NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended

Brookfield, Wis. – More than 85 funeral homes from the United States and abroad took advantage of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence program's early bird registration special, including more than a dozen first-time participants. Firms that registered by January 15, 2009, saved almost 10% on the program participation fee. Because of this significant response, NFDA has extended the early bird registration discount to February 16, 2009.

The Pursuit of Excellence Program honors NFDA-member funeral homes for going beyond the expectations of the families and communities they serve, while adhering to the highest ethical standards. To earn NFDA's Pursuit of Excellence Award, funeral homes are required to meet strict quality service criteria that exemplify proficiency in all facets of the funeral service profession.

"I am very pleased that so many funeral homes have made the commitment to join the 2008-09 Pursuit of Excellence Program," said NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Committee Chair Lynn Ochiltree, CFSP, whose funeral home has benefitted from the program over the past six years. "It is a true testament to their dedication in providing funeral service excellence to families and their community."

To take advantage of the extended Pursuit of Excellence early bird registration discount, visit www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence.php or call an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332.

Ochiltree will present "Award-winning Ideas for Funeral Homes in Pursuit of Service Excellence," a free Web seminar, on February 5 from 1-2 p.m. CT. This NFDA Distance Learning event will discuss successful programs and services implemented by Pursuit of Excellence Award-winning funeral homes. Participants will earn one CE hour (approved by APFSP and most state licensing boards). Those interested in registering for this free NFDA Web Seminar can visit www.nfda.org/distancelearning.php or call an NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332.

NFDA is the world's leading funeral service association, serving 19,000 individual members who represent more than 10,200 funeral homes in the United States and internationally. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy office in Washington, D.C., NFDA informs, educates and advocates to help members enhance the quality of service they provide to families. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.