2024 AFCCA Fall Mixer Recap – Community and Connections

On Saturday, November 9, Rustler’s Roost in Phoenix was filled with the energy and camaraderie of the funeral, cemetery, and cremation profession. The 2024 Arizona Funeral, Cemetery, and Cremation Association (AFCCA) Fall Mixer welcomed around 160 industry professionals for an evening of meaningful interactions, shared ideas, and community support. In a field where understanding and compassion are essential, creating opportunities to connect with peers helps strengthen the bonds that sustain us in serving others. This …

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NFDA Champions Veterans’ Burial Benefit Access in Congressional Hearing

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) was invited to testify before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at an oversight hearing titled “Our Nation’s Hallowed Grounds: A Review of America’s National Cemetery Funeral Operations for Veterans and Servicemembers.” The hearing focused on assessing and improving the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) efforts to meet the needs of military families. NFDA was called …

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AFCCA Advocacy Updates October 18, 2024

Funeral Services Advisory Committee Update The Funeral Services Advisory Committee application is live on the Arizona Department of Health Services website. Currently, 20 applications have been received, and new applications will be reviewed until all positions are filled. A public member who owns a non-funeral-related business is still needed. Centralized Embalming Locations Update AZDHS is creating a form for firms using Centralized Embalming Locations. Once completed, firms can eliminate their on-site prep/embalming rooms. Until this …

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New Idea Guide Helps Funeral Professionals Guide Families in Remembering Loved Ones in Meaningful Ways

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), through its consumer education initiative Remembering A Life, has developed an updated idea guide for funeral professionals to help them even better serve families at the end of life. Remembering A Life, through its website (RememberingALife.com), podcast, blog, conversation/activity cards, suggested reading, consumer brochures and other resources, educates people about the importance of remembering loved ones in meaningful ways. These resources help families navigate the unique end-of-life challenges but …

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U.S. Cremation Rate is Projected to Climb to 61.9% in 2024

NFDA’s annual Cremation and Burial Report tracks critical data and offers funeral professionals key insights into consumer preferences.   The U.S. cremation rate is projected to increase by 1.3% since last year to 61.9% for 2024, according to the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) 2024 Cremation & Burial Report. The rate of burial is projected to decrease by 1.3% over 2023 to 33.2.%. NFDA members receive complimentary access to this annual report; nonmembers can purchase the Cremation …

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2024 AFCCA 14th Annual Conference Recap

In the ever-evolving field of funeral services, coming together as professionals is more essential than ever. The myriad changes we’ve faced—whether technological advancements, shifts in societal attitudes, or new regulatory landscapes—have profoundly impacted our profession. By uniting and sharing our experiences, insights, and innovations, we create a resilient community that thrives on collective wisdom. This spirit of collaboration not only helps us navigate these changes more effectively but also fosters an environment where we can …

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Let the Good Times Roll: Registration Now Open for the 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2024 International Convention & Expo, taking place October 20-23 in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the premier event in funeral service, the NFDA Convention always offers an unforgettable experience for thousands of professionals, suppliers and experts converging from around the globe. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of cutting-edge educational sessions, an expansive expo featuring the latest innovations and unparalleled …

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Decomposition Cleanup

AFCCA Partner Sponsored Article – Patrick Brady, Affordable Biohazard Solutions With temperatures rising, come more unattended death or better known as decomposition cleanup. These scenes must be service and treated by a company that specializes in Biohazard Cleanup Decomposition Decomposition presents challenges like bodily fluid release and unpleasant odors. Our urgent services are tailored to swiftly address these challenges . Our experienced team utilizes a custom designed mitigation process for effective biohazard removal, through cleaning, …

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Arizona Funeral Director Selected for NFDA’s 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program Class

AFCCA is excited to announce that Marshall Loring of Messinger Mortuary in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been named among the select group of funeral service professionals for the 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Marshall’s inclusion in this esteemed program is a testament to his dedication and potential within the funeral service profession. This year-long initiative is designed to cultivate leadership qualities through expert-led sessions and high-level networking, preparing participants …

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Air Force Base Honor Guard Military Funeral Honors Areas of Responsibility

Please note the areas of responsibility for any services you are preparing for that are Air Force Veterans and you are needing Military Funeral Honors. All is needed from the family is a DD-214 verifying honorable service. The AFB do not provide flags, but you can obtain a burial flag for free from a post office by filling out a form and providing a DD-214. More information is provided via the following link: https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Burial-Flags MFH …

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