris Farmer on two very important subjects pertaining to us within the MFDA. First, the formaldehyde rule, which has been taken up by the EPA and at the time of our convention, was awaiting the final rule in terms of acceptable formaldehyde emissions in our prep rooms. For years, 750 parts per million has been the acceptable standard for the EPA and OSHA. Interestingly, embalming has been excluded (not exempted) from consideration for formaldehyde output, but the EPA has determined that it presents an unacceptable risk in the workplace. Long story short, the EPA is considering an 11 parts per billion rule in terms of acceptable exposure limits, which equates to the amount you breathe naturally out of your body with every breath. In our funeral world, this would be unacceptable and spell doom to the millions of small businesses in the funeral industry that rely on formaldehyde products to serve families desiring a meaningful sendoff and closure for a loved one. Should the EPA choose such a Draconian solution, the NFDA vows to fight on our behalf. Second, the FTC rule will change (we’re assured) probably within an eight-month window. According to Farmer, he expects that no later than April 2025 a final rule will be issued by the FTC as it relates to the funeral rule. At a minimum, we expect that online general price lists will become mandatory for funeral home websites. Also, non‑compete clauses will be banned in just about every imaginable scenario. I look forward to our virtual fall meeting and anticipate reaching out to you via personal calls and visits. You are 4 | Directors Digest
Introducing Generations™ by Batesville® A new line of caskets for sustainable-minded familes © 2023 Batesville Services, LLC 42% of consumers are interested in purchasing sustainable caskets*. Shown: Promise™ As seen at ‘23 NFDA convention Scan to learn more. PRESENTING Generations features 3 new casket designs using fast-growing, abundant U.S. hardwoods, water-based finishes with low VOCs, natural cotton interiors, and minimal metal elements. Crafted for use in burial or cremation, Generations makes a statement in the showroom with distinct styles and aesthetic qualities that appeal to today’s environmentally-conscious families. *Source: Batesville 2023 the lifeblood of our association and without you we cease to exist. On behalf of the executive board, we will work tirelessly to foster your investment in the association and do everything possible to make our mission reflect your values in terms of providing excellent resources, education and advocacy on your behalf as it relates to serving your families and serving you in a changing regulatory landscape. We are living in a topsy-turvy and seemingly upside‑down world, it seems some days. Here is a little humorous anecdote to leave you with. Our intrepid Executive Assistant Terri James arrived in Jacksonville on a Saturday, only to have her luggage arrive 24 hours later. Upon her departure, not one, but two flights were canceled on the same day. As a word to the wise, never book a flight if Terri is on it! What a trooper she is, and we’re grateful for her excellent service. Just don’t let her pick your Bingo numbers. I’m proud to be representing you, and we are all part of the MFDA family. My best, Steve Kirkegard Directors Digest | 5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT James Brown, Esq., Executive Director, MFDA Greetings from Helena. I write this article on a rainy day, and the timing of the rain couldn’t be more of a blessing as it has been a dry few weeks here. In addition, I write this article as summer is coming to a close. So, in keeping with the summer theme, let me start by giving you a fun fact about summer. It is said that pagans called the Midsummer moon the “Honey Moon” in honor of the mead made from fermented honey, which was part of wedding ceremonies performed during the Summer Solstice. Hence our modern use of the term “honeymoon.” The passage of summer reminds us all of how quickly time itself passes. It’s hard to believe that the annual convention has already come and gone. The convention, held in the middle of June in Missoula, proved to be an interesting and informative one. We saw a record in terms of vendor and associate member participation. This development is a testament to the strength of the association and its enduring value to Montana’s funeral providers. Overall, the convention was well-rated by attendees. Initial convention feedback from our members indicates we had very interesting and informative speakers, a meaningful service of remembrance, and plenty of quality interaction between MFDA members and the vendors. We here at MFDA are particularly grateful that Rick Evans with Garden City Funeral Home arranged for a quality pre-convention activity. Those who came to Missoula early were treated to what was truly a new experience for many: axe throwing. A big thanks to Rick and his crew for arranging such a fun and memorable night. Of course, the best part of the annual convention is, as it always is, the opportunity for peer-to-peer contact. I have read extensively about the high value of attending trade conventions and conferences. There is strong consensus that the number one benefit of attending a trade convention identified by attendees was and is the opportunity to interact directly with their professional colleagues. In other words, the opportunity to have face time with their peers is identified as the top reason to attend a state convention. So, too, with MFDA, each year, the annual state convention and trade show presents the best opportunity for members of Montana’s funeral industry to interact with each other and to explore beneficial educational and industry opportunities. I am pleased to write that the MFDA board has already decided where next year’s convention will be held. After receiving much positive feedback and input from our vendors and members about their preference for the convention location, the MFDA board has decided the 2025 annual convention will be held in the Billings area. That’s a Wrap – Another Great MFDA Convention in the Books 6 | Directors Digest
Based on prior convention experiences, MFDA’s members and vendors feel that the Billings location on I-90 will make it more convenient for interested persons to attend the convention. As a result of this directive, my staff and I will identify a venue for the convention and reserve the dates to hold the festivities. Once that has been done, we will inform you about the time and place. We at MFDA are already looking forward to seeing you at that event. In addition to having our summer convention behind us at the time of this article, the spring MFDA district meetings have also taken place since our last edition of the Directors Digest was published. In one of his last acts as president of the MFDA, Tyson Moore joined me and Terri James in May in traveling to the various district meetings held across the state. The district meetings were held in Miles City, Billings, Great Falls, Butte and Missoula. The district meetings present a wonderful opportunity for the association to get out of Helena and into your community. The meetings also afford the benefit of providing MFDA’s members with quality educational opportunities, which has the bonus of satisfying two continuing education requirements. Attending the district meeting is truly one of my favorite duties as MFDA’s executive director. During its board meeting at the convention, the board set the fall district meeting date for Nov. 14, 2024. In keeping with the schedule set by the board several years ago and with the positive input of the membership as to the same, the fall district meeting will be held virtually. More information about the fall district meeting setup will be provided by Terri when we firm up the schedule and speakers. You will find inside this edition of Directors Digest photographs from both the state convention and the district meetings. I think you will find them amusing and, perhaps, a bit bemusing. On behalf of all of us at MFDA, we thank you again for the confidence you have shown in us. We will continue do our best to help the association and its members, like you, prosper. We look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, remember this bit of perspective about the passage of time: Mosquitoes, summer’s pest, have been around for more than 30 million years. Doesn’t that make current events feel insignificant? Directors Digest | 7
2024-2025 MFDA Board of Directors Steve Kirkegard President Bullis Funeral Home and Cremation, Hardin skirkegard@yahoo.com (406) 538-8711 Bri Mulvaney Vice President Axelson Funeral Home and Cremation, Butte bri@axelsonfuneralhome.com (406) 494-4264 Rick Walter Secretary Schnider Funeral Home, Great Falls rick@schniderfuneralhome.com (406) 727-1368 Katie Baca Future Development Leaders Director Just Cremation Montana, Missoula katie@missoulafuneralhomes.com (406) 543-4190 Tyson Moore Immediate Past President Garden City Funeral Home, Missoula tyson@agelessinc.com (406) 543-4190 Jim Brown Executive Director jim@thunderdomelaw.com (406) 449-7444 Terri James Association Assistant info@montanafda.org (406) 449-7244 Fred Nelson Western District Governor The Lake Funeral Home, Polson flatheadpolson@centurytel.net (406) 883-2808 Jessie Billquist Southwestern District Governor Longfellow Finnigan Riddle Funeral Home jessie@anacondafuneralhome.com (406) 563-3371 Brooke Conover Eastern District Governor Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home Miles City brooke@stevensonandsons.com (406) 232-4457 Austin Asper Northcentral District Governor Asper Funeral Homes austinasper@gmail.com (406) 434-2172 Jim Asper Treasurer Asper Funeral Homes jim@asperfh.com (406) 434-2172 Chris Holt NFDA State Association Representative Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, Helena chris@aswfuneralhome.com (406) 442-8520 Matt Coon Southcentral District Governor Billings mtc12022@outlook.com (406) 951-1546 8 | Directors Digest
When your marketing is generating quality leads, your sales team is delivering happy customers, and your product is safe and secure, preneed becomes one less thing you need to worry about. Our mission is to make sure your entire preneed program is operating to its fullest potential. Grow Your Market Share With Total Confidence 2X your preneed with Precoa’s end-to-end marketing & sales program How to Grow with Precoa VISIT PRECOA.COM TO GET A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS ASK FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS 1 GET A PROACTIVE MARKETING PLAN 2 2X YOUR PRENEED 3 SERVE MORE AT-NEED FAMIIES 4 27 MIN AVG COMMUTE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Organizations ORGANIZATIONS 521 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 COMMUTE TIME 0 5% 25% 20% 15% 10% OCCUPATIONS 0 5% 25% 20% 15% 10% Office Man Farm Labor Mach Office Office Office Office Office Office OFFICE ADMIN SUPPORT MAN. EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND MANAGERIAL FARM FARMING, FORESTRY, & FISHING LABOR HANDLERS, EQUIPMENT CLEANERS, HELPERS, & LABORERS MACH MACHINE OPERATORS, ASSEMBLERS, & INSPECTORS PROD PRECISION PRODUCTION, CRAFT, & REPAIR SPEC SPECIALTY SALES SALES SERV SERVICE TECHN TECHNICIANS & RELATED SUPPORT TRANSP TRANSPORTATION & MATERIAL MOVING RENT VS OWN 60% OWN 40% RENT AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME $56,732 MEDIAN INCOME 0 5% 25% < $10k $10 - $15k $15 - $25k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k <4 MIN 5–14 MIN 15–29 MIN 30–44 MIN 45+ MIN $25 - $35k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k 20% 15% 10% MARKET SHARE BY ZIP CODE 66047 66049 66046 66044 66025 97352 97489 ZIP City FH Cases Estimated Market Share Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Eudora 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Baldwin City 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Linwood 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Tonganoxie 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Perry 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lecompton 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Tecumseh 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Berryton 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% De Soto 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% 97045 97553 97266 97045 97352 97489 Mailable Households Estimated Return Rate Lead Source Distribution DEMOGRAPHICS DETAILS 66047 66049 ZIP City Population 55+ Population Lawrence 17,777 2,673 29 101 15,133 567 $52,211 $481,039 595 Lawrence 23,955 3,135 32 137 20,348 787 $63,283 $578,244 1,024 Median Age Estimated Deaths Caucasian African American Hispanic Median Income Avg. Net Worth DEMOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN Caucasion 83% African American 3% Hispanic 6% 8% Other OVER 55 14% 66046 Lawrence 16,851 2,346 28 96 12,949 849 815 $43,989 $313,113 66044 Lawrence 25,282 2,933 26 144 20,710 1,290 1,144 $32,293 $282,304 66025 Eudora 6,120 1,047 32 35 5,687 38 166 54,646 $394,608 66006 Baldwin 6,591 1,235 35 38 6,186 56 112 $63,324 $539,210 66052 Linwood 1,931 369 4 0 15 1,792 5 66 $60,999 $507,257 DEMOGRAPHICS DETAILS 66047 66049 ZIP City Population 55+ Population Lawrence 17,777 2,673 29 101 15,133 567 $52,211 $481,039 595 Lawrence 23,955 3,135 32 137 20,348 787 $63,283 $578,244 1,024 Median Age Estimated Deaths Caucasian African American Hispanic Median Income Avg. Net Worth DEMOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN Caucasion 83% African American 3% Hispanic 6% 8% Other OVER 55 14% 66046 Lawrence 16,851 2,346 28 96 12,949 849 815 $43,989 $313,113 66044 Lawrence 25,282 2,933 26 144 20,710 1,290 1,144 $32,293 $282,304 66025 Eudora 6,120 1,047 32 35 5,687 38 166 54,646 $394,608 66006 Baldwin 6,591 1,235 35 38 6,186 56 112 $63,324 $539,210 66052 Linwood 1,931 369 4 0 15 1,792 5 66 $60,999 $507,257
2024 MFDA CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW 2024-2025 MFDA President Steve Kirkegard and Immediate Past President Tyson Moore Precoa drawing winners MFDA 2024-2025 board of directors (not pictured: Jessie Bilquist, Bri Mulvaney, Brooke Conover) 10 | Directors Digest
23 vendors attended the convention, displaying their newest products Charlie Wilson, 25 years Board of Funeral Service Award winner, Tyson Moore Al McGahan, 40 years Amy Koch, 25 years 2024 Outstanding Vendor Award winner: LifeNet Health, Chris Albrecht Exceptional education classes Axe throwing hosts, Rick and Sally Evans Directors Digest | 11
SPONSORS Precoa Breakfast Sponsor, Break Sponsor, Raft Snacks and Beverages, Speaker Sponsor Memorial Monuments President’s Dinner and Award Ceremony Medallion Vaults and Caskets Vendor Reception MT PreNeed Trust Monday Breakfast NFDA Dominick Astorino Sponsor The Davis Whitehall Co. Vendor Luncheon US Alliance Welcome Gift Boxes Batesville Golf Beverage Sponsor Garfield Redefining Golf Sponsor New Memorial Direct Program Sponsor Lions World Vision Institute Service of Remembrance VENDORS American Crematory Equipment Co. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Batesville Deer Creek Imaging Dodge Co. Federated Insurance For Eternity Garfield Redefining Hands of Life LifeNet Health Lions World Vision Institute Medallion Vaults and Caskets Memorial Monuments Messenger New Memorials Direct Precoa Tamarack Grief Resource Center Timeless Traditions The Davis Whitehall Co. Tukios United Heritage Life Insurance Company US Alliance THANK YOU, 2024 CONVENTION SPONSORS AND VENDORS 12 | Directors Digest
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NFDA Update By Chris Holt, State Association Representative, NFDA Greetings — I hope you all had a wonderful summer. We just had our leadership conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Our MFDA President Steve Kirkegard, MFDA Executive Assistant Terri James, and I, as the NFDA Montana state representative for MFDA, attended. It was a time to reconnect with other association leaders and to follow up on issues we currently face in our profession and to help us as leadership members to better serve our association. Some of the workshops we attended were: • Unstoppable Leadership by Alex Weber, an American Ninja Warrior and host who talked about leadership and peak performance in our roles as leaders in our industry. • Empowering Success: Strengthening Governance & Volunteer Engagement in Our Organizations by William Pawlucy, founder and president of Association Options. He taught us how to make the most of our associations for our members. • Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care for Funeral Directors by Kristina Rose, director at the Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice. She discussed compensation for violent crime families. The most upfront issues we talked about were the FTC and the progress or lack thereof on the Funeral Rule. It looks like things are busy with them with other issues and we seem to be on the back burner. However, changes will be made about price disclosures on websites and alternative forms of dispositions. When we see the changes is anybody’s guess, but it will happen. Just when we thought we were in the clear with the EPA and formaldehyde, it seems there is still some discussion and rumblings on the effects of formaldehyde in our industry. We were told there will be some more panel meetings and studies to come. Stay tuned. We had roundtable discussions and talked about employee retention, recruitment, communication and compensation. It seems our industry is facing the same issues nationwide. Finding good employees who want to work and can work in our profession and competitive compensation and benefits with a work-life balance seem to be big issues. I am positive that this will be something we all will face for a while. On a side note, Florida is a beautiful state, and the Atlantic Ocean is awesome. We stayed at a resort in Porte Vedra Beach right on the coast. I would highly recommend a visit — beautiful beaches and what a spectacle. It was hot and muggy, but the ocean was very nice. Thanks for the opportunity to represent Montana and our association to the NFDA. It is an honor and privilege to do so. Take care and God bless. 14 | Directors Digest
To RSVP or sponsor this event, contact Terri at info@montanafda.com Join MFDA for Dinner in New Orleans Available! Sponsorships Directors Digest | 15
Reducing Formaldehyde Exposure in the Preparation Room Sharing Best Practices to Protect Embalmers What is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling, volatile organic compound (VOC) that readily evaporates at normal room temperature and pressure. Since the early 1900s, formaldehyde has been used in embalming for its disinfecting and preservation qualities. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause eye irritation, difficulty breathing, coughing, skin rashes, allergic reactions, and nausea. As such, worker exposure to formaldehyde is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Worker exposures must be kept below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air (ppm) averaged over an 8-hour time-weighted average (8-hr TWA) workday, and below the short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 2 ppm during any 15-minute period. How much formaldehyde can I be exposed to during an embalming? A study conducted by Stantec and NFDA in 2022 found that average worker exposure to formaldehyde while actively embalming was 0.68 ppm, ranging from 0.06 ppm to 1.4 ppm. The average exposure to formaldehyde over an 8-hour day during the study was 0.15 ppm (Allen et al., 2022). OSHA Exposure Limits for Formaldehyde • Permissible Exposure Limit (8-hr TWA): 0.75 ppm • Short Term Exposure Limit (15-min): 2 ppm How are exposures to formaldehyde controlled? Employers should follow the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or reduce exposure to an identified hazard. Elimination and Substitution refer to changes in product selection such that formaldehyde is no longer used. Engineering controls are those methods that remove a hazard at the source or place a barrier between the worker and the hazard (e.g., enclosed mixing systems, ventilation). Administrative controls are practices or policies that minimize a worker’s exposure to a hazard (e.g., reduced exposure time, training requirements, safe work practices) When other methods of control are not feasible, insufficient to reduce exposure below relevant regulatory limits, or are being installed or service, workers should be provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce their exposure to below acceptable concentrations. PPE relevant to embalming may include respirators, gloves, goggles, and/or splash guards. REGULATION Least Effective Most Effective Elimination Physically remove the hazard Substitution Replace the hazard Engineering Controls Isolate people from the hazard Administrative Controls Change the way people work Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protect the worker with Personal Protective Equipment 16 | Directors Digest
Reducing Formaldehyde Exposure in the Preparation Room Sharing Best Practices to Protect Embalmers What are the best practices for controls at my funeral home? During every embalming: Elimination/Substitution • Choose least concentrated solution of embalming fluid possible for a given case Engineering Controls • Operate ventilation system as designed by a certified HVAC professional (recommended at least 15 air changes per hour) • Open windows/doors to provide additional fresh air when possible • Limit exposure to formaldehyde and bloodborne pathogens through use of a drain tube Administrative Controls • Follow work practices to avoid spills • If a spill occurs, clean up immediately • Keep the lid on the embalming fluid machine when in use and on the embalming wastewater receptacle • When mixing solutions, always add arterial fluids to water rather than water to arterial fluids • Carefully monitor and restrict use of the most highly concentrated formaldehyde products, such as osmotic gels, hardening compounds, and disinfecting sprays PPE • Employees may elect to use a properly fitted respirator, even when measured exposures do not exceed OSHA regulatory limits • Use all appropriate PPE to avoid skin and eye contact with formaldehyde-containing products (and any chemical products of any type) • Wash your hands with soap and water after removing PPE Once per month: • Check your funeral home’s 30-day cleaning, decontamination, and inspection schedule to ensure proper functioning of eyewash stations and emergency drench showers • If using, check the filters on employee respirators At least once per year: • Schedule a routine HVAC maintenance appointment • Review OSHA, state, and local regulations and guidelines • Review chemical inventory and update hazard communication and training on embalming fluid constituents as necessary • Conduct and document exposure monitoring to ensure formaldehyde exposures do not exceed acceptable exposure limits REGULATION Directors Digest | 17
Office of Justice Programs Announces the Children’s Justice Project to Identify Children’s Remains By U.S. Department of Justice On May 22, the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) announced the launch of the “Children’s Justice Project” to accelerate the identification of children and youth who have been found deceased but have not yet been identified. According to the National Institute of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, an estimated 1,000 cases of unidentified children remain unresolved across the country. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) will commit about $2 million of its OJJDP funding to bolster efforts to identify as many of these children and youth as possible through the Children’s Justice Project. OJJDP will coordinate with NCMEC and state and local law enforcement, and partner with its colleagues across the Department of Justice on this effort. NCMEC has a successful track record of providing forensic expertise and on-site technical assistance to families, law enforcement agencies, child‑serving professionals and non-governmental organizations involved in cases of child abduction and exploitation. OJJDP Administrator Liz Ryan announced the new project at the 41st annual National Missing Children’s Day commemoration. “It is fitting that OJJDP and NCMEC are collaborating to launch a new project this year, during NCMEC’s 40th anniversary and our 50th [anniversary],” said Administrator Ryan. “Currently, there are more than 1,000 children whose remains have been found but have not been identified. We want to help name them and return them to their families, communities and loved ones.” 18 | Directors Digest
About the Office of Justice Programs The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices — the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime and SMART Office — can be found at www.ojp.gov. About the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Signed into law on Sept. 7, 1974, the Act established OJJDP to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve juvenile justice systems. Through its divisions, OJJDP sponsors research, program and training initiatives; develops priorities and goals and sets policies to guide federal juvenile justice issues; disseminates information about juvenile justice issues; and awards funds to states to support local programming. Directors Digest | 19
NFDA Legislative Agenda for the 118th Congress (January 2023-January 2025) Mass-fatality Management Planning and Response NFDA Position: NFDA will continue its active involvement with the administration, relevant federal agencies, private organizations and state government and agencies when appropriate to ensure that the role of funeral service in any mass-fatality disaster is clearly defined and adequately reflected in their policies. Background: NFDA has been at the forefront of advocating that the federal government recognize the importance of funeral service and a national policy for the orderly recovery, identification, processing and the conduct of funeral services and final dispositions for those who died from and during a mass‑fatality event. Improve Funeral and Burial Benefits for Veterans and their Families NFDA Position: NFDA will initiate and support legislation, rules and regulations that improve funeral and burial benefits for veterans and their families and will continue to work with Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, individual service branches, veterans service organizations and other interested parties to improve funeral and burial benefits available to veterans and their families. Background: Currently, there are numerous funeral and burial benefits available to veterans and their families including burial in national cemeteries, headstones and markers, memorial plots, presidential certificates, burial flags, reimbursement of burial expenses, life insurance and other related benefits. Small Business NFDA Position: NFDA will initiate, support and/or advocate for legislation, rules and regulations that recognize the unique needs of small and family-owned businesses. Background: Funeral directors are the typical small business; they are community-rooted and provide a valuable and necessary service to their neighbors. As a result, it is vital that NFDA remain active and involved in supporting and advocating for all bills, rules and regulations that benefit small businesses and oppose those that do not. Environmental Health & Safety NFDA Position: NFDA will initiate, support and/or advocate for legislation, rules and regulations that address environmental health and safety issues related to funeral directors, the operation of funeral homes and crematories, and the disposition of human remains. Background: Funeral homes are subject to environmental requirements regulating (1) the discharge of funeral home wastewater to municipal treatment works and septic systems; (2) crematory emissions, particularly mercury, and the siting and permitting of crematories; (3) the appropriate handling, disposal and recycling of waste, including medical waste; and (4) the potential toxicity and adverse impact of such discharges and releases on the environment and public health. Funeral homes also are subject to OSHA requirements, including hazard communication. Critical Issues NFDA Is Working On Legislative Issues • Consensual Donation & Research Integrity Act. • Health Savings Accounts & Funeral Expenses. Regulatory Issues • FTC Review of the Funeral Rule. • EPA Review of Formaldehyde. There’s so much more we’re working on. Have questions? Contact our Senior Vice President, Advocacy, Lesley Witter at lwitter@nfda.org. 20 | Directors Digest
Board of Funeral The Montana State Board of Funeral Service held its quarterly meeting on July 17, 2024, in Helena. You can access a full copy of the minutes of the meeting by scanning the QR code. https://boardmeetings.dli.mt.gov/boardmeetings/fnr The final iteration of the rules package was voted on and, with a unanimous vote, submitted to Gov. Gianforte’s office for approval. Discussion was held relative to the Montana 2027 Legislative Session to determine the best manner of adding natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis to the laws governing final disposition in the state. The board’s new legal counsel, Jennifer Stallkamp, will be assisting the board with the drafting of bills that the board will be submitting to the next legislative session. The board is still awaiting appointments from the governor’s office to fill the two vacancies on the board for the mortician and public member positions. The board’s executive officer, Susie Osborne, will provide an update when new appointments are made from the governor’s office. Board Members Ralph Mihlfeld and Jayson Watkins are currently investigating the license structure within the state. Mr. Mihlfeld and Mr. Watkins are formulating recommendations as to whether or not there should be any changes in order to facilitate a relief in fee structures for licensees. The next scheduled board meeting will be an in person meeting to be held on Oct. 22, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Helena. For those wishing to attend via Zoom, a link will be provided. Please contact Board Chair Jim Axelson with any questions or concerns. By Jim Axelson, Chairman Montana Board of Funeral Service Service’s Update www.timelesstraditionsgifts.com Directors Digest | 21
2024 MFDA Associate Members Diamond Level Platinum Level Gold Level Silver Level Bryant Crematory Services, LLC Lions World Vision Institute Salt Lake Community College Mortuary Science Program The Davis Whitehall Co. US Alliance United Heritage Life Insurance Co. Dodge Best Western Great Northern Hotel Select Bankcard Trost Financial SinoSource MT Med Express New Memorials Direct Members 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 22 | Directors Digest
TOTAL: $13,105.96 *pricing varies with collection practices and market conditions SMALL METALS MATTER Did you know 1 fine troy ounce of gold or palladium is worth $2,000 more than 1 pound of cobalt or titanium? 800-523-0968 | info@garfieldrefining.com IMPLANTS & MISCELLANEOUS 113 pounds $203.24 DENTAL MATERIALS 3/4 lbs $12,902.72 2024 MFDA Members Anderson Stevenson & Wilke Funeral Home Asper Funeral Homes — Shelby Austin Funeral & Cremation Services Axelson Funeral and Cremation Service Bell Mortuary Benton Funeral Home Big Sky Cremations & Twitchell Funeral Service Blaine County Funeral Chapel Bullis Mortuary Brundage Funeral Home Clayton-Stevenson Memorial Chapel Cloyd Funeral Home Columbia Mortuary Creel Funeral Home Dahl Funeral & Cremation Dahl Funeral Chapel of Bozeman Darlington Cremation and Burial Service Daly Leach Memorial Chapel Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service & Crematory Franzen Davis Funeral Home & Crematory Frontier Funeral Home Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory Holland & Bonine Funeral Home Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home Just Cremation Montana Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Crematory Services O’Connor Funeral Home Poplar Chapel Pondera Funeral Home — Asper Perkins Funeral Home — Cloyd Remington Letcher Funeral Home Retz Funeral Home Rockman Funeral Home — Asper Schnackenberg Funeral Home Schnider Funeral Home Silha Funeral Homes Simple Cremation Montana Shrider Thompson Funeral Home & Crematory Smith Funeral Chapels Laurel — Columbus Smith Funeral Chapels Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel Stevenson And Sons Funeral Home — Forsyth Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home — Miles City Stevenson Funeral Homes Inc. Stevenson Wilke Anderson & Retz Funeral Home Sunset Hills Funeral Homes and Crematory Sunset Memorial Funeral Home The Lake Funeral Home & Crematory Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home Whitesitt Funeral Home LLC Wilderness Funeral Home — Chinook Wilderness Funeral Home — Malta Wilderness Funeral Home — Havre Wier Funeral Home Whitted Funeral Home Individual Members Jim Axelson Brian Bell Matt Coon Donna Dawson Keith A. Kneeland Retired Members Kent Bell Terry Bullis Greg Kirkwood Robert Ross Lifetime Members William Bray Gary Bidwell Dennis Croxford Gary Croxford David Fulkerson Donald Hoffman Niles Nelson RISK MANAGEMENT ACADEMY Connect and Learn with Other Industry Leaders Discuss best practices for tackling challenges facing your industry at the Risk Management Academy. Leave with new professional peers and tangible risk management takeaways to implement at your business. Commercial Insurance Property & Casualty | Life & Disability Income Workers Compensation | Business Succession and Estate Planning | Bonding Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries** | federatedinsurance.com 23.03 Ed. 1/23 *View A.M. Best Rating Guide information at www.ambest.com. **Not licensed in all states. © 2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company Scan to learn more about the RISK MANAGEMENT ACADEMY. IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO PROTECT MFDA MEMBERS Directors Digest | 23
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