KeyNews Fall 2022

President’s Message

Our November newsletter is a little late as our efforts to bring the membership module online engaged our volunteers more than anticipated. Allow me to apologize for the delay and assure you that is it a significant step in moving our membership efforts forward. As membership letters have been coming out in January of every year, I understand some of our members have been concerned the e-mails coming from our new system and the membership year ending on December 31st. Actually, December 31st is the end of the membership year. The letters went out in January to avoid the confusion of the holidays, but unfortunately, last year we were still sending out renewal letters in August.

Here we are in January 2023! I continue to be encouraged every day by the resilience shown by deathcare professionals. I would like to extend my personal thanks to all the industry professionals for their dedication and care during the continued global pandemic. Funeral directors, cemeterians, administrative staff, attendant staff, grounds crew, advanced planning representatives and all other support staff have all shown up, day after day, to serve our community. (Applause) You have all risen to the task with the dignified resilience we pride ourselves within this profession. Truly, our role is more than just disposition of the dearly departed and it is in times of great hardship that our opportunity to serve in this manner most presents itself. Knowing the unique suffering many of our families are experiencing, let us strengthen our commitment to excellence, knowing that how we treat people in their time of greatest need is long remembered and, more importantly, it is what each and every family deserves.

It is important to us, that as your state association, you join with us and engage in programs to elevate your business; be protected from ill-concieved regulations; and hear of new trends that you can embrace or reject as your business requires. Put June 7th-9th on your schedule and join us for your PCCFA Spring Conference, and November 8th-10th for the Mid-Atlantic States Cemetery and Funeral Conference.

May the new year make for a fresh and bright start. Cheers to you and wishing you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

All the best,

Dagny Neel Fitzpatrick
President