International Order of the Golden Rule

2008 Annual Conference
"Here Today. Where Tomorrow?
Doorway to Success"
April 16-19, 2008
Renaissance Chicago Hotel

The old adage, here today, gone tomorrow, can have multiple - and ominous - connotations for today's independent funeral home owner. Are you prepared for the changes looming on the horizon? Are you sensitive to the needs and expectations of a diverse clientele? Have you invested enough resources to secure your firm's solvency - for yourself and for future generations? To address these vital questions, OGR has designed its 2008 Annual Conference - "Here Today. Where Tomorrow? Doorway to Success," being held April 16-19 at Chicago's Renaissance Hotel - to open members' minds and imaginations to introspection, examination and discussion, leading ultimately to change and to a successful tomorrow.

This exciting educational program featuring panel discussions on licensing/copyright infringement and Chinese caskets and presentations dealing with green burials, wage and hour guidelines, and the new funeral director in the 21st century. Attendees will be eligible to earn up to 16 CEUs in states where approved. Plus, by attending, members maintain their exclusive trade areas.

Where will your funeral home be tomorrow? Come to Chicago and see what new ideas, challenges and solutions lay behind your "Doorway to Success," as we unite to celebrate OGR's 80th year of service to the independent funeral home! Watch for full details and optional tour information in a member mailing this January. For questions, contact the education/meetings department, (800) 637-8030, jgabbert@ogr.org

5:00-5:30 p.m. New Member/First Time Attendee Reception
First time attendees and new association members are invited to meet members of OGR's Board of Directors.

5:30-9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception
This extended reception at the Renaissance will provide plenty of food, drink and time to re-connect with old friends and new acquaintances.

8:00-9:15 a.m. Opening Session: "The State of the Association"
President Robin L. Williams; Executive Director William A. Edmunds; Milestone Anniversaries; Memorial Service

This introductory session will start you on the road to success. Join OGR President Robin L. Williams and Executive Director William A. Edmunds as they review OGR's illustrious past, discuss current accomplishments and share plans for a bright future. Member firms reaching significant milestones in their OGR membership will be recognized and the session ends with a Memorial Service honoring members who died during the past year.

9:15-9:45 a.m. Beverage Break/Supplier Showcase
Interact with colleagues and Golden Services Suppliers during this time to relax and mingle.

9:45-11:45 a.m. Keynote Address: "Creating Distinctive Value: Building Your Funeral Service from the Outside In"
Thomas J. Winninger, WINNINGER Resource Companies, Inc.

Funeral Service is a series of interconnected activities that brings together unique services with the changing needs and wants of today's consumer. Thomas J. Winninger , frequently referred to as America's leading market strategist, will help you develop a service-oriented environment that brings you closer to your client family; understand the importance of "value-added"; convert a product-driven effort to value-driven effect; respond effectively to price competition; and get control of your brand message. Open the door to more successful service through Thom's insight and ideas!

11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Lunch Buffet/Supplier Showcase
Meet with suppliers and peruse select products and services available through OGR's Golden Services Group co-op buying program. A lunch buffet will be held in the showcase.

1:45-3:00 p.m. Volume Breakouts
Join members with similar-sized funeral homes at these free-flowing, confidential discussions of recent challenges, issues and trends. Sessions are guided by seasoned moderators.

3:30-5:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Licensing and Copyright Infringement
Jeff Burrow, BMI; T. Scott Gilligan, Gilligan Law Offices; Kevin Wakefield, Memories by Design

Join these panelists in a discussion of the current laws concerning copyrighted music and photographs. They'll present scenarios with music/photos that follow and don't follow the law, as well as explain the ramifications of breaking the law.

6:30 p.m. Optional Dutch Treat Dinners
Enjoy a taste of Chicago's outstanding eateries while sharing camaraderie with OGR members during optional Dutch treat dinners. Sign-up taken on site.

8 p.m. Performance of "Wicked"
A limited number of tickets are available for the Thursday night performance of the Tony Award-winning musical "Wicked" at the Ford Center of Performing Arts. Use the Annual Conference registration form to order.

9:00-10:15 a.m. Concurrent Session I: Your Next Funeral: What's It Worth?
Quinn H. Eagan, CLU, Pre-Need Funeral Program

The pressure of running a successful funeral home has never been greater than it is today. W hat options should you consider to improve your business? By implementing proven programs to find "new families" who will utilize your services and the new "how to" method to follow up only with families who express an interest in your services, you can reap financial rewards now and well into the future. In addition, you'll find families better satisfied and spending more money with you to get what they want. Quinn Eagan will show you how to get a better understanding of the value of these programs and how to go about protecting your future.

Concurrent Session II: How to Assure 100% "Affordable" Compliance with Wage and Hour Guidelines
David V. Tudor, The Directions Group

Tens of millions of dollars are computed against employers each year in back wage liability. In addition to the cost, the last thing an employer wants to see is their name in the local newspaper - citing violation to federal or state wage regulations. In this important session, David Tudor will show you why preneed insurance commissions, paid directly by the insurance company to your employees, is subject to overtime; how to competitively and affordably pay directors and still be wage hour compliant; the correct way to handle "on call" time; how to correctly compute overtime premiums on bonus, commissions, incentives and other fees paid to your employees; and much more.

10:45 a.m.-12:10 p.m. General Session: "Incorporating Green Burials into Your Service Offerings"
William (Billy) Campbell, M.D. and Kimberley Campbell, Memorial Ecosystems; Joe Sehee, Green Burial Council

After years of popularity overseas, green burials have found their way to North America with more families asking about the process. In order to meet the needs of all families, OGR has brought in the experts to discuss how funeral directors can incorporate green burials into your service offerings, providing another pathway to success. Billy and Kimberley Campbell operate the first green cemetery opened in the United States and Joe Sehee educates the public about green burials. They will share their practical experience of working with funeral directors and techniques to you meet the needs of your families.

12:20-1:50 p.m. Awards Luncheon
OGR will mark the significant accomplishments of funeral service professionals and students by presenting the Exemplary Service Awards, Awards of Excellence and National Family Appreciation Month scholarship finalist.

2:00-3:15 p.m. General Session: "Caregivers: Learning the Art of Receiving as Well as Giving"
Ken Czillinger, M. Div.

As a funeral director, you know how important it is to assist grieving families in their time of need. But what about you? Who helps you deal with the stress of taking care of others? Ken Czillinger , a former priest and expert in bereavement and healing, will teach you the importance of taking care of yourself in order to better serve your families, a key component in a successful funeral home.

3:45-5:00 p.m. Concurrent Session III: Guidelines for Offering Funeral Packages
T. Scott Gilligan, Esq., Gilligan Law Offices

T. Scott Gilligan is the unofficial expert on the FTC's Funeral Rule and guidelines for offering funeral packages. Join him as he shows you how to put together funeral packages that meet the guidelines while ensuring profitability for you.

Concurrent Session IV: The Funeral Directors for the 21 st Century and the New Organization That Supports Them
David V. Tudor, The Directions Group

One-third to one-half of today's client families view "funeral service" as an option. For the first time in the history of your business, many funeral service organizations have found it necessary to cut wages, reduce or eliminate benefits, permanently layoff employees, including directors, and have experienced a substantial decline in profitability. Much of this negative impact can be mitigated with changes and modifications to your organization. David Tudor will discuss changes you can make as soon as you get home, such as how to redefine the role and performance expectations of all employees, especially the directors, and how to handle the arrangements conference so as to avoid the potential loss of revenue that was considered a given in the past. This most important seminar will have a profound positive affect on the long-term success of your firm.

6:00 p.m. An Evening with OGR's President-Elect
Lawry's The Prime Rib
100 East Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611

One of the most important aspects of any OGR conference is the opportunity to meet and break bread with our colleagues. Please join Marsha and Guy Linnemann for dinner at Lawry's The Prime Rib, a wonderful steak and seafood restaurant housed in the 1890's McCormick Mansion. The evening begins with a reception offering hors d'oeuvres - dinner will be served at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Cost and a personal invitation will be sent after OGR receives an individual's registration for the conference. Please contact Mindy Stallmeyer at Linnemann Funeral Homes, (859) 727-1250 or mindy@lfhmail.com.

9:00-10:30 a.m. Panel Discussion: Chinese Caskets
Jerry Reichert, Aurora Casket Company; Robert Hunsaker, SinoSource International Company, Inc., Ken Camp; Max Cochran, Cochran Funeral Home (additional panelists to be added soon)

In the past six months, Chinese caskets have been a topic at most funeral association meetings. Join these experts as they present their views on Chinese caskets - the quality, copyright issues and pricing that have so many funeral professionals wondering whether to add them to the mix of casket offerings.

10:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Closing Session: "The Dream Manager"
Matthew Kelly, Floyd Consulting

The simple truth is: the destiny of your organization and the destiny of the people that drive your organization are inseparably linked. The Dream Manager concept demonstrates how organizations, large and small, can actively engage their people to create a competitive advantage of monumental proportions. In this presentation, Matthew Kelly will explain the powerful connection between employees' personal dreams and a corporation's ability to achieve goals and sustain growth. He demonstrates that a company cannot expect to attract and retain the employees necessary to guarantee sustainable growth and profitability unless that company can help those employees move in the direction of their personal dreams and ambitions. Using an array of practical examples, Matthew illustrates the broad application of the Dream Manager concept and demonstrates how, in different areas of our lives, we all take on the role of the Dream Manager.

6:00-7:00 p.m. President's Reception
Enjoy a final evening with friends and colleagues at this semi-formal/black-tie optional event.

7:00-9:30 p.m. Annual Banquet & Installation
This special evening includes the installation of OGR's Board of Directors and Officers as well as the presentation of the Golden Light Award , OGR's highest honor.

9:30-11:30 p.m. Entertainment
The formality of the evening ends and the fun begins! Don't miss what is sure to be a memorable evening!

Come and join us in celebrating OGR's 80th anniversary! Click here to view the current list of registrants.

As the premier Chicago luxury hotel, the Renaissance is an urban sanctuary embodying the sophisticated ambiance of a uniquely upscale hotel. Nestled in the heart of the city, this downtown Chicago hotel is conveniently located near the Windy City's top attractions on the north edge of the historic "Loop".

Indulge in the tranquil Rejuvenation Center at this lavish hotel in downtown Chicago, with a refreshing indoor pool and health club and soothing spa treatment rooms designed to delight the body, mind, and spirit (APPOINTMENT REQUIRED). Please call the Rejuvenation Center at (312) 372-7200 extension 58. Hours of operation 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

For more information on the hotel, visit www.renaissancechicagodowntown.com

Online room reservations are just a click away! Use the link below to facilitate the reservation process. You will be directed to the property's home page where you can enter your arrival and departure dates. The group code is already entered in the appropriate field to ensure you receive the group rate of $229 per night. Register by March 24, 2008 to get the rate.

Renaissance Chicago Hotel >>

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Optional Tours

Arrive a day early and make the most of your trip to Chicago by joining these exciting optional tours. Be sure to reserve your space by March 26, 2008, using the form which you can download here or online at lbrennfleck@metroConnections.com . Tours will depart from the front entrance of the Renaissance Chicago Hotel. Tours will be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met by March 26, 2008 (applies to all tours).

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Chicago Highlights and Architecture Cruise
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $142 per person
Includes: Roundtrip transportation via deluxe motorcoach; professional guide; admissions; three-course lunch; and all taxes and gratuities.
Minimum: 35 guests

This pre-conference tour begins with a complete overview of Chicago's popular attractions, cultural sites, museums and historical venues. After lunching at RIVA on Navy Pier, the tour continues with guests seeing Chicago from a completely different view - the water. The tour will feature:

• A look at the city's North and South Side business and residential districts, a trip over the Chicago River, made to flow backwards by one of the world's greatest engineering feats, the best view of Chicago from Adler Planetarium, and a visit to the Hancock Observatory on the 94 th floor of the John Hancock Building.

• Lunch at RIVA, one of Chicago's most recognized restaurants, located on Navy Pier, where you'll enjoy spectacular views, a premium meal and share space with a world-class Ferris wheel.

• A docent-led architectural cruise begins at Navy Pier, then heads south along the lakefront where you'll enjoy the panorama of Chicago while learning the architectural history of Chicago and its rise from the Great Fire of 1871. You'll experience the Lake Michigan locks as you enter the Chicago River and see Chicago's architectural landmarks.

Macy's and the Merchandise Mart
Time: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person
Includes: roundtrip transportation via deluxe motorcoach; professional guides; slide presentation; and all taxes and gratuities.
Minimum: 35 guests

Shoppers who know Chicago, know of two places: Marshall Fields and the Merchandise Mart. Experience the grandeur and learn the rich history of both historic locations. The tour will feature:

• A 30-minute slide presentation of the significant architecture and historic treasures and artwork found within the State Street store, including the vaulted ceiling of Tiffany favrile glass and the Walnut Room.

• A 90-minute walking tour of the Merchandise Mart, the world's largest commercial building, including a historical overview of the 25-story building, from its creation by Marshall Field and purchase by Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy to its importance today.

• View the commercial and residential furnishings showrooms, the gift and decorative accessories showrooms and LuxeHome Kitchen and Bath boutiques.

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Saturday, April 19, 2007

Macy's and Lincoln Park
Time: 1 - 5 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person
Minimum: 35 guests

1:00-1:15pm   Guests depart The Renaissance Hotel for Macy's on State Street
1:15-1:45pm Guests enjoy Macy's Historical Slide Presentation
1:45-2:45pm   Guests explore the treasures of Macy's on State
2:45-3:15pm   Transfer to Lincoln Park
3:15-4:45pm   Guests enjoy touring and shopping
4:45-5:00pm   Tour concludes - Guests return to the Renaissance Hotel

Originally built for Marshall Field & Co., Chicago 's famous department store has a rich history to match its significant architecture. Guests will enjoy a 30 minute slide presentation of the significant architectural and historic treasures and artwork found within the State Street store including the vaulted ceiling of Tiffany favrile glass and the Walnut Room. An additional hour will be spent exploring the store and the treasures discussed in the slide presentation.

The second half of the tour will be a stop in Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park, located three miles from downtown, is a shopper's delight featuring a trendy array of upscale fashions that equally match the posh neighborhood. While touring the tree-lined streets learning the history behind the Victorian brownstones and gardens, guests will find everything from the illustrious designs of Elie Tahari and Cynthia Rowley to independently-owned gift shops, stationery stores and charming boutiques. Lincoln Park is a singular shopping experience in a true contemporary urban neighborhood rich in history.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park
Time: 1 - 4:45 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person
Includes: roundtrip transportation via deluxe motorcoach; professional guides; museum admission; and all taxes and gratuities.
Minimum: 35 guests

Minutes from downtown Chicago in Oak Park, are two architectural wonders designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, widely regarded as America's most influential architect. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio served as Wright's private residence and workplace for the first 20 years of his career. Wright and his associates developed a new American architecture: the Prairie style, with Unity Temple, just a short walk from the home, as a shining example. This tour will feature:

The tour will feature:

• Enjoy a tour of the Wright home and studio, where you will experience how he used his home as an architectural laboratory, experimenting with design concepts that a fellow architect described as a workplace with "inspiration everywhere."

• In the studio, Wright and his associates designed such famous buildings as the Robie House, the Larkin Building and Unity Temple. The site has been restored and appears as it did in 1909, the last year Wright lived and worked in Oak Park.

• Wright's bold cubical design for Unity Temple broke barriers for both religious and secular architecture in America and throughout the world. The most interesting feature of Unity Temple is Wright's manipulation of the flow of interior spaces. Upon its completion in 1908, Wright said that "Unity Temple makes an entirely new architecture.and is the first expression of it. That is my contribution to modern architecture."

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