THE

ULLETIN Vol. 18

No. 5 Li October 2003

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Convention Will Feature Creating Service That Rocks!

In this issue. . . Employee Manuals 3 Industry Calendar 4 Convention Program 6 Certified Plants 16

Extraordinary customer service is what separates one business from another in any competitive industry—whether it's the restaurant business or a funeral service-provider.

Jim Knight, Director of Training for Hard Rock Cafe and head of the School of Hard Rocks, will share some of the service secrets that have catapulted Hard Rock Cafe to becoming one of the most successful companies in the world. Jim will be a featured speaker at the NCBVA Annual Convention and Expo, February 22-24, 2004 at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Since its 1971 opening in London, Hard Rock Cafe has be-come a global phenomenon. That didn't happen by accident. In Knight's session, "World Class Funeral Service That Rocks," he'll share some fundamentals to developing a company "service cul-ture." Highlights include:

Tapping into the desires of today's workforce and the needs of your clients, Creating a positive Employee Life Cycle,

Matching your values to your methods, • Setting a service standard through customer obsession, and

Creating an Army of Giants. By adopting some of these practices, you will be able to lay the groundwork for the type of service revolution necessary to select individuals and maintain the non-negotiables needed to create sustainable growth of your company. It's a common sense and fun approach that you won't want to miss.

Currently there are 108 Hard Rock Cafes in 41 countries, combining the spirit of rock music, memorabilia (valued at $32 million) from the hottest musical artists of the last 50 years, classic American food, and a commitment to widespread humanitarian causes, such as feeding New York workers in the September 11 rescue effort.

The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, located in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, boasts the largest hotel rooms in the world and with the recent addition of new rooms, the hotel is 400 percent larger than last year's host hotel, Disney's Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World®. Each room is a suite and includes living area, sleeping area and large bathroom.

Adjacent to the hotel is the world famous Madame Tussaud's wax museum where we have the exclusive use of the Spirit of American room for our Opening Reception. The museum showcases over 100 finely sculpted, life-like figures of sports legends, celebrities and American icons. See page 6 for convention highlights and also visit the NCBVA Website www.ncbva.org for additional details.

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

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October 2003 NCBVA BULLETIN 3

Reviewing Pros and Cons of Manuals For Employees

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

By J. Scott Calkins, Esq. NCBVA Counsel

At the last NCBVA Board of Directors meeting, one of the subjects discussed was providing employees with an Employee Manual (or handbook). Several board members indicated they have them and distribute them to their employees and suggested that perhaps NCBVA could provide such a manual. However, one member raised serious questions about such manuals and cautioned against the use of them.

The board asked me to review this issue and provide a report. Let me clearly state that I am not experienced in Labor Law practice which is a growing specialty in the practice of law. The following comments regarding the use of employee manuals should be reviewed, if you have any concern, with your company's attorney and/or an attorney in your state who has extensive practice in labor law.

Since that board meeting, I have reviewed the court decisions in Pennsylvania and a few other jurisdictions as well as a few manuals provided by several members. A manual provided by Graffius Burial Vault Co. in Sinking Springs, PA is extremely well written and obviously prepared with legal assistance.

What is the issue with such manuals? What is at stake here for the great majority of NCBVA members is the extent of the erosion of employment-at-will doctrine. In other words, does the use of such manuals adversely affect the right of employers to unilaterally discharge at-will employees?

With growing litigation throughout the country over employee discharge, it seems that in addition to COBRA (right to continue medical and dental coverage), OWBPA (Older Workers Benefit Protection Act), ERISA (prohibits discrimination and other types of interference with a participant's or beneficiary's rights under a welfare or pension benefit plan) and several other federal and state laws and restrictions,

it is hard enough for an employer. Now, there are several new court decisions that could restrict an employer's right to discharge an employee when such employee claims contractual rights established via the employee manual.

In modern practice, the employment-at-will doctrine governs employment relationships absent collective bargaining agreements, individual contracts of

employment for a fixed period of time, or statutory

restrictions on discharge of

employees. As an aside, most cases

involving statutory restrictions throughout

the country relate to age discrimination. Can you

believe that some courts are using 50-years-of-age

as a standard to apply the OWBPA enforcement

provisions? How are the courts

interpreting employee manuals in litigation over employee discharge? In Pennsylvania, employers are still free to dismiss employees arbitrarily unless the dismissal is contrary to public policy expressed in statutes or constitution. In an effort to expand the protection for at-will employees from arbitrary dismissal, a growing number of courts, in Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions, are recognizing a cause of action for breach of employment contract where employers fail to abide by their own policies, practices, or employee manuals that are made known to employees.

In Wagner v. Sperry Univac, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania became the first court interpreting Pennsylvania law to recognize a breach of contract claim based on an employer's failure to follow a provision in an employee manual. In that case, the manual stated that length of service was the governing factor in the employer's layoff decision. Wagner argued that if the company had adhered to the provisions of

Continued on page 9

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Industry Calendar of Events

2003 October 19-22 NFDA Annual Convention and Expo

Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV

Oct. 31 - Nov. 3 National Precast Concrete Assn. Industry Outlook Conference The Grandover Resort, Greensboro, NC

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

World of Concrete Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL

NCBVA Annual Convention The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, NV

November 3-4

2004 February 17-20

February 22-24

March 21-Apr 3 OGR Annual Conference Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, FL

April 23-25 ICFSEB 100th Annual Conference Downtown St. Louis

4 NCBVA BULLETIN October 2003

ogrnErcican CEMEtE79 A2C.

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NCR VA BULLETIN

5

DO THE MATH Death Rate x 50% Cremation Rate = 50% Less Burial Vaults

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Educational Programs Tailored to NCBVA Members

Ann Bastianelli is an authority on advertising, marketing and consumer trends. She has managed some of the most popular consumer campaigns for large corporations. Find out how your business can benefit and learn from her session, "What Matters Most." Jim Knight is training director for Hard Rock Cafe, where customer service is an obsession. Be amazed at your company's potential with "World Class Funeral Service that Rocks."

The Fabulous

Venetian Resort

NCBVA room rate: $199 single/double

$35 each additional person per night)

Room Block Cutoff: January 23, 2004

Reservations: (877) 857-1861

Watch the Web site www.NCBVA.org

for details as they unfold

NCBV4

6 NCBVA BULLETIN October 2003

You'll Be The with C 13 etV \\S.\ 441 • 4

Winner The famous Las Vegas strip - where the

world never sleeps - is the location for NCBVA's 2004 Annual Convention and

Exposition. You'll stay in one of the world's finest hotels, The Venetian Re- sort and Casino, and enjoy one of the

best programs ever presented by NCBVA.

IF Opening Reception at Madame Tussaud's Famous Wax Museum Mingle with sports legends, rub elbows with celebrities, and take pictures with American icons at Madame Tussaud's famous wax museum. Enjoy cocktails and sumptuous hors d'oeuvres in the museum's new Spirit of America room and then roam freely through the venue, which showcases over 100 finely sculpted wax figures.

4 Entertainment Second to None Jeff Hobson is one of the most in-demand comedy magicians working today. Hobson has won numerous awards for his skills. Among the most recent is his "Best Comedy Magic" award given by the International Magic Awards Association. He's been seen on HBO, Showtime's Comedy Club Network, and Fox Family's "Masters of Illusion."

46 Business Exposition

NCBVA Associate Members bring the latest products and services to the annual Exposi- tion. There's plenty of time set aside for networking and exploring new business opportunities.

NCBVA Annual Convention & Exposition February 22-24, 2004

Venetian Hotel & Casino • Las Vegas, NV

Registration Form Make a copy of this form as necessary

Registrants: (Please indicate which registrants are children under 12 years old. (Use adult rate for children 12 and older)

Nickname (for name badge) First Name Last Name

Name of Company

Mailing Address

City, State, Zip Code

Telephone Number Fax Number E-Mail Address:

Registration fees per person (Indicate number of registrants per rate)

Before Jan. 23 After Jan. 23 Exhibitors! Member Adult x $390 x $425 One complimentary full

Member Spouse/Guest x $390 x $425 registration is included

Member's Child (under 12) x $100 x $100 per paid exhibit booth.

Non-member" Adult x $450 x $495 Additional representa-

Non-member Spouse/Guest x $450 x $495 tives please register at

Non-member's Child x $150 x $200 the appropriate rate.

Exhibitor Comp (1 per booth)

Total Registration Fees $

*Non-members who join NCBVA within 30 days of the convention may apply the $100 non-member difference toward their annual dues. Or join now by requesting a membership application, and use the member rate.

PAYMENT INFORMATION -- in order to process your registration, we need either a check for payment in full or credit card informa-tion. I hereby authorize NCBVA to process my registration for the NCBVA Convention on the credit card listed below.

CI Check (Make check payable to NCBVA, mail with this completed form)

CI MasterCard CI Visa CI American Express

Card Number Expiration Date:

Print Name (As It Appears on Card)

Signature

HOTEL RESERVATIONS The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is the host hotel for the NCBVA convention. The rate for NCBVA attendees is $199 Single/ Double plus applicable state and local taxes ($35 each additional person per night). Reservations must be made directly with the

hotel.

Call 1-877-857-1861 Please be sure to mention that you are attending the NCBVA Convention in order to get the convention rate. The Hotel Reservation deadline is January 23, 2004. After that date, reservations will be accepted on a space and rate availability basis.

Special Needs It is important to us that you en-joy NCBVA's conference. If you have any special needs, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

October 2003

NCIINA BULLETIN

7

8

NCBVA BULLETIN

October 2003

Continued from Page 3 the manual, he would not have been discharged. The court said that the manual modified the initial unilateral employment agreement.

A different interpretation was reached by the Pennsylvania Superior Court in the case of Richardson v. Cole Memorial Hospital. That court held that employee manuals are not part of the employment contract. The court reasoned that because an employee manual is a mere gratuity and can be unilaterally modified by an employer, its provisions are not part of the employment contract, even if the court could determine that the manual specifically applied to an employee.

In Kansas, the Supreme Court held in the Johnson v. National Beef Packing Co. that such manuals are not employment contracts. Several other jurisdictions agree with Pennsylvania and Kansas.

However, in contrast to the Richardson and Johnson courts, a growing number of courts have held that such manuals and established company practices or policies can create enforceable contract rights for at-will employees. For example, the Michigan Supreme Court in Toussaint v. Blue Cross & Blue Shield advanced the theory that an employee manual can create a contractual obligation between an employer and an employee. The court reasoned that terms in the employee manual were contractually binding on the employer. The court recognized, however, that employers have a right to maintain an

employee's at-will status by entering into a written contact that explicitly provides that the employee serves at the will of the employer or as long as the employee's services are satisfactory to the employer.

Employee manuals adopted by employers and communicated to employees afford a logical basis to show the intent of employers and employees that the benefits contained in the manual are .a part of employment contracts. Thus it is important for employers to set the terms and conditions in the manual so that their ability to make independent employment decisions is not unduly infringed.

Thus, in addition to having your manual reviewed by appropriate labor law counsel in your state, the one thing you can do immediately is to make sure your manual contains the following statement: "Nothing

contained in this manual is intended to create a contract (express or implied), o otherwise to create legally enforceable obligations on the part of XYZ Company or its employees." In addition you should add that the company reserves full discretion to add to, modify, or delete provisions of this manual at any time without advanced notice (taken from the Graffius manual).

There are hundreds of cases throughout the country regarding employee discharge. During our current status of unemployment, I am sure there will be more litigation in the field. Many of the cases concern vacation rights, bonus provisions, and health benefits. All of these provisions are important to the employee and helpful to the employer in outlining such benefits. One word of caution from a Pennsylvania labor law expert: It is not recommended that your manual describe in great length the various benefits that your company provides.

I leave you with that warning and will continue to review the emerging law in this area and keep you abreast of appropriate decisions by the courts. Li

Visit us on the Internet http://www.NCBVA.org

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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 faux 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 cheny, 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-

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10 NCBVA BULLETIN

October 2003

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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

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STRENGTH IS NOT IN THE STEEL ALONE IN A VAULT HANDLER; 17 - 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

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BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURE

1953 in Atlantic City

Ah Yes, He Remembers It Well Our story in the August Issue of The Bulletin titled "50-Year Old Plaque Brings Back Memories" was particularly special to NCBVA veteran, Graham Babylon (Babylon Vault Co., New Windsor, MD). The story was about a plaque that turned up on eBay that had been presented to the late Governor Theodore McKeldin in appreciation of his appearance and speech before the NCBVA convention in 1953. The plague bears a horseshoe worn by Triple-Crown winner, Citation. (McKeldin was a big race horse aficio-nado.)

"I spent the first leg of my honey-moon at that convention," recalled Babylon who at the time was about 35

years old. "In fact, I was the one who invited him to speak and introduced him," said Babylon. Governor McKeldin and Babylon's father were good friends.

Governor McKeldin was one of the top political speakers in the country, says Babylon and also recalls that McKeldin was the one who gave the speech at the Republican National Convention nomi-nating Dwight Eisenhower for President.

Married on a Saturday, Babylon took his new bride to the convention (what a girl!) and then went on to a dude ranch and Niagara Falls, New York. "The Governor also gave us an autographed etching of the State House as a wedding gift," he said.

Now 85, Babylon says he has been attending NCBVA conventions since 1941 and has attended nearly 50 conventions, missing only one or two. He is looking forward to seeing everyone again in February 2004 in Las Vegas.

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October 2003 NCBVA BULLETIN 11

Latest Funeral Trend: E-Mail Condolences It's a trend in the funeral industry that some people aren't too happy about but is gain-ing momentum—E-mail condolences.

Thousands of funeral homes now offer services on the Web enabling friends and family to post condolences in a guest book. While a few offered similar services as early as five years ago, the practice has taken off in the past year as more homes gain a pres-ence on the Web.

Judith Martin, who writes the syndicated Miss Manners column, is one opinion-maker who has condemned e-mailed con-dolences as tacky. Some funeral home op-erators also worry that some people may be e-mailing condolences in lieu of attending services. Fay Spano of the National Funeral Directors Association, said funeral homes are simply trying to provide what families want. "That's driving everything they do, from that to the very personalized funerals you see now that are driven by baby boomers in particular," Spano said.

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12

NCBVA BULLETIN

October 2003

Pentagon OKs Digital Device For Playing Taps

Chronically short of musicians for military funerals, the Pentagon has approved the use of a push-button bugle that plays taps by itself as the operator holds it to his lips.

Only some 500 buglers are on active duty on any one day, but about 1,800 people with military service die across the country each day and are eligible for honors ceremonies, according to a Pentagon spokeswoman.

So the Defense Department worked with private industry to invent the "ceremonial bugle," which has a small digital recording device inserted into its bell to play the music.

A member of the honor guard at the funeral simply presses a button on the device. A five-second delay gives the guards time to raise the instrument to their lips as if they are going to play it.

The vast majority of families endorsed its use in a six-month test from November to May in Missouri, where 50 prototypes were distributed to military units and others who provide funeral honors, such as veterans groups, the Pentagon said. Based on the test, use of the instrument was approved by Principal Deputy Under Secretary , Charles S. Abell.

The military has been struggling for years to cope with its shortage of musicians for funerals.

A real bugler still will be used when available. Otherwise, the family of the deceased service member will be offered the ceremonial bugle as an alternative to prerecorded taps, often played on a boom box.

Use of the $500 instrument "is intended to enhance the dignity of military funeral honors," the Pentagon said.

Also, it plays "an exceptionally high-quality rendition of taps that is virtually indistinguishable from a live bugler," the Pentagon

The military has been struggling for years to cope with its shortage of musicians for funerals. Families of honorably discharged veterans are entitled to a two-person uniformed funeral honor guard, the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and a rendition of taps.

Congress passed a law that took effect in January 2000 and allows a recorded version of taps using audio equipment if a live horn player is not available. Officials say the push-button bugle is a dignified alternative because the visual effect of a guard playing the instrument is better than taps played on a stereo or compact disc player. Source: Associated Press

October 2003

NCBVA BULLETIN

13

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

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

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14 NCR VA BULLETIN October 2003

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MATCHING SPRAY CANS - SIX COLORS

EDGMONT METALLIC•PIGMENTS•INC.

610-429-1345 • www.edgmont-abc.com West Chester, Pennsylvania

October 2003

NUBIA BULLETIN 15

Independent Study Views State of Funeral Industry Marketdata Enterprises, a research and consulting company has released its second study of the U.S. Funeral Homes Industry. The independent study examines the $11.7 billion industry's nature and structure, major trends, marketing innovations, pricing/profit mar-gins, operating ratios, and demographics/death rates. Among the studies major findings:

Cremations represented 27 % of the US burial market in 2002 and are projected to rise by 40% by 2010. Cremations have become more popular as a less costly alternative to traditional services.

The national average cost of a funeral service in 2001 was $6,130, compared with $3,742 in 1991. However, US funeral homes' profit margins have been falling steadily, from 10.96% of sales in 1985 to 8.08% in 2001.

Marketdata estimates only 1% growth in industry revenues last year, to $11.7 billion. 2001's 5.7% gain was larger than usual, due to substantial increases in casket/equipment prices. For 2003, there is expected to be a 1.4% growth to $11.9 billion. This is also the projected yearly growth rate to 2007.

More than 85% of funeral homes are independents. However, there are some very large chains. The top 4 (Service Corp. Alderwoods, Group, Stewart Enterprises, and Carriage Services ) had combined sales of $3.84 billion in 2002. Up until 1999, these "consolidators" were on a buying binge that raised their debt to excessive levels. Now they are selling off homes and paring operations.

This is a mature industry that is currently in the midst of a demographic lull. The death rate will rise 1% per year over the next 10 years and actually fell in 2002. The number of funeral homes should remain stable, due to high barriers to entry.

Material for the study was obtained from the US Census Bu-reau, CDC, National Funeral Directors Association, Federated Fu-neral Directors, consulting firms, brokerage firm analysts, public chains' 10Ks and press releases, custom searches of business data-bases, financial directories, and phone surveys. It claims to be the only comprehensive national business analysis available about the U.S. funeral services industry. The 110-page study is believed to be one of the few in-depth publicly available analyses that exists of the market.

New Standards for NFDA Members Starting in 2004, members of the National Funeral Directors

Association (NFDA) will be held accountable for their actions under the association's new enforceable Code of Professional Conduct. The self-driven set of standards raises the bar for funeral directors by enhancing the professional practices of NFDA members, and allows the public the ability to file a complaint.

With this new code of conduct, families can be confident they are putting their trust in ethical, responsible and caring professionals when using an NFDA member funeral home, said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. NFDA spoke extensively with other organizations that have similar programs to ensure our code includes the highest standards to be upheld by funeral directors.

16 NCBVA BULLETIN October 2003

NCBVA Certified Vault Manufacturing Plants E0

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

Mil!vale, NJ Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Fargo, ND Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Morris, MN Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

St. Paul, 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 & 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.

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,,...Bzirnstable. 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 & 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, Ml 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 Vault

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

Dura Vault

North Bend, OH

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 & 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 I.udlow 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 Murray Vault Co.

Austin, AR 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 Shenandoah Valley Vaults, Inc.

Dayton, VA continued ...

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc.

Member Application for Plant Inspection

eCONveA,„

QUAIITV

a

A. SERVICE ssv

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 71 Top Seals Air Domes CI 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.

a

rShore 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 Vincent and Sons

Galena, IL Washington Wilbert Vault Works Inc.

Laurel, MD Warga Concrete Products Inc.

Fort Wayne, IN 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 Wilbert Vault Co. Elmira, NY

October 2003

NCIIVA BULLETIN

17

17I Doric 11 Wilbert El Eagle El Trigard

171 Oversize Expiration date Account # El Metal Vaults 11 Plastic Vaults El Fiberglass Vaults

Offer sizes for 11 Children El Adults

Dues Schedule

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

Please check appropriate level: 71 1-999 Units $170

71

1000- 1999 $260

71 2000 - 3499 $350

CI 3500 - 4999 $435

71 5000 and more $525

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

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Key Contact Nickname

Title

Company Name

Street Address

City

Phone Fax

E-mail

Company Web Site

State Zip

El Associate Member _3150

71 Franchise Group $600

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

CI Check is enclosed

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

COMPANY INFORMATION El Burial Vault Manufacturer

11 Crematory

El Funeral Director

El Cemetery

Please charge my 71 Visa 71 MasterCard 7:1 Amex El Con-O-lite 11 Other 11 Provide Graveside services

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

El Please enroll me in NCBVA today! Signature indicates that you have read and agree to abide by NCB VA'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)

Mailing Information

NCBVA 900 Fox Valley Drive Suite 204

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

Fax: (407) 774-6751

www.ncbva.org

CODE OF ETHICS 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.

18

NCBVA BULLETIN

October 2003

Li World Class Hydraulic Speed Reducers and Winches 11

-`■

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

Series 1600 Winch Series 1000 Winch

Series 1400 Speed Reducer Series 1000 Speed Reducer

Setting the Standard for Vault Handling

Maneuvering and Lifting

Custom Engineereel Solutions

October 2003

NCBVA BULLETIN

19

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

Industry News and Notes 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 jmonahan@assnhdqtrs.com . It would be my pleasure to assist you.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Jan Monahan Editor

Lee Masters Retires Plastic Plaque, Inc., of Port Huron, Mich., supplier of burial vault decorations and member of NCBVA, regretfully announces the retirement of Lee Masters after 32 years with the company. Masters has been a fre-quent attendee at NCBVA conventions.

Stewart Devoted 44 Years Frank B. Stewart, Jr. became Chairman Emeri-tus of Stewart Enterprises on his 68th birth-day in September. He will remain active on the board as a major stockholder. Wiliam E. Rowe, President and COO since 1994 be-came Chairman of the Board.

Disney in Cremation Business? A private investment firm controlled by the great-nephew of Walt Disney, has agreed to buy a cremation company for $8.5 million, according to a Reuters news report. Under the terms of the planned deal, Apogee Cos., which is the investment firm controlled by Roy P. Disney, will form an affiliate that will buy the operating assets of Neptune Soci-ety. Apogee will also assume about $7.4 million in Neptune Society debt and other

liabilities, the cremation company said in a news release. Neptune Society however cau-tioned that there is "no assurance" that the letter of intent will be completed as planned.

Honor Guard Reinstated Patrick Cubbage, the honor guardsman fired last year from a New Jersey military cemetery for saying "God bless you" to veterans' families at graveside services, has been reinstated with back pay. Cubbage was fired because he regularly finished flag presentations with the words, "God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America."

Sculptures honor loved one A new company called Eternal Arts, based in Chesire, Conn., is offering a different way to honor deceased loved ones. By blending cremation ashes with marble to form sculpted art forms, the company gives family members memorial pieces that gir l% beyond the typical urn. Among forms offered are Rodin's "The Kiss" and "The Thinker," "Aphrodite," "Zeus" and animal figures such as a swan or lion.