ICCFA Government & Legal Committee Embarks on 2024 Capitol Hill Advocacy Initiative

STERLING, VA (March 15, 2024) – The Government and Legal Committee of the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA) reconvened on Capitol Hill from March 7-8, 2024, reaffirming their dedication to advocacy efforts within the deathcare profession. In partnership with Dykema and their Federal Government Policy Team, the committee held constructive discussions with senators, representatives, their staff and officials from the Federal Trade Commission. Their collective efforts shed light on pressing issues impacting the deathcare profession, driving ICCFA’s legislative agenda forward.

“As always, our time on the Hill is productive and enlightening,” said Poul Lemasters, Esq., ICCFA’s General Counsel. “This opportunity allows us to provide external stakeholders with insight into the intricacies of the deathcare profession. It serves as a platform for our members to gain valuable understanding of the regulatory and political landscape surrounding our profession.” 

Committee members and ICCFA staff convened face-to-face meetings with representatives from significant congressional committees, including the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Commerce Committee, Small Business Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee. The discussions centered around the association’s tax and commerce legislative and regulatory priorities, focusing on critical legislation such as the Funeral and Cemetery Trust Modernization Act, the Consensual Donation Research and Integrity Act (CDRI), the Funeral Rule, Non-Compete Rule and the proposed “Junk Fee Rule.” This visit afforded key legislators and regulators a crucial opportunity to engage directly with ICCFA representatives on federal policy matters directly impacting the profession that may not have been on their radar. 

“These meetings allowed us the opportunity to educate those drafting the rules and enacting policies that directly affect how we provide services and operate our businesses. As an industry, if we do not take the time to engage and educate our elected officials, their staff and federal agencies like the FTC, we risk having only voices outside our industry being heard,” said Sam Mazzu, III, Carriage Services’ Managing Director of Legal & Assistant General Counsel.

“During these meetings, it allowed us to raise awareness of critical issues and be positive representatives for our industry. As my grandmother liked to tell me growing up, if you don’t speak up, no one will hear you. Fortunately, these meetings presented us with a great opportunity to “speak up” for our industry and strongly advocate on its behalf.” 

The offices that ICCFA members met with included Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-TX 19), Vern Buchanan (R-FL 16), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX 2), Drew Ferguson (R-GA 3), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX 24), Dan Kildee (D-MI 8), Gwen Moore (D-WI 4), and Linda Sanchez (D-CA 38). 

A comprehensive trip summary will be in an upcoming edition of ICCFA’s publication, Memento Mori. To learn more about the ongoing endeavors of ICCFA’s Government and Legislative Committee, please visit iccfa.com/advocacy.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

Rollings Funeral Service Embarks on a New Era of Growth and Expanded Leadership 

Peachtree City, GA — Greg Rollings, the founder of Rollings Funeral Service (RFS), recently revealed an exciting new direction for the company’s growth strategy. In the announcement, Rollings highlighted the incredible opportunities within the funeral service industry and the strategic steps needed to attain them. He explained that RFS required two essential elements to fully embrace these prospects: an expansion of its operational team and increased access to capital for growth. With great enthusiasm, he shared that the company has successfully achieved both of these objectives.

In late 2023, RFS appointed Bob Page, a respected figure with a three-decade legacy in the funeral service industry, as Chief Operating Officer. Rollings expressed his deep honor and enthusiasm for Page’s appointment, citing their longstanding relationship and impressive track record.

“I first met Bob 30 years ago and have watched and admired his accomplishments throughout the industry,” stated Rollings. “I feel terrific knowing that our businesses will have his operational leadership at the helm.”

Then, in January 2024, RFS strengthened its financial foundation with a significant infusion of equity by Vineyard Capital Partners, a financial partner of RFS since the beginning. This additional capital positions the company for ongoing growth and success in a constantly evolving industry, ensuring RFS can continue to provide excellent service to the families it serves. It also allows Rollings to have a pathway to retirement while securing the long-term mission of RFS, which has been at the core of the company since the beginning – private ownership.

This strategic transition represents a significant milestone for RFS, a company that Rollings and his wife, Debbie, established 22 years ago. Over the years, it has grown into one of the nation’s most respected private funeral home operators, currently serving over 12,000 families each year.

With these strategic changes, Rollings will step into the role of Chairman of the Board for RFS. Although he will no longer handle day-to-day operations, he will remain actively involved in shaping the company’s strategic direction and will provide guidance to Page. As the largest individual owner of RFS, Rollings’s dedication to the company’s mission remains unwavering.

In addition, Rollings will continue to work with the acquisition team to grow the company. RFS has always had a mission to help funeral home owners sell and still remain privately owned; this concept has been fundamental to RFS since 2002 and will continue.

In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Rollings acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and commitment of every RFS team member. He expressed his complete confidence in the team’s ability to continue the company’s mission and thrive, underscoring his unwavering support for their shared objectives.

With these strategic changes and added operational leadership, the future looks promising for RFS. As the company’s locations continue to provide exceptional service, they remain well-positioned for even greater operational achievements and an accelerated acquisition strategy.

About Rollings Funeral Service

Rollings Funeral Service was founded by Greg and Debbie Rollings over two decades ago and is one of the nation’s most respected private funeral home owners. The company continues to actively expand through acquisition.