Batesville Delivers Confidence, Partnership, and Stability Through North American Manufacturing and Service Excellence 

Batesville, Indiana – October 31, 2025 – Batesville, a leading provider of burial, cremation, and technology solutions, is proud to build on its legacy of craftsmanship and service by delivering the reliability and stability that only a domestic manufacturing company can provide.  

“In today’s rapidly evolving market, funeral professionals need reliability of products and a partner they can trust. Our North American manufacturing and distribution network ensures the stability, quality, and service they rely on, while our innovative solutions help them serve families with care and confidence, now and into the future,” said CEO Chris Trainor. 

Our commitment led Private Label to name Batesville its recommended North American supplier of choice, recognizing the value of a supplier that delivers both stability and excellence. The relationship is designed to provide funeral professionals with flexibility and  peace of mind, supported by Batesville’s long-standing reputation for quality, service, and  innovation. 

“We are proud to work with Flanner Buchanan to support Private Label customers, ensuring continuity of service and supply chain reliability for funeral professionals” said Jenn Parvin, Chief Marketing Officer. “Batesville is dedicated to helping funeral homes streamline operations, grow their business, and elevate the planning experience for families.” 

With North American manufacturing at its core, Batesville provides competitive pricing, a comprehensive product portfolio, and dependable service, equipping funeral homes to serve today’s families while confidently planning for the future.  

ABOUT BATESVILLE SERVICES, LLC  

Batesville (www.Batesville.com) is a recognized leader in the deathcare industry in North America, offering a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions and an unparalleled array of personalization and memorialization offerings.  For more than a century, Batesville has supported deathcare professionals in helping families  honor the lives of those they love.® A history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation,  superior customer service, and reliable delivery helped Batesville become – and remain – a  market leader. 

NFDA Honors Funeral Homes Worldwide with Prestigious 2025 Pursuit of Excellence Awards

Recipients to be honored during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony at the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo 

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is proud to announce the 271 funeral home locations that are 2025 recipients of the Pursuit of Excellence Award, a distinction regarded as one of the highest honors in the funeral service profession. For 45 years, this honor has been reserved for funeral homes that exemplify the highest standards of integrity, innovation and service to families and communities. 

This year’s honorees represent an elite group of funeral service leaders from around the world. Each has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to compassion, professionalism and continuous improvement, setting the benchmark for what funeral service can and should be. 

These firms will be celebrated during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, October 27 at 4 p.m. during the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo (October 26 through 29 in Chicago, Illinois). 

To earn this award, funeral homes must go beyond meeting basic professional standards. They must demonstrate excellence in every dimension of service, from care of families and community outreach, to education, professional development and ethical leadership. Each Pursuit of Excellence recipient affirms the program’s Pledge of Ethical Practices, underscoring their role as trusted stewards of their communities during life’s most difficult moments. 

“The Pursuit of Excellence Award recognizes funeral homes that are shaping the future of our profession while honoring the timeless trust families place in them,” said NFDA Director of Public Relations Jessica Koth. “This year’s honorees have demonstrated not only compassion and integrity in serving grieving families, but also vision, creativity and leadership in their communities. They set the standard for excellence worldwide and inspire all of us to reach higher.” 

NFDA invites funeral homes everywhere to join this tradition of excellence and apply for the 2026 Pursuit of Excellence Award program when applications open this fall. Registration and application materials for 2026 will be available in mid-October 2025 at NFDA.org/PursuitOfExcellence. 

Best of the Best Award Recipients

Among the extraordinary group of 2025 Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients are a select few that were chosen for the Best of the Best Award. This recognition shines a spotlight on firms whose ideas are not only exceptional but transformative. These innovative programs redefine how funeral homes support families, honor traditions and serve their communities. 

• Arlington Memorial Chapels, Inc., Quezon City, Philippines, developed “Hearts That Hold,” a groundbreaking initiative to honor caregivers and funeral professionals, including the creation of a proposed National End-of-Life Care Professionals Day.
• Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, Indiana, expanded its grief program that shifts from traditional counseling to vibrant social experiences for widows and widowers, helping them heal through connection and fellowship.
• Señoriales Corporación de Servicio, Guatemala City, Guatemala created “Where Memory Shines,” a sweeping, multi-day cultural event blending art, music and light to transform remembrance into a communal celebration of love and legacy. 

The Pursuit of Excellence Work Group recognized 17 firms with a Certificate of Honorable Mention in recognition of creative and compassionate programs made significant community impact: 

• Arrington Funeral Directors & Crematory, Jackson, Tennessee
• Cemitério e Crematório Parque das Allamandas, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
• Funeza Zaragoza, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Vallejo, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Calle 7, Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico; Funeza Los Reyes, Los Reyes La Paz, Mexico; Funeza Periférico, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Ecatepec, Ecatepec, Mexico
• John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, Salem, Virginia
• Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory, Villa Rica, Georgia; Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory, Douglasville, Georgia
• Morada da Paz, Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
• Pray Funeral Home, Inc., Charlotte, Michigan
• Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Morganville, New Jersey; Old Bridge Funeral Home, Old Bridge, New Jersey; Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, Toms River, New Jersey

NFDA Hall of Excellence Inductees

The NFDA Hall of Excellence recognizes an elite group of funeral homes that have reached their tenth Pursuit of Excellence Award, underscoring their steadfast dedication to excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care year after year. This year’s inductees are: 

• Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; Scranton Area Cremation Care, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
• Lakeshore Memorial Services, Holland, Michigan; Ever Rest Funeral Home and Chapel, Muskegon, Michigan
• Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Homes, Stamford, Connecticut; Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Homes, Greenwich, Connecticut; Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, Monroe, Connecticut
• Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Albion, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Holley, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Medina, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Middleport, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Gasport, New York
• Soxman Funeral Homes, Ltd., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

NFDA also recognized milestone anniversaries – including firms earning their 15th, 20th, 25th and even 45th Pursuit of Excellence Award – underscoring a legacy of consistent, long-term leadership 

• 15th Award
  • Arlington Memorial Chapels, Inc., Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
  • Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Hammond, Louisiana; Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Louisiana; Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Louisiana
  • Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Morganville, New Jersey; Old Bridge Funeral Home, Old Bridge, New Jersey; Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, Toms River, New Jersey 
• 20th Award
  • Gamble Funeral Service, Savannah, Georgia
  • Roller Funeral Homes, Little Rock, Arkansas; Roller Funeral Home, Mountain Home, Arkansas; Roller Funeral Homes, Paris, Arkansas; Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, Harrison, Arkansas; Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, Arkansas; Roller Citizens Funeral Home, Marshall, Arkansas; Roller-Coffman-Crouch, Mountain View, Arkansas; Roller-Cox, Clarksville, Arkansas; Roller-Crouch, Batesville, Arkansas; Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, Search, Arkansas; Roller-England Funeral Home, England, Arkansas; Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, Jonesboro, Arkansas; Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, Arkansas; Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton, Arkansas; Roller-McNutt Funeral Home – Greenbriar, Greenbriar, Arkansas; Roller-Owens Funeral Home, North Little Rock, Arkansas; Roller-Swift Funeral Home, Osceola, Arkansas
  • Weeks’ Funeral Home, Buckley, Washington; Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home, Enumclaw, Washington; Weeks’ Dryer Mortuary, Tacoma, Washington; Edline-Yahn & Covington Funeral Chapel, Kent, Washington; Columbia Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington; Haven of Rest Funeral Home & Cemetery, Gig Harbor, Washington; Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary, Centralia, Washington
• 25th Award
  • David C. Brown Funeral Home, Belleville, Michigan
  • Memorial Funeral Home, San Juan, Texas
• 45th Award
  • Myers Mortuary, Ogden, Utah; Myers Mortuary, Roy, Utah; Myers Mortuary, Brigham City, Utah; Myers Mortuary, Layton, Utah

2025 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients

A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors. Troy, Michigan; A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors – Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel, Royal Oak, Michigan; A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors – Price Chapel, Troy, Michigan 

Alderson-Ford Funeral Homes, Inc., Cheshire, ConnecticutAlderson-Ford Funeral Homes, Inc., Waterbury, Connecticut; Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, Naugatuck, Connecticut

Anderson & Sons Mortuary, American Fork, Utah

Ang Chin Moh Funeral Directors Pte. Ltd., Singapore

Arlington Memorial Chapels, Inc., Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Arrington Funeral Directors & Crematory, Jackson, Tennessee

A Sacred Choice Funeral Home, Houston, Texas

Bailey Family Funeral Homes, Wallingford, Connecticut; Bailey Family Funeral Homes/Connecticut Funeral Care, Plainville, Connecticut; Bailey Family Funeral Homes, Southbury, Connecticut

Bannan Funeral Home, Alpena, Michigan

Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Inc., Cridersville, Ohio

Bradbury Memorial Center, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Hammond, Louisiana; Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Louisiana; Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Louisiana 

Brunswick Memorial Home, East Brunswick, New Jersey; Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels, East Brunswick, New Jersey 

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, Covington, Georgia

Capillas Señoriales Casa de Homenajes, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

Carmon Community Funeral Homes, Windsor, Connecticut; Carmon Funeral Home and Family Center, Avon, Connecticut; Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, Granby, Connecticut; Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home, Suffield, Connecticut; Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, South Windsor, Connecticut; Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, Vernon, Connecticut; South Green Memorial Home, Hartford, Connecticut 

Cemitério e Crematório Parque das Allamandas, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, Indiana Kuiper Funeral Home, Highland, Indiana 

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services, Grandville, Michigan; Reyers North Valley Chapel, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Cook Funeral and Cremation Services, Byron Center, Michigan; Kubiak Cook Funeral and Cremation Services, Wayland, Michigan; Kubiak Cook Funeral and Cremation Services, Dorr, Michigan; Koops Funeral Chapel, Lake Odessa, Michigan 

Copeland Funeral Service, Beaufort, South Carolina

Cornerstone Funeral Services & Cremations, Birmingham, Alabama

Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes Inc., Cebu City, Philippines; Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes Inc., Davao City, Philippines; Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory, Quezon City, Philippines 

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory, Farmington, Missouri

C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, Danvers, Massachusetts

David C. Brown Funeral Home, Belleville, Michigan

Duksa Family Funeral Homes, Newington, Connecticut Duksa Family Funeral Homes, New Britain, Connecticut

Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home and Crematory, Canal Winchester, Ohio; Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home and Crematory, Pickerington, Ohio

Empresa Vila – Crematório e Centro Funerário São José, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home, Pennsauken, New Jersey; Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home, Camden, New Jersey 

Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service, Altavista, Virginia; Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service, Gladys, Virginia 

French Funerals and Cremations, Albuquerque, New Mexico; French Funerals and Cremations – Lomas, Albuquerque, New Mexico; French Funerals and Cremations -Wyoming, Albuquerque, New Mexico; French Funerals and Cremations – Golf Course, Albuquerque, New Mexico; French Funerals and Cremations – Gold Course, Albuquerque, New Mexico; French Funerals and Cremations, Rio Rancho, New Mexico 

Funeraria San Vicente S.A., Medellin, ColombiaFuneza Zaragoza, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Vallejo, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Calle 7, Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico; Funeza Los Reyes, Los Reyes La Paz, Mexico; Funeza Periférico, Mexico City, Mexico; Funeza Ecatepec, Ecatepec, Mexico 

Gamble Funeral Service, Savannah, Georgia

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing, Michigan; Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Dewitt, Michigan; Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan; Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Mason, Michigan; Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston, Michigan; Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing, Michigan 

Grupo Gayosso, Mexico City, Mexico; Gayosso Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico; Gayosso Allende, Coahuila, Mexico; Gayosso Capillas El Carmen, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; Gayosso Capillas Marianas, Monterrey, Mexico; Gayosso Capillas Vallarta, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; Gayosso Colima, Mexico City, Mexico; Gayosso Cuernavaca, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Gayosso Del Rio, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico; Gayosso Felix Cuevas, Mexico City, Mexico; Gayosso Francisco Villa, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico; Gayosso Lomas Memorial, Mexico City, Mexico; Gayosso Lopez Mateos, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico; Gayosso Lopez Mateos, Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico; Gayosso Madero, Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico; Gayosso Morelia, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico; Gayosso Periferico, Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico; Gayosso Reynosa, Reynosa, Tamps, Mexico; Gayosso Santa Gema, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico; Gayosso Santa Monica, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Estado de México, Mexico; Gayosso Sullivan, Mexico City, Mexico; Jardines Del Tiempo, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico; Mausoleos del Angel, Mexico City, Mexico; Valle De La Luz, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

Hantge-McBride-Hughes Funeral Chapels, Hutchinson, MN

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Lakeland, Florida

H.E. Turner & Co. Inc., Batavia, New York; Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, Batavia, New York; Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, Oakfield, New York; Gilmartin Funeral Home, Batavia, New York; Marley Funeral Home, Attica, New York; Robinson & Hackemer, Warsaw, New York; Eaton-Watson Funeral Homes, Perry, New York

Hightower Family Funeral Homes, Carrollton, Georgia; Hightower Family Funeral Homes, Bremen, Georgia; Hightower Family Funeral Homes, Douglasville, Georgia 

Holman-Howe Funeral Homes, Lebanon, Missouri

Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, New Haven, Connecticut; Howard K. Hill Funeral Services. Hartford, Connecticut; Henry L. Fuqua Funeral Service (A Division of Howard K. Hill Funeral Services), Bloomfield, Connecticut 

Hughes Family Tribute Center, Dallas, Texas

Jardim da Saudade Assistência, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; Scranton Area Cremation Care, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 

The J.F. Floyd Mortuary, Spartanburg, South Carolina; Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, Spartanburg, South Carolina; Floyd’s Boiling Spring Chapel, Boiling Springs, South Carolina; Floyd’s Pacolet Chapel, Pacolet, South Carolina 

J. García López, Mexico City, Mexico

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, Salem, Virginia

Johnston & Williams Funeral Homes, Ellensburg, Washington; Johnston & Williams Funeral Homes, Cle Elum, Washington 

Jones and Son Funeral Home, Richton, Mississippi; Jones and Son Funeral Home, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Jones and Son Funeral Home, Moselle, Mississippi; Jones and Son Funeral Home, Beaumont, Mississippi

Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory, Villa Rica, Georgia; Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory, Douglasville, Georgia 

Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Southfield, Michigan

Kerrville Funeral Home, Kerrville, Texas; Kimble Funeral Home, Junction, Texas; Krestridge Funeral Home, Levelland, Texas 

Lakeshore Memorial Services, Holland, Michigan; Ever Rest Funeral Home and Chapel, Muskegon, Michigan 

Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Hamburg, New York; Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., West Seneca, New York 

Lane Funeral Home and Crematory South Crest Chapel, Rossville, Georgia

Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Homes, Stamford, Connecticut; Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Homes, Greenwich, Connecticut; Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, Monroe, Connecticut 

Macz Funeral Homes, Centralia, Illinois; Macz Funeral Homes, Odin, Illinois; Macz Funeral Homes, Sandoval, Illinois; Macz Funeral Home; Patoka, Illinois 

Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services, Mount Morris, Michigan; Detroit Cremation Society, Grand Blanc, Michigan 

McDougald Funeral Services, Anderson, South Carolina

Memorial Funeral Home, Edinburg, Texas

Memorial Funeral Home, San Juan, Texas

Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, Bethany, Oklahoma

Merkle Funeral Service, Inc., Monroe, Michigan; Merkle Funeral Service, Inc., Monroe, Michigan; Merkle Funeral Service, Inc., Erie, Michigan; Merkle Funeral Service, Inc., Dundee, Michigan; Merkle Funeral Service, Inc., Romulus, Michigan 

Miles Funeral Home, Holden, Massachusetts; Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, Sterling, Massachusetts; Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care, Worcester, Massachusetts 

Milward Funeral Directors, Lexington, Kentucky; Milward Funeral Directors – Southland, Lexington, Kentucky; Milward Funeral Directors – Man ‘O War, Lexington, Kentucky 

Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Albion, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Holley, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Medina, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Middleport, New York; Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc., Gasport, New York 

Mitchell Family Funeral Home, Marshalltown, Iowa

Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland

Moments Funeral Home, Lucedale, Mississippi; Moments Funeral Home, Leakesville, Mississippi 

Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park. Johnson City, Tennessee

Morada da Paz, Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, Indiana

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Johnson City, Tennessee

Myers Mortuary, Ogden, Utah; Myers Mortuary, Roy, Utah; Myers Mortuary, Brigham City, Utah; Myers Mortuary, Layton, Utah 

O’Donnell Cremations Funerals Celebrations, Salem, Massachusetts; O’Donnell Cremations Funerals Celebrations, Danvers, Massachusetts 

Oliverie Funeral Home, Manchester, New Jersey; Oliverie Funeral Home, Jackson, New Jersey 

Pantalone Funeral Home, Inc., Greensburg, PA

Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Leon L. Williamson Funeral Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania 

PinesFuneral, Carthage, North Carolina PinesFuneral. Robbins, North Carolina; PinesFuneral, Aberdeen, North Carolina 

Pixley Funeral Home, Rochester, Michigan; Pixley Funeral Home, Auburn Hills, Michigan; Pixley Funeral Home, Keego Harbor, Michigan 

Pollock-Randall Funeral Home, Port Huron, Michigan; Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, Port Huron, Michigan; Marysville Funeral Home, Marysville, Michigan 

Popp Funeral and Cremation Services, Viroqua, Wisconsin

Posey Funeral Directors, North Augusta, South Carolina

Pray Funeral Home, Inc., Charlotte, Michigan

Radney Funeral Home, Alexander City, Alabama; Langley Funeral Home, Camp Hill, Alabama 

Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory, Coal City, Illinois; Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory, Morris, Illinois; Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory, Gardner, Illinois; Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory, Morris, Illinois; Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory, Wilmington, Illinois 

Return Home, Auburn, Washington

Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Traverse City, Michigan

Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Downtown, Easley, South Carolina; Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley, South Carolina; Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons, South Carolina 

Roller Funeral Homes, Little Rock, Arkansas; Roller Funeral Home, Mountain Home, Arkansas; Roller Funeral Homes, Paris, Arkansas; Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, Harrison, Arkansas; Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, Arkansas; Roller Citizens Funeral Home, Marshall, Arkansas; Roller-Coffman-Crouch, Mountain View, Arkansas; Roller-Cox, Clarksville, Arkansas; Roller-Crouch, Batesville, Arkansas; Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, Search, Arkansas; Roller-England Funeral Home, England, Arkansas; Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, Jonesboro, Arkansas; Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, Arkansas; Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton, Arkansas; Roller-McNutt Funeral Home – Greenbriar, Greenbriar, Arkansas; Roller-Owens Funeral Home, North Little Rock, Arkansas; Roller-Swift Funeral Home, Osceola, Arkansas 

Schramka Funeral Homes, Brookfield, Wisconsin; Schramka Funeral Homes, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; Schramka Funeral Homes, Thiensville, Wisconsin 

Señoriales Corporación de Servicio, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Soxman Funeral Homes, Ltd., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory, New Castle, Delaware; Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory, Newark, Delaware; Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory, Delaware City, Delaware; Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory, Middletown, Delaware 

St. Peter Chapels, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, Tennessee; Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Bristol, Tennessee 

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home – Downtown, Greenville, South Carolina; Thomas McAfee Funeral Home – Northwest, Greenville, South Carolina; Thomas McAfee Funeral Home – Southeast, Simpsonville, South Carolina; Gray Mortuary, Pelzer, South Carolina 

Twiford Funeral Homes, LLC and Albemarle Crematorium, Elizabeth City, North Carolina Twiford Funeral Homes, LLC, Manteo, North Carolina 

Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Morganville, New Jersey; Old Bridge Funeral Home, Old Bridge, New Jersey; Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, Toms River, New Jersey 

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, Salt Lake City, Utah; Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, West Valley City, Utah; Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley, Riverton, Utah 

Weeks’ Funeral Home, Buckley, Washington; Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home, Enumclaw, Washington; Weeks’ Dryer Mortuary, Tacoma, Washington; Edline-Yahn & Covington Funeral Chapel, Kent, Washington; Columbia Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington; Haven of Rest Funeral Home & Cemetery, Gig Harbor, Washington; Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary, Centralia, Washington 

Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, Royal Oak, Michigan; Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, Utica, Michigan

About NFDA

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.   

Johnson Consulting Group (JCG) Announces Recipients of JCG 2024 Excellence in Customer Service Awards, Powered by J3Tech Solutions

The Awards were presented to JCG client funeral homes who achieved the highest Total Value Index Score from family satisfaction surveys sent to each family they served during 2024. The Total Value Index is a calculation of the weighted sum of the Overall Performance Score, the Net Promoter Score and the “value of the price paid for goods and service” question. The Overall Performance Score is a calculation of eighteen independent questions that measure results in four areas: 1) Initial Contact, 2) Arranging Director, 3) Facilities and Vehicles, 4) Staff and Services Provided.

The JCG client funeral homes are divided into three categories based on call volume. Award recipients achieved the highest levels of customer satisfaction among the 576 funeral homes that were eligible in 2024.

On behalf of Johnson Consulting Group, we want to congratulate the following winners:

Category One: 24-150 Surveys Sent

• Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care – Jacksonville
• Care Funeral & Cremation Service – Moundsville
• Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel
• Walker Brothers Funeral Home – Spencerport
• Halls of Waldoboro
• Foley-Cook New Day Cremation and Funeral Care
• Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center
• Wells Funeral Home – Canton
• Goodlettsville
• Alexander 
• Baue O’Fallon Funeral Home
• Riemann – Biloxi
• Opatovsky Funeral Home – Dempster Chapel
• Aria – Irving
• Weigel Funeral Home

Category Two: 151-300 Surveys Sent

• Mountain View Cremation & Funeral Care
• J. Verne Wood Funeral Home
• Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory – Fairlawn Chapel
• Buonfiglio Funeral Home
• Jersey Memorial Group, Old Bridge
• K.E. Pike Funeral Home
• Harper & Lucas Funerals & Cremations
• Alpine Funeral Home
• West Funeral Home
• Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel
• Chancellor Funeral Home – Florence
• Smith & Buckner Funeral Home
• Posey Funeral Directors
• Biggers Funeral Home
• Aria – Northwest Hwy

Category Three: 300+ Surveys Sent

• Cremation Society of Virginia – Southside Chapel
• Cremation Society of Virginia – Peninsula Chapel
• Simply Cremation
• Fremont Chapel of the Roses
• Hansen Chapel
• Heartland Funeral Home – Early
• Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors Walled Lake
• Menke Funeral & Cremation Center
• Miles Funeral Home
• Ott & Lee – Brandon
• Horan & McConaty – Wadsworth
• Roper & Sons Funeral Services
• Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes & Cremation Center – Downtown Chapel
• Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes – Northwest Chapel
• Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home
• Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home Bueler Mortuary

The JCG Performance Tracker X tool provides funeral homes and cemeteries timely, accurate measurements of customer service and sale performance.  The software offers comprehensive reporting that shows business owners what they are doing well and identifies the areas that need fine-tuning and improvements.

Johnson Consulting Group started its customer survey program in 2008. This large amount of survey data has proven invaluable to providing insight into customer needs and satisfaction. The company attributes the program’s growth based on its ability to offer the program with no contract to sign, a low monthly cost, and accessibility to its management professionals for interpretation and usefulness of the reports.

“With the commoditization of products and services in our society, providing an exceptionally high level of customer service is critical to differentiating us from our competition. At the average sale of a funeral today, the loss of even one family can have material impacts on a business and its value. The answer to continual improvement is to survey our customers, ask the difficult questions, ask for a review online, and recover when there’s an issue”, says Jake Johnson, President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group.

For more information about Johnson Consulting Group or the Performance Tracker X tool, email info@johnsonconsulting.com or visit us at www.johnsonconsulting.com.

Celebrating Excellence: Jay Dodds Nominated for Lasting Impact Award

STERLING, Va. (Oct. 25, 2024) – The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) Educational Foundation is proud to nominate Jay D. Dodds for the 2025 Lasting Impact Award. Mr. Dodds’ exemplary leadership, decades of service to the funeral and cemetery profession, and tireless commitment to serving families with compassion and integrity make him a distinguished candidate for this prestigious honor.

With more than 40 years of experience in the funeral and cemetery profession, Jay Dodds has held pivotal roles in shaping the profession’s future. Currently serving as chief strategy officer of Park Lawn Corp. (PLC), Mr. Dodds has been a driving force behind some of the country’s most successful funeral service organizations. His leadership at PLC and in prior roles has given him extensive experience managing funeral and cemetery businesses in the U.S. and Canada.

A licensed funeral director and embalmer in Texas and New Mexico and a certified cremation operator, Mr. Dodds has been at the forefront of setting standards for funeral service operations. As the founder, former president, and chief operating officer of Signature Group, Jay introduced innovative business practices that improved operations and maintained the compassionate care essential to the profession.

“Beyond his business acumen, Mr. Dodds has been a dedicated advocate for the funeral profession. His service includes leadership roles such as past president of the ICCFA, trustee emeritus for both the Funeral Service Foundation and the Educational Foundation, and a Pierce Mortuary Colleges board member. Through these roles, Jay has significantly contributed to advocating for best practices and ensuring the future growth of the profession through education,” said Gino Merendino, president of the ICCFA Educational Foundation.

Jay’s leadership during his two terms as ICCFA president, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifies his commitment to the profession. He endorsed the creation of a Disaster Management Committee, a multidisciplinary team that tackled travel concerns, committal services, and employee safety during the pandemic. His leadership ensured that funeral service providers could continue to serve families with dignity and respect while establishing safety standards that would have a lasting impact on the profession.

Under his guidance, the ICCFA continued its operations and expanded its outreach, providing invaluable legislative guidance, professional resources, and numerous online educational opportunities. His efforts were instrumental in growing the association’s membership to more than 10,000 members, a remarkable achievement during such challenging times.

In nominating Jay D. Dodds for the Lasting Impact Award, the ICCFA Educational Foundation recognizes a career of excellence, compassion, and leadership. His tireless efforts have shaped the profession, and his mentorship has paved the way for future professional leaders. Jay Dodds truly deserves this award.

The ICCFA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity, established to make education accessible to future leaders in the deathcare profession and thereby raise the standards of professionalism within the industry. To learn more about the work of the Foundation and upcoming educational opportunities, please visit iccfa.com/educational-foundation.

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

Krause Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Garners Multiple Awards for Funeral Service Excellence

Wins Milwaukee 2024 “Best of” and “Community Choice” Awards, National Pursuit of Excellence Award

and Qualifies for Milwaukee Business Hall of Fame 

WINTER PARK, Fla. (September 17, 2024) – Foundation Partners Group today announced that Krause Funeral Homes and Cremation Services has been recognized with two of Milwaukee’s most prestigious business awards – the 2024 Best of Milwaukee Award and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s  2024 Milwaukee Top Choice Community’s Choice Award.

Krause Funeral Homes also is among a very small group of companies named to the 2024 Milwaukee Business Hall of Fame; a distinction reserved for companies that have been selected seven years in a row for Best of Milwaukee Awards, as well as a National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 Pursuit of Excellence Award.

The Best of Milwaukee is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses that implement programs that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and the community. Winners are determined based on information gathered both internally by the Milwaukee Award Program and data provided by third parties.

Krause Funeral Homes also has been honored with a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2024 Milwaukee Top Choice Community’s Choice Award, which recognizes more than 500 local businesses and organizations each year.  The awards program begins with public nominations, and the top five nominees in each category are selected for the voting round, which determines the finalists and winners.

“We have a long history of expanding funeral service offerings to anticipate how, when and where families want to be served so this kind of recognition, directly from area residents, means a lot to all of us,” said Kenneth Carlson-McLagan, funeral director and Foundation Partners’ regional leader. “Our team works tirelessly every day to serve families with kindness, compassion and professionalism. It is our honor to serve the Greater Milwaukee community.”

Krause Funeral Homes is Wisconsin’s most experienced end-of-life provider with four locations: two in Milwaukee, one in Brookfield and one in New Berlin. All four locations were honored by the NFDA with a 2024 Pursuit of Excellence Award. For more than four decades, the NFDA has presented this award to funeral homes around the world that have demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families and communities. The Krause team will be honored during the prestigious All-Star Recognition Ceremony at the NF DA International Convention & Expo in New Orleans in October.

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 230 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.  

Tribute Technology Wins 2024 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award for Obituary Writer

WAUNAKEE, WI — The Business Intelligence Group announced today that Tribute Technology was named a winner in its Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards program.

Tribute Technology, a trusted technology provider for over 9,000 end-of-life providers, received the award for its Tribute Obituary Writer in the Artificial Creativity category for a Product or Software.

Tribute Obituary Writer is an AI-powered tool that enables funeral directors and families to quickly generate personalized obituaries by inputting details about their loved ones. With intuitive options for tone and style, families can easily tailor the obituary to reflect the essence of their loved one’s life — and easily adjust content and length. The software streamlines the process by prompting for key information such as career highlights, achievements, and interests, offering a range of tones from solemn to lighthearted, and providing options for more detailed narratives.

“Our team at Tribute Technology focuses on creating software specifically engineered for funeral homes, crematory operators, and cemeteries, and this is another example of how we are constantly improving to help funeral homes serve grieving families even better,” said Tribute Technology CEO Charlie Cole. “It’s a privilege to receive this award that recognizes this important tool, which we believe brings additional comfort to families during the worst time of their lives.”

“We are truly honored to recognize Tribute Technology with this prestigious award,” stated Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer for the Business Intelligence Group. “The unwavering commitment of their team to excellence and their innovative AI applications have catapulted them to this remarkable achievement. Congratulations to the entire organization!”

Click here for more information about Tribute Obituary Writer: https://www.tributetech.com/tribute-obituary-writer.

Members of the media with questions about Tribute Technology or any of the company’s products are services are asked to contact press@tributetech.com.

About Tribute Technology: Tribute Technology’s mission is to bring the best technology to all funeral homes, to help communities around the world celebrate life, and to pay tribute to loved ones. Over 9,000 end-of-life providers already use Tribute Technology’s software and product offerings, including websites, marketing services, management software, online planning, personalized memorial keepsakes, payment processing, and other solutions. Tribute Technology is focused on innovating to help funeral directors save time on tasks, so they can focus more on connecting with the families who have lost a loved one. The company’s goal is to give funeral directors everything they need to run their business in one place, making their lives easier.

About Business Intelligence Group: The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives having experience and knowledge. The organization’s proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and then rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers.

Tampa Bay Welcomes Back the ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition, April 10-13, 2024: A Premier Gathering for Professional Excellence

STERLING, VA (March 6, 2024) – This year, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is returning to Tampa Bay and docks on April 10-13 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and Tampa Convention Center. Join thousands of deathcare professionals at this convention to expand your knowledge, learn from world-class keynote speakers, participate in educational breakout sessions, visit our expansive exhibit hall for the latest goods and services and connect with deathcare professionals worldwide. Currently, we have 225 exhibiting companies, and they occupy 428 booths within the exhibit hall. Limited booth space is still available. This is a can’t-miss event.

The convention is highlighted by two incredible keynote speakers on Thursday, April 11, at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, April 12, at 9 a.m., respectfully. The 2024 keynote speakers include:

     SHAWN ANCHOR is a New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential. Shawn is a world-leading expert on the connection between happiness and success who has worked with many Fortune 100 companies, including places like the NFL, the Pentagon and the U.S. Treasury. Shawn’s presentation, “Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Sucess Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being,” will show us that pursuing potential in an interconnected way is how we can achieve our potential in business and education. Shawn will share five strategies for achieving success and applying them to work and home life.

     BRIAN SOLIS is a world-renowned digital anthropologist, futurist, award-winning author and global keynote speaker. Brian has been called “one of the more creative and brilliant business minds of our time” by Forbes. Brian speaks on disruptive trends and technologies and their impacts on business and society. Brian will present “Ignite Moments! How to Become a “Customer Company” in an ever-evolving world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) blurs the lines between physical and digital experiences. Brian will also demonstrate how “ignite moments” deliver personalization, warmth, and connected experiences that people love, remember and share.

The 2024 ICCFA Exposition Hall Grand Opening & Reception will commence on Wednesday, April 10, at 4:15 p.m., inviting all attendees to partake in the festivities and refreshments. The exhibit hall will remain open on Thursday, April 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The President’s Banquet, now scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m., ensures that attendees won’t miss out on this significant event. Following the banquet reception, the evening will feature the annual Celebration of Remembrance, recognition of the 2023 Keeping It Personal Award winners and the induction of Fred Lappin, CCE, into the ICCFA Hall of Fame for his outstanding service to the association, the deathcare profession, and the public.

A highlight of the evening will be the ICCFA Presidential transfer, marking the end of Robbie Pape’s term and the introduction of Lee Longino as the incoming President. The night will culminate with comedian Josh Blue, sharing his stand-up routine and off-the-cuff improvisational skills.

The breakout sessions, designed to be a great learning experience to stimulate professional growth, will incorporate sessions on how to lead and develop staff, new cemetery developments in the 21st century, consumer expectations and tips on hiring new staff and retaining top talent. Program details, information on how to exhibit, hotel booking links and registration information are available at iccfa.com/annual.

###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.