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The Fabulous

Venetian Resort Chosen for 2004 Convention

Gondolier on Venetian Canal

Las Vegas' Famous Venetian Hotel and Casino

is the site of NCBVA's 2004 Convention

February 22-24, 2004 See story on page 5

THE

BULLETIN Vol. 18

No. 3 June 2003

In this issue. . . Marketing Form 3 Industry Clippings 6 Revocable Trusts 8 Convention Program 10 Succession Planning 12

Certified Plants 16

Veterans' Survivors Benefit From Increased Allowance By Tom Monahan, CAE NCBVA Executive Director

F4 arlier this year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced an increase for the year 2003 of its cash allowance paid to veterans' survivors who privately

purchase grave liners or vaults for the placement in national cemeteries in lieu of receptacles furnished by the VA.

In an effort to educate the death care industry of this often overlooked veteran's benefit, the National Concrete Burial Vault Association has placed a series of full-page advertisements in major national funeral publications reminding the industry of this important feature, particularly timely in this period of heightened U.S. patriotism.

According to the VA, the amount of the cash allowance is based on "taking the VA's total cost during a fiscal year for single-depth grave liners and dividing by the total number of such grave liners procured by the VA. The calculation excludes both grave liners procured and pre-placed in gravesites as part of cemetery gravesite development project and all double-depth grave liners." On this basis, the VA's average cost is $162.90 an increase from $153.70 for the previous year. The VA then deducts a fee for processing and paying the benefit calculated at $9.75 leaving the total net cash payable for 2003 at $153.15. The benefit is only available for veterans buried in national cemeteries.

The advertisement has generated significant interest on the part of cemeteries and funeral directors who have called the NCBVA headquarters requesting more information on how their clients can feceive the benefit. In order for the deceased's family to obtain the current $153.15 benefit, the death-care professional needs to notify the national cemetery of the deceased's family intention to provide their own burial vault and not utilize the standard VA provided receptacle. The cemetery then notifies the VA which will send the allowance check directly to the deceased's family.

Tomb of the Unknowns to Get Refurbishing rr he 71-year-old Tomb of the Unknowns is cracked on all four sides and Arlington

National Cemetery officials have decided to replace it. The fissure cuts through Greek figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. Miners

are searching for matching marble, returning to the old Colorado Yule Quarry site in the central part of the state where the original marble was found.

It should take a year to complete the work after the mining operation is finished, said Kerry Sullivan, a spokeswoman for the cemetery.

The crack was first discovered in the 1940s during the Truman administration, repaired in 1989, but has now become more visible again.

Continued on page 4

Annual Convention • February 22-24, 2004 • Las Vegas, NV

No one has trained or certified more

cremator operators than we have.

2 NCBVA BULLETIN June 2003

No One Can Service, Repair Or Rebuild An IEE Or ALL

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No one has more technicians and service centers located throughout the U.S. than we do.

No one has more technicial and engineering support than we do.

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June 2003 NCB VA BULLETIN 3

Zip

Company Name

Billing Street Address or PO Box

City State

Shipping Street Address

Zip City State

CONc

National Concrete Burial Vault Association 'NOVA' IRF

VAULT MARKETING PROGRAM ORDER FORM

Phone #

Contact Person

ADVERTISEMENT - "Three Reasons to Consider a Lined Concrete Burial Vault" I would like a copy of the advertisement to run in my local publications

(NO CHARGE)

Please personalize the ad (NO CHARGE)

Use Company Name as listed above Personalization address

Do not personalize

BROCHURE - Reasons to Consider a Lined Concrete Burial Vault

Quantity ($25 PER HUNDRED, MINIMUM OF 100)

Yes, personalize ($40 PERSONALIZATION FEE)

Use Company Name as listed above

Personalization address

Do not personalize

Check is enclosed for $ Credit Card: VISA MasterCard American Express Card Number: Expiration: Signature:

If paying by credit card, fax this order form to: (407) 774-6751.

Or mail along with payment to: National Concrete Burial Vault Association 900 Fox Valley Drive, Ste 204 - Longwood, FL 32779-2552 Phone: (407) 788-1996

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc. 900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite 204 Longwood, Florida 32779-2552

http://www.ncbva.org (800) 538-1423 Fax: (407) 774-6751

President Dan Hicks

Hicks Industries Miami, FL

President -Elect J.C. Clifton

Quality Burial Vault Co. Houston, TX

Secretary/Treasurer Graham MacLeod

Detroit Wilbert Vault Co. Detroit, MI

Immediate Past President Jack Swihart

Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp. Saginaw, MI

Directors Darren Baxter

Baxter Burial Vault Service Cincinnati, OH

Marty Begun Eagle Burial Vaults

Detroit, MI

Tim Brown Brown-Wilbert St. Paul, MN

Warren Chandler Master Grave Service, Inc.

Bogart, GA

Linda Darby Sempsrott Greenwood Plastics

Phoenix, AZ

Bob DonateIli Baumgardner Products Co.

Akron, OH

Kelly Pellicano Graffius Burial Vault Co.

Reading, PA

Steve Vincent J.P. Vincent & Son, Inc.

Galena, IL

Curt Zamec Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc.

Forest Park, IL

Executive Director Thomas A. Monahan, CAE

Certified Association Management Company

Longwood, FL

Legal Counsel J. Scott Calkins, Esq.

Publications Director Jan Monahan

Membership & Bookkeeping Sonia Medina

4 NCBVA BULLETIN

June 2003

Unknown. Continued from page 1

The rectangular memorial, sitting on a Virginia hill overlook-ing Washington, solemnly tells visitors: "Here Rests in Honored — Glory An American Soldier Known But to God."

The tomb has been at the site since 1921, more than a decade longer than the memorial, when an unidentified soldier from World War I was buried there. Sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones carved the memorial with wreaths, the three Greek figures and the inscription.

While unknown soldiers from World War II and Korea also are buried at the site, remains from the Vietnam War were disinterred in 1998 after DNA testing identified them.

Members of the Old Guard regiment provide security at the tomb 24 hours a day, their dress uniforms, polished buttons and changing-of-the-guard ceremony watched by 4 million annual ceme-tery visitors.

Once the new marble is located, a master carver will have to copy the original design by architect Lorimer Rich.

FOR SALE For Sale: Double interment burial vault, with shelf and cover molds. All brand new, never used. Manufactured at Norwalk Precast molds. For more information contact Keith Bullock, 631-252-6160. Classified Adv.

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With the largest standard hotel rooms in the world, The Venetian Resort and

Casino takes on an irridescent glow

at sundown.

The

Fabulous Venetian Resort

Chosen for 2004 Convention

1 f you're looking for a once in a lifetime experience, don't miss next year's NCBVA Conference February 22-24, 2004 at the

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

If you haven't had the opportunity to experience Las Vegas, here's some inside information you won't find in many travel brochures. The sheer size of the convention venue, the Venetian Hotel and

Resort, is mind-boggling. Last year's host hotel, Disney's Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World ®, had 1053 sleeping rooms. The Venetian Hotel and Resort is 400 per cent larger With 4,039 sleeping rooms, it is one of the largest hotels in the United States. The hotel is relatively new with over 1,000 of the sleeping rooms expected to be completed in June of 2003. The hotel has some historical significance (if there is such a thing in Las Vegas); It was built on the site of the demolished Sands Hotel, home of the legendary "rat pack" which included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr., among others.

Las Vegas hotels provide you with a complete city within the confines of their property. The Venetian is unique with its "Canal Shops" simulating the famous canals of Venice, complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers. . It features a selection of merchandise unlike any seen in most malls in the country. Shopping is

fast becoming the second favorite pastime in Las Vegas so there's a lot to choose from. In a recent documentary on pop entertainer, Michael Jackson, the reporter accompanied him on a shopping spree during which Jackson dropped over $6 million in an afternoon at one of the Canal Shops at the Venetian.

If you're looking for fine dining or just a last minute snack you can find it at the Venetian. The Venetian has fast food as well as the finest cuisine from such famous chefs as Emeril and Wolfgang Puck. If all of this isn't enough, you're within walking distance of five other mega hotels boosting their own fine restaurants and activities. The Venetian is located in the middle of the famous Las Vegas strip, where all the action happens.

At the Venetian you will enjoy an oversized hotel room that includes a well-decorated living area, a large sleeping area and large bathroom. Guiness Book of World Records calls them the largest hotel rooms in the world!

NCBVA Room Rate: $199 single/double ($35 each additional person per night)

Room Block Cutoff: January 23, 2004

Call for Reservations: (877) 857-1861

Informative Articles In Concrete Magazine The "new" concrete continues to gain acceptance in many of our members' plants. I would call your attention to the April 2003 issue of The Concrete Producer There was an excellent article on "The Future of Concrete" (pages 24-28). Two other articles in this issue are also worth noting: "Gray Water Recycling," and "Proprietary Mix Designs."

If you are not currently receiving this publication, it is available at no charge from Concrete Producer, PO Box 3244, Northbrook, IL 60065-9698.

Earl J. Brutsche, NCBVA Plant Inspector

Nor-Don Helps Family Bury Community Hero Three people lost their lives in a killer storm that swept through Stockton, Missouri. One of those men definitely died a hero. When the storms started through Stockton, 34-year old Mark Wilcox was safe at home. But then he got a call from his friend Mary. She was home with her two kids and she asked Mark to come over and take them to safety. He did and he saved their lives, but he died in the process.

As hundreds of people worked to clean up the mess left behind by the tornado and deal with the destruction, the Wilcox family tried to deal with the death of their loved one. Mark had five kids of his own and seven brothers and sisters. The Nor-Don Vault Company, an NCB VA member company, payed for the burial.

State's Lottery Games Will Benefit Veterans The state's Veterans hospitals and cemetery system will benefit from special lottery tickets that went on sale May lin Kansas. It is projected that the sales will raise about $2 million by the end of 2004. A similar veterans lottery game has been under way in West Virginia for about two years. Half of the proceeds will be earmarked for veterans homes and for the veterans cemetery system. The other half will go to the National Guard scholarship assistance fund.

Industry Calendar of Events August 2-6

August 13-16

NFD&MA Annual Convention & Expo Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, Birmingham, AL

Cremation Association of North America Convention, Fairmont Hotel, Chicago, IL

September 23-28 Selected Independent Funeral Homes Phoenician Hotel, Scottscale, AZ

October 19-22

NFDA Annual Convention and Expo Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV

November 3-4

CFSA Fall Conference and Trade Show Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Indianapolis

6 NCBVA BULLETIN June 2003

Industry Clippings Forta's Fiber Dispenser Forta Corporation has been named the exclusive representative and distributor of the new Big ShotTM fiber transport and dispenser system. This patent-pending fiber addition system was designed and developed to quickly and safely move synthetic fibers from ground-level storage to upper-level trucks and batching systems. The Big ShotTM provides a simple and cost-saving way to add pre-weighed bags or even loose fiber to almost any concrete batching or mixing system, and requires minimal parts, installation labor, and maintenance.

Wicker Coffins Sales Triple An undertaker in England who provides hand-woven wicker coffins says he has tripled his sales after pop star Adam Faith was buried in a basketwork casket. Demand soared after newspapers showed Faith's wicker coffin covered in flowers, said John Mallatratt of Peace Funerals in Sheffield where wickerwork coffins cost 409 pounds, around twice the price of the solid pine option. "Every time there's a funeral with a wicker coffin more people see them and they fall in love with them," Mallatratt said on Tuesday. "They really like the imagery of it, being a softer image and the way you can decorate it with flower," he said at his funeral parlor, which also offers woodland burials and ceremonies on vintage steam trains. The wicker coffins take two days of skilled work to craft, and with only 40

weavers left in Britain, supply was limited. "Of those 40 not all want to make coffins, obviously," said Mallatratt. But demand was growing and Mallatratt's parlor now supplied the funeral trade with the coffins — a sign of people's changing attitude to death.

Funerals on the Internet A new company is broadcasting funerals on the Internet, giving friends and relatives who can't make the service a chance to pay their respects. "Those who can't get to the funeral also will be able to sign the electronic guest book and e-mail condolences to the family," said Ross Johnson, promotional director for Chapelview Online, based in Rapid City, South Dakota. The company captures funerals with a digital camera and broadcasts them live for seven funeral homes in South Dakota. Not everyone is sold on the idea. Will it come to: 'Hey, Mom's funeral got 40,000 hits?"

Fla. Mortuary Company Settles Lawsuit - A mortuary company has settled a class-N., action lawsuit in which customers at its Miami cemetery complained of high fees and hidden finance charges. Service Corporation International largest operator admitted no wrongdoing or liability but agreed to lower a processing fee and stop using the disputed contracts. U.S. District Judge Donald Graham gave preliminary approval to the settlement and will consider objections July 16. Customers claimed SCI's Memorial Plan charged illegally high processing fees, skipped consumer disclosures on finance charges, amounts financed and annual interest rates.

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DI4IDE SALES AND SV-

June 2003

NCBVA BULLETIN

7

8 NCBVA BULLETIN June 2003

Many Advantages of Revocable Trust By J. Scott Calkins, Esq. NCBVA Counsel

Second of Two Articles

In the previous issue of The Bulletin, I outlined the basic essentials of a solid estate plan and indicated that all these requirements can be accomplished with a revocable trust. I then posed the question, "Why a revocable trust?"

The answer is: a revocable trust provides privacy, control, tax planning, ease of administration and flexibility.

A trust gives you privacy. Unlike a will, your trust does not have to be filed with the court. Therefore, the trust property held in your trust can pass to your heirs with only your trustee's and beneficiaries' knowledge. Your plan is not subject to public scrutiny. Since assets held in trust do not go through the probate process, they may escape many fees that would be associated with a probate estate—savings that can be passed along to your family.

Secondly, you retain ultimate control, even from beyond the grave. During your lifetime, you retain complete control of the assets held in your trust. The terms of your trust will determine who will receive your assets and when they will receive them. Should you feel that one or more of your family members is not capable of managing his or her intended inheritance, or if a family member has a special need, then you can require that the assets be retained in the trust for a specific period of time, and distributed under certain terms and conditions. You can also direct that assets be held in trust for more than one generation. Language can also be provided to protect these assets from creditors of your beneficiaries. Using a revocable trust can also allow you to fully

Vault Lawsuit Rejected Wilbert Inc. was exonerated in a Kentucky lawsuit in which a woman sued after her husband's burial vault was found cracked following an exhumation.

Kentucky's appellate panel upheld a Circuit Court decision in favor of the burial vault company and the Cemetery.

The woman sued the company that sold the vault and Wilbert Inc., for product liability claims, negligence and breach of express and implied warranties. She also sued the cemetery, claiming it mishandled her husband's corpse.

The body of the woman's husband was exhumed as part of the discovery process in a medical malpractice suit. When the vault was unearthed, workers found a crack in the vault, and an unidentified liquid inside the vault and casket.

According to an article in The Courier Journal, the judge's decision said it was unclear what caused the crack and whether the liquid was ground water or body fluids. "While the record clearly demonstrates that the vault housing the corpse was damaged at some point, nowhere in the record does evidence exist for a finding of maliciousness, wantonness or gross negligence against the cemetery or Combs-Wilbert," Judge Matthew Baker wrote in the court's decision.

utilize your applicable exclusion amount. This feature increasingly important with the sweeping changes in estate tax laws that are now under way in Congress.

Upon your death or incapacity, a successor trustee (whom you have chosen and named in the trust document) steps in to continue the management of your trust assets. In the case of incapacity or disability, the successor trustee is responsible for the assets until such time that your capacity is regained. This simple provision can eliminate a lengthy guardianship proceeding.

Finally, as the term "revocable" implies, as your individual and family needs change, you can amend or completely terminate the entire trust. A revocable trust provides the ultimate in flexibility for an individual's estate plan.

With all of these advantages, the real question would be, "why not a revocable trust?"

When you are discussing estate planning with an attorney experienced in the drafting of such plans, ask whether a revocable trust would be beneficial for you. Knowing your family and financial situation, he would be able to advise you.

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.Itme 2003

NCBVA BULLETIN

9

Since its introduction, the Aegean and the Aegean Elite has become one of the finest burial vaults in the industry. Both Aegean lines consist of thermoformed fawc finished polymers that surround a concrete core to offer the ultimate in strength and long lasting protection. To com-pliment any casket, both the Aegean and the Aegean Elite are available in traditional cherry, white marble, black marble, natural wood, and gray granite.

For a more refined look, The Aegean Elite Series consist of addi-tional handcrafted metal accents in stainless steel, copper or bronze that enhance the beauty and strength of the interior as well as the exterior Outside accents are also available to coordinate with the intricate mold-ings and decorative corner columns.

In 2001, Trigard expanded the Aegean concept to its cremation line of burial vaults. Like all Aegean products from Trigard, thermo-

formed polymer layers inside and out protect the concrete core and add stability for the ultimate in protection. The same intricate details and decorative corner columns are carried over from the original Aegean line.

When you combine personal service with Trigard's standards of excellence, you will discover the Aegean Family of vaults will deliver the quality, durability and strength your customers expect and deserve.

Aegean.. when only the finest vault will do.

410 Trigard Vaults 3901 N. Vermilion Danville, 11 61834 Toll Free: 1-800-637-1992 www.trigard.com E-mail: custserv@trigard.corri

THE LOGAN VAULT HANDLER By Axis Corporation

PROVIDING SERVICE AND REALIBILTY FOR OVER 40 YEARS

10 NCBVA BULLETIN

June 2003

THE LOGAN VAULT HANDLERS ARE MANUFACTURED WITH ONLY NEW BRAND NAME PARTS—NOT USED OR RE-MANUFACTURED. This gives you

better dependability and longer life of your Handler. OUR NEW 3/4 TON AXLE is manufactured narrower than the standard 3/4 ton truck axle to allow for more maneuverability in the Cemetery.

The Logan Vault Handler can handle both straight and cross grave settings. The Logan is equipped with hydraulic variable speed Forward and Reverse, also a High and Low range

gearbox STANDARD.

STRENGTH IS NOT IN THE STEEL ALONE IN A VAULT HANDLER; IT IS IN THE DESIGN The Logan was designed to withstand the stress of a heavy load and yet light enough not to tear up turf in the

Cemetery. The Logan was designed over 40 years ago and has seen many improvements in maneuverability and efficiency. The Logan Vault Handler is designed to give you optimum power using reliable parts and

durable construction. It has been tested, beaten, used and abused for over 40 years. The Logan always was and still is the benchmark of Vault Handling equipment, And that is why we are the

Standard of the Industry CALL US TODAY FOR OPTIONS, PRICING OR A FREE VIDEO TAPE

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Tent Tips from Del

Waterproofing Tops Your tent must be clean and completely dry before applying a water repellent. This will take approximately one gallon of silicon waterproofing and a garden hand pump spray. Begin by applying the solution from the top toward the bottom. Thoroughly saturate the seams. Allow the top to dry completely before storing it.

Del Dolman is Ownet; American Cemetery Supplies, Inc.. a supplier of tents and other funeral service equipment and an Associate Member of NCB VA. Watch for more tips in the next issue of The Bulletin."

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, Ashes Gone Astray Cremated Ashes Found in Fast-Food Drive-Through Workers at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in San Antonio, Texas discovered the cremated ashes of a man who died last December — in the drive-through takeout lane. How the ashes got there is a mystery, police said. An employee noticed a suspicious box sitting in the middle of the drive-through lane. Officers who investigated found a certificate of cremation on top of the box. Inside, they found a plastic bag containing a man's ashes. The papers identified the man and police were able to contact his daughter who told them the box and the ashes had been inside a bronze urn in her home, which had been stolen. Police said the urn's thief or thieves probably tossed the box out of a car. Officers had no suspects.

Man Brings Ashes to Prove Wife Is Dead Newly widowed Londoner John Walker could not believe it when bailiffs wrote to demand that his wife pay a series of parking fines. He wrote back to tell them his wife had died in January and had sold her car for scrap more than two years before. But the threatening letters kept coming. When a demand for 90 pounds (US$144) arrived, Walker responded dramatically. Carrying the urn containing his wife's ashes and her death certificate, he marched into the offices of York Council and laid them on the desk of a startled official. "I had already rung them and sent a letter with a copy of her death certificate which they said they didn't receive and the bailiffs still said they were coming to take items of property from the house," Walker said. "That's when I flipped my lid so I took the casket down to show them." When the official saw the casket, said Walker, he became "very apologetic."

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12

NCBVA BULLETIN

June 2003

The Perils of Being Caught Without a Succession Plan

By Mike Henning There is no greater threat to a successful business than failing to plan its long term future. Failure rates have been documented for those private companies and their owners who fail to develop a succession plan. Generally speaking, for every two family businesses that continue into the second generation, four do not. More over, of the two that succeed, only one survives into the third generation.

Renowned consultant Peter Drucker states, "The rewards of succession planning is indeed the final test of greatness for the business owner. If it is present in your organization, it will hardly be noticed. If it is not present, it will destroy your company and may cause your family extreme financial loss and hardship."

The primary problems are many and are predictable. For example, most owners are male and good business people who know what it takes to make a profit; however, their skills at building relationships, conducting open and frank communications and taking the time to plan for their own exits from the business are clearly below par. Other examples include the deferring of the family relationship challenges, management and leadership development in favor of tax saving devices and written estate planning documents.

Doing It Right Planning for the business, family and the total succession process takes time, skills and money. Small and large companies alike understand the need for succession planning, but most will not take the time to deal with the organizational development issues, relationship problems between siblings, in-laws or generations. Most do not have the skills to plan for potential successor development or for the perils involved with planning for the senior generation's departure from the company. In fact, most will turn to matters of tax savings schemes or business problem solving.

Our observation in today's business world is that the top 20 percent of companies in most industries regularly perform strategic planning for the company. Surveys indicate that if owners of a company are willing to spend the time and energy to plan for their company's future, they are most likely to plan for the succession of its management, leadership, ownership and control. Of course, this is an important lesson for the 80 percent who fail to plan, thus living and working on a day-to-day basis. For some who are lucky, it might work out, but for the vast majority, their companies and dreams meet their demise long before it is necessary.

For those who plan in an orderly and timely manner, they will address the four areas listed in the adjacent sidebar (page 13). They will hold the participants accountable, and there will be clearly stated consequences for unsatisfactory performance or productivity, no excuses.

Edgmont has expanded its popular line of Metalink Coatings, one-part metallic coatings, to include: Metalink Antique Bronze, Meta/ink Blue, Metalink Green, Metalink Lavender, Black, White and Blue-Tinted Clear. These colors are featured on our new color card, which is available to all vault companies. Samples available for either spray or roll applications. Call for the color card! Call for samples! We would like to hear your opinion. Thank you for your interest.

What's

NEW for the Best Metallic

Vault Coatings? METALINK COATINGS

METALLIC PELLETS

For solvent-based customers, our

DUST—FREE copper, gold and silver pellets are the

easiest way to utilize metallic pigments in solvent based coatings.

Samples and References Available Upon Request

QUALITY GLITTERS

ANTIQUE METALLIC PIGMENTS

BRONZING VEHICLES: SB, WB

COPPER, GOLD, SILVER POWDERS

MATCHING SPRAY CANS - SIX COLORS

EDGMONT METALLIC•PIGMENTS•INC.

610-429-1345 • www.edgmont-abc.conn

West Chester, Pennsylvania

June 2003 NCBVA BULLETIN 13

The Four Plans of Succession

Strategic Business Planning Vision & Mission statements Setting goals & objectives Assigning responsibilities Accountability Compensation

Team building Regular meetings for:

management & employees advisors

- planning committee - board of directors

Family Planning Form the family council Design rules of operation Schedule meetings/retreats Set goals & how to achieve Develop policies:

- Family employment Compensation Positions & titles

- Address relationships Communications Time spent at work Leadership preparation

Business Succession Plan Family career planning Successor training Leadership development Choosing the next leader(s) Letting go policy

Financial security for seniors Asset/control transition Role of non-family employees

Estate Planning Making or updating wills/trusts

Creating justice for family Durable powers of attorney/health Life insurance Buy/sell agreement Emergency plans

We encourage owners and their families not to expect too much too fast. These challenges are not easy and most change comes slowly, consequently, getting the proper support for the planning process is critical.

Mike Henning is a consultant and speaker on family business issues. This article appeared in Mike Henning 's Family Firm Advisor newsletter

VAULT-MASTER VHV

41,* 0001

MORE .... STANDARD FEATURES

MORE .... LIFFING CAPACITY

MORE .... VERSATILITY

MORE .... OPTIONS

LESS COST

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT':

DON OR BRYAN LONG

LONG MACHINE CO. 519 N. MAIN AVE., MAIDEN, NC 28650-1123 (828) 428-2648 — FAx (828) 428-8606

_a

14

NCBVA BULLETIN

June 2003

NCBVA BULLETIN 15

"LET'S SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM"

$3,950.00 Newkart from NLD & M Standard Equipment— 1 1/2 H.P. Motor, Gearbox, Disc-Brake, Constant Duty Solenoids, Lift Rollers, Disconnect Switch, Removable Tread-Plate, 2 Button Hoist, Switch, Onboard Battery Charger & Plug, Batteries Included. Call for more details: (636) 463-2062

New Gearbox, Motor & Disc, Brake $1,750.00 New Disc-Brake System Standard NEMA Greater Speed Loaded 12 or 24-Volt Electric Motor

$2,250.00 New Gearbox, Motor and Brake System We can refit your kart with our new system or you can do it yourself. Call for more details: (636) 463-2062

New Vault Turntable from NLD & M $650 The Vault Turntable lets you hand turn a vault 360 degress in either direction for easier access to tight spots.

"NFAMLINE WANTS TO BE YOUR SOLUTION" NLD&M • 2201 JARVIS RD • FORISTELL, MO 63348

Call us at: (636) 463-2062

June 2003

tS-Z. NCBVA proudly recognizes the following companies as

Certified Vault Manufacturing Plants

Abel Vault & Monument Co. Canton, IL

Abel Vault & Monument Co. Pekin, IL

American Concrete Industries Bangor, ME

American Vault Co. Cleveland, OH

American Vault & Concrete Prod. Detroit, MI

American Wilbert Vault Corp. Forest Park, IL

Arnold-Wilbert Corp. Goldsboro, NC

Arrow Vault Co., Inc. Lafayette, IN

Atlas Concrete Products, Inc. Orlando, FL

Automatic Wilbert Vault Tacoma. WA

Babylon Vault Co. New Windsor, MD

Baumgardner Products Co. Akron, OH

Baxter Burial Vault Cincinnati, OH

Baxter Vault Co. Baxter Springs, KS

Beck Vault Co. Rome, NY

Beier Burial Vaults Columbus, WI

Brewster Vaults & Monuments Millville, NJ

Brown-Wilbert, Inc. Fargo, ND

Brown-Wilbert, Inc. Morris, MN

Bruns Norwalk Vault Co. Saint Louis, MO

Brutsche Concrete Products Battle Creek, MI

Brutsche Concrete Products Benton Harbor, MI

Buckeye Vault Service Mansfield. OH

Buck Simmons Vault Srvcs. Inc. Roanoke, VA

Bush Concrete Products, Inc. Muskegon, MI

C 8z M Precast Kerrville, TX

Calumet Wilbert Vault Co. Inc. Gary, IN

Carolina-Doric, Inc. Effingham, SC

Carolina-Doric, Inc. Florence, SC

Central Burial Vaults, Inc. Marlow, OK

Central Burial Vaults, Inc. Oklahoma City, OK

Central Burial Vaults, Inc. Tulsa, OK

Central New York Vault Co. Cortland, NY

Century Vault Co., Inc. Barnstable, MA

Cheboygan Cement Products Co. Cheboygan, MI

Chesapeake Burial Vault Co. Ingleside, MD

Christy Vault Co., Inc. Colma, CA

Clinton Wilbert Vaults, Inc. Clinton, IA

Cooper Wilbert Vault Co. Barrington, NJ

Cooper Wilbert Vault Co. Middletown, DE

Cordeiro Vault Co., Inc. Vallejo, CA

Costello Vaults Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada

Creter Vault Corp. Flemington, NJ

Crummitt & Son Vault Corp. Martins Ferry, OH

D.G. Robertson, Inc. Williston, VT

Dardanelle Vault 8z Monument Dardanelle, AR

Delaware Valley Vault Co., Philadelphia, PA

DePue Wilbert Vault Savannah, GA

Deihl Vault & Precast Co. Orangeville, PA

Detroit Wilbert Vault Corp. Detroit, MI

Doody Burial Vaults, Inc. Winchendon, MA

Doric Concrete Vaults Inc. Garden City, KS

Doric Concrete Vaults, Inc. Great Bend, KS

Doric Concrete Vaults Inc. Osage City, KS

Doric Huntingburg Vault Co. Huntingburg, IN

Doric of Kansas VaultGray Bros. Iola, KS

Doric of Nashville, Inc. Nashville, TN

Doric of Northeast Arkansas Jonesboro, AR

Doric of South Texas Elsa, TX

Doric Concrete Vaults Limon, CO

Doric Concrete Vaults, Inc. Newton, KS

Doric Manufacturing Co. Boaz, AL

Doric Mississippi, Inc. Vicksburg, MS

Doric-South, Inc. Demopolis, AL

Doric Vault of Eastern NY, Inc. Hudson, NY

Doric Vault of Western NY, Inc. Depew, NY

Doric Vault Co. Griffin, GA

Doric Vault Co. of S. Illinois Marion, IL

Eagle Burial Vault Co. of LA Ruston, LA

Eagle Burial Vaults Perry, GA

Esterly Burial Vault Co. West Reading, PA

Evans Eagle Vaults, Inc. Leola, PA

Everlasting Vault Co. Randallstown, MD

Florida Wilbert, Inc. Jacksonville, FL

Fond Du Lac Wilbert Vault Fond Du Lac. WI

Forsyth Bros. Fithian, IL

Forsyth Bros. Concrete Prod. Terre Haute, IN

Gettysburg Burial Vault Co. Gettysburg, PA

Grable Vault Co. Logansport, IN

Graffius Burial Vault Co. Sinking Springs, PA

Granite State Doric Newport, NH

Gray Bros., Inc. Kansas City, KS

Hairfield Vault Co. Hickory, NC

Hardy Doric, Inc. Chelmsford, MA

Ham n Vault Service Massillon, OH

Harris Precast Laporte, IN

Heilman — Wirtz, Inc. Cedar Hill, TX

Hicks Industries, Inc. Alachua, FL

Hicks Industries, Inc. Miami, FL

Hicks Industries, Inc. Mulberry, FL

Hydraulic Dolly, Inc. Altoona, PA

J.P. Vincent 8z Son, Inc. Galena, IL

Jacson, Inc. Henderson, TX

Jefferson Concrete Corp. Watertown, NY

Josten Wilbert Vault Co. Sioux Falls, SD

Lakeshore Burial Vault Co. Brookfield, WI

Lavaca Vault Co. Lavaca, AK

LouiseII-Davis Vault Service Chattanooga, TN

Ludlow Burial Vault Co. Ludlow, MA

Lycoming Burial Vault Co. Inc. Montoursville, PA

Marion Vault Works Marion, IN

Markham Burial Vault Services Richmond, VA

Markham-Carter Vault Service Smithfield, VA

Master Grave Service Athens, GA

Memphis Burial Vault Co. Memphis, TN

Mercer Vault Company Fredericksburg, VA

Milan Burial Vault, Inc. Milan, MI

Milwaukee Wilbert Vault Co. Milwaukee, WI

Minnick Services Corp. Fort Wayne, IN

Moore Wilbert Vault Co. Evans, GA

Neher Burial Vault Co. Springfield, OH

Nor-Don Vault Co. Inc. Strafford, MO

North Central Mich. Vault Srvc. Cadillac, MI

Norwalk Vault Co. Johnstown, PA

Odon Vault Company, Inc. Odon, IN

Omaha Wilbert Vault, Inc. Omaha, NE

Ostwalt Vault Co. Concord, NC

Palm Vault Co. Ada, OK

Panhandle Vaults Wellington, TX

Peoria Vault Co. Peoria, IL

Pennyslvania Concrete Vault Co. Greensburg, PA

Perfection Vault Woodson, IL

Phenix Vault Phenix City, AL

Pioneer Vault, Inc. Doylestown, PA

Pope Concrete Products Waycross, GA

Poplar Bluff Doric Vaults, Inc. Poplar Bluff, MO

Precast Concrete Products, Inc. Blissfield, MI

Precision Precast Inc. Pittsfield, MA

Quality Burial Vault Co. Houston, TX

Rex Vault Service Newton, IL

Rocky Mountain Monument/Vault Sandy, UT

Roland-Wilbert Vault Co. Marion, IA

Roosburg Vault Primghar, IA

Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp. Saginaw, MI

Sam Green Vault Co. Lynchburg, VA

Saline Vault Co. Sweet Springs, MO

Santeiu Vaults Inc. Livonia, MI

continued . . .

16

NCR VA BULLETIN

June 2003

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc. Member Application for Plant Inspection

Name of Plant

Plant Mailing Address

Plant Street Address

Plant Telephone

Fax Phone Number

Owner's Name

Evening Telephone

Plant Manager/Contact Person

Evening Phone

Types of Outer Burial Receptacles Produced 1771 Top Seals Air Domes 10 Sectionals Other

Please return this application with full payment to:

The National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc. 900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite #204 Longwood, FL 32779-2552 (800) 538-1423 Fax (407) 774-6751

As an NCBVA member in good standing, the total of your Plant Certification Inspection will be $995 (Recertification, $495). Full payment should be enclosed with your application.

June 2003 NCBVA BULLETIN

17

Or-Shenandoah Valley-Vaults, Inc. Dayton, VA

Shore Vault & Precast Co. Exmore, VA

Simerly Concrete Products, Inc. Bristol, TN

Simerly Vaults, Inc. Knoxville, TN

Southern Ohio Vault Co. Portsmouth, OH

Southern Vault Service Blakely, GA

Spoerr Precast Concrete Sandusky, OH

Sunnycrest, Inc. Auburn, NY

Suhor Industries Cedar Hill, TX

Superior Burial Vaults, Inc. Salt Lake City, UT

Superior Vault Co. Bryantown, MD

Superior Vault Co. Charlestown, IN

Superior Vault Co. DBA Individual Mausoleum Co.

Lawrenceburg, IN Superior Vault Company LTD

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Swan's Concrete Products

Westbrook, ME Tennessee Vault & Grave, Inc.

Dechard, TN Tucker Vault Co.

Farmington, MO Turner Vault Company

Toledo, OH Vanden Boomen Burial Vaults Inc.

Appleton, WI Vanden Boomen Burial Vaults Inc.

Wausau, WI Vault Service

Griffin, GA Washington Wilbert Vault Works Inc.

Laurel, MD Warga Concrete Products Inc.

Fort Wayne, 1N Watts Vault & Monument Co.

Montezuma, IA Wayne Burial Vault Co., Inc. Indianapolis, IN

Welte Vault Co. Danbury, IA

West Plains Vault & Mfg. Co. Pomona, MO

Whitman Vault Co. Whitman, MA

Wicomico Vault Co., Inc. Salisbury, MD

Wieser Precast Stewartville, MN

Wilbert Burial Vault Co. Atlanta, GA

Wilbert Burial Vault (The James Co.) Waycross, GA

Wilbert Vault of Houston, Inc. Houston, TX

Williams Vault Company Emporia, VA

Willmar Precast Co. Willmar, MN

Zeiser Eilbert Vault Co. Elmira, NY

0 Funeral Director

0 Cemetery

0 Eagle El Trigard

0 Provide Graveside services

COMPANY INFORMATION 0 Burial Vault Manufacturer

CI Crematory

Zip

Title

Company Name

Street Address

City State

Phone Fax

E-mail

0 Doric

El Con-O-lite 0 Wilbert

0 Other

National Concrete Burial Vault Association "Serving the death care industry with the very best"

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Key Contact Nickname

Company Web Site

0 Check here if you prefer to have your mail sent to your home. Home street Address City State Zip Home Phone Home Fax

El Metal Vaults El Plastic Vaults 0 Fiberglass Vaults Offer sizes for 0 Children Ci Adults El Oversize

0 Associate Member: Tell us in 25 words of less about your product/services

71 Please enroll me in NCBVA today! Signature indicates that you have read and agree to abide by NCBVA's Code of Ethics and the rules which govern the National Concrete Burial Vault Association. Signa-ture is required before this application can be processed.

(Signature) (Date)

We believe that concrete is an ideal material for the construction of burial vaults for the interment of human remains and that a properly constructed concrete burial vault is worthy of acceptance by the public. Our sales and advertising policies will be governed by standards acceptable by the public and the funeral profession and by principles advocated by the National Concrete

Burial Vault Association, Inc. We pledge fair trade practices to our competitor whose product we will not disparage. We shall conduct our business on sound business principles, striving to build a relationship of respect and confidence for the burial vault industry with the public, with the funeral director and with the cemeteries management. We will abide by the rules and regula-tions of the National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc., thereby contributing to a stronger and greater national industry.

Dues Schedule

1.7 Manufacturer Member Dues are based on total units sold for all locations of the company.

Please check appropriate level: El 1-999 Units $170

El 1000 - 1999 $260 El 2000 - 3499 $350 El 3500 - 4999 $435

0 5000 and more ....$525

El Associate Member ....$150

CI Franchise Group $600

Payment Information Include payment with this completed form. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express

0 Check is enclosed

Please charge my 0 Visa 0 MasterCard 0 Amex

Account # Expiration date

Mailing Information

NCBVA 900 Fox Valley Drive Suite 204

Longwood, FL 32779-2552 (800) 538-1423

Fax: (407) 774-6751

www.nebva.org

18

NCBVA BULLETIN .1 une 2003

NCBVA BULLETIN 19 June 2003

5,

it World Class Hydraulic Speed Reducers and Winches

www.bloommfg.com

BLOOM Mfg. Inc. Winch Division

1443 220th Street, Independence, Iowa 50644 FAX 319-827-1140 PHONE 319-827-1139

1-800-394-1139 ext 200

Setting the Standard for Vault Handling

Maneuvering and Lifting Series 1600 Winch Series 1000 Winch

Series 1400 Speed Reducer Series 1000 Speed Reducer

Custom Entineereti Solutions

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc. 900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite 204, Longwood, FL 32779-2552

FIRST CLASS Address Correction Requested

Annual Convention • February 22-24, 2004 • Las Vegas, NV

NFDA Plans Oasis of Opportunity in Desert The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is offering funeral service professionals an "oasis" of opportunity in the ever-changing business environment, at its 122nd Annual Convention & Expo, October 19-22, 2003, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

NFDA will bookend its convention with two powerful keynote speakers. At the opening session, Al Walker, CSP, CPAE, will share secrets about small characteristics that make a big difference in anyone's quest for excellence. Walker's entertaining and inspiring presentation, ''The Gateway to Excellence Is as Big as a Barn," will provide insightful ways to achieve success.

Closing session will cap off the convention with NFDA's most highly-rated keynote speaker of all time. During his speech, Larry Winget will address the simple principles of success with his laugh-a-minute presentation "Success is Simple, Money is Easy and Life is a Hoot!" Many members still recount the valuable lessons and plunger wearing antics from Winget's first appearance. With his all-new presentation, Winget is back with more laughs and useful tips on what it takes to succeed in this changing society.

Among this year's professional development offerings is a series of "business-building" topics that address topics such as, Is Your Business Strategy Future-Proof; Exceptional Events: A New Frontier for Serving Families; and Consumer Attitudes: Uncovered.

Attendees won't want to miss the Political Action Committee (PAC) Silent Auction. This year's auction will include an original piece of artwork by sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz, and a number of items donated by state associations, and individuals. This year's top prize is a sporty 2004 Ford Thunderbird.

The NFDA Expo is the largest trade show for funeral service in the world. NFDA members have sited the NFDA Expo as the number one reason why they attend the annual convention. For information on exhibiting at NFDA's Annual Convention & Expo, contact Chuck Hill, Vice President of Business Development at 800-228-6332, Fax 262-789-6977 or e-mail chiWnfda.org .

Dear Readers, We at the National Concrete Burial Vault Association Bulletin, would love to hear from you. Specifically we are looking for press releases from you so that we can continue to address issues and topics that are directly facing you.

Do you have an idea for an article of interest to other manufacturers?

Why don't you take a few minutes and send us a press release about your happenings. We're interested in details about special events, individu-als who deserve recognition, awards, new services you are providing. Suppliers: let us know about your new products and services. Color or black and white photos are also welcome.

If you are unsure about how to write your press release or article, don't hesitate to give me a call at (407) 788-1996 or e-mail me at jan@camco.biz. It would be my pleasure to assist you.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Jan Monahan Editor