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.

Now more than ever we need to connect – not just as funeral service professionals but as a community. OGR has designed a year’s worth of professional development and connection specifically with this in mind. We know you have a choice when it comes to where you spend your time and money, and as your partner in excellence we want to be your go-to for the latest in innovation.

In 2022 our promise to you is:

WebEd Webinar Series: Financial Fitness & Organizational Agility

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of U.S. small businesses fail within the first year, and two-thirds in the first decade. As we continue to emerge from a global pandemic, these statistics don’t begin to shed a light on the burnout both personally and professionally that is taking a toll on our industry. The health and wellbeing of both you and your business is one of the keys to a successful 2022.

Over this seven-part series, we will cover topics ranging from your personal and professional financial health, to the strength of your workforce and marketing efforts. We know your time is at a premium, so we want to allow for the flexibility to access content either live or on-demand. With that in mind, these will all be available in our Learning Library after their original broadcast.

• Jan. 25: 2022 Life Plan for Your Business with Brian Ruh, Action Financial Strategies, LLC
• Feb. 22: Emotional Decision Makers with Jennifer Bailey, Story Collaborative
• March 29: Embracing the Past, Present & Future of Funeral Service: The Truth Behind Myths and Evolving Trends with Dominick Astorino, Worsham College of Mortuary Science
• April 19: Upgrading Your Workforce Toolkit with Cara Silletto of Magnet Culture
• Aug. 30: The State of Industry Education and Why You Should Care: A Discussion on the Data, National Board Exams, and Curriculum with Leili McMurrough, Worsham College of Mortuary Science
• Nov. 15: The Innovation Challenge: So, Now What? with Maria Meschi, DORIS Research
• Dec. 13: Set-up Your Business to Succeed in 2023

2022 Conference & Golden Circle Celebration (May 15-17)

The 2022 OGR Conference is an investment in your company’s future – gaining you access to thought leaders, and allowing you to energize, collaborate on best practices and develop leadership innovations. This year’s conference will feature a full schedule of professional speakers and opportunities for attendees, speakers and sponsors to connect and engage with one another, as well as the 2022 Golden Circle Celebration Dinner. Topics will address common issues and challenges facing today’s funeral professional.

YP Summit (May 17)

OGR will bring together members who are not yet in primary decision-making roles at their funeral homes, regardless of age, for an afternoon of professional development and connection. YPs who register for Conference will get a discount on Summit registration.

Learning Library

We know your time is valuable and you can’t always participate live for webinars. The Learning Library allows you to access top-rated content from the Annual Conference and past webinars.

This message was originally published in the Winter 2022 issue of The Independent®. Click here to read the entire issue.

Emilie joined OGR as Education & Events Director in 2020. With more than 22 years’ experience with strategic meeting management, marketing and design, she has extensive strength in collaboration, fiscal accountability, strategic planning and communication. She passionately believes in continual professional development as evidenced by her designations as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Association Executive (CAE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Event Designer (CED) and Certificate in Meetings Management (CMM).

Have a professional development session you want to offer for your fellow OGR members? Fill out the form at OGR.org/Education or email Emilie at [email protected].