Matthews International shareholders voted to keep the current board of directors, defeating Barrington Capital’s attempt to change the company’s direction. The U.S. Postal Service is updating its mailing requirements for cremated remains, mandating the use of USPS-provided shipping supplies for domestic and international shipments starting March 1. In Michigan, the Quakenushes won their lawsuit against Brooks Township, but new ordinances now block them from opening a conservation cemetery. Meanwhile, Washington State’s Jefferson Land Trust is exploring the possibility of establishing a conservation burial ground to support its conservation efforts.

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Funeral director Kim Zavrotny, Funeral Professionals Peer Support Program Director (USA), discusses her work with that organization and looks to the future. 

In this episode we discuss takeaways from the latest earnings report from SCI and their strategies for pre-need sales growth, kick off what it likely to be a long conversation about outdated state funeral laws, highlight an iconic Black funeral director, and celebrate a heroic act by a Rhode Island funeral director. 

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Madeline Lyles of After Life Mortuary Services talks about her program encouraging teend to go into mortuary science and her hope for funeral directors struggling with the stresses of the job. 

Tom Nondorf, editor of American Cemetery & Cremation joined us on “Funeral Service Insider: The Podcast” this week to discuss some of the stories and the magazine’s continuing coverage of what cemeteries can be and how they can continue to thrive.

The Future of Cemeteries: "Cemeteries are not anathema to cremation and there's a way in which they walk hand in hand through memorialization and that's a big part of the puzzle."

Revitalizing Cemeteries through Creative Engagement: "You have to start with the visual, start with the visceral, start reaching out to people and letting them know you want to be something else."

On Monument Maker Charles Minozzi: "He started when he was 13 years old. His dad … sent him to his uncle who was in the shop and said, “Your uncle's gonna find something for you to do."

The Evolution of Memorialization: "The vessels, the different buildings you can build now to house cremated remains, aka ashes at, cemeteries. There's so much that can be built now, and there's a company called Global Bronze."

In this episode we explore the ongoing arbitration saga between Matthews and Tesla over the dry cell technology, alongside the intricate proxy fight involving Barington Capital. In addition, we shed light on a burgeoning scandal at Heaven Bound Cremation Service and discuss pivotal industry updates, including new roles on the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors. From the contrasting hearse stories in Cuba to a cemetery auction in North Carolina, we bring you the news shaping the future of the funeral service industry. Join us as we explore these stories and more, right here on Funeral Service Insider.

In this bonus episode, Manager of Funeral Revenue and Merchandising at Service Corporation International Lacyn Barton talks about how she found her place in fuenral service and ways she lives her passions. 

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we look at Carriage’s quarterly earnings report and the AI reporting on it. We also dive into how memorialization boosts cremation revenue, strategic succession insights, H.E. Turner’s recognition, a quick SGK Brand Solutions update and the question of funeral industry inclusivity challenges.

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In this episode, we tease a new column by Steve Lang set to debut in the Feb. 6 FSI, and address the recent reporting on Indiana’s state issues. We also talk about a recent crematory approval in Illinois over NIMBY concerns and look at a scandal in Maryland that is being very, very, very well covered.

Tanya Scotece, Program Coordinator of Funeral Service Education at Miami Dade College, discusses some of her challenges as a death care educator and her reasons for accepting a position on the KB Advisory board.