A Message from the President of CFDA

Welcome to your CFDA website!

Welcome to your association, The California Funeral Directors Association. Are you aware that the purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity which benefits its funeral establishment members. If you are a member of CFDA then it’s to your benefit. But if you aren’t a member then your opinion is not being heard and we want to hear from all of you.

Your CFDA executive office is located at: One Capitol Mall, Suite 320 in Sacramento, CA 95814 and can be reached at (800) 255-2332. The professional staff consisting of Bob Achermann-Executive Director, Joan Achermann-Event Planning Manager, Connie Payne-Director of Finance and Gloria Peterson-Membership and Public Relations Coordinator, Newlines Editor and Website Specialist are there to serve you. You the members of CFDA are the reason for this association and I will make it one of my priorities this year to give each and every one of you the best service that this association can provide. CFDA supports several committees and the funeral professionals that make up these committees have committed their time and talents to best serve you. The three committees whose contributions are (arguably) the most public in the eyes of the membership are as follows:

Convention – Chaired by Dennis Steiner, the Convention Committee acts as a liaison between the Board of Directors and the suppliers and exhibitors. They assist in the planning and execution of the actual display area of the convention and are responsible for planning and developing a proposal and budget for CFDA’s annual convention in accordance with the Board’s direction.

Legislative – Chaired by Past President Jim Draper, this committee is responsible for tracking current legislation that impacts funeral service. Working with CFDA’s legislative advocate, the committee analyzes, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors whether to support, oppose or watch, the vast number of bills making their way through the legislature. If necessary, the committee may author bills that are taken to a member of the legislature to introduce to the process. Many of the laws, rules and regulations on, or off, the books today began in the Legislative Committee.

Professional Development – Chaired by Robert Boetticher, Jr., this committee is dedicated, as the name implies, to the development of members so they may be successful in Funeral Service. Perhaps the most visible and familiar programs are the Law Review Seminars. Presented in both the North and the South, this program, taught by Jim Draper, prepares applicants for the Funeral Director Examination given by the State of California. It is also the premier method sought in order to qualify as an arrangement counselor when taking the examination is not required or available. New this year is the introduction of an embalming review taught by Jeff Stephenson of American River College in Sacramento and Glenn Bower of Cypress College in Cypress. Also new this year is the offering of various educational programs such as a seminar on Sexual Harassment, taught by an attorney. This workshop fulfills the requirements mandated by AB1825 for those employers who are required to comply. Many other such seminars are planned for the future. This committee is also responsible for the interviewing of scholarship applicants and the awarding of same as well as awarding the various industry accomplishments such as the Funeral Director of the Year at the annual convention. While of no less importance, the Bylaws Committee, Finance Committee, Membership Committee and Public Relations Committee each meet on a quarterly basis to offer suggestions and programs to enhance the value of CFDA to its members. Leadership opportunities with CFDA can be exercised by becoming a member of any of the committees listed. I invite you to attend these meetings at any time.

Resources available to you as a member of this association are the following: Cal-OSHA Compliance Program, Compliance Resource Manual with periodic updates, Death Certificate Brochures and EDRS Education and Support, California Funeral Directors Association Directory, Workman’s Comprehensive and Liability Insurance Programs, Job Posting/Referrals, Media Guide and Position Statements, Member’s Quarterly News and Legislative Reports, Post Funeral Evaluation Form, Public Relations Support, our new and improved Website (www.cafda.org) and a new pre-need insurance program offered exclusively to CFDA members.

Service to you is the priority of CFDA and we offer you timely compliance and regulatory information, full-time staff assistance, career clearinghouse, legislative and governmental advocacy and professional development opportunities. I believe in CFDA and I believe in you the professional membership that makes this one of the strongest association in the United States. But you need to believe in your association and you need to support it.

This has been a brief overview of some of the many services and opportunities that you as a member are entitled to and we will be working hard to improve on the programs, resources and services that we offer to you and, as your president, I welcome your personal calls and suggestions.

For those of you that attended my installation banquet in Long Beach, I thank you. If you were not able to attend you missed a great opportunity for education, networking and fellowship. The 2009 convention will be held in San Jose at the Dolce Mansion. I urge all to attend and participate.

Thank you.

Merrill R. Mefford
President