July 2021

Page A37 JULY 2021 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on A Time may be only a moment so keep a memory Necklace Urn Pendants for an Everlasting Keepsake. Urns hold a portion of the cremains. Sterling Silver and Gold pieces in stock. orders or catalog : www.cremationkeepsakes.com cremationkeepsakes@comcast.net 877-303-3144 CREMATION KEEPSAKES ® REMOTE IS THE NEW REALITY REMOTE OR IN-PERSON BURIAL VAULT PRESENTATIONS Wilbert has several options on bringing simplicity to your vault presentations in ways that will engage and inform your families quickly and effectively...no matter where they are. Talk to your Wilbert provider or learn more at: wilbert.com/funeral-professionals •At-Need remote arrangements •At-Need onsite arrangements •Education of families prior to At-Need arrangements •Pre-Need arrangements, onsite or remote NFDA Leadership Conference: Reunite with Your Colleagues in Charleston Scan QR for our website 1-888-792-9315 • mymortuarycooler.com Mortuary Coolers starting at $4,499 Price increase coming in September! News Association ContinueD Bob Harris Rocky Ozaki Eric Termuende Brant Menswar BROOKFIELD,WI— The National Funeral Direc- tors Association (NFDA) looks forward to welcom- ing the funeral profession’s state and national leaders – as well as the future leaders of the profession – to the 2021 Leadership Conference, taking place August 1-4 at the Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston, SC. “The safety of our members remains NFDA’s highest priority and moving forward with our leadership con- ference was not an easy decision,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper, CAE. “The board of directors lis- tened to state association leaders and carefully stud- ied federal, state and local guidance for meetings and events. We also scrutinized the ability of our host ho- tel to follow best practices for cleaning, disinfecting and providing a safe experience for guests. After ex- tensive discussions, the board of directors decided to move forward with an in-person gathering. We are ex- cited to bring funeral directors together after such a challenging year to talk about how we can continue to move the profession forward.” During the 2021 Leadership Conference, attendees will hear from a variety of experts. NFDA is pleased to welcome association management expert Bob Har- ris, CEO of Harris Management Group, back to the Leadership Conference to present two sessions. During his first session, Harris will discuss how pandemic-re- lated changes and adaptations have resulted in new best practices for association management and leadership. His second session will focus on how attendees can im- prove their understanding of governance and practices – from board orientation to effective board meetings. It has been more than a year since the world was thrust into the “next normal” because of the global pandemic. Rocky Ozaki and Eric Termuende of NoW of Work Inc., will draw on experiences and insights from across North America to explore the traits that set people and teams that are surviving and thriving apart from those that are struggling. When organizations and employees align themselves through shared values, it results in increased perfor- mance around a sense of united purpose. In a highly- interactive session Brant Menswar, an author, musi- cian and core values activist, will help attendees learn how to build bridges between employee and organiza- tional values through a specific framework for action. The Leadership Conference wouldn’t be complete without the popular “Breakout by Office” discussions during which association officers and executives break into peer groups to talk about challenges they face in their roles and share strategies for success. State and national funeral service association leaders will have an opportunity to meet and network with the 20 funeral service professionals selected for the in- augural class of NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program. This year-long program, which begins at the NFDA Leadership Conference in Charleston with a special pinning ceremony and concludes during next year’s event, will help funeral directors develop leader- ship skills that will serve them well in any setting they may find themselves – their funeral home, their state or national association, their community, and beyond. More information about this program is available at www.nfda.org/emergingleaders. Creating Connections in Charleston Attendees can kick off their Leadership Conference experience by hitting the links at Wild Dunes Harbor Course on August 1s t. Designed by Tom Fazio, the Har- bor Golf Course is known for its challenging design, beautiful views, and, most of all, spectacular water fea- tures. From lagoons and salt marshes to the Intracoastal Waterway, this varied golf course will test all aspects of a player’s game (optional event; registration required). Also on August 1st, attendees are invited to reconnect with old friends and making new ones during the com- plimentary Welcome Reception. On the evening of August 3rd, attendees will gath- er for A Night of Trivia and Comedy brought to you by Atlantic Coast Life and NFDA. While enjoying hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a hosted bar, guests will be entertained by comedian James Gregory, who has been tickling people’s funny bones for more than thir- ty years. Born in the rural South, his unique brand of humor packs the crowds into his sold-out shows (op- tional event; registration required). After attending education sessions in the morning, Leadership Conference attendees have the afternoon off to relax, network and enjoy the classic southern charm of Charleston. Whether they are interested in tasting delectable southern cuisine, experiencing the city’s rich history, indulging in shopping, or experienc- ing off-the-beaten-path finds, attendees will find some- thing to occupy their afternoons. The concierge at Bel- mond Charleston Place can suggest and coordinate unique excursions for attendees. For those who want to plan their own adventures, The Charleston Conven- tion & Visitors Bureau, www.charlestoncvb.com, is an excellent source of inspiration. Attendees can register for the Leadership Conference online at www.nfda.org/leadership or by calling NFDA at 800-228-6332. Registration includes presentations, handouts, continental breakfasts and the Welcome Re- ception.