November 26, 2008

Judge Recommends Denial of Class Certification in Suit Targeting Batesville, Hill-Rom

BATESVILLE, IND. - On Nov. 24, 2008, a magistrate judge in the United States District Court in the Southern District of Texas issued recommendations that plaintiffs' motions for class certification be denied in two previously disclosed antitrust lawsuits against Batesville Casket Co., Inc. and Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., the companies announced in a news release. read more...

Police: Wife Killed by Husband’s Casket on Way to Cemetery

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - A fatal traffic accident caused a husband's coffin to hit against the back of his wife's neck, killing her instantly, according to a report by The Associated Press. read more...

Dowagiac Man Pleads Guilty in Funeral Trusts Case

DOWAGIAC, MICH. - A Dowagiac man will be sentenced In December for mishandling money that was supposed to have been paid into trust funds for funeral expenses, according to a report by WSJM.com. read more...

Preneed Perspectives Returns to Publication

PHOENIX - Preneed Perspective was published with Dan Isard and The Foresight Companies, LLC as its publisher for more than a decade. Based upon numerous requests from readers, funeral home owners, insurance company executives, and state association leaders and executives, Dan has decided to begin publishing Preneed Perspective again, according to a press release. read more...

N.Y. Pet Cemetery Ranked with Taj Mahal, pyramids

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Many wish to find a final resting place for a pet that is secure, clean and aesthetically pleasing. But what happened when a pet cemetery is ranked in the top ten best places to rest, right next to Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids? read more...

FSX Wants YOUR Opinion!

From television shows and movies to books and music, funeral service is everywhere in pop culture. FSX wants to know what you think is the best funeral director or funeral industry pop culture reference.

Please send your answers to tkenevich@katesboylston.com. The submissions will be printed in a future issue of American Funeral Director!

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JUST PUBLISHED: 2009 American Blue Book of Funeral Service!

The only directory that offers you: • The Kates-Boylston 2008 Salary Survey. • The Kates-Boylston 2008 Casket Survey. • “Shipment of a Deceased Person”––The comprehensive chapter from Mike Kubasak’s “Traversing the Minefield.” • Information on how to prepare a body for shipping. • Tips on how to end your receivables nightmare. • Airlines addresses, shipment service and airport codes. • A listing of national and state funeral director associations and boards. • PLUS a comprehensive listing of funeral homes in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and abroad. Online Special: Only $99! Order today and receive our supplemental 80-page handbook “Honoring Veterans: A Guide to Military Service” absolutely FREE! Call 800-500-4585 or visit www.katesboylston.com/bb Learn more...

Plan Ahead for the 2010 Blue Book!

Here are just some of the improvements we are making next year: • A detailed survey of industry salary trends conducted in-house by the same Funeral Service Insider experts who provide you with reliable and dependable weekly news and business-building tips. • Hear what your peers are saying about the casket market in our comprehensive casket survey. • How new government leadership is affecting OSHA compliance. • Tax tips and expert advice on dealing with insurance agencies and eliminating receivables that will help you increase your profit margins. And we’re not leaving out Blue Book’s core purpose: shipping regulations. We will feature: • Updated information on international shipping; with a more convenient, easy-to-use layout. • The latest government regulations on securely shipping a body. • Our glossy Buyer’s Guide will make sure you have access to all the inventory and services you need to serve the families in your trust. Discounts through Dec. 31! Call 732-730-2581 or e-mail ydefilippo@katesboylston.com to learn more about what you can save.