Cremation memorials gain momentum at NFDA

Julia Sullivan,
Creative Director

Our team was in Nashville last week, excited to talk with funeral professionals from across the country during the 2014 NFDA Convention and Expo. We go to national conventions to connect with existing customers, attract new customers and get feedback about our products and services. The single and companion Cremation Memorials attracted a lot of interest. Funeral directors and cemeterians were impressed by the detailed design, small footprint and rubberized gasket that helps seal the memorial. Many said that it would help demonstrate the value of memorialization to the families they serve who choose cremation.

It’s only been a week since we packed up and left Nashville, so now is the perfect time to reach out to your customers and the families you serve about Cremation Memorials. Build on the momentum created at the national convention by taking them to your local market. Download the literature or place an order for a sample. If you haven’t seen the Cremation Memorials in person, give our Customer Service team a call at 800.798.4900. They will walk you through how it works, all of the design options and pricing.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Trigard showcases new product at ICCFA Expo

Want to grow? Trigard invites you to come see our new products and learn how we can help you grow your business at the ICCFA Convention and Expo booth 631.

Attendees will get to see our newest products in action, including the new 12" x 12" Cremation Memorial, which allows for in-ground interment in a footprint much smaller than traditional Cremation Memorials - and at a price much lower than you may be paying now. Our companion design includes one chamber for both sets of cremated remains, making it a true companion component. Let us show you how to expand your cremation options while putting hundreds of dollars into your pocket.



Our booth will also feature memorial rocks, pet memorialization products, bronze memorials, as well as the popular Healing Tree® burial vault. And all booth attendees can receive a free flash drive with Trigard's new infographics, designed to help you educate families about the importance of attending a funeral, reasons to visit a cemetery and more.

If you can't make the expo, call our Customer Service team at 800.798.4900 for more information.


This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Ashes, cremated remains or something else?

Jeff Miller,
Vice President of Business
Development

When helping a family who has chosen cremation, how do you refer to the cremated body? Ashes? Cremains? While the industry preferred term is cremated remains, to a family it is still their mother or father, aunt or uncle or husband or wife. It is their loved one.

Families who have chosen cremation care about their loved ones just as much as families who choose traditional burial. When talking with a family, would you ever refer to a traditional burial as "casketed remains?"

Cremation and burial both involve the body of a cherished family member. When you place the same level of importance and value on both types of services, your business will grow.

We understand that part of growing is offering innovative products that appeal to families who choose cremation. We are constantly striving to create new products that will meet the needs of your families. That is why you will see our new Cremation Memorial at the upcoming ICCFA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas. It is the latest addition to our cremation memorialization product line.

For more information about our cremation products, call our Customer Service team at 800.798.4900. 


This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Spring into the community

Are you currently getting involved with your local community? Spring is just around the corner, or so

Jason Murphy,
Director of Family Services,
Sunset Funeral Home

we hope, and it is the perfect time of year to start planning your spring and summer  events.

One great and easy way to attract people to your cemetery is to host ice cream socials. In the summer months, you can offer free ice cream, musical entertainment, friendly conversation and prizes. It provides a great social atmosphere and lifts some of the heavy hearts visiting the cemetery. This type of event also allows you to meet the members of your community, create a connection on a more informal level and add to the value your community already sees in you and your staff.

I would like to challenge you to get out of your office and be proactive in your community. Host fun events within your area and get to know the people you serve.
 
To discuss event ideas, email me at jasonm@sunsetfuneralhome.com. Or even better, I’d love to hear what you’re already doing. Email me the events you look forward to in your cemetery each year.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.


Product highlight: New cremation memorials

Trigard Memorials' new 12" x 12" cremation memorials allow for in-ground interment in a footprint much smaller than traditional cremation memorials - and at a price much lower than you may be paying now. Let us show you how to expand your cremation options while putting hundreds of dollars into your pocket.
 
Come see it for yourself at the ICCFA Convention and Expo from April 8-11, 2014 in Las Vegas.
 
Call Customer Service at 800.798.4900 for details and pricing.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.


Design tip of the week
 
If there is a large amount of text on your memorial or plaque, please send us a Word document or email with the text so we may copy and paste it into the layout. It helps minimize the chance of typos during the design process.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.