The Independent Funeral Group Announces Partnership with The Champion Company to Support Embalming Innovation and Eco-Friendly Solutions

Maryville, TN — October 22, 2025 — The Independent Funeral Group is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Champion Company, America’s oldest family-owned chemical company and a respected pioneer in embalming and funeral service innovation, whose legacy of excellence stretches back a century and a half. This collaboration provides member firms access to forward-thinking solutions that emphasize quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Champion has long been recognized for its groundbreaking work in embalming chemistry and equipment. From introducing formaldehyde-free solutions that increase safety for embalmers to developing certified products for green burials and eco-cremations, Champion continues to lead the way in meaningful industry advancements. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and practitioner wellbeing makes them a trusted partner for funeral professionals who value both tradition and progress.

For 30 years, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to build a strong network of peers and partners, to better support our membership, and independent funeral homes overall. This new relationship with Champion reflects our ongoing mission to equip our member firms with ethical, high-quality resources that help them serve their communities with confidence and care.

“For generations, Champion has led the way in improving our profession,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, Executive Director of The Independent Funeral Group. “Their commitment to both innovation and integrity makes them an ideal partner for the firms we support.”

“At Champion, we’ve always believed innovation and care go hand in hand,” said Dmitri Gianakopoulos, President and CEO of The Champion Company. “We’re proud to work with The Independent Funeral Group and bring forward-thinking solutions to the firms that serve their communities with compassion every day.”

About The Independent Funeral Group

Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community.

To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 405-7085.

Our mission is to help you achieve yours.

The question posed in the headline is interesting.  What is happening in Great Britain may be a precursor of what could happen in North America about the billing amount to consumers for the growing trend of Direct Cremations.  A recent 2025 survey of 200 funeral directors and 6,000 adults showed that Direct Cremations without services are now chosen by 15.3% of Brits — up from 12% just last year.  You can read about the survey in this article from Funeral Service Times which may, however, put up pay a wall for you.

The survey also showed, however, that  Great Britain’s independent funeral directors have “reduced the cost” of Direct Cremations 0.6% in the past year with the average price now being US$ 2,524.  The survey and report, conducted by Funeral Solution Expert (FSE) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), noted that “. . .Market leader Pure Cremation charges £1,495  (US$ 2,014) for an at-need direct cremation – £378  (US$ 510) less than the independent average, but its prepaid plan has climbed 25% in three years to £1,995 (US$ 2,688), higher than many local (funeral home) equivalents.”

Declan Maguire, immediate past president of SAIF made these comments on the pricing situation, “While on the face of it national operators still appear cheaper, the final cost of a direct cremation with a big brand can work out the same or even more than an independent funeral director. This is because small firms tend not to disaggregate their prices, meaning the advertised cost is exactly what a consumer will pay.”

When you couple that thought with the FSE finding that “most bereaved families prefer their loved one to be cared for within 15 miles of home” you begin to see some of the challenges national online cremation providers face.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  I’ve been in tune with branding and building brands since the 10th grade when a speaker who owned a used car business named “Sun Auto” came to our business class to discuss how he built his business.  I distinctly remember this person telling us when he came to town there were other family-owned automobile businesses and he had to forge a market for his cars.  He successfully did so with billboards with a simple “Sun logo” all over town while the other dealers just used their names such as Smith Autos, Johnson Autos, etc.

That story is one of the reasons that upon becoming the manager of our funeral home I immediately visited with an advertising agency about adopting a logo for our funeral home.  Up until that time all the funeral homes just operated as family names with no other identity.  We continue to use the same logo and marks today with some simple up-to-date changes.  And, I think the identity played a more than casual role in our success.

I continue to wait for a true national cremation provider in America.  There are some “wannabees” and some of them are with very big companies who have cremation provider businesses under a separate consumer brand (name).  However, in my thought process, none of these entities have a true national profile.

I recently read the following in a Senior Note Prospectus from Service Corporation International (SCI):  “We are well known for our Dignity Memorial^® brand, North America’s first transcontinental brand of deathcare products and services.”

I don’t agree with that statement because I really don’t see “Dignity Memorial” known as a house-hold brand name.  Maybe I’m wrong but I think that is a stretch.  Quite frankly, I don’t think SCI has put enough of an effort into the branding of their funeral homes with this name as in most cases it is still the “acquired local name” that has pull in the local markets.

And, I think that “acquired local name” pull is one reason that there is no true national brand for funeral homes or direct cremation providers in North America at this time.  I think that same reasoning proves to be a headwind for those that want to establish a national network of cremation centers.

Another headwind to these “wannabee” providers is the vast amount of “flyover” country in America.  While the density-rich urban areas of our country are perfect for the high-volume, low-margin direct cremation operators there is no such opportunity in flyover country where volumes will be low because of the population density issue.  Pure Cremation may be finding that their costs are rising as they move from serving London to serving the all of England.

So, maybe this “cost realization” of serving larger geogrpahic areas to those that want to be identified as a “national brand” will raise the price of online direct cremation operators.  And, if it does, then the ability of local independent operators to compete on price will be coupled with most families desire to be served by a company within 15 miles of home and be a well-needed shot-in-the-arm for local operators . . . .  and another obstacle for their online direct cremation competitors.

Here are some Direct Cremation operators with large (but not as yet national footprint):

More news from the world of Death Care:

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The Independent Funeral Group Endorses Homesteaders as Exclusive Preneed Provider

West Des Moines, Iowa — The Independent Funeral Group (TIFG) has announced its exclusive endorsement of Homesteaders Life Company as the association’s preferred preneed funding partner. TIFG, which recently announced its national expansion, has supported family-owned funeral providers with buying and educational resources for more than 30 years. 

“Homesteaders is proud to partner with TIFG in their mission to strengthen independent funeral providers,” said Will Bischoff, Homesteaders SVP-Strategic Markets. “This endorsement reflects our longstanding relationship with TIFG and its members and our shared commitment to helping funeral professionals deliver peace of mind and lasting value to the families they serve.” 

The endorsement connects TIFG members with a trusted ally dedicated to supporting their success and providing solutions that enhance the value they bring to the communities they serve. 

“For three decades, the Independent Funeral Group has worked to provide innovative solutions, opportunities and tools to our members to support their growth in their communities,” said Dr. Brad Kucknicki, Ed.D., the association’s Executive Director. “By selecting Homesteaders as our endorsed preneed provider, we’re able to connect our members to a funding partner that is deeply invested in the funeral space and our member firms’ success.” 

Homesteaders and TIFG share a strong dedication to the funeral profession and to empowering practitioners to deliver meaningful, compassionate care to families in need. Through this endorsement, they aim to advance the profession while ensuring families receive the highest level of service. 

Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual company owned by its policy holders, is a national leader providing products and services to help people design a better farewell. Visit homesteaderslife.com to learn more. 

Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education and resource group, committed to preserving family owned funeral homes and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral  practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service and community. To learn more about The Independent Funeral  Group’s mission, membership criteria and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net or call (865) 405-7085. 

OGR and Premier Preneed Marketing Launch Partnership to Strengthen the Independent Funeral Home Community

INDIANAPOLIS (August 28, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), the leading professional association dedicated to independently owned funeral homes, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Premier Preneed Marketing that will help expand OGR’s reach and strengthen the voice of independently owned funeral homes across the US and Canada. This generous incentive removes financial barriers to joining OGR, allowing more funeral home owners to connect with a supportive network, access industry-leading education, and benefit from exclusive member resources.

Through this partnership, Premier Preneed Marketing will fully sponsor the first year of OGR membership dues for funeral homes that become Premier Preneed Marketing customers and join OGR. Current Premier Preneed Marketing customers who join OGR will also have their first year of dues covered. In addition, the company will continue to subsidize dues in the following two years, allowing members to receive a significant reduction in their second and third years of membership.

“This partnership reflects OGR’s commitment to strengthening our relationship with our supply partners and ensuring that independent funeral homes can more easily access the resources and support they need to prosper,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director/CEO of OGR. 

Program Highlights:

New Members: If a non-member funeral home is a current customer of Premier Preneed Marketing – or becomes one – Premier will pay for their first year of OGR membership in full, then contribute $1,000 toward their second year, and $500 toward their third year of membership.

Current OGR Members: Because Premier Preneed Marketing values and supports OGR’s current members – and not just new ones – the company is making it easier for member funeral homes to attend PROGRESS, OGR’s signature annual event, by offering a partial reimbursement of registration fees.

“Premier Preneed Marketing is proud to partner with OGR in supporting the mission of independently owned funeral homes,” said Jeff Wright, President of Premier Preneed Marketing. “By making OGR membership more accessible, we’re not only helping funeral homes connect with valuable resources and a trusted network, but also ensuring that the independent voice remains strong in our profession for years to come.”

Funeral homes can take advantage of this partnership by contacting Gary Del Vecchio, OGR Director of Member Development, at GDelVecchio@OGR.org or 512-334-5504, ext. 145, or Michelle Fong, Premier Preneed Marketing at michelle.fong@premiersmi.com or 330-697-9343.  

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

About Premier Preneed Marketing

Premier Preneed Marketing is a leading provider of preneed solutions, helping funeral homes grow their businesses and serve families with thoughtful pre-arrangement options. For more information, visit www.premierpreneed.com. 

The Independent Funeral Group Expands Nationally, Uniting Family-Owned Funeral Homes Across the U.S.

MARYVILLE, TN – August 4, 2025— The Independent Funeral Group is proud to announce its national expansion, opening membership to family-owned and operated funeral homes across the United States. This bold step reflects a shared recognition: no matter the zip code, family-owned firms are facing the same challenges—rising costs, corporate pressure, staffing shortages, and burnout.

What began as a local alliance of like-minded funeral professionals has grown into a strong network built on mutual respect, shared values, and the belief that independent firms thrive when they stand together. This expansion is not about growth for growth’s sake — it’s about listening to directors and funeral home owners from Maine to California who have the same concerns and shoulder the same burdens, and recognizing the experiences they share.

“We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re trying to be the most meaningful,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, Executive Director of The Independent Funeral Group and a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for nearly 30 years. “What unites us is a deep commitment to family, to service, and to supporting our community—and for us, that community is made up of our fellow practitioners.”

The national rollout is accompanied by recently-expanded member benefits, including access to strategic partnerships, free continuing education, and The Group’s collaborative network of fellow firms and industry contacts.

At its core, The Independent Funeral Group believes that community-based funeral homes are vital to the emotional and cultural fabric of America. As the landscape of funeral service evolves, The Group is committed to protecting what matters most: local ownership, personal service, and the sacred trust placed in family firms by the families they serve. “Our purpose,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, “Is to keep the heart of funeral care in the hands of those who built it.”

About The Independent Funeral Group
Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community.
To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 405-7085.

New Orleans to Host Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ Annual Meeting

Former U.S. Navy Commander to keynote on “Pillars of Leadership”

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill – July 1, 2025 – Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the premier association of independently‑owned funeral professionals, announces its 107th Annual Meeting, set for September 28 – October 1, 2025, at The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans.

The Annual Meeting will unite leaders for four days of powerful connection, cutting‑edge sessions, and fresh perspective on the funeral profession. Attendees will experience actionable leadership tools, professional development, and can earn up to 10.0 continuing education credits.

The event’s keynote address will be given by Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, USN (ret.). Lippold and his crew saved the USS Cole from sinking when the ship was bombed by al Qaeda in a fatal terrorist attack at the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000.

“Commander Lippold’s insights, drawn from his experience during a devastating incident, reveal how integrity fostered an empowered and inclusive leadership environment,” said Tom Antram, Selected President. “His ‘Pillars of Leadership’ offer essential business tenets, proving that personal accountability and ownership are vital for any successful team.”

The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, a celebrated employment brand, will also serve as a living case study on cultivating a culture of excellence at the meeting’s general session. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to glean best practices directly from the hotel’s renowned approach.

“Our colleagues and industry leaders will gain invaluable insights into The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned culture of excellence,” adds Antram. “This is a unique opportunity to learn actionable strategies for sustainable processes, how to cultivate employee and customer engagement, and understand the vital role of empowerment in delivering legendary service.”

Registration is open for in-person or virtual attendance at this year’s Annual Meeting. Members interested should visit the Annual Meeting page on the association’s website.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes

Celebrating more than a century of service excellence, Selected Independent Funeral Homes advances the independent funeral profession through best‑in‑class education, peer connection, and innovative member solutions. Its Annual Meeting serves as the premier gathering to shape the future of funeral service. For more information, visit the website and follow the association on Facebook, “X”, and LinkedIn.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes Lets the Good Times Roll at 107th Annual Meeting in New Orleans

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. – June 17, 2025 – The world’s leading independent funeral service professionals will gather in New Orleans, LA for Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ 107th Annual Meeting at The Ritz-Carlton on September 28 – October 1.

True to this year’s theme of “Let the Good Times Roll,” participants will have ample opportunities to network with colleagues, experience engaging educational sessions and obtain valuable continuing education credit. During the meeting, the Association will induct its newest Board Representatives and Officers, while recognizing the contributions of its outgoing Officers.

Keynote speaker Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.) will present “Leadership & Accountability When It Matters.” Commander Lippold was the Commanding Officer of the USS Cole when it came under a fatal terrorist attack by al Qaeda in the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000. Using his experience from this devastating terrorist attack as a backdrop, Commander Lippold conveys how the principle of integrity created a diverse and inclusive environment for leadership where his crew felt empowered with a sense of ownership, seizing the opportunity to be responsible for their ship, and not just their jobs.

The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, an award-winning employment brand, will present “A Culture of Excellence: Building Success from Within” during the General Session. They will share best practices on how to activate and sustain a culture where valued and empowered employees own the customer experience. Leaders ready to transform their organization will walk away with actionable ideas to elevate experiences and engage employees.

Many other dynamic speakers will share valuable insights at the Annual Meeting. View details of all speakers and sessions online. Additional highlights will include the following:

• Up to 10.0 hours of continuing education credit (1.0 CE Units) by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and states requiring CE. (Approvals vary by state.)
• Recognition of Selected Membership Milestone anniversaries.
• Induction of Selected’s 2025-2026 Board Chair and President, 2025-2029 Board Directors and recognition of outgoing Officers.
• Recognition of the Selected Educational Trust’s Ambassador of the Year Awards.
• Opportunities to connect with Selected’s Preferred Partners both at their individual displays and during informational “Conversation Café” sessions.
• Several members-only sessions and activities for Selected members including luncheons for members of Selected’s Communities.
• Two days of exclusive Selected Study Groups events for Selected Study Groups participants.

“For more than 100 years, Selected has used our Annual Meeting as a catalyst for positive change and an incubator for innovation,” said Tom Antram, 2024-2025 Selected President. “The good times happen when we are together. I’m excited to Let the Good Times Roll as we gather in New Orleans this fall!”

Spots are filling quickly! Register and make your hotel reservations today.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes:

For more than 100 years, Selected Independent Funeral Homes has been the leading association of independently owned death care providers. The Association connects leaders in funeral service by delivering innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support to its international network. These leaders transform care as they aspire to the highest quality standards and best practices. As the capstone of Selected’s year, the Annual Meeting gives members and participants an opportunity to create the future of funeral service.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes Announces 2024–2025 Officers

New Leaders to Be Installed at 2024 Annual Meeting in Disney

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — March 28, 2024 — Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the world’s premier association of independently owned funeral homes, has announced the election of new Board Officers. Tom Antram of French Funerals & Cremations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will serve as President. John Keohane of Keohane Funeral Homes in Quincy, Massachusetts, will serve as Board Chair. Tom and John will help lead the association through its three-year strategic plan.

“I believe that to know where you are going, you need to understand your past and where we’ve been,” says Tom. “Our strategic planning has done just that – taken a view into our past and the legacy of Selected/NSM, while also looking forward to a new dawning of our profession and Selected’s role within it. I’m excited and encouraged that we have chosen to take this opportunity to improve services and hold accountable to our standards.”

“It’s paramount to stay focused on all levels of our organization to lead it into the future,” says John. “Our businesses are changing and Selected is evolving at the same time.”

Even as Selected adapts to changes in the profession, Tom and John share optimism about Selected’s ongoing commitment to connecting members with like-minded professionals. “Where else can you go to tap into such a talented pool of young professionals, women in funeral service, first-generation owners and legacy funeral providers?” says John. “The quality of members is unmatched.”

Selected’s Board of Directors elected the new Officers at its quarterly March Board Meeting. The officers will be officially installed during the Annual Meeting, September 25–28, at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The entire Board of Directors includes President Eric Trimble, Moline, Illinois, Group 4; Board Chair John Kepner, Huntersville, North Carolina, Group 3; President-elect Tom Antram, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Group 5; Board Chair-elect John Keohane, Quincy, Massachusetts, Group 1; Barbara Risher Welch, Montebello, California, Group 6; Christopher Waite, Medina, Ohio, Group 2; Sheridan Lee, Garner, North Carolina; and Dave Moore, Mason City, Iowa, Group 4.

For more information on Selected, its programs, becoming a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes or to locate a member, visit selectedfuneralhomes.org or call 800-323-4219.

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About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Selected Independent Funeral Homes  delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices to provide the public with reliable, high-quality service and funeral-related information.