Friday, December 20, 2019
At the 2019 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) convention in Chicago, your humble correspondent saw a number of interesting products and services on display at the expo. Here is part one of a series of videos about new developments.
BereaveMints
Jim Finelli, Vice President of Sales for Promotion in Motion, spoke about the new look of the company’s BereaveMints. These candies for funeral homes come in a variety of flavors: peppermint, chocolate mint, and fruit flavors (very popular with children).
This year, they introduced Tuxedo thin chocolate mints, dark chocolate squares with a creamy layer of mint sandwiched inside. The BereaveMints packaging was recently redone with colorful shiny wrapping. More information is available at the company’s website, www.PromotionInMotion.com.
Memorial Signature Frame
The Memorial Signature Frame was introduced to the funeral industry at this NFDA convention. The company started making these inscribable frames for the bridal industry in 2004. Even though they were created as a wedding guest book, many people would buy them to use for memorial services. The new product was very well received by the funeral directors in attendance. Learn more at www.MemorialSignatureFrame.com.
The Remembering A Life Self-care Box
In this video, Gail Marquardt, Vice President of Communications for the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), talks about the Self-care Box they recently introduced. The box contains helpful tools for processing grief after a funeral or memorial service. The tools include a journal, aromatherapy oil and candle, water bottle, keepsake jar, and other items. The box is available through funeral homes that offer the box to client families and to the general public through the NFDA’s consumer website, www.RememberingALife.com.
Funeral Home Interior Design Trends
Tam Schreiner is owner and managing director of FFH Design, an interior design company dedicated to making funeral homes look and feel modern and inviting. They can help a funeral home update their decor. Dark wood and heavy draperies are being replace with a modern, light and airy look reminiscent of Pottery Barn or IKEA.
FFH Design also gets involved with the design of a brand new facility. Their work includes designing the “back of the house” area where the preparation work is done. They also guide the decoration and furniture in the ceremonial, visitation and reception areas that the public sees.
Women’s Burial Garments
Leon Harris, Designer and CEO of LH Design, discusses the spectacular dresses for deceased women his company makes. The bejeweled dresses are designed with versatile neckline options. USA-made in Atlanta, Georgia, LH Design is also offering matching covers for caskets. Their website is www.LHDesign54.com.
Look for additional interviews from this National Funeral Directors Association (NDFA) convention and expo in Chicago, IL on this YouTube channel. “Like,” comment and subscribe for more great videos like these!
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Gail Rubin, CT, is author and host of the award-winning book and television series, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die, Hail and Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips, and KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die.
Rubin is a Certified Thanatologist (that's a death educator) and a popular speaker who uses humor and films to get the end-of-life and funeral planning conversation started. She "knocked 'em dead" with her TEDx talk, A Good Goodbye. She provides continuing education credit classes for attorneys, doctors, nurses, social workers, hospice workers, financial planners, funeral directors and other professionals. She's a Certified Funeral Celebrant and funeral planning consultant who has been interviewed in national and local print, broadcast and online media.
Known as The Doyenne of Death®, she is the event coordinator of the Before I Die NM Festival. She also hosts A Good Goodbye Internet radio show and produces Mortality Minute radio and online video spots. Her YouTube Channel features more than 450 videos!
Rubin is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, Toastmasters International and the National Speakers Association New Mexico Chapter. Her speaking profile is available at eSpeakers.com.
Gail Rubin has been interviewed about funeral planning issues in national and local broadcast, print and online media. Outlets include The Huffington Post, Money Magazine, Kiplinger, CBS Radio News, WGN-TV, and local affiliates for NPR, PBS, FOX, ABC-TV, CBS-TV and NBC-TV. Albuquerque Business First named her as one of their 2019 Women of Influence.
Sign up for a free planning form and occasional informative newsletter at her website, AGoodGoodbye.com.