2009 Annual Conference in "The Music City" Strikes a Positive Chord With Attendees

Auction for Education raises $23,000 for Scholarship Fund

OGR's 2009 Annual Conference, "Learning the Score, Measuring Success," held April 22-25 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn., proved a positive experience for the independent-minded funeral professionals who came seeking answers to some of today’s most compelling issues.

“Everyone left feeling they knew the score,” said Koven L. Brown, CFSP, OGR’s newly installed president. “The annual conference always reinforces members’ commitment to their profession and to OGR. When you can bond with so many independents at once, from across borders, you gain new perspectives that are vital in today’s environment, perspectives one simply cannot find on their own.”

“The meeting succeeded in its goal to make attendees smarter, more well-prepared and ready to tackle their business challenges,” adds Jeffrey S. Wages, OGR secretary/treasurer, who chaired last year’s Education Committee and organized the auction. “We measure success by our members’ evaluations, which were most positive.”

“Plus, the conference brought attendees face to face with some thorny topics,” Brown added. “We wanted to take them out of their comfort zones and expand their imaginations. I think we accomplished that.”

Sessions featured industry gurus and leading authors, including: Ann Bastianelli, Anthology Consulting, on what families value; Chris Kuhnen, The Outlook Group, on the boomer market; Alan Creedy, Trust 100, relaying Warren Buffet’s strategies to the funeral business; Dan Grumley, Event by Wire, on webcasting; and Edward E. Gordon, Ph.D., Imperial Consulting, on staffing shortages.

Panelists discussed preneed, views of the young professional, and supplier solutions. An auction rallied attendees to “do unto others,” raising $23,000 for OGR’s Awards of Excellence Scholarship Fund. Plus, ceremonies were held honoring winners of OGR’s 2008 awards and scholarships; member milestone anniversaries; and the new board of directors.

Look for a pictorial review of the conference in the May/June 2009 issue of The Independent. Watch for details on next year's conference in Colorado Springs, Colo., and plan to attend.