Beyond Tradition: 2025 AFCCA Annual Conference Recap

As the funeral and cemetery industry evolves, professionals must navigate the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing progress. That’s why this year’s 15th Annual Arizona Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Association Conference centered around the theme: Beyond Tradition: Shaping the Future of Funeral Service Throughout the event, we explored the latest innovations, ethical business practices, and impactful strategies transforming our profession. From technology and employee engagement to FTC compliance and the growing demand for personalization, …

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Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) and Alkaline Hydrolysis Reminder

The rules implementing NOR and alkaline hydrolysis are not yet in effect. These services cannot legally be offered at this time. If you plan to contract or are currently contracting with a third-party to provide NOR or alkaline hydrolysis, you must make this explicitly clear in any advertising, marketing materials, and the establishment’s General Price List. Posted on behalf of theAZDHS Bureau of Licensing for Professions & Occupations

Have Your Voice Heard: AFCCA 2025 Member Survey Closes August 11

The professional landscape is changing. As challenges grow and the needs of our members evolve, AFCCA remains committed to providing meaningful support, advocacy and education. To do that well, we need to hear from you. Our 2025 Member Survey takes less than five minutes to complete and gives you the opportunity to share what matters most. Whether you’re new to the profession or a long-time member, your input will help shape the future of our …

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Honoring Veterans with Live TAPS: A Resource from Bugles Across America

AFCCA is pleased to share a valuable resource for funeral professionals, cemeterians, and families who wish to honor veterans with the dignity and respect they deserve. Joseph Baum, a dedicated volunteer with Bugles Across America (BAA), recently reached out to introduce himself and the mission of this powerful nonprofit organization. Founded in 2000 by former U.S. Marine Tom Day, Bugles Across America was established to ensure that every veteran receives a live performance of TAPS, …

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Across Borders, Across Traditions: NFDA Unveils Historic Global Study

Reinforcing its position as the world’s leading funeral service association, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has released the first-ever global study of consumer attitudes toward funerals and funeral professionals. Across Borders, Across Traditions: A Global Study of Funeral Preferences is a landmark research report that offers an unprecedented look at how consumers in 20 countries across six continents view funerals, grief rituals, burial, cremation and the role of the funeral director. The full report is …

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NFDA Applauds Congress for Introducing Legislation to Protect Grieving Families

As the foremost advocate for grieving families and the funeral service profession, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) commends Congress for introducing two critical pieces of legislation that will provide much-needed oversight to the whole-body donation process and financial relief for funeral expenses. The Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act (S. 1270/H.R. 2589) and the Funeral Coverage Act (H.R. 2436) reflect NFDA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency and dignity in funeral service. These bills, along with …

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Changing Funeral Preferences: NFDA’s First-of-Its-Kind Generational Report Now Available

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, has released an unprecedented study examining consumer attitudes toward funeral service across generations. Available to funeral service professionals for download at no charge, Changing Consumer Preferences: A Generational Perspective on Attitudes Toward Funeral Service provides critical insights to help funeral service professionals adapt to evolving expectations and continue delivering meaningful memorial experiences. More than just presenting data, this report serves as a …

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Calling All Funeral Directors and Cremation Specialists: Share Your Insights

We are sharing an important opportunity on behalf of our partners and friends at Fortitude and the Cremation Association of North America (CANA)—and we need your input! If you’re a funeral director, arrangement specialist, cremation specialist, or operations lead involved in making arrangements, we invite you to take a brief survey to share your experiences. Your insights will help shape a deeper understanding of industry needs and best practices. How You Can Help Take the survey: …

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The Funeral Service Foundation Launches Spring 2025 Scholarship Season

Open scholarship and program applications include Spring Academic Scholarships, Certified Celebrant Training, NFDA Embalming & Restorative Arts Seminar, and the National Emerging Leaders Program The Funeral Service Foundation is accepting academic and professional development scholarship applications at FuneralServiceFoundation.org for more than 25 Academic Scholarships, 10 Certified Celebrant Training Scholarships, 5 scholarships to attend the NFDA Embalming & Restorative Arts Seminar, and 20 positions in the NFDA National Emerging Leaders program. ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS The Funeral Service …

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Recognizing Remarkable Women: Nominations Open for NFDA Inspiration Award

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is now accepting nominations for the third annual NFDA Inspiration Award. This prestigious award, presented during the NFDA Professional Women’s Conference, celebrates a distinguished and accomplished woman who has made meaningful contributions to the funeral service profession or a related field. NFDA thanks National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) for generously sponsoring this award. Nominations will be accepted online through February 17, 2025. The Inspiration Award recognizes individuals who …

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