OGR Presents Future Leaders Forum to Foster the Potential of Funeral Home Professionals

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce the upcoming Future Leaders Forum, presented by Full-Circle Aftercare. This event is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in the funeral service profession. This two-day program will gather young professionals, first and second-career individuals, and emerging leaders for engaging education, problem-solving exercises, and strategic discussions. The Future Leaders Forum will be held Aug. 20-21, 2024, at the Zabor Funeral Home in Parma, Ohio. 

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2024 OGR Future Leaders Forum and eagerly look forward to sharing knowledge, insights, and experiences with my peers in the funeral service profession," said OGR board member Justin Zabor, The Zabor Funeral Home. "It's an honor to create an environment where we can connect, learn, and grow together as future leaders in this field."

The theme for the 2024 Future Leaders Forum is "Building Beyond Boundaries: Designing Your Dream Funeral Home." Participants will explore visionary concepts and innovative strategies that can help shape the funeral home of the future. The program will feature a diverse range of sessions and activities, including: 

• "Using the 'Supplier Sounding Board': How funeral directors can use vendors to make strategic decisions and increase the revenue of the firm" with Matthew Van Drimmelen, of Full-Circle Aftercare
• "Fabulous Food for Funerals: Catering the Funeral Experience" with OGR member and host Justin Zabor, CFSP
• "Ask the Experts: Key Considerations for Future Leaders" with the owners of OGR member firms (Adam Guthrie, Stephen Waite, Gregory McClary, CFSP, and Andrew Jenkins)
• "The Financial Basics of a Funeral Home Business" with Nelson Thulin, CFSP, of Johnson Consulting Group
• A tour of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio

On the last day of the Forum, Matt Van Drimmelen, Owner & President of Full-Circle Aftercare, will facilitate a hands-on exercise where attendees will design their own funeral home using some of the skills and insights they gained from the conference. Continuing education credits in accordance with state regulations are also available. 

To support the attendance of OGR member funeral homes, the OGR Foundation is offering $350 scholarships to the first fifteen (15) individuals who register for the Future Leaders Forum. 

"As funeral homeowners in an ever-evolving field, we know how important it is to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders," said Kim Hunter, Chair of the OGR Foundation Board. "The Future Leaders Forum is an incredible opportunity for our emerging professionals to gain essential skills, connect with like-minded peers, and grow into the leaders our profession needs. I wholeheartedly encourage you to send your rising stars to this event. With the scholarships available through our foundation, there's no better time to invest in their future and, in turn, the future of our independently owned funeral homes."

Johnson Consulting Group is also a sponsor of the event. 

The Future Leaders Forum warmly welcomes participation from both OGR member and non-member firms. For more information and to register, visit www.OGR.org/future-leaders-forum.