2013 AFCCA Convention – Awards Banquet Dinner

At the culmination of AFCCA’s annual convention is the Awards Banquet Dinner. This is an evening of delicious food, recognition and an overall fun time.

This year’s banquet dinner was different from past years as it was up at the A Different Point of View restaurant. The views over looking Phoenix were breathtaking and gave the atmosphere a very elegant, yet relaxed feeling.

To enhance the beauty, Arizona Expressions provided the beautifully arranged floral centerpieces for each table, dessert table and the bouquet beneath the podium.

Service Corporation International, Phoenix Market, provided the dinner wine for the evening. Thank you to both our sponsors of the evening.

For dinner there was a choice for Herb Marinated Chicken, Port Braised Short Ribs or Lemon-Brie Risotto for the vegetarians (or those who really like Brie!). For dessert, an assortment of petite bites. Who tried the dessert in the egg?

After dinner came awards. The Lifetime Achievement award winner was selected by the AFCCA Board of Directors. Their choice was for an individual who had served in the Funeral Industry in Arizona for many years and who overall bettered the community and industry as a whole.

The Of the Year Awards were chosen from nominations submitted online. A nomination committee reviewed each submission and together decided on winners who exemplified the AFCCA motto and code of ethics.

Congratulations to the following:

Susan Bring, Bring Funeral Home – Lifetime Achievement Award – In recognition and gratitude for her years of exemplary leadership among her peers, showing compassion towards the families she has served, and carrying on the traditions in funeral care that were established by her family at Bring Funeral Home.

David Long, Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary – Funeral Director of the Year – For demonstrating exceptional professionalism, customer service, and contributing towards the advancement of the industry.

Bring Funeral Home – Funeral Home of the Year – For demonstrating exceptional professionalism, customer service, and ethical conduct while practicing their profession.

Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary & Cemetery – Cemetery of the Year – For demonstrating exceptional professionalism, customer service, and ethical conduct while practicing their profession.

Handley Precast Systems – Supplier of the Year – For demonstrating exceptional professionalism, customer service, ethical conduct, and has made significant contributions to the Funeral, Cemetery, and Cremation Industry.

Finally, Patrick Patton – NFDA At Large Representative – swore in the new executive officers and board members.

David Long, Greenwood Memory Lawn – President, Cemetery Council

Paul Neville, Bring Funeral Home – Vice President, Funeral Council

Amie Gazda, Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery – Secretery, Funeral Council

Mike Darus, Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries – Treasurer, Cemetery Council

Jeffrey Cruz, Sunset Vista Mortuary & Cemetery – Board of Directors, Cemetery Council

Joe Salyards, Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery – Board of Directors, Cemetery Council

Jim Ahearne, Messinger Mortuaries – Board of Directors, Crematory Council

Derek Beach, Messinger Mortuaries – Board of Directors, Funeral Council

Steve Palmer, Westcott Funeral Homes – Board of Directors, Funeral Council

Butch Hampton, Hampton Funeral Homes – Board of Directors, Funeral Council

William Addison, Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery – Board of Directors, Cemetery Council

Banquet Dinner Gallery

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