The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) welcomed funeral professionals from across North America and beyond to Louisville, Kentucky, for PROGRESS 2026, held May 5-7. The association's signature event brought together independently owned funeral homes and supplier partners for three days of education, networking, leadership development and celebration of excellence within the profession. 

Building bench strength is not just smart business strategy. It is a moral obligation to the future of funeral service. 

Funeral homes run on precision. Between documentation, compliance, logistics, and family communication, there's very little room for error — and even less for tools that slow things down. 

Succession planning is one of the most important, and often most delayed, decisions a funeral home owner will make. In a recent OGR Member Roundtable discussion with owners at various stages of ownership and transition, a consistent theme emerged: successful succession doesn't happen quickly or accidentally. It is built over time through intentional decisions, honest conversations, and a clear vision for the future. 

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of The Independent magazine. OGR members can read full versions of previous magazine editions in the OGR Digital Magazine Archive. 

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) Foundation has named the 2026 recipients of its Awards of Excellence Scholarships, recognizing six mortuary students for their dedication to the funeral service profession. The Foundation will distribute a total of $10,000 in scholarship funding to support their continued education. 

Paying funeral expenses shouldn't add stress to families already navigating loss. Text-to-pay simplifies this financial process by allowing each family member to pay their portion from their own phone, wherever they are, quickly and securely. As a funeral home director, you've seen the confusion and pressure that come with traditional payments. Text-to-pay offers a gentler, more efficient path for your families and your business. 

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce this year’s finalists for OGR’s Professional Service Awards. We congratulate these funeral homes that have exhibited outstanding compassion for the families they serve and a commitment to their community. Nominees will be recognized at the Golden Circle Celebration on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at OGR’s signature event, PROGRESS, being held in Louisville, Kentucky.

The following Presidential Viewpoint article first appeared in the Winter 2026 edition of The Independent magazine. OGR members can read the full magazine now in our Digital Magazine Archive. 

For the latest issue of The Independent magazine, OGR caught up with Kiera Scanlan-Wepestad, owner of Scanlan Funeral Home in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, for a chat about her funeral home, her career, and the latest trends in funeral service. Check out the article below, and OGR members can read the full issue in our magazine archive. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (February 26, 2026) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce that PROGRESS 2026, presented by Homesteaders Life Company, will take place May 5-7, 2026, at the iconic Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. OGR’s annual conference continues to bring together independently owned funeral home and supply partners from across the world for meaningful connections, relevant education, and forward-thinking conversations designed to advance the profession.

Think you know what it takes to join OGR? You might be surprised! Here are four common misconceptions about membership - and the truth behind them. 

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is pleased to announce Aurora Payments as its newest Endorsed Supply Partner, strengthening OGR's commitment to providing independent funeral homes with trusted partners and innovative solutions. 

In the funeral profession, we walk a delicate balance: delivering sensitive, deeply human service while running a business that must adapt, compete, and scale. For independent funeral homes seeking to maintain personalized care with fewer resources, artificial intelligence (AI) offers intriguing opportunities if approached with care. 

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of The Independent magazine. OGR members can read full issues of the magazine online in our Digital Magazine Archive. 

OGR's The Independent magazine recently caught up with Aiyanna Rivera from Pollock-Randall, Karrer-Simpson, & Marysville Funeral Homes in Port Huron, Michigan to talk about all things funeral service including her career, the latest trends, and last year's OGR Future Leaders Forum, which Aiyanna had a key role in hosting and planning. Check out the full interview below, and OGR members can view the entire issue in our digital magazine archive. 

The Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is pleased to announce Jessica MacMillan has joined the OGR team as Events Manager. In this role, Jessica will lead the planning, execution, and strategic development of OGR's signature event, PROGRESS, Future Leaders Forum, virtual education, and industry events, reinforcing the association's commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences for its members. 

For the latest issue of The Independent magazine, OGR caught up with Adam and Theresa Thielen, owners of Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen in Dubuque, Iowa for a chat about their funeral home, their careers, and the latest trends in funeral service. Check out the article below, and OGR members can read the full issue in our magazine archive. 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (DECEMBER 5, 2025) - The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is pleased to announce the nomination period is now open for the 2026 OGR Professional Service Awards, with submissions accepted through January 31, 2026. These annual honors celebrate individuals and funeral homes that exemplify exceptional dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence in the funeral profession.