1

From the President

Around the StateJune 2012

continued on Page 4

Greetings,I always wondered what I would write about when it was my turn to be President. Well I guess that won’t be too hard as there are a lot of things going on right now. I certainly enjoyed seeing so many of you at the convention in Lincoln. I thought we had a great convention with really wonderful programs, and your evaluation forms supported that.

Ron Levander and I attended the Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC in March, and it was truly a humbling experience to be in the presence of so many dedicated funeral directors all trying to improve the quality of service provided to our families. I will be attending the Leadership Conference at the Tamaya Resort in New Mexico this July and look forward to learning how to improve both our National and State Associations and perhaps my golf game. Kathi will be attending the sessions for Executive Directors and I believe this is a great way for her to network with fellow Execs.

We continue to work on passage of LB 848 which deals with clarifying the right of disposition in Nebraska. We should be able to pass this bill in the next legislative session as a lot of work has been done on this by Bill Lauber and the Legislative Committee.

We are also involved with an appeal that one of our members has concerning the question on whether sales tax must be charged on the delivery of outer burial containers. If our member would lose this case and be required to pay sales tax on past deliveries, then the Department of Revenue could begin to audit all of us and potentially could go back 7 years. This could be very costly to all of us so we are joining in the fight to prevent that from happening. We do not have a conclusive answer as to whether we should be charging sales tax at this time, but there is a very competent law firm handling the defense. Time will tell what the outcome will be.

We recently met with representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services. We discussed that sometimes there is inaccurate information that case workers are giving to families. DHHS was very willing to improve the dissemination of information to their field agents. What was very interesting was the way they are treating irrevocably assigned insurance policies. According to statute, they have to calculate the irrevocable portion of $4683 and then add the burial space items for the total allowable amount that will not be counted as an asset. I specifically asked how we handle all the cash advance items that do not fall under allowable burial space items and what about those funeral homes whose service fee totals more than the $4683. The answer was that those amounts would be calculated out and would be counted as an asset and applied to the $4,000 they could have in their personal account. This could seriously affect many people applying for assistance. We were told that as long as we had a contract that showed all the charges in allowable items then they didn’t care what made up

Jim Wintz

table oF Contents

nFda Policy board 3

neFda annual Convention 5

dhhs Update 6

Nebraska Vital Records Office 7

nFda advocacy summit 9

scholarships 10

obituaries 10

Hero Awards & Classified Ads 11

Lower Overhead & Increased Profits 13

2

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nFda PoliCY board Much of the meetings in Washington on March 6 and 7 were concerning current policy stances of the NFDA on issues that the Executive Committee has tagged as important or of interest to funeral service. Estate Tax, affordable health care and subchapter S Corporation changes are some of the hold overs. The only new item from recent years is the handling of the SSI Codification. After meeting with the Senate and Congressional committee chairmen, a few minor concerns were brought up and instead of trying to amend the existing bill, a new bill was drafted with the changes (improvements) and is on a fast track to passing. A last minute question about capping the monetary amount was defeated.

Several other topics were touched upon and bear repeating. Both OSHA and FTC have stepped up enforcement visits to funeral homes resulting in substantial fines and negative publicity. Please review your policies with all or your employees, licensed and non-licensed.

A discussion of a concept that several states have taken to their boards and legislators involves a “Courtesy Card Law”--this will allow funeral directors from nearby states to offer a courtesy license to out of state funeral directors to make removals across state lines and oversee out of state burials without having a full license. I think it could be a topic for the Midwest Coalition in October.

NFDA has a committee that is continuing to work on guidelines for recycling metal parts remaining after a cremation. They will render their report soon.

Our lobbyists continue to meet with Organ and Tissue Procurement Companies in an effort to keep our concerns at the forefront of their decision making.

During the State reports, I reported our efforts to adjust the “Right to Disposition” laws and our ongoing dialogue with the DOI. Several states reported that SCI is aggressively working to allow preneed funds to be totally invested in the stock market. This may make our DOI meetings this year interesting.

A new issue on NFDA’s agenda is developing a state charter for membership of states into the NFDA. Currently there is no formal set of rules and guidelines governing a state association’s entrance into NFDA. With the wide range of association structures, the proposed charter did not receive much positive feed-back. I look for this to return in a very different form.

NFDA is making a very strong push for better communication with the state associations through conference calls with state presidents and firm encouragement that the Policy Board members report diligently to the state’s executive board and that a regular dialogue be maintained. As part of this, they are recommending that the Policy Board Member be a member of the executive board and attend all meetings. That is something for the board to discuss.

Final point, the consensus was that NFDA was going to abandon their effort to add allied membership.

I hope this synopsis is helpful. I would like to maintain open lines of communication on these national issues, so that I am discussing and voting on them as the board wishes and not just my opinion.

Jon Reichmuth, NFDA Policy Board Representative

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President continued from Page 1

those charges. Therefore, many cash advance items could be moved to the casket, vault, grave opening, etc. I told them that we all felt uncomfortable doing that, but in order to set aside enough money to cover all cash advance items we were forced to do this. Until this meeting, I had no idea irrevocably assigned insurance policies were being treated this way. Each of you will have to determine how you want to handle this situation. Now you know how DHHS looks at it. Changing these rules to simplify things could open a big can of worms. It seems reasonable to leave things as they are as long as DHHS is okay with it.

There is an additional report in this edition from Jerry Kracl that was reviewed by the Director of the Recovery Office and the DHHS regarding recovery of any excess funds in a trust or insurance. Please refer to it. The process once again is cumbersome and would be difficult to change. We will leave that for another day.

We met with the Deputy Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs and had a very cordial meeting with him. We also met with the Advisory Commission for the Department to begin discussions on the current level of benefits that they provide to veteran’s families who have a financial need. We want to have some clarification on how families qualify and whether they would entertain an increase in these benefits. The last increase was in 1997. We will show current funeral prices as compared to 1997 to justify our position for some increase.

I recently was interviewed by the Omaha World Herald for an article concerning the increase in cremations and whether the current economy has had a noticeable effect. I hope the article reflects my point of view and does not get distorted. You never know what they hear or what they will write.

If you are going to the National Convention in Charlotte, you need to reserve your room ASAP as they are filling up fast. I have reserved at the Hilton and would encourage any of you to stay there as well.

If you have never played in the Tri-State Golf Tourney in Sioux City, you need to get there. Everyone wins a prize worth between $100 and $550. We need to show those Iowans how it’s done, so mark your calendar for September 12th.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer with your family. Take time to connect with those that you love and keep up the good work.

Jim Wintz, President

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NEFDA ANNUAL CONVENTIONMembers of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association attended the 2012 NeFDA Annual Convention, April 23-25 at the Lincoln Embassy Suites. More than 170 attendees participated in continuing education sessions, met with exhibitors in a full exhibit hall and enjoyed networking activities. Educational sessions included: presentations about cremation litigation; personalizing memorial services and increasing marketable services; managing change and managing people with a sense of humor; how to fix the most common misconceptions about funeral marketing; ideas on how to transform the way funeral arrangements are designed, conducted, and managed; and a Nebraska Issues Forum.

During the annual meeting, Ron Levander read a proclamation from Governor Dave Heineman, congratulating NeFDA members on their 126 years of service to Nebraska citizens and proclaiming the week of April 22-28, 2012, as Funeral Service Professionals Week. NeFDA members elected a new secretary/treasurer. The members of the 2012-13 NeFDA Board of Directors are:

• President Jim Wintz, Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, NE • President-Elect Vaughn Wright, Harman-Wright Mortuary, Beatrice, NE• Secretary/Treasurer Jerry Kracl, Kracl Funeral Chapel, Schuyler, NE• Immediate Past President Ron Levander, Levander Funeral Home, Albion, NE • Director and District 1 President Ryan Berg, Marcy & Svoboda Funeral Mortuaries, Wahoo, NE• Director and District 2 President Arvid Wiest, Fox Funeral Home, Beatrice, NE• Director and District 3 President Gregory Brockhaus, Brockhaus Funeral Home, Creighton, NE• Director and District 4 President Kevin Perrien, Sutton Memorial Chapel, Sutton, NE• Director and District 5 President Stefanie Sawyer, Jolliffe Funeral Home, Scottsbluff, NE• Director and District 7 President Timothy Strauser, Blasé-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE• Director and District 8 President Mark McBride, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral & Cremation, Kearney, NE

A service of remembrance, for families of deceased funeral directors and NeFDA family members, was led by Dennis Marshall. Roses were presented to family members, along with medallions provided by Batesville Casket Co.

Members enjoyed an evening banquet to honor outgoing president Ron Levander and recognize the members receiving service awards. Mark Mayfield presented a humorous banquet program entitled “Momma Told Me There’d Be Days Like This.”

At the conclusion of the convention, a drawing was conducted for a complimentary 2012 NFDA Annual Convention registration. The winner was Zach Coffin from Chaput Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia, Kansas.

View an extensive photo gallery on the NeFDA website at www.nefda.org/

25 Years of Service Award Honorees: Todd Stonacek, Ken Vogel (accepting on behalf of Steve Melby), Paul Becker and Bill Lauber. Not pictured: Jim Bornschlegl, Patricia Curran, Don Mohr, Steve Melby and William Stokely.

50 Years of Service Award Honorees: John Herrmann, Stephen O’Brien, Paul Seger and William Stonacek.

Ron Levander stands with the 40 Years of Service Award Honorees: Deroyce Volzke, James Moser and Rick Odean, along with Jim Wintz. Not pictured: Keith Torrey.

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dhhs UPdateThe NeFDA Executive Board met with officials from DHHS on May 16, 2012. They explained there are four main service centers in Nebraska, 28 local offices and a few satellite offices. It was noted some confusion may arise from time to time, due to lack of proper training of new hires and the confusion that can come from families assuming that social workers at various institutions are state workers. It was also pointed out that the handout provided by the state, explaining these topics, was last printed in the ‘90s.

When refunding any monies to a family, from a trust or insurance policy, we should get a signed affidavit from the family stating the amount refunded. No action is taken in recovery until at least 30 days from date of death. Make the check payable to the estate. (Statute 30-24,125)

It was further explained that when a family comes in seeking assistance for someone already in a nursing home, past medical bills may be their responsibility. For example, if a family applies and is approved in May of 2012, has $15,000 in resources and sets aside $11,000 in a pre-need fund (leaving the $4,000 allowed) and they have back nursing home bills unpaid, the state cannot go back and assist on those bills. However, prior to setting aside the $11,000, they could use those monies and be assisted by the state in paying the back nursing home bills. Federal law gives Nebraska an exception in this area. This is a decision that must be made by the family PRIOR to setting aside funds. As funeral directors, our responsibility lies in NOT setting up a fund the family will want to later rescind.

Bottom line for Nebraska funeral directors is this: 1) When refunding any monies from a trust or insurance contract—get a signed affidavit from the family stating you refunded the monies to the estate. We are not required to do anything else, 2) When families come in to set aside monies and spend down, do not give them the impression that when approved, Medicaid will “go back” and pay previous months medical bills.

DHHS has had a very good relationship with Ron Levander, and we would hope to build on that. Should you have any questions regarding these matters, please refer them to the board and we will get the correct answers. With proper explanation and fewer people involved in exploration, we should be able to avoid any misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Jerry Kracl, Secretary/Treasurer

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NEBRASKA VITAL RECORDS OFFICEOn March 11, 2012, the Vital Records office implemented PHASE II of the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) which includes “Fax Attestation” .

Fax Attestation provides an alternative method for medical certifiers who may not be using EDRS to complete death certificates. Fax attestation eliminates the need for the medical certifier to maintain a login ID and password. Certifiers’ office staff will maintain an assigned account with login ID and password. There is no cost for training medical staff on how to use the EDRS with the fax attestation process and the fax number is toll free.

How it works: A system generated worksheet is automatically faxed from the funeral home to the medical certifier. The medical certifier will manually complete the worksheet. Once the medical certifier completes the work sheet, staff will enter the medical data for the death record in the EDRS system. The staff will provide the Fax Attestation form for the medical certifier to review and manually sign. The Fax Attestation form is then faxed to the State and is electronically attached to the data record. The funeral home is informed by an automated email that the certifier has signed the record.

An additional feature of Phase II is automation of communications. Faxes and/or emails are automatically generated through the EDRS between the Funeral Home, Medical Certifier and the State.

If the Fax Attestation method for electronic death registration would be a good fit with the business flow for your clinic, or you have questions about fax attestation or the automated communications, please contact the Vital Records office at (402) 471-0919 or email jackie.fairbanks@nebraska.gov.

Instructions and information is available on the Vital Records subscription page at http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/vitalrecords_partners_death.aspx. If you are not already subscribed to this page, please do so to keep abreast of updates, changes tothe EDRS and other information.

The passage of LB1042 created a new law that grants certified nurse practitioners the authority to sign death certificates. Nurse practitioners may start completing and signing death certificates on or after July 19, 2012. Since this is a change in state statute, it also required a change to box 27 on the death certificate. As of July 19, 2012, box 27’s new language will be Name, Title and Address of Certifier (Type or Print). This allows for the possibility of future changes in who can sign the death certificate without requiring further modifications.

If you are interested in using the electronic death registration system or using the new FAX ATTESTATION process for medical certifiers, please contact the Vital Records Office at (402) 471-0919 or email jackie.fairbanks@nebraska.gov.

Chuck Ziska

NeFDA Website Gets NeW Look

The updated site features a new design and a format that will make finding information easier. The website is still your go-to source for board and committee information, newsletters, and upcoming events, but contains some new material as well. Check out the Annual Convention page, which includes a summary of the events that took place and be sure to browse the photo gallery.

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March 7-9 was the 2012 NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. NeFDA President Ron Levander and President-Elect Jim Wintz represented Nebraska in visiting with their Senators and Congressmen on the following key issues:

I. Codifying the SSI Exclusion for Irrevocable Funeral and Burial TrustsII. Making permanent the current Federal Estate TaxIII. Repatriating unclaimed Veterans’ cremated remains

Following opening remarks by NFDA President Randy Earl, Rep. Alan Nunnelee of Mississippi, and Rep. Steve Southerland of Florida, state officers from throughout the U.S. met with their states’ representatives advocating the above issues.

Ron and Jim met with four out of five of our Nebraska Representatives along with several of their aides. Among those visited were Senators Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson and Congressmen Adrian Smith and Jeff Fortenberry. Congressman Lee Terry was unavailable. The above issues were discussed along with other current issues affecting Nebraska.

NeFDA was recently informed (May 21, 2012) that H.R. 2050, a bill to require the Veterans Administration to assist in identifying and qualifying unclaimed veterans cremated remains held by funeral homes for proper burial/interment in a VA cemetery with appropriate military funeral honors, was unanimously passed by the House Veterans Affairs Committee and is included in a larger omnibus veteran bill (H.R. 4072) which expects House floor action later this year. It will then be referred to the Senate where no opposition is expected.

Ron Levander, Past President

Ron Levander

J. Wintz, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R. Levander

R. Levander, Sen. Mike Johanns, J. Wintz

R. Levander, Sen. Adrian Smith, J. Wintz

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obitUaries

The NeFDA Scholarship Committee met on June 2,2012 at the Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney. In attendance were Ron Levander, Tony Levander, Jamie Dolan, Jack Horner and Craig Draucker.

Items discussed were the compiling of a list of inteview questions for the scholarship applicants, the agreement and acceptance form, and the scholarship score card. A one-time scholarship to Fountion National Academy will be offered this year.

The scholarship application will include the applicant’s name, place of employment and the length of practice of the employing funeral home (a minimum of five years is required), personal references, and a statement regarding the desire to attend post graduate studies in restorative art.

Another item suggested was for the Committee to keep communication with the applicants and to feature them in the Association newsletter spotlight.

You can find the scholarship application on theNeFDA website at www.nefda.org. Applications must be submitted to the NeFDA office by June 30, 2012.

The Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at the same location for the interviews with the applicants.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Karla Luwan Herrmann entered her heavenly home on Monday, May 21, 2012, after a brief stay at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. She was 72 years old. She was born March 7, 1940, in McCook, NE, the daughter of John Junior and Letha (Graves) Sailors. She grew up in Hamlet, NE and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1958. In 1959, she received her x-ray technician training at St. Luke's Hospital in Denver, CO. On June 25, 1961, Karla married John A. Herrmann, and they moved to San Francisco following the marriage so John could complete his mortuary studies. Following his graduation, they moved to Lincoln, NE, where he began his internship. In 1963, they returned to McCook where they have spent the remainder of their lives. For more than 15 years, Karla owned and operated the Teddy Bear Youth Shop in McCook and then joined her husband at Herrmann Funeral Home. She was a 50-year member of Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook, The Eureka Chapter of the Order of Eastem Star, Chapter X of P.E.O. and a member of Nammah Temple.

She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, John Herrmann of McCook; three daughters, Sandra Gutierrez and husband, Mark of Thornton, CO, Laurie Hansen and husband, Kyle, and Jauna McCormick; four grandchildren, Ashleigh and Brooke Hansen and Connor and Brooklyn McCormick, all of Broomfield, CO; her mother, Letha Sailors of McCook and her sister, Jaunetta Strohmyer and husband, Dr. Harry Strohmyer of Cypress, CA; nieces; Chelsi Wilson and husband, Mark and their children, Mandy Revell and husband, Dr. Tim Revell and their children, and many cousins. Memorials may be given in her name and designated to the charity of the donor's choice, or the American Heart Association.

Connie J. Stoley, October 13, 1940 – May 5, 2012.Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Helen Tomcykowski; granddaughter, Jennifer Stoley; sisters: Julia Krolikowski, Catherine Dennell, Mary Kudlacz, and Clare Kaspar; brother, Bill Tomcykowski. Survived by husband of 49 years, Earl Stoley; sons: Mike Stoley, Steve Stoley (Jolie), Mark Stoley (Margy); daughters, Mary Campbell (Charlie) and Jeanette Stoley; grandchildren: Chris, Derek and Alex Stoley, Stephanie and Becky Stoley; sisters: Joan Kovar, Annette Schmitz (Robert), Helen Latimer (Terry); brothers, Frank Tomcykowski (Judi) and Mike Tomcykowski (Anne); sister-in-law, Ann Tomcykowski; brother-in-law, Bill Kaspar; many nieces and nephews and her ARTCO family. Memorials will be directed by the family.

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The Nebraska Funeral Directors Association Public Information Committee has selected Dr. Scott Osborne of Beatrice, Deann Barnard of Wymore, and Capt. Adam Story of Hastings as recipients of the association’s “Hero Awards.” Dr. Osborne and Deann Barnard were nominated by Arvid Wiest of Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice. Capt. Adam Story was nominated by Mike Butler of Livingston-Butler-Volland Funeral Home of Hastings.

The NeFDA Public Information Committee reviews and votes on all “Hero Award” nominations submitted to the Association. If the committee feels the nominee’s action meets the “Hero Award” criteria, special recognition is given.

Recently at a noon luncheon, the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association presented “Hero Awards” to Dr. Osborne and Deann Barnard.

Dr. Osborne and Deann Barnard revived an 8-year-old girl who nearly drowned in a Grand Island pool in March 2012. The 8-year-old girl was pulled from a motel swimming pool, and the Beatrice dentist and labor and delivery nurse performed two-person CPR on the girl. The girl did not have a pulse when the pair began doing CPR. When the Grand Island Fire Department paramedics arrived the young girl was breathing and had a pulse, thanks to the quick action of Osborne and Barnard.

Hastings Police Capt. Adam Story was nominated by Mike Butler for rescuing a man from drowning at Lake Hastings when the fishing boat he was in capsized after taking on water. Capt. Story was cleaning his garage on his day off when he hearda commotion and saw his neightbors running to the lake.Story ran to the lake, donned a life preserver offered bya neighbor and swam to the man struggling to keep afloat.Story calmed the man and helped him grasp the capsizedboat, using it to stay afloat until Hastings Fire and Rescue arrived and helped him to safety. Presentation of theaward was scheduled to take place on June 11 in Hastings.

Classified ads involving the sale of equipment, funeral homes, etc. are provided at a cost of $50 per newsletter for members. Non-members may purchase an ad at $100 per newsletter. Student and Apprentice ads are free. Payment and ad copy must be received by the 20th of the month of printing. Ads will run for only one issue unless an extension is requested along with payment. If you wish to place an ad, please email our office at staff@nefda.org or call 402-423-8900. Payment can be made via check or credit card.

Ads for employers seeking employees, or for individuals seeking employment, are provided as a complimentary service to NeFDA members only. No investigation of these employers/employees has been made by NeFDA. The printing of classified or employment ads should not be deemed to constitute a recommendation or endorsement by NeFDA.

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FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER POSITION AVAILABLE: Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte is looking for a Nebraska Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer who wants to work their way up. Salary and benefits will be based on experience. Please send resume to Odean Colonial Chapel, 302 South Sycamore Street, North Platte, NE 69101.

RELIEF FUNERAL DIRECTOR: Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota licensed funeral director seeking relief work. Providing the best professional service to you and your families. Very flexible schedule to accommodate your needs. References available. Please call Lee Bartlett at (605) 940-8777.

L to R: Arvid Wiest, Deann Barnard,Dr. Scott Osborne, Vaughn Wright

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SIX KEYS TO LOWER OVERHEAD & INCREASED PROFITS

I was working with a client recently who owns a funeral home. He is a well-known figure in the community but has no experience whatsoever in running a funeral home. He owns at least a dozen other businesses ranging from laundromats to hair salons to restaurants. However, he wanted to own a funeral home, so he built one. In fact, based upon his experience of this first funeral home, he may want to own a chain of funeral homes. He learned in his first funeral business there is some negative cash flow during the start-up phase. The cash flow he has from his other businesses will keep him afloat during his start-up phase, but he wants to keep his costs low to minimize his avoidable out-of-pocket expense. These are suggestions that any funeral home can use to keep costs down and profitability up.

1) Take a long look at your personnel. Costs for personnel, including salaries (for full and part-time staff), benefits and taxes should be about 26 percent of revenue. So, if costs are higher than that ask yourself, “Do I really need all these people, and are they productive?” We funeral directors do enjoy being able to keep friends and family employed with even a part-time paycheck, but sometimes those part-time positions can be left open with very little if any impact to the business. If you aren’t sure how vital the position is, leave it open for just a little while and see if the business is still running smoothly without your other employees running ragged.

2) End unnecessary overtime. Don’t let your employees use your business as their personal ATM. Examine who is getting overtime and how essential the duties are that are being done during that time. Notify all employees that any overtime will need to be approved by management, in writing, in advance of it being incurred. You can still be a nice guy and a good boss without being taken advantage of. Of course, if you are in those few parts of the country with unions representing workers, talk to your lawyers before doing anything.

3) That new hearse really can wait. Or if it can’t, look at a model just a few years old and that can save you thousands of dollars. Even the decision to not buy a commercial glass hearse can save a huge amount of money. Don’t buy a new limo if you have a professional limo or livery service available to you. I stress the word professional in that sentence. A sloppy yokel with lousy equipment will reflect poorly on you. Don’t go cheap to make a buck…it will cost you far more in damage to your reputation than you can make. Unless you are using a limo eighty times a year, it probably pays to make it a cash advance.

4) Marketing and Advertising. For heaven’s sake, please don’t make the common but deadly mistake of cutting out your marketing budget. That’s akin to having a water shortage and not drinking water. Eventually you would dry up and die. The same thing happens to businesses who don’t advertise. Spend the money smarter and more effectively. Get rid of your ego-driven advertising. Cut that big ad in the Yellow Pages. Sure, it’s grand to see your smiling face on that billboard, but if it has been up six months or more, nobody has looked at it for a long time - except you. Give it a rest and pocket the cost instead. A $100 bill spent in person at a school car wash (take your limo if you have one) makes a lot more of an impression than a $100 ad in a fundraising booklet. That human contact puts a normal face on a scary and mysterious business to the public. Spend those dollars in person, not in ads. It has a much more powerful impact.

5) No more extending unnecessary credit. Many funeral homes still don’t ask families for cash advance or third party charges by the day of the service. And no, it doesn’t matter what your competitor does. He doesn’t pay your bills and until he does, he ceases to be a factor. If properly (and unapologetically) explained that the nature of business today forces these cemeteries, newspapers, etc. to get paid in advance and it is beyond your control, the family will usually understand. I say this as one who had to ask every family for cash advance items when I made an arrangement…literally thousands of times, and I had very few complaints with no one balking at doing so. Those funds you have been advancing (and sometimes never recouping) will stay where they belong - in your bank account.

6) Review your pricing to ensure that what you are charging is sufficient to cover the cost of doing business. This is a bit of a nobrainer, so much so that I almost didn’t include it. Are you building in a profit into your overhead? If you don’t factor in a profit, how do you expect to make one? The profit margin of this profession is going down due to the owners’ and managers’ inability to do simple business planning. There is a better than average chance you are undercharging for your partial services, and with those being more than 40% of all calls, you can’t afford to be wrong 40% of the time.

Reprinted from Funeral Business Advisor. Dan Heaman, CFSP is a licensed funeral director and a Marketing Associate for The Foresight Companies, LLC. Dan can be reached at 314.640.9770 and danheaman@f4sight.com.

14

2012 Continuing education scheduleCourse dates/locations subject to change or cancellation; check web periodically to confirm status

to pre-enroll:• On the internet, go to: www.homesteaderslife.com. do not loG on! • Click on the Continuing education; then, click on the Continuing education registration link.• Click on the location; then, follow the instructions to pre-enroll and be assured a place in class. Pre-enrolled students are ensured

a seat; walk-ins are admitted, if seating is available, after pre-enrolled students. Courses are approved only for the state in which they are taught unless otherwise indicated on the website. Course fees for 2012 remain at $60 per day (includes lunch, filing fees and refreshments). We require payment at the door in the form of cash or a check payable to Homesteaders.

st City hotel & address Phone 2012 Class date(s)

oK Oklahoma CityEmbassy Suites

1815 S. MeridianOklahoma City, OK 73108

405-682-6000 2/14 & 2/15

oK TulsaWyndham Hotel

10918 E. 41st StreetTulsa, OK 74146

918-627-5000 2/16 & 2/17

ne & ia Council Bluffs, IAHoliday Inn

2202 River RoadCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501

712-322-5050 4/10 & 4/11

ia (ne, mn) OkobojiArrowwood Resort

(Village East)1405 Highway 71

Okoboji, IA 51355

712-332-2161 4/12 & 4/13

mn (Wi) DuluthHoliday Inn

200 West First StreetDuluth, MN 55802

218-722-1202 5/8 & 5/9

mn (Wi) MinneapolisCrown Plaza

5401 Green Valley DriveBloomington, MN 55437

952-831-8000 5/10 & 5/11

il (in, Wi) HillsideBest Western Hillside4400 Frontage RoadHillside, IL 60162

708-544-9300 5/30 & 5/31

ia (ne, Wi) W. Des MoinesHomesteaders Life Company

5700 Westown ParkwayW. Des Moines, IA 50266

800-477-3633 6/5 & 6/6

in (il) IndianapolisCrowne Plaza Airport

2501 S. High School RdIndianapolis, IN 46241

317-244-6861 6/12 & 6/13

ia (ne, Wi) CoralvilleHoliday Inn

1200 First AvenueCoralville, IA 52241

319-351-5049 8/7 & 8/8

Pa WyomissingThe Inn at Reading

1040 Park RoadWyomissing, PA 19610

610-372-7811 9/11 & 9/12

Pa MonroevilleHoliday Inn

2750 Mosside Blvd.Monroeville, PA 15146

412-372-1022 9/13 & 9/14

il (mo, in) WhittingtonSeasons Lodge at Rend Lake

12575 Golf Course DriveWhittington, IL 62897

800-999-0977 9/25 & 9/26

ia (il, in,Wi)

BettendorfIsle of Capri Casino Hotel

1777 Isle ParkwayBettendorf, IA 52722

800-724-5825 10/2 & 10/3

oh (in) EnglewoodHoliday Inn Dayton Airport

10 Rockridge RoadEnglewood, OH 45322

937-832-1234 10/23 & 10/24

oh AkronDouble Tree Hotel3150 W Market StAkron, OH 44333

330.869.9000 10/25 & 10/26

nC RaleighHoliday Inn

4100 Glenwood AveRaleigh, NC 27612

919-782-8600 11/6 & 11/7

2012 Continuing education scheduleCourse dates/locations subject to change or cancellation; check web periodically to confirm status

to pre-enroll:• On the internet, go to: www.homesteaderslife.com. do not loG on! • Click on the Continuing education; then, click on the Continuing education registration link.• Click on the location; then, follow the instructions to pre-enroll and be assured a place in class. Pre-enrolled students are ensured

a seat; walk-ins are admitted, if seating is available, after pre-enrolled students. Courses are approved only for the state in which they are taught unless otherwise indicated on the website. Course fees for 2012 remain at $60 per day (includes lunch, filing fees and refreshments). We require payment at the door in the form of cash or a check payable to Homesteaders.

st City hotel & address Phone 2012 Class date(s)

oK Oklahoma CityEmbassy Suites

1815 S. MeridianOklahoma City, OK 73108

405-682-6000 2/14 & 2/15

oK TulsaWyndham Hotel

10918 E. 41st StreetTulsa, OK 74146

918-627-5000 2/16 & 2/17

ne & ia Council Bluffs, IAHoliday Inn

2202 River RoadCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501

712-322-5050 4/10 & 4/11

ia (ne, mn) OkobojiArrowwood Resort

(Village East)1405 Highway 71

Okoboji, IA 51355

712-332-2161 4/12 & 4/13

mn (Wi) DuluthHoliday Inn

200 West First StreetDuluth, MN 55802

218-722-1202 5/8 & 5/9

mn (Wi) MinneapolisCrown Plaza

5401 Green Valley DriveBloomington, MN 55437

952-831-8000 5/10 & 5/11

il (in, Wi) HillsideBest Western Hillside4400 Frontage RoadHillside, IL 60162

708-544-9300 5/30 & 5/31

ia (ne, Wi) W. Des MoinesHomesteaders Life Company

5700 Westown ParkwayW. Des Moines, IA 50266

800-477-3633 6/5 & 6/6

in (il) IndianapolisCrowne Plaza Airport

2501 S. High School RdIndianapolis, IN 46241

317-244-6861 6/12 & 6/13

ia (ne, Wi) CoralvilleHoliday Inn

1200 First AvenueCoralville, IA 52241

319-351-5049 8/7 & 8/8

Pa WyomissingThe Inn at Reading

1040 Park RoadWyomissing, PA 19610

610-372-7811 9/11 & 9/12

Pa MonroevilleHoliday Inn

2750 Mosside Blvd.Monroeville, PA 15146

412-372-1022 9/13 & 9/14

il (mo, in) WhittingtonSeasons Lodge at Rend Lake

12575 Golf Course DriveWhittington, IL 62897

800-999-0977 9/25 & 9/26

ia (il, in,Wi)

BettendorfIsle of Capri Casino Hotel

1777 Isle ParkwayBettendorf, IA 52722

800-724-5825 10/2 & 10/3

oh (in) EnglewoodHoliday Inn Dayton Airport

10 Rockridge RoadEnglewood, OH 45322

937-832-1234 10/23 & 10/24

oh AkronDouble Tree Hotel3150 W Market StAkron, OH 44333

330.869.9000 10/25 & 10/26

nC RaleighHoliday Inn

4100 Glenwood AveRaleigh, NC 27612

919-782-8600 11/6 & 11/7

A Promise is a Promise As Mr. Smith was on his death bed, he thought of a way to take some of his great wealth with him. He called for the three people he trusted most, his doctor, his priest, and his lawyer, to make a final request. “Who knows what I will find on the other side? Just to be sure, I am giving you each $100,000. At my funeral, I want you to place the money in my coffin so that I can try to take it with me.” All three took the money and agreed to fulfill his wish. He died soon after and at the funeral each friend slipped an envelope into the casket. After the burial, the three walked together from the grave. The doctor said, “My friends, I have a confession to make; since the hospital was short of funds for treating the poor I only put $80,000 in the envelope. I donated the other $20,000 to our indigent fund.” The priest then said, “I too have to confess that I gave half to the homeless and only put $50,000 in the casket.” The lawyer looked both his friends straight in the eye and said, “I am astonished and deeply disappointed that you failed to keep your solemn promise to our dear departed friend. However, you can ease your consciences--our friend has not been short changed. I took your envelopes out and replaced them with my personal check for the full $300,000.”

15

2012-2013 oFFiCers & board oF direCtors

NeFDA Around the Statearticles by NeFDA

nebraska Funeral directors association, inc.6201 S. 58th St., Suite B, Lincoln, NE, 68516, Phone (402) 423-8900, Fax (402) 489-0336

Enail: staff @nefda.org Website: www.nefda.org

DISCLAIMER. Portions of this newsletter are taken from other sources that we believe to be reliable. However, the NeFDA Newsletter is not meant to provide a complete or authoritative statement on the subject discussed. The services of an attorney or accountant should be sought in legal and tax matters.

Jim Wintz, PresidentWintz Funeral Home203 W. Franklin St., Hartington, NE 68739P: (402) 254-6547; F: (402) 254-6578wintzfh@hartel.net

Vaughn Wright, President-electHarman-Wright Mortuary623 Elk St., Beatrice, NE 68310P: (402) 223-2341; F: (402) 223-2342vaughn @harmanwrightmortuary.com

Jerry Kracl, secretary/treasurerKracl Funeral Chapel1622 F St., Schuyler, NE 68661P: (402) 352-8700; F: (402) 352-8700kfcinc@qwestoffice.net

ron levander, Past President Levander Funeral Home, Inc.308 West Marengo, Albion, NE 68620P: (402) 395-2001; F: (402) 395-2000rlevander@nefda.org

distriCt direCtors/Presidentsdistrict 1: ryan bergMarcy & Svoboda Funeral Mortuaries211 N. Linden St., Wahoo, NE 68066P: (402) 443-3624; F: (402) 443-3624marcysvoboda@gmail.com

district 2: arvid WiestFox Funeral Home1116 North 19th St., Beatrice, NE 68310P: (402) 223-4096; F: (402) 223-4097foxfuneralhome@windstream.net

district 3: Greg brockhausBrockhaus Funeral Home824 Main St., Creighton, NE 68729P: (402) 358-3236; F: (402) 358-3237bfh@gpcom.net

district 4: Kevin PerrienSutton Memorial Chapel804 S. Saunders Ave., Sutton, NE 68979P: (402) 773-4100 ; F: (402) 773-4100suttonmemorial@windstream.net

district 5: stefanie sawyerJolliffe Funeral Home2104 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE 69361P: (308) 632-2121; F: (308) 635-1642stefanies@jolliffefuneralhome.com

District 7: Tim StrauserBlase -Strauser Memorial Chapel620 Tenth St., Gothenburg, NE 69138P: (308) 537-2313; F: (308) 537-7887info@strausermemorialchapel.com

district 8: mark mcbrideHorner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral & Crematory Service2421 Ave. A, Kearney, NE 68848P: (308) 237-2259; F: (308) 234-1800hlmk@hlmkfuneral.com

nFda Policy board representativeJon reichmuthReichmuth Funeral Home21901 W. Maple Rd., Elkhorn, NE 68022P: (402) 289-2222; F: (402) 289-2223reichmuthfh@yahoo.com

distriCt ViCe Presidentsdistrict 1: Paul Von seggernMoser Memorial Chapel, Inc.2170 N. Somers Ave, Fremont, NE 68026P: (402) 721-4490; F: (402) 721-8652silkvon@hotmail.com

district 2: misty brestelMetz Mortuary109 S. Lincoln Ave., York, NE 68467P: (402) 362-3351 metz@neb.rr.com

district 3: tray Van metreBrockhaus Funeral Home 824 Main St., Creighton, NE 68729 P: (402) 358-3236; F: (402) 358-3237bfh@gpcom.net

district 4: scot deWittLincoln Family Funeral Care5844 Fremont St., Lincoln, NE 68507P: (402) 464-6400; F: (402) 464-6446scot@lincolnffc.com

district 5: Paula landenHolechek Funeral Homes, Inc.212 W. Avenue D, Oshkosh, NE 69154P: (308) 772-3663; F: (308) 772-3821holechek@embarqmail.com

District 7: Jason TickleBerryman Funeral Home620 E. 22nd St., Cozad, NE 69130P: (308) 784-3000; F: (308) 784-3001jasontickle@hotmail.com

district 8: mitch soltSolt Funeral Home1507 17th St., Central City, NE 68826P: (308) 946-3095hlmk@hlmkfuneral.com

board oF FUneraldireCtinG & embalminGrandal ray bangert4320 Elkridge Rd.., Lincoln, NE 68516P: (402) 441-7204rbangert@neb.rr.com

terrence G. KuceraHeafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler Funeral Chapel7805 W Center Rd., Omaha, NE 68124P: (402) 391-3900; F: (402) 391-8903terrykuch@aol.com

John riceRice Funeral Home726 Willard Ave., Genoa, NE 68640P: (402) 993-2244; F: (402) 993-6005johnrice2010@yahoo.com

Paul r. FarmerFarmer & Sons Funeral Homes, Inc.242 North 10th St., Geneva, NE 68361P: (402) 759-3617; F: (402) 759-4582p.r.farmer@windstream.net

eXeCUtiVe direCtorKathi schildt6201 S. 58th St., Ste. B, Lincoln, NE 68516P: (402) 423-8900; F: (402) 489-0336kschildt@nefda.org

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