Do you have interest in going to warm and sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, in February?

Jeremy Field of CPJ Field in the UK was recognized for his vital contribution to the funeral sector over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marlene "Marty" Shoemaker is the co-owner & operator of Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She shared her experiences with running a successful funeral home that has been around since 1905.

OGR is committed to providing you with the professional development opportunities that address the challenges independently owned funeral homes face, and prepare you for the next stages of funeral service. After all, we have over 90 years of experience serving professionals just like you.

Do you ever notice that during the Christmas season, we always hear the comment “Christmas comes so quickly, it's over before you know”?

OGR's monthly feature previewing education, events and other opportunities coming up over the next three months.

Here is your REMINDER to use your health coverage benefits for your annual wellness visit, dental cleaning, vision exam or any preventative care. There is still time to get an appointment before the end of the year! The healthcare industry has seen an increase in individuals and families delaying their care for both serious illnesses and general wellness visits with their doctors or care team.

The team at LIG Solutions - an OGR supply partner - is answering all your questions and breaking down any common insurance misconceptions, especially around Annual and Open Enrollment, which are happening now!

RICHMOND, Ind. (Nov. 16, 2021) – Starmark, a leading provider of innovative funeral products, is proud to announce that its Artisan Vista cremation container product line has been certified by the Green Burial Council. Starmark joins a number of other funeral and cemetery professionals who share a commitment to creating more sustainable after-death options for families, their communities and the planet.

The information below comes from some of the leading experts and information resources on healthy living. LIG Solutions, an OGR supply partner, has curated these articles to help keep you up-to-date on the latest news, trends and data on leading a healthier lifestyle, which can help save you money and keep your health care costs down when paired with the benefits of your health coverage.

November 11 is a day set aside to honor those who have served in the United States armed forces. What began on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month as Armistice Day, has evolved over the years to include all veterans. 

AUBURN, Ind. (Oct. 27, 2021) - Messenger, a leading provider in funeral stationery, personalization solutions and insurance funding, recognized its top sales representatives with achievement awards during their corporate dinner held in conjunction with the 2021 National Funeral Directors Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

By Halloween, the Christmas displays are up in stores and those who have lost a loved one begin to dread the holiday season. While you may offer a holiday remembrance service or mark the season another way, why not offer something that lasts all year long?

Kimberly Knight a 42-year-old funeral director and office manager at James A. Dyal Funeral Home in Summerville, South Carolina.

Bishop Rick August, president of Infinity Funeral Home in Biloxi, Mississippi, and his children Lasha and Jonathan August - vice president and CFO, respectively - share their experience running a successful funeral home.

OGR asked some of its international members to offer perspective on how the coronavirus pandemic has forced innovations in their cities and countries.

I started Veterans Funeral Care in 2001 with the goal of serving the veterans in my community better than any other funeral home. It was the first funeral home in America that was named after the customer we served rather than the owner. Since then, we have grown to a more than 900-case funeral home and I attribute our growth to gaining the business of disloyal customers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many facets of our lives. That includes changes in how we, as consumers, shop for and purchase goods and services, which in turn change funeral service. 

A 401(k) is how most Americans save for retirement, but many business owners think that a small business retirement plan is too expensive, too hard to manage or not valued by employees. However, more than half of small business owners say offering a 401(k) plan attracts better employees, according to a CNBC small business survey. They also note that nearly 25% of departing employees cite a lack of retirement benefits as part of the reason for leaving.

Dale Carnegie said, “91% will give referrals if asked; only 11% ask.” So, we are asking. We are asking you, our member, to help OGR grow by spreading the word to other funeral directors about all the good things going on at OGR. We hope you have been taking advantage of your member benefits. If not, we need to talk. Just give us a call and we will match you with the programs that best fit your needs.