eNews December 2024

Download a PDF of this issue here.

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Kindly email any changes in your Licensee information to Susan Barry or call Susan at 708-865-1600 at your first opportunity when changes occur. Thank you!

NFDA Convention in New Orleans

This year’s NFDA convention at the New Orleans Convention Center was a huge success for us, with our booth buzzing with excitement and engagement. The "Unlock Our Vaults" promotion offered attendees a fun, hands-on experience across all our divisions. Using iPads, cell phones and QR codes, participants entered their contact information in exchange for a unique four-digit code, unlocking prizes and sparking conversations as they explored each area. This interactive setup not only made our booth a fun stop but also generated high-quality leads with valuable insights, setting us up for effective post-event outreach.

Please click the following link to view a quick video recap of our booth presentation: 2024 NFDA Booth Video Recap

Attendance Numbers Provided by NFDA:
The total attendance for the 2024 NFDA Convention in New Orleans was 5,519 attendees—a notable 5.35% increase over last year (3,504 attendees and 2,015 exhibitor representatives). The Expo Hall featured 395 exhibiting companies (same as 2023), filling more than 87,500 square feet of exhibit space (a 6.2% space decrease from last year).

Memorial Monuments' Exceptional Detail:

At the Wilbert Group's booth, Memorial Monuments continued to impress attendees with their dedication to detail and artistry, unveiling three distinct monuments. Each monument demonstrated the company's commitment to honoring loved ones through exceptional craftsmanship and personalization, reflecting an enduring tribute to individuals' lives.

Astral Caskets:

At the NFDA convention, Astral Caskets impressed attendees with a thoughtfully curated display of nine premium caskets, showcasing both classic and modern designs. The stainless-steel Golden Fawn garnered significant attention, while the newly introduced Treemont in Ruby Red was warmly received, sparking interest among customers and licensees alike. Visitors eagerly inquired about the upcoming Treemont colors—Emerald Green, Ruby Red, and Purple—demonstrating strong anticipation for our expanding range. Astral’s display underscored our dedication to craftsmanship and quality, appealing to diverse preferences and reaffirming our commitment to excellence in funeral services.

Exploring Pierce Chemicals' Product Lines:

At the convention, Pierce Chemicals showcased a comprehensive lineup of products, including embalming fluids, cosmetics, and essential preservation tools, solidifying its reputation as a leading name in funeral care. The team highlighted their commitment to innovation, sharing the latest advancements and expert insights with attendees. A key attraction was the return of their classic Formula 496, which, alongside the prominently displayed Duotronic, captured considerable interest.

The Pierce booth saw a high number of attendees, leading to a record-breaking number of exceptional show sales and strong social media engagement. This increased visibility and engagement underscored Pierce’s continued impact and relevance within the industry.

Wilbert's Innovative Offerings:

Wilbert showcased its latest innovations in burial vaults, cremation urns, and related products. A major attraction was the WAVE burial vault video (Wilbert Animated Vault Education), which illustrated the advantages of a lined Wilbert burial vault versus an unlined outer container. This visual presentation provided funeral directors with an effective tool to help families make informed burial decisions. Additionally, Wilbert featured a wide range of cremation urns to suit diverse styles and preferences. Miniature vault displays offered a close-up look at Wilbert’s commitment to quality in every detail.

CereneAir

We were thrilled to welcome CereneAir to our booth this year, adding an exciting new dimension to our offerings. Known for their cutting-edge air purification systems, CereneAir brought innovative solutions tailored to the funeral care industry, enhancing our booth’s appeal and providing valuable resources for attendees. Their presence sparked considerable interest, drawing attendees eager to learn more about maintaining clean, safe environments. CereneAir’s partnership underscored our commitment to comprehensive care solutions, making a notable impact on our booth experience.

We're excited to see everyone next year at NFDA in Chicago!

The Gift of Giving from Broadview, IL Partners

Toys-for-Tots The dedicated employees at Wilbert Funeral Services in Broadview, IL, proudly participate in the Toys for Tots initiative this holiday season. Cindy Venckus, our Accounting Analyst in the Broadview office, leads this initiative each year alongside her dear friend Geno, a member of the American Warriors organization. Together, we collect new, unwrapped toys to donate to children who might not otherwise receive gifts.

By working together, we can spread joy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need, ensuring every child experiences the magic of the holidays!

Completion of 48 Niche Gray Columbarium

Bill Wolgamott, a skilled craftsman from the Parsons, KS plant, has recently completed the installation of an elegant STIN Gray columbarium, accentuated by striking Black Shutters and designed to accommodate 48 niches. This impressive structure is a key feature of the newly constructed committal pavilion in Cimarron, KS. Representing the first phase of a thoughtfully planned garden development, this project aims to provide a serene and beautiful resting place for loved ones. Local city officials have expressed their satisfaction with the overall appearance, noting the meticulous attention to detail in the construction, which includes durable double shutters and luxurious polished granite niches. The high-quality materials and craftsmanship reflect a commitment to excellence, ensuring this garden will be a dignified and peaceful haven for the community.

Meet our Talented Team at Wilbert in Broadview, IL where Craftsmanship and Creativity Come Together

In a sense, the urn is a symbol of beauty. Our earthly remains will be concealed and preserved, represented by the timeless elegance of the urn’s design.

Material Selection: Urns can be made from an array of materials, each offering unique aesthetic and functional qualities. Common materials include Ceramic, Metal, Wood, Glass, Stone, Cloisonné, cultured marble, synthetic, and eco-biodegradable.

Our Team of Dedicated Wilbert Engravers

From left to right

Vance Auney, our Master Engraver and a valued partner for 12 years stands confidently on the left. With a robust background in the print industry, he possesses exceptional skills in layout and typography. Vance’s keen eye for detail ensures that every project meets the highest standards of quality.

On the right, we have Elvis Luna, another skilled Engraver, proudly holding one of our exquisite urns. With 11 years at Wilbert, Elvis thrives in teamwork, bringing a collaborative spirit to every design challenge. His expertise in urn design and software applications elevates our offerings.

Seated in front of the computer is Carrie Woldman, our innovative Engraver and the newest member of the team. With a strong command of computer applications and design software, Carrie combines creativity with technical skills. Her extensive experience makes her an invaluable asset to our team, ensuring that client needs are always met with excellence.

Engraving-2

Before the engraving process begins, our team implements a detailed quality control procedure that ensures each urn stands out in beauty, durability, and functionality. We meticulously inspect each urn for imperfections, polishing and cleaning it to perfection in preparation for engraving.

Our engraving team works closely together, combining artistic flair with precision. They take immense pride in their craft, ensuring every engraving is flawless and accurate spelling of the family member’s name and birth date. If there are any uncertainties, they promptly consult with our sales department, guaranteeing that families receive exactly what they envisioned for their loved ones. Should the team believe a different font or color would enhance the tribute, they thoughtfully share their expert recommendations, ensuring a truly personalized touch.

Engraving_3

Vance engraved a wood urn and inspected the results on one of our laser engravers.

The final touch is the culmination of this process is the careful packaging of each urn, protecting it for transport.

Crafting an urn is not merely a task; it's a heartfelt journey that requires meticulous attention to detail. Each urn becomes a unique work of art, thoughtfully designed with profound respect for its purpose. Simple or elaborate, every urn narrates a story, honoring and celebrating the memory of a loved one with dignity and grace.

The Wilbert Foundation Introduces New Logo and Terry Whitlock Pediatric Chaplaincy Endowment

This year at the WMA Annual meeting the Wilbert Foundation introduced a new logo and mission statement. The foundation also introduced the Terry Whitlock Pediatric Chaplaincy Endowment.

As a founding member of the Wilbert Foundation, Terry led the effort to provide Foundation funds for pediatric chaplaincy… helping the Wilbert Foundation to become the leading funder of pediatric chaplaincy programs in the USA and Canada. This fund will honor Terry’s service and dedication, providing grants every year.

If you would like to donate to this endowment, please scan the QR Code on the pledge card or you can mail a check

to PO Box 226, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

CLD Transporter with Pedestal

Begin the year being safe; the CLD Transporter makes it easier transporting the CLD to the graveside.

Reduce back injuries and workmen’s compensation claims.

$995

Item # L7929KIT

Includes two aluminum CLD pedestals stands, two aluminum pedestals with locking casters and two custom cut WilbertWay flanges.

Pedestal height- 16”

Pedestal stand weight- 4lbs./ea.

Pedestal with casters weight- 12lbs. / ea.

Please note, attach the two custom-cut WilbertWay flanges t the CLD heads on the powerhead end of the device, and leave the two regular round WilbertWay flanges on the tail end.

Call Inside Sales today to place your order!!!

Simplicity Urn Vault Lowering Device

Lowering Table
Blue or Green Drape
Urn Vault Platform
Lowering Straps

$2,046.30

Simplicity2

The Wilbert Foundation Holiday Donations

As the holidays approach, you may be looking for a holiday gift for your customers. This year, why not consider a donation in their name to the Wilbert Foundation! It is a convenient way to show you care while helping to fund the Foundation’s Children’s Chaplaincy Programs. In return for your donation, we are happy to print and provide you thank you cards acknowledging this thoughtful gift which can be sent to each of your customers. The verbiage used in this year’s card will be:

The Wilbert Foundation has been supporting the Pediatric Chaplain Network and the Pediatric Chaplain Institute for 21 years. The support from your donation will help provide grants and curriculum materials for chaplains to use; to better provide care and support for children and their families during a time of need.

We are pleased to inform you that in this holiday season of giving {Company Name} has donated to the Wilbert Foundation in honor of you, your staff, and your company.

Through this holiday gift, the Wilbert Foundation will continue its heartfelt mission of helping children by making a difference. On behalf of the Foundation and the many children and families touched by our program, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

To place an order or ask additional questions, please contact Dale Cameron at dcameron@wilbert.com.

Sneak Preview of New Urns

Take a look at the new urns for the upcoming Cremation Choices Catalog Vol 11.

Included are beautiful rich hardwood urns with 3 Dimensional inlays along with various metal urns with unique new designs.

Marketing materials to introduce these new products to your customers will be available soon.

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New-Urn-Devaney

Jacob's Mom

Jacobs_Mother

Dear Wilbert,

I received your heartfelt letter today, and I wanted to express my gratitude for the beautiful vault dedicated to my son, Euclid Ohio Officer Jacob Derbin. There’s a touching moment captured in a photograph of me kissing my hand and then gently resting it on my son's picture. I share this image as it embodies the bond we shared.

Thank you once again for your kindness during this excruciating time.

With the pieces of my shattered heart,

Dawn Derbin

Dawn’s son, Police Officer Jacob Derbin, was tragically shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call. At just 23 years old, he lost his life. He was ambushed as he arrived at the scene by a convicted felon who was evading his community supervision obligations. Officer Derbin proudly served in the United States Army National Guard before joining the Euclid Police Department, where he dedicated 10 months of his life. He is mourned by his loving mother, father, three brothers, and a sister.

Following the memorial services for our brave fallen heroes, the Wilbert office in Broadview, IL. takes the thoughtful step of sending condolence letters to the families and department heads. The image of Jacob’s grieving mother that we received is profoundly moving. Amid the immense pain and loss her family is enduring, she still found the strength to express her gratitude for our support during her darkest hours.

Ohio Vault Works, Inc. in Valley View, OH, deserves a shout-out and a sincere thank you. They provided an SST Triune^® burial vault with a Treasured Tribute and a graveside service. Wilbert Funeral Services and Ohio Vault Works were privileged to assist Jacob’s Mom.

Jacob Derbin

IMPORTANT: Reminder of Physical Inventory and Holiday Dates

We are providing the schedule so please be sure to have your orders scheduled with the following dates in mind.

Location

Inventory

Monday, 12/16

Thru

Thursday, 12/19

Christmas

Wednesday
12/25/24

New Year's Day

Wednesday
1/1/25

Broadview

Closed

For Christmas and New Year’s weeks, we strongly suggest that you plan to have deliveries made by the previous Monday rather than the day before the Holiday to ensure receipt of products.

If you have any questions related to the delivery schedule as outlined above, please contact Eileen Murray, Inside Sales Manager, or Terry Whitlock, SVP Licensee Products & Services.

WilbertEDU^® Q4 Webinar Schedule

Handy one-page flier promoting WilbertEDU webinars for the months of October, November, and December. Perfect for funeral home breakroom bulletin boards, as a leave behind for sales reps, to place on your website, or to email to your customers.

Download now.

Find on wilbert.com

WilbertEDU Program

Wilbert.com Link

https://www.wilbert.com/licensee/licensee-relations/wilbertedu-program/

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WilbertEDU^®October Recap

On October 3, Effie Alonik presented on a timely topic – online price lists – with her presentation, “Trust Through Clarity: Redesigning Your GPL to Build Trust.” Effie is the co-founder and CEO of Afterword, a technology startup that helps funeral homes support families in making informed decisions in-person or online. Her interest in bereavement started after her dad died in August 2018 and she planned her first funeral. She was surprised by how different the process was from everything else she had done.

Effie’s presentation addressed the anticipated FTC requirement to publish General Price Lists (GPLs) online and the opportunity to make them more transparent and user-friendly. Acknowledging that traditional GPL formats can be confusing, the presentation emphasized how clear, accessible GPLs can build trust with families. Demonstrating the importance of an online presence, she shared stats from the 2024 NFDA Consumer Survey showing that 78% of respondents started their arrangements online.

She discussed the complex choices families must make when planning a funeral and using examples (Zillow and Funeralocity) showed how the internet has made complex decisions easier for consumers. Using restaurant menus, she demonstrated structuring complex choices by mapping and showed an excellent example of mapping a complex GPL on a funeral home website. Finally, she emphasized that while the FTC does not mandate online GPL format, funeral homes can build trust with families by mapping services, using simple language, and making their GPL easily accessible by adding it to their website navigation.

On October 17, Wendy Wiener and Lauren Pettine returned to the WilbertEDU stage for the third time to present “Unlicensed Funeral Directing: Why This is the New Regulator Hot Button.” In this informative session, Wendy and Lauren explored the recent regulatory focus on unlicensed funeral directing across the United States, addressing why this issue is gaining traction and what industry professionals should know to stay compliant.

The webinar began with an overview of recent regulatory shifts, discussing whether the focus on unlicensed funeral directing is based on actual risks or perceived concerns. Their message: the risk is real! The presenters noted a marked increase in attention from regulators due to several high-profile cases of unlicensed practice in California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, and Kentucky. They highlighted how these incidents have led to heightened scrutiny and new regulatory measures.

The presenters clarified the line between licensed and unlicensed funeral activities, detailing specific tasks that strictly require a licensed funeral director. They also discussed certain gray-area activities that might require licensure depending on state regulations, urging firms to verify their specific state's requirements. They discussed the criminal consequences of non-compliance and how some cases have resulted in staggering fines - $950 million in restitution and fines for the owners of Return to Nature in Colorado - and criminal sanctions, including prison terms.

The webinar concluded with practical advice on hiring unlicensed employees. They discussed best practices, including clear role definitions, training on compliance, and identifying tasks that can safely be performed by non-licensed staff without crossing regulatory boundaries and urged attendees to know their state rules and laws and to comply.

On October 31, Barbara Kemmis and Brie Bingham from CANA returned to the WilbertEDU stage to present, “Cremation Trends and Staff Retention: A CANA-Inspired Approach,”. CANA has 3,700 members throughout the US and Canada and is best known for two things: cremation statistics and research, and the Crematory Operations Certification Program.

The presentation provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the funeral profession. It highlighted the continued growth of cremation rates in North America, projected to reach 75.3% in the U.S. and 60.6% in Canada by 2023. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences, with many families now favoring personalized celebrations of life over traditional funeral services. Cremation, they noted, offers flexibility and a range of memorialization options that appeal to modern families.

The presenters also addressed the significant challenge of employee retention, driven by the rising cost of living and relatively low wages in the industry. Median pay for funeral directors often falls below living wage levels in major cities, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff. To address this, they recommended offering competitive wages, fostering a supportive work environment, and creating opportunities for career growth and development.

Adapting to these changes, the presenters emphasized, requires funeral homes to expand their service offerings and educate families on cremation's versatility. Key skills for serving cremation families include an understanding of the cremation process and legal requirements, effective communication, and a high degree of adaptability. The presenters concluded by urging funeral professionals to review and update their service offerings, prioritize specialized training, and address compensation to remain competitive in a shifting industry landscape.

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WilbertEDU^® Upcoming Sessions

November 14 | An Update on the EPA Formaldehyde Review and What It Means for Your Firm and the Profession with Lesley Witter

Details on the EPA formaldehyde risk assessment including their proposed new formaldehyde exposure limit and the implications for funeral businesses and funeral service.

December 5 | Michigan’s SMMART Team: Providing Assistance to Law Enforcement Agencies Following a Line of Duty Death with Dan Foley

An in-depth look at the Michigan SMMART Team (Sheriffs & Municipal Memorial Assistance Response Team), exploring its origins, representation, and the criteria for activation.

December 19 | Air Force Mortuary Operations Presentation with Danielle Wilk and Jennifer Jacobs

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of how the military honors and prepares the remains of fallen heroes, offering valuable insights into the practice of ensuring care, respect, and professionalism for the deceased.

January 25 | Facial Reconstruction 101 with Michelle Johnston

Gain confidence in the embalming room in this two-hour technical webinar focusing on major trauma cases to prepare remains for open casket viewing.

Monthly Licensee Sales Collaboration Meeting

Each month, Matt Ingersoll, Chief Commercial Officer for The Wilbert Group, leads an online meeting for licensees, creating an opportunity to strengthen the connection between the licensor and licensees. These sessions focus on collaboration, sharing best practices, and highlighting valuable resources for licensees.

October Meeting Highlights

The October meeting took place on October 31 at 9:00 AM and covered:

Updates on casket and monument pricing
An update on vaults from Royden Wood
A progress report on Asheville Wilbert's monument journey by Bruce Tart and Trey McAvoy
Details about the upcoming national sales meeting in Miami and more!

The next meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2024, at 10:00 am Central Time. To receive an invitation, please reach out to Audra Hufford at ahufford@wilbert.com. We welcome all interested licensees!

Commemorating First Responder Deputy Sheriff Brandon Tyler Cunningham

Dep-Brandon-Cunningham-Head-Shot

Dallas, GA–Deputy Cunningham and his partner arrived at a home and were ambushed with a hail of gunfire as soon as they exited their vehicle. Responding officers were also met with a stream of gunfire. When a female attempted to leave the home, she was shot.

Deputy Cunningham was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds. He was 30 years old and passed away on August 17, 2024.

Deputy Cunningham had served with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office for over four years. He is survived by his son, daughter, mother, three brothers, grandfather, and aunt.

The suspect was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Cunningham

Services were entrusted to the care of Clark Funeral Home, Hiram, GA.

Piedmont Precast, Atlanta GA. was honored to provide the family with a Stainless Steel Triune^® burial vault
with a Treasured Tribute image and a graveside service.

Dep-Brandon-Cunningham

Commemorating First Responder Police Officer Darron Lee Burks

Dallas, TX–Officers responded to an officer in-distress call. When they arrived at the location, they approached a man standing near the squad car. The subject opened fire, shooting one officer three times and another officer in the face. Responding officers found Officer Burks in his patrol vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound.

As soon as the suspect fled, a pursuit ensued. When the suspect stopped, he exited his vehicle with a long gun and was shot and killed.

Officer Burks succumbed to his wounds. He was 46 years old. Officer Burks had served with the Dallas Police Department for eight months. He is survived by his parents.

Services were entrusted to the care of Restland Funeral Home, Dallas, TX.

Burks-funeral

Wilbert Funeral Service, Cedar Hill, TX., was honored to provide the family with a
Stainless Steel Triune^® burial vault, with a Treasured Tribute image, and a graveside service.

Commemorating First Responder Trooper Corey S. Thompson

corey-thompsen

Springfield, IL–Trooper Thompsen was driving eastbound on East Leverett Road when a truck traveling southbound on Country Road 1300E entered the intersection, colliding with Trooper Thompson's police motorcycle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Trooper Thompsen passed away Friday, October 18, 2024. He was 28 years old.
The driver was cited for failure to yield right of way at a stop intersection and no valid driver's license.

Trooper Thompsen served with the Illinois State Police for five years. He is survived by his wife and parents.

Services were entrusted to the care of Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph, IL.
Kelley Vault Co., Inc., Champaign, IL. was honored to provide the family with a
Stainless Steel Triune^® burial vault with a Treasured Tribute image and a graveside service.

Corey-Thompsen-bottom