2013 AFCCA Convention Poker Tournament – Benefitting the Foundation for Children

Another popular event at the AFCCA annual convention is the Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, benefitting the AFCCA Foundation for Children. The crowd was large this year, with over 120 poker players. Some were dead serious about winning that $1000 Cash Prize, donated by Past President Kurtis Lauffer. Some were there just for the good time. Either way, we were glad everyone came and supported school aged children in Arizona. Through donations, tournament entry fees and …

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2013 AFCCA Convention Golf Tournament

True to form, the 2013 AFCCA Annual Convention kicked off bright and early on June 5th with a golf tournament. We had 54 players this year, sun screened and raring to go. Starting off with a healthy continental breakfast and pastries (okay, somewhat healthy), our golfers were teamed up with new friends and colleagues. Some with old friends and colleagues, and I’m not just talking about age. At 7:05 (only five minutes late for our shot …

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Social Media and the Death Care Industry

Everyone has now heard the necessities of businesses, yes even Funeral Homes, being on Social Media. More than ever, it is important for companies to create at least some presence on Social Media, as this is how Google considers rankings. The more ties and links back to your website you can create, the higher your ranking in Google Search Results will be. This is great news for those who may not have the budget to …

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Bishop Olmsted Dedicates New Holy Cross Mortuary in West Valley

 Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gary L. Brown, President/CEO Phone: 602-267-1329 BISHOP OLMSTED DEDICATES NEW HOLY CROSS MORTUARY IN WEST VALLEY   AVONDALE (May 20, 2013) — The Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, and the Most Reverend Eduardo A. Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, dedicated and blessed a new mortuary and chapel during …

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Emerge 2013: The Future of our Industry – A THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

It takes a village to raise a family, or put together a successful convention for our Arizona Funeral Family. Here at the AFCCA, we pride ourselves on putting together high quality events annually for our members and non-members, for the betterment of the funeral industry in Arizona (and some from New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada!). Without our wonderful sponsors, our event would lack that certain “je ne sais quoi”. So we would like to give …

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Congratulations MCC Mortuary Sciences Graduates!

On May 9th, 2013 at 10 AM, 29 MCC students will be graduating from the Mortuary Sciences Program and  on their way to becoming the amazing Funeral Service Professionals they have the potential to be. Included in the graduates is Hallie Keating, who is the recipient of the AFCCA William Aaron Scholarship. You can read that article here. Honorees Gilberto Jesus Aguilar Niena Nicole Allen Chloe Rose Burmood Jason V. Carroll Lincoln Stanley Crandall Anthony …

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What Vendors Can you Expect to See at Convention 2013?

Our vendors are an integral part of the success of the AFCCA Annual Convention. Most vendors are traveling from other parts of the country, so we truly appreciate them coming out to support our event. Please be sure to stop by their booths and say hi! A special thanks to the vendors who are registered so far (with more being added daily!): Coldspring Granite – Thursday Morning Break Sponsor! PBF Manufacturing – Golf Tournament Breakfast Sponsor! Aurora …

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Meet our Convention Speakers for Friday, June 7th

Steve P. Schaal – President of the North America region for the Matthews Cremation (Division of Matthews International Corporation) Steve Schaal represents over 20 years in the death care industry.  Steve is responsible for all aspects of operation at their headquarters in Orlando, Florida.  Steve’s career has successfully identified numerous products and services that are being utilized in today’s funeral environment. Steve’s credentials include the successful rollout of the following national programs: –       The York …

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Meet our Convention Speakers for Thursday, June 6th

Joe Ducey – Investigative Reporter for ABC 15 ABC15 Investigator Joe Ducey is an award-winning reporter and consumer advocate. He has been an ABC15 reporter since 2006. Joe concentrates on consumer investigative stories by exposing scams, rip-offs and deals just too good to be true. His journalist skills have earned Joe numerous awards including Emmys for Best Investigative Reporter, Investigative Report and Specialty (Consumer) Reporting. He’s also interested in big investigations that demand digging to find the …

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Air Quality Department Responds to Chucri Intiative

The following article is from the Office of Supervisor Steve Chucri: County Dust Permit Application Streamlined; Air Quality Department Responds to Chucri Initiative Today the Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s new, streamlined dust permit system is available online for the first time to the public. “This is an example of the work that can be done when County officials and staff work together with the common goal of creating a better process that benefits all …

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