Membership Benefits

Music License
Educational Programs
Member Benefits
Information Resources

OGR — The Clear Advantage!

Every day, you’re faced with ongoing challenges as an independent, locally owned funeral home. Chances are there have
been plenty of times when you
had questions and were searching for answers. As a member of the International Order of the Golden Rule, you wouldn’t have had to search far or long.

OGR adds up to a Clear Advantage for you. Educational Seminars, Annual Conference, Audio Seminars and Young Professionals Forum are educational events where members learn from one another and from experts in the field. The InfoShare
e- mail community is another great way to get solutions from others who share your interests and concerns.

Then, there’s the Golden Services Group Co-Op Buying Program which provides you with substantial savings, superior quality, service and delivery. Or, The Independent, our award-winning magazine, keeps you updated on important issues and emerging trends.

For more information about how you can join OGR's growing network of independent, family owned funeral homes, contact Karen Gentles, Director of Membership.

Our mission is to champion the independent funeral home by supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development.

Music License New and Renewal

Renew your music license at the $212 best rate.
Members receive the lowest rate available for their 2008 music license renewal thanks to OGR’s alliance with the Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC).

Renewing your music license allows you to maintain copyright protection by the three primary music licensing agencies, BMI, ASCAP and SESAC. With a license renewal, you ensure that you are following the 1984 US Copyright Law and avoid penalties up to $30,000.

To apply for a new license or renew your license, simply download the
2008 Music License Renewal Form.

For questions, contact Member Services.

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Educational Programs

OGR’s interactive forums allow you to exchange ideas, engage in discussions and discover innovations that will open your mind to new possibilities. Forums include our Annual Conference, Educational Seminars, audio seminars and Invitationals.

Annual Conference - Enjoy the company of professionals and build relationships across North America. Stay on top of what is happening in your industry with seminars on trends and how to care for families.

Educational Programs — Improve your operation with knowledge and ideas while earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Combine learning and connecting with colleagues.

Young Professionals Forum — A dynamic learning group that provides opportunities to brainstorm innovations, offer solutions to problems, and exchange successes, challenges and new opportunities.

Invitationals — Invitationals allow members to host programs where they can share personal interests with colleagues. Since instituting the program, members have enjoyed pheasant hunting, auto racing and fly fishing. Any member may host an Invitational.

Audio Seminars — When you can't get away, cost effective Audio Seminars offer 60-minutes of successful strategies for you and your staff.

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Member Benefits

Advocacy — OGR works to give the independent viewpoint the best chance to be heard. As The Voice of the Independent Funeral Home, members have a stake in OGR's efforts to advocate for the rights of independents and affect needed change at the national and international level.

OGR was there ....

• advocating for the independent when the FTC developed the Funeral Rule;
• meeting with the FTC over proposed SCI/Alderwoods merger;
• fighting to cancel SCI's trademark of "Family Funeral Care."

The Independent — OGR confronts issues that affect the independent funeral home. Our bimonthly, flagship magazine, The Independent®, publishes opinion and commentary on what is happening in the funeral industry, articles that can help you make a difference, member profiles, along with OGR news and resources.

Resource Guide — Your "must have" guide to help you stay in touch with your OGR network. The annual publication includes ship-out rates, educational programs, invitationals, regulatory compliance information, and more. Keep it handy as your complete and quick reference to the network of co-op supplier partners and OGR exclusive products.

Impact Your Community — National Family Appreciation Month connects your funeral home with a good cause. Our one-of-a-kind program allows you to reach out to your community each October and gain positive media exposure by promoting "family appreciation."

Family Contact — Our Family Contact program allows you to collect honest feedback from your families. You’ll gain a greater understanding of their needs, recognize ideas for improvement, receive well-deserved appreciation for you and your staff and acquire pre-need planning contacts.

Golden Services Group Co-Op Buying Program — Establish business relationships with top-quality funeral industry suppliers of Products and Services. We chose our network of products and services suppliers for their excellence and cost-savings to you.

Compassionate Care - Help families during the critical aftercare with OGR's trademarked aftercare resource in one simple presentation package that you can customize for each family's needs.

Consumer Website - Educates and informs consumers with support materials for the bereaved. Search option provided so that consumers find your location in their area when they access www.golden-rule.com

Resources for communicating with families - Find exclusive OGR products for talking with families about Pre-need and Aftecare.

InfoShare — Members build up their online community through this powerful program that allows you to make quick connections with members to ask questions or share your expertise.

Press-Release Program - Reach your community with news about events and people at your funeral home.

Recognition and Awards - Receive recognition for your community accomplishments and leadership and caring, compassionate service to families.

Compliance/Government Regulations - OGR developed a General Price List, Casket Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List, and Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected that are all approved by the FTC. We also offer template forms related to cremation, rental caskets, disinterment and other issues.

We can assist with a review of all price lists. Our products and services department can assist with all regulatory compliance information and provide help and contacts.

Employment Opportunities - Do you have an opening at your funeral home? Post your listing today to tap professionals in your field.

Business Aids - Save when you order Pre-need, At-need and Aftercare products personalized for you. Other printed materials include business cards, letterhead, envelopes, presentation folders and other business aids.

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Information Resourcess

Pandemic Flu Planning

"It's Not Flu As Usual" brochure outlines what businesses need to know about pandemic flu planning. Contains facts, a planning checklist, and tips for protecting employees' health in the event of an outbreak. To request a FREE copy, contact Member Services or click here to download a copy.

For more information about Member Benefits, contact Debi Tignor-Wall, Member Relations Coordinator, 1-800-637-8030,
dtignorwall@ogr.org.

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