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Page A28 MARCH 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A The Fan Man, Inc. Fans Calendars Urns Register Books Dresses Advertising Specialties John Mannion “WhatEver You Need” 1-800-671-8280 Cell: 803-417-2940 Thefanman@comporium.net bankersadvertising.com/thefanman Adventure Awaits Attendees at OGR’s Annual Conference and Supplier Showcase INDIANAPOLIS,IN— The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) has announced its 61st An- nual Conference and Solution Center, which will take place in Asheville, NC on April 19-21, 2020. Attendees will experience three days of industry-lead- ing education, new solutions, networking opportu- nities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. “Attendees will have the opportunity to customize their confer- ence experience with dynamic education sessions and professional development opportunities, tours and parties around Asheville, or a combination of both,” commented Jessica S. Riddlesperger, associate exec- utive director for OGR. “Adventure truly awaits in Asheville in 2020.” “This year’s conference has taken a bold step to con- sider the diverse needs of all attendees,” said Mark McSweeney, interim executive director for OGR. “We wanted to ensure that if you join us in Ashe- ville, your goals will be accomplished. Whether you are looking to grow your business, learn from other funeral directors, find solutions with suppliers, or ex- plore Asheville, this year’s conference has something for everyone.” The Biltmore Center for Professional (Lto R) Robert “Bob” Shelby and Tom Hemmerle OGR Member Awarded Emeritus Status other OGR members who have been awarded emeri- tus status. Bob joined OGR in 1980 and attended many OGR events. His wife, Helen, served as the office manager at their funeral home for over 20 years and worked along- side her husband. After losing his beloved wife last year, Bob still attended the OGR Annual Conference in Wil- liamsburg, VA and was warmly welcomed by his fellow members. He has been an advocate for the value of as- sociation membership and learning new ways to better serve families. “I enjoy the programs that OGR offers,” related Shelby, “and I always look forward to seeing the friends I have made over the years at OGR events.” Three generations of the family have worked in funeral service. Bob Shelby started working in his dad’s funer- al home at an early age taking chairs and equipment to homes for visitation and funerals. He graduated the In- diana College of Mortuary Science and has been a licensed funeral director since 1950. He served as the president of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association in 1976-77. Bob’s son, Doug, has taken after his father and is a li- censed funeral director working at the family’s funeral home. His other son, Rob, served as the business manag- er for Porter Loring Funeral Home in San Antonio, TX for over 20 years before he retired. OGR president, TomHemmerle, said, “We’re proud to award this honor to Bob Shelby. We look forward to con- tinue seeing him at future OGR events.” Founded in 1928, OGR is affiliated with independent funeral homes throughout North America and overseas that share common goals of exemplary service, uncom- promising care and compassion to families in their time of need. For more information, visit www.ogr.org. INDIANAPOLIS,IN— The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) has awarded Emeritus membership status to Robert “Bob” Shelby of Shelby Funeral Home in Covington, IN. This elite status is offered to a mem- ber “who has made an ex- traordinary contribution to the advancement of the purpose of OGR and in the opinion of and by unanimous vote of the board.” Shelby joins three News Association ContinueD cultivating change the Biltmore way. Funeral direc- tors will learn to use Biltmore’s time-tested approach to enduring change and finding success. Other ses- sions include how to manage your online reputation with Joe Weigel of Weigel Strategic Marketing; a deep dive session on staying competitive in the cre- mation market with Andrew Loos of Cremation Consulting; an hour session on how to engage your employees at your funeral home with Mary Russell of Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions; and best practices for creating events that lead to free and pos- itive publicity with Nancy Weil of OGR. The 2020 Solution Center will once again feature “Demo-Stations”, where representatives in OGR’s network of suppliers will be on hand in the Solution Center to share how their unique and valuable prod- ucts and services can help funeral service profession- als become more efficient and increase profitability. In addition to learning and the trade show, partici- pants will enjoy a Taste of Asheville Opener featur- ing gourmet food stations, paired with beer from lo- cal Asheville breweries and a closing dinner, “The Art of Dining Experience” including multi-course dining experience, inspired by the work of local Asheville artists with varying styles and techniques. Development will give the opening keynote on lake, OH; Johnson-Romito Funeral Homes, Hudson, OH; Kolssak Funeral Home, Ltd, Wheeling, IL; Kyger Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc, Elkton, VA; Mar- rocco Memorial Chapel, Clifton, NJ; Martin Funeral, Cremation and Tribute Services Mt. Morris, MI; Mul- hearn Funeral Home LLC, West Monroe, LA; Owens Livingston Mortuary, Show Low, AZ; Parthemore Fu- neral Home and Cremation Services Inc, New Cum- berland, PA; R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hamp- ton, VA; R.W. Walker Funeral Home LLC, Plattsburgh, NY; Schoppenhorst, Underwood, and Brooks Funeral Homes Inc, Shepherdsville, KY; Shaughnessey-Banks Funeral Home LLC, Fairfield, CT; Shinn Funeral Ser- vice, Russellville, AR; Singleton Funeral and Crema- tion Services, P.A., Glen Burnie, MD; Stewart Fami- ly Funeral Home, Tyler, TX; Thomas Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge, MD; and Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN. OGR Awards Continued from Page A27