Page B8 September 2024 SUPPLIERS NEWS Klicker’s Krossword Answer See Puzzle on Page B4 www.cfsaa.org info@cfsaa.org Become a member today by visiting us at www.cfsaa.org Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America Founded in 1913 as the Casket Manufacturers’ Association of America, the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America is proud to represent the interests of member suppliers to licensed funeral homes, licensed funeral directors and casket companies. CFSA has long been established as the trade association for the funeral supply industry, with members manufacturing or distributing virtually every type of product used by funeral directors. Our objective is to provide useful information and perspectives on the funeral industry and the funeral supply industry to support manufacturers and suppliers of funeral goods and/or services. WHO WE ARE Express Funeral Funding Continues to Grow with the Acquisition of Exchange Funeral Funding JEFFERSONVILLE,IN— Express Funeral Funding (EFF) has expanded their footprint with the acquisition of Exchange Funeral Funding (EXF) in Montgomery, AL. EXF has been serving funeral and cemetery professionals since 2017 with a commitment to exceptional customer service and fast funding. Both EFF and EXF share the same mission, providing premier service with a dedication to the leading best practices and services. “We see this acquisition as an opportunity to earn the trust of our new funeral homes and demonstrate the exceptional service and professionalism that defines our company. I have confidence that together, we will continue to uphold our reputation as the best in the business,” said Michael Wilson, co-founder and vice president of operations at EFF. EXF customers can now experience the EFF difference with access to the industry’s leading online claim platform the Express Hub, direct mobile communication with Express Chat, a non-recourse funding model and concierge-key customer service. Express Funeral Funding has been providing funeral homes and cemeteries nationwide the ultimate funding experience since 2002. For more information, visit www. expressfuneralfunding.com, email contact@expff.com, or call 812-949-9011. Milestone Funeral Partners Selects the Travel Plan By Inman as Their Out of Area Protection Plan FORT WAYNE,IN— Milestone Funeral Partners locations are now able to offer their clients out of area protection by partnering exclusively with the Travel Plan by Inman. Travel Plan by Inman is a travel protection product offering families peace of mind knowing loved ones will not have to worry about details or cost should they pass away while they are away from home. With its respectful and cost-effective products backed by insurance, the Travel Plan by Inman enhances Milestone Partners already proven platform of comprehensive, customized solutions and excellent service. “Milestone Partners is invested in helping their clients and always striving to provide families with outstanding products and reliable service,” said Dave McComb, Travel Plan by Inman CEO and a fourth generation funeral director and owner. “We are honored to be working with them and pleased that, together, we can empower families dealing with the heavy issue of funeral care, easing some of the distress grieving families experience.” Milestone Partners is a privately-held operator of funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries. Founded by a group of industry professionals, the founding principles of Milestone Partners is honest relationship-building and a dedication to local caregivers. Milestone business resources are focused on community-based managing partners. To learn more, visit www.milestonefuneralpartners.com. The Travel Plan by Inman is a travel protection product offered by Inman Shipping Worldwide to address the needs of an increasingly more mobile society. As careers and retirement take them to all corners of the country and even the world, Inman addresses the need to return the remains of a deceased loved one home. The Travel Plan is backed by insurance and supported by Inman’s network of vetted service providers. For more information, visit www. shipman.com, or contact Lori Davis at lori.davis@shipman.com or call 260247-2202. Matthews International Reports Results for Fiscal 2024 Third Quarter PITTSBURGH,PA—Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ GSM: MATW) announced financial results for its third quarter of fiscal 2024. In discussing the results for the Company’s fiscal 2024 third quarter, Joseph C. Bartolacci, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Our consolidated financial results continue to be underpinned by the strength of our core businesses, particularly from our Memorialization and SGK Brand Solutions segments, which generated another quarter of solid performance. The Memorialization segment reported sales relatively consistent with the same quarter last year, despite a decline in U.S. casketed deaths. The impact of unit volume declines in cemetery memorials and caskets related to the lower deaths was substantially offset by improved pricing and higher sales of mausoleums.” Quarterly Dividend Declared Matthews has also announced that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.24 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable August 19, 2024 to stockholders of record August 5, 2024. Matthews International Corporation is a global provider of industrial technologies, memorialization products and brand solutions. For more information and full results, visit www. matw.com. Fred Lappin Joins Johnson Consulting Group as Newest Consultant FSI Names Michael Faherty as Executive Vice President of Client Relations Michael Faherty TALLAHASSEE,FL— Funeral Services, Inc (FSI) has named Michael Faherty as its new executive vice president of client relations, blending Faherty’s current role with Argent Financial Group’s funeral and cemetery trust division. In his blended role with both FSI and Argent, Faherty will seek opportunities to bring the benefits of both companies to existing and future clients, including sharing more options in investments and recordkeeping for preneed contracts for funeral homes and cemeteries, as well as cemetery endowment care needs. “Since FSI has joined Argent Financial Group, the partnership has allowed clients of both companies to have access to more streamlined services,” said Bill Williams, FSI president and CEO. “Bringing Michael on board in this new blended role furthers our joint commitment to efficient service delivery for funeral home and cemetery firms.” “My goal for this new role is to ensure that FSI clients continue to receive the same great service they have always received while bringing them more options in investments and recordkeeping,” said Faherty. “The deathcare profession is at a pivotal time as the industry adapts to changing consumer trends. The preneed market in particular is well positioned for growth as consumers increasingly seek to plan ahead, and we look forward to supporting firms as they look to match this market growth.” FSI ensures trust and sales programs are operating at maximum efficiency through unmatched security, convenience, speed, compliance and cutting-edge technology. FSI has grown to serve over 1,200 individual firms located in 24 states and administers more than 300 deathcare trust accounts across the nation for publicly and privately-owned entities. For more information, visit www.FSITrust.com. Argent Financial Group (Argent) is responsible for more than $35 billion in client assets. Headquartered in Ruston, LA, Argent was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com. Fred Lappin SCOTTSDALE,AZ— Johnson Consulting Group is pleased to announce the addition of Fred Lappin to their team as the newest consultant. With over 20 years leading a premier cemetery operation, Lappin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their clients. Lappin is highly respected in the funeral and cemetery profession, having dedicated his career to improving standards and practices. Recently, he was inducted into the ICCFA hall of fame, the highest accolade by the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), recognizing his significant contributions to the profession. “We are thrilled to welcome Fred Lappin,” said Nelson Thulin, director of business consulting. “Fred’s extensive experience and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our mission to provide unparalleled consulting services to our clients.” Lappin began his career in funeral and cemetery service over two decades ago, when he became the president and CEO of Knollwood Cemetery Corporation in Canton, MA. His expertise spans various facets of funeral and cemetery service management, including operations, sales, and customer service. He has also been a keynote speaker at numerous industry conferences, sharing his insights and inspiring others in the profession. “I am excited to join Johnson Consulting Group and look forward to contributing to the success of our clients,” said Lappin. Johnson Consulting Group is committed to providing business solutions and tools to achieve increased performance, profitability, and success as one navigates the journey towards an exit strategy. Their expert services include succession planning, selling funeral homes and cemeteries, financing solutions, business coaching, accounting services, business performance analysis, customer survey program, customer experience workshops, incentive compensation plans and leadership and management training. For more information about Johnson Consulting Group and their services, visit johnsonconsulting.com, email info@johnsonconsulting.com, or call 888-250-7747. www.NomisPublications.com and Online Directories at BUYER’S GUIDE Find the Industry Suppliers You Need EVEN FASTER
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