AFCCA 2024 Year in Review

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As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of growth, advocacy and community building within the funeral profession. Here are some highlights of AFCCA’s accomplishments and key activities:

Advocacy and Legislative Updates
AFCCA worked diligently throughout the year to address critical legislative and regulatory issues affecting the funeral profession:

  • State-Level Advocacy:
    • January: The cleanup bill HB2140 was introduced, focusing on pathways to licensure, ongoing education requirements, and licensing fee structures. This bill aims to address ambiguities in previous legislation while strengthening professional standards.
    • February: Advocacy efforts surrounding HB2140 continued, with amendments addressing feedback from stakeholders. The bill’s provisions help clarify embalming requirements and family meeting procedures, creating a streamlined approach to licensure.
    • March: Legislative discussions included redefining cremation to encompass Alkaline Hydrolysis under the existing cremation license, ensuring that modern funeral practices are properly regulated.
    • April: Both HB2140 and HB2081 were signed into law, marking significant progress. HB2140 refined licensure standards, while HB2081 introduced Natural Organic Reduction as an approved form of disposition, expanding sustainable options within the industry.
    • October: Updates from the Funeral Services Advisory Committee underscored the ongoing focus on regulatory compliance, licensure pathways, and professional standards, ensuring AFCCA remains proactive in shaping the profession’s future.
  • National-Level Advocacy:
    • Supported federal initiatives like the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act (CDRI Act), promoting ethical standards in whole-body donation processes to ensure dignity and transparency in this critical area.

Professional Development and Member Engagement

  • Held our Annual Conference with engaging speakers and  networking opportunities
    • “Grief Affirming Practice: Understanding and Supporting the Traumatically Bereaved” – Terri Waibel – The Center for Compassion
    • “Advancements in Tissue Donation” – Ryan Nelson- Tissue Recovery Supervisor & OME Liaison
    • “Leveraging AI to Enhance, Optimize, and Grow Your Business” – Micah Spicer – VP of Channel Development from Tukios
    • “From Friction to Function: Resolving Workplace Conflict Effectively” – Christopher Robinson – NFDA President Elect
    • “The Relevance of Restorative Art“ & “Practical Restorative Art” –Dominick Astorino – Adjunct Professor, Embalming, Restorative Art, Pathology Worsham College
  • Honored industry excellence with the Annual Awards:
    • Funeral Associate in Excellence Award: Chad L. Johnson and Terri Flowers
    • Funeral Director in Excellence Award: Nadine E. F. Gottsponer
    • Lifetime Achievement Award: Janet & Jerry Warren and Stan Stobierski
  • Collaborated with CGCC Mortuary Science Program and awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Sadie Richardson to support her in her journey as a funeral professional.
  • Closed out the year with close to 200 of our colleagues and friends at the Annual AFCCA Fall Mixer at Rustler’s Roost

Supporting Families and Communities
The AFCCA Foundation for Children continued its mission to support Arizona schoolchildren’s specific health needs, focusing on mental, physical, and dental care.

Thank You to Our Members and Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our members and sponsors, especially our key supporters:

Your contributions are vital to our success. If you haven’t renewed your membership or joined yet, now is the perfect time to get involved!

Recognizing Our 2024 Board of Directors
We thank our 2024 Board of Directors for their dedication and leadership:

Directors:

Supplier Representatives

Education Representative

Looking Ahead
With your support, we’re ready to make 2025 another remarkable year for AFCCA and the communities we serve!