The Journal - Issue No. 2025-4

Edition #2025-04

December 2025

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & BEST WISHES FOR 2026

OACFP PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

YEAR IN REVIEW: OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND SUCCESS As Ontario’s bereavement sector continues to evolve, the OACFP remains a trusted voice—strengthening education, advancing advocacy, and supporting professionals across the province. In this Year in Review, President Mark Richardson reflects on a year of progress, collaboration, and momentum shaping the future of bereavement care in Ontario.

FROM REPRESENTATION TO REAL INFLUENCE: WHY ADVOCACY STILL MATTERS THE BEREAVEMENT SECTOR What does modern leadership look like in a complex regulatory environment? OACFP’s Executive Director shares insights on collaboration, credibility, and the role of strong advocacy in moving the profession forward.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

MARK RICHARDSON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, CITY OF THOROLD

YEAR IN REVIEW: OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND SUCCESS As we look back on 2025, I am immensely proud of how the OACFP has strengthened its role as the leading voice for Ontario’s cemetery, funeral, cremation, and supplier professionals. Together, we’ve continued to ensure that our essential service remains respectful, affordable, and sustainable for all Ontarians.

This message highlights the key accomplishments achieved by OACFP over the past year, from record-setting events and new educational programs to major progress on our advocacy priorities.

Advancing Our Sector’s Foundation Engagement across our key initiatives reached new heights this year: Annual Conference: Our 2025 Conference, “The Business of Compassion: Balancing Service and Success,” welcomed record attendance, featured internationally recognized speakers, and showcased innovation across revamped supplier and exhibitor options.

Professional Training and Certification: We strengthened our members’ professional development through the ACE Learning Platform and introduced hands-on Natural Burial demonstrations as part of our Frontline Training and Conference Education sessions.

Data and Insights: Partnering with Bramm Research, we launched the 2025 Compensation Survey to deliver essential benchmarking data for operators and municipalities, ensuring fair and informed workforce planning.

Community and Collaboration: The OACFP Podcast, “Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats,”launched and our annual Women’s Symposium, #AccelerateAction, continued to foster mentorship, leadership, and connection across the profession.

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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....

A Year of Meaningful Advocacy Our advocacy work this year stands among our most important accomplishments. Through persistent engagement with policymakers and interest holders, we advanced several key initiatives to modernize our sector and safeguard its long-term sustainability: Modernizing Legislation: We emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act (FBCSA) to address outdated provisions, strengthen enforcement, and align with emerging technologies and privacy standards.

Affordability and Fairness: We advocated for increased funding and adjustments to underfunded regulated rates, including the Ontario Works Funeral Benefit, and proposed the creation of a Final Expenses Savings Account to help Ontarians plan responsibly.

Sustainable Land Use and Operations: OACFP continued to advocate for the formal recognition of cemetery land needs in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and municipal Official Plans. We also worked with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to streamline the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) process for crematorium operators.

Building a Compassionate Future As we close out the year, I invite each of you to reflect on your own accomplishments. This year reaffirmed how efficiency, whether through new tools, clearer regulations, or enhanced training, enables our teams to focus on what matters most: providing personal, compassionate care to families across Ontario.

To every member, partner, and volunteer, thank you. Your professionalism and dedication ensure that every family, in every community, receives the care and dignity they deserve. Together, we’ll continue building on this year’s successes and strengthening our shared commitment to service and sustainability in the year ahead.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FROM REPRESENTATION TO REAL INFLUENCE: WHY ADVOCACY STILL MATTERS IN ONTARIO’S BEREAVEMENT SECTOR If there’s one thing the bereavement sector has proven over and over again, it’s that we know how to adapt.

Over the past 20 years, operators across Ontario have adjusted to new legislation, changing consumer expectations, workforce pressures, consolidation, environmental requirements, and new forms of disposition—all while continuing to serve families with professionalism and care. That adaptability is one of the sector’s greatest strengths.

DARREN DENOMME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

What doesn’t always get the same attention, however, is how much of that adaptability depends on strong, effective advocacy behind the scenes.

Advocacy Isn’t Abstract—It’s Practical In Ontario, the bereavement sector operates within a complex regulatory environment. The FBCSA, BAO oversight, municipal bylaws, environmental regulations, and consumer protection requirements all intersect in ways that directly affect day-to-day operations.

Advocacy, when done well, isn’t about press releases or position statements—it’s about: sitting across the table from government and regulators, explaining how policy works in the real world, identifying unintended consequences before they happen, and helping shape solutions that work for families and operators alike.

At OACFP, that practical approach has always guided our work.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.......

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Why Broad Representation Matters For more than two decades, OACFP has been structured to represent the full bereavement sector—cemeteries, funeral homes, crematoriums, transfer services, suppliers, municipal operators, independents, and corporates.

That breadth matters.

Families don’t experience bereavement care in pieces. Neither should policy-makers. Being able to speak to the full continuum of services strengthens our credibility and makes our advocacy more effective.

It enables us to examine issues holistically—understanding how a change in one area affects another—and to bring balanced, informed perspectives to government discussions.

Working Together When It Counts No single association has every answer, particularly in a regulatory environment as complex as Ontario’s. There are times when engaging alongside other professional associations is not only appropriate but necessary to strengthen the profession’s voice with government and regulators.

On issues that affect the bereavement sector broadly, OACFP takes a leadership role in coordinating advocacy efforts where alignment improves clarity and credibility. When associations engage with purpose and coordination, the profession is better positioned to: present clear, consistent messages to ministries and regulators, reduce confusion created by fragmented or competing positions, and focus discussions on practical, workable solutions rather than internal differences.

This approach is not about compromising identity or mandate. It is about recognizing when coordinated engagement serves the profession—and the public—more effectively. In those moments, leadership means bringing others together, not standing apart.

That expectation of leadership—grounded in preparation, collaboration, and credibility—is also reshaping how advocacy is done across the sector.

A Different Kind of Leadership Is Emerging Advocacy is changing, and so is leadership.

Today, influence depends less on who speaks the loudest and more on who shows up prepared, informed, and ready to engage constructively. It requires leaders who are comfortable working across traditional lines, who understand the value of collaboration, and who recognize that trust with government is built over time.

This shift is already underway across Ontario’s bereavement sector, and it is one that OACFP continues to support and encourage—because the challenges ahead will require leadership that is practical, credible, and focused on outcomes.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.......

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Looking Ahead The pressures facing the bereavement sector aren’t going away. Regulatory reform, workforce challenges, environmental expectations, and public scrutiny will only increase.

Strong advocacy—grounded in real operational experience and supported by a broad professional base—will be essential to navigating what comes next.

OACFP will continue to: represent the full spectrum of the profession, engage early and constructively with government and regulators, collaborate when collaboration serves members best, and push for practical, balanced reforms that support both professionals and the families they serve.

A Call to Action Advocacy only works when it reflects the real experiences of the people doing the work.

That means we need members to stay engaged—by sharing issues early, participating in consultations, supporting joint efforts when they matter, and helping shape the positions we bring forward on your behalf.

If you want a stronger voice at the table, stay involved.

If you want smart, practical reform, contribute your insight.

And if you want the profession to move forward together, support the organizations that are committed to doing exactly that.

The future of bereavement care in Ontario will be shaped by those willing to engage, collaborate, and lead.

We’re ready to do that work—together.

STRONG ADVOCACY STARTS WITH ENGAGED PROFESSIONALS AND GROWS THROUGH COLLABORATION.

EDUCATION CORNER

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A YEAR OF GROWTH & CONNECTION: YOUR 2025 OACFP EDUCATION RECAP What a year it’s been for OACFP education! In 2025, we focused on bringing you the tools, knowledge, and connections you need to thrive in the bereavement sector. Whether you joined us online from your office or gathered with colleagues in person, we hope you found value, encouragement, and fresh ideas.

This year’s programming was intentionally designed for every role—from front-line staff and arrangers to managers and next‑generation leaders.

Here’s a look back at the highlights of our 2025 education journey.

Learn Anywhere: Our Digital Education Hub For those who prefer flexible, on‑demand learning, we continued to expand our digital offerings.

E‑Learning Webinar Series Our live monthly webinars remained a cornerstone of professional development. Together, we explored updates from the Office of the Chief Coroner, Muslim funeral practices, the Death Positive Generation, “The Digital Dead,” BrainFishing, and practical strategies for understanding and managing anxiety. Each session welcomed hundreds of colleagues, reflecting our sector’s strong commitment to continuous learning. If you weren’t able to attend live, all sessions are available on‑demand through the OACFP ACE Learning Management System.

Common Ground Podcast Launched this year, Common Ground quickly became a favourite. Each month, Darren and I sat down with sector professionals for a relaxed 30‑minute conversation covering cremation trends, staffing challenges, sustainability, and women in leadership—among many other topics. Perfect for your commute or lunch break, each episode is supported by a Leader Guide that can be used for staff meetings, presentations, or career development. You can find Common Ground on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at oacfp.com.

Summer Skill‑Builder Webinars We introduced two short, practical, and affordable ($25 for members) learning opportunities: Confident Communication, focused on clarity and compassion during difficult and emotionally charged conversations.

Canva Can Do That?, showed how easy it can be to create professional brochures, social media posts, and presentations—no design background required.

KATE MCMASTER EDUCATION COORDINATOR

EDUCATION CORNER CONT...

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Standout Events: Where Ideas Met Inspiration Several in‑person events became true cornerstones of our year.

Women’s Symposium 2025 In March, we proudly marked the 5th annual Women’s Symposium at Queen’s Landing in Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake. Under the theme #AccelerateAction, nearly 200 registrants—both in person and online—gathered for workshops on networking, leadership development, and becoming effective allies. Attendees also received a copy of Dr. Samira Zafar’s book, Unconditional.

2025 Cremation Symposium March concluded with three days of focused learning in Markham. The program included Crematorium Operators Certification, a popular Dine & Discover fireside chat with Larry Stuart Jr. and Poul Lemasters, and a new full day dedicated to serving cremation‑first families. Together, these sessions provided a comprehensive view of the evolving cremation landscape.

NextGen Forum at the Hockey Hall of Fame In May, professionals with five years or less of experience gathered at Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame to help shape the future of the sector. The day featured a panel of emerging leaders followed by interactive “Sandbox” discussions on technology, inclusivity, leadership, and emerging trends. The energy—and the ideas—were inspiring.

EDUCATION CORNER CONT...

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Skill‑Building Close to Home: Training & Networking We know that meaningful learning also happens locally and hands‑on.

Dine & Discover Evenings These popular events combine great food with thoughtful conversation. This year, Lisa Gibson guided participants through personal branding in Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake, while Kevin Parent from Ottawa Public Health shared insights on becoming a trusted voice on social media.

Hands‑On Front‑Line Training In July, cemetery professionals gathered in Kitchener for a practical, skills‑focused day that included monument safety, a green burial demonstration, and vault handling—training participants could immediately apply in their daily work.

Trusted Advisor Training This advanced program for experienced professionals was offered in multiple cities, including a special session ahead of our October conference. To date, more than 200 professionals have earned Trusted Advisor certification, strengthening their arrangement skills and enhancing service to families.

Regional Member Meetings Led by dedicated members such as Mark Richardson and Rebecca Kit, the Municipal and Small Cemetery Working Group met in Guelph, Sudbury, Lakefield, and the Blue Mountains.

These gatherings provided space to discuss local challenges, share solutions, and support one another.

EDUCATION CORNER CONT...

Our Flagship Programs: Deep Dives for Leadership For those looking to deepen their leadership and business expertise, we offered comprehensive programs.

Master of Bereavement Business Administration (MBBA) Our third cohort of this respected 10 week virtual program began in September. Designed for both emerging and experienced leaders, the MBBA strengthens understanding of financial management, hiring, team empowerment, customer alignment, and overall business performance. It continues to be a powerful accelerator for career growth.

2025 Annual Conference – The Business of Compassion From October 7–9, leaders from across Ontario gathered at White Oaks Resort in Niagaraon-the-Lake for our premier event of the year. Highlights included keynote sessions with Hamza Khan on thriving through change and Jim Harrison on moving beyond price based decision making, followed by a joyful and insightful closing with improv legends Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath.

New this year were 15 minute “Quick Take” TED style talks, panel discussions on complex client facing issues, dedicated funeral and cemetery town halls, live demonstrations, a Silent Disco, a choral performance, and a tour of Peller Estates Winery—creating an unforgettable experience.

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EDUCATION CORNER CONT...

Coming Up in 2026 Our e‑Learning Webinar Series launches January 22 with Pandit Dev Doobay presenting an overview of Hindu death rites and rituals. Join us in person or virtually on March 11 for an energetic #Give to Gain celebration inspired by International Women’s Day. Our first Dine & Discover of 2026 takes place in March in Richmond Hill, and we’ll gather again October 6–8 at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa for our Annual Education Conference & Trade Show.

For full details, watch for our Monday Update emails, visit oacfp.com, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

A Heartfelt Thank You From the bottom of my heart, thank you—to every member who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and shared ideas. Thank you to our volunteer committees, sponsors, speakers, and to Darren Denomme and Rachel Cleland, whose dedication made 2025 such a meaningful year.

Because of you, OACFP is a stronger, more connected, and more knowledgeable community. Here’s to all we learned in 2025 and to the exciting growth ahead in 2026.

Warmly, Kate McMaster

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OACFP UPDATES & ARTICLES OF INTEREST REMINDERS A reminder that all those holding a personal funeral license (FD 1 or

2,

Funeral

Transfer are

Sales

required

minimum

Preplanner

Representative) to

of

and

six

complete (6)

hours

a of

continuing education each year.

All

OACFP

education

content

qualifies for CE.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR FUNERAL LICENSEES As an employee of an OACFP Member Company, you have access to our current year's eLearning Webinar series and our entire webinar library at no charge. These are set up as separate courses in our new OACFP ACE platform with each webinar being a session in those courses. The links to the three courses are below PLEASE NOTE - LOGIN IS REQUIRED TO ACCESS AT NO CHARGE. 2025 eLearning Webinars 2024 eLearning Webinars 2023 eLearning Webinars eLearning Recorded Webinar Presentations We have also created a special year-end CE package (member & non-member fees apply) available here: 2025 Year End CE Package If you have any issues navigating the site, we have the following instructional videos available. OACFP ACE Platform Demo & Help Videos are available on our YouTube Channel here: OACFP ACE VIDEOS OACFP ACE - INSTRUCTIONS PDF

NEW - Personal Licence Renewal – Quick Reminder & How-To As licence renewal season approaches, we want to remind members that personal licence renewals are completed directly through the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) — not through the OACFP. To support you, we’ve prepared a Personal Licence Renewal Cheat Sheet outlining exactly what you’ll need and how to complete your renewal online. Please download the document here:

➡️ Personal Licence Renewal Cheat Sheet – BAO–OBIS

OACFP UPDATES & ARTICLES OF INTEREST

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ARTICLES OF INTEREST & RESOURSES HOW TO TALK TO SOMEONE WHO’S GRIEVING WHY NATURAL BURIALS WILL BE THE MOST POPULAR END-OF-LIFE TREND GOING INTO 2026 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY LAW END-OF-LIFE ONLINE FIRESIDE CHAT

THINKING FASTER AND TALKING SMARTER WHEN YOU’RE ON THE SPOT

🌱 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES FOR OACFP MEMBERS As the bereavement sector continues to respond to growing public interest in environmentally conscious services, OACFP is proud to provide members with practical, trusted resources to help you stay informed, confident, and ready to lead. This members-only page is home to a series of evolving Professional Reference Guides—created by the OACFP Environmental Sustainability Committee with input from operators, regulators, and subject matter experts across Ontario and beyond.

These downloadable guides are designed to support day-to-day decision-making, staff training, and client conversations. Each topic is approached from a non-prescriptive, evidence-informed, and operationally grounded perspective—providing real-world insight without telling you what to do or how to do it.

📘 What You’ll Find Here

Guides on priority sustainability topics, including: Natural/Green Burial - Available Now Alkaline Hydrolysis - Available in 2026 Environmentally Responsible Cremation Options - Available in 2026 Natural Organic Reduction (Available in 2026 included for awareness – not currently available in Ontario)

🔁 Living Documents, Built with You in Mind

Each guide is a work in progress—a foundation we will refine together through your feedback, questions, and practical experience. Updated versions will be posted here as they evolve, so check back often.

Have ideas or suggestions? We want to hear them. This is your space to stay current and contribute to a more informed, sustainable future for our sector.

🔒 Member Access Only

These tools are a benefit of your OACFP membership. Please do not share these resources outside of your organization without permission.

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The holiday season can be a time of comfort and connection — but for many families, it can also intensify grief.

In

our

December

episode

of

Common

Ground:

Bereavement Sector Chats, Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster are joined by Krystal Riddell, OACFP Board Member and owner of Essentials Cremation and Burial

Services,

for

a

meaningful

discussion

on

navigating grief through the holidays.

This episode explores: • Why grief often feels heavier during this time of year • The importance of memorial services and rituals • How bereavement professionals can support families — and themselves We invite you to listen and share this episode with colleagues who may find it helpful during the holiday season.

Find all our podcast episodes, including valuable leader guides, here:

COMMON GROUND PODCAST MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FREE RECORDED MASTER CLASS: YOUR HOLIDAY FAMILY SURVIVAL GUIDE THE BATMAN EFFECT: HOW SUBTLE CUES OFTEN BEAT WILLPOWER IN CHANGING BEHAVIOUR 5 COPING CARDS FOR YOUR HARDEST MOMENTS

OACFP EVENTS

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The OACFP eLearning Webinar Series resumes on January 22nd with our first webinar of 2026. Check out details here: January 22 Webinar

CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS PAGE OR OACFP.COM FOR ALL OUR EDUCATION OPTIONS OACFP EVENTS OACFP ACE

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED IN 2025 REGULAR MEMBERS

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SUPPLIER MEMBERS

THE STONE CHURCH CEMETERY

THMC INC

COMMISSION

THE MANAGED MUNICIPALITY

THEORET BOURGEOIS

LINMAC

WELLAND FUNERAL HOME

LOOP BIOTECH

CK PLUS REMOVALS

MARTEL & SONS

HAVELOCK METHUEN CEMETERY BOARD

FUNERAWEB

MUNICIPALITY OF HIGHLANDS EAST

SHARPE LANDSCAPING,

ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF NOVA SCOTIA

MAINTENANCE & DESIGN

AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

WEST COAST MEMORIALS

WILSON BURIAL & CREMATION INC.

CORE SCIENTIFIC

WHEATLEY MENNONITE FUNERAL HOME

ALGORDANZA SWISS MADE-

SAKEENAH TRANSFERS INC.

REMEMBRANCE DIAMONDS

TOWN OF INGERSOLL

THE TRIBUTE COMPANIES

HENRY WALSER CREMATION & TRIBUTE

AV-X INC.

CENTRE

ABACUS FURNITURE

THAMES VALLEY CREMATION SERVICES

AFFILIATE MEMBERS 9 - INDIVIDUAL AFFILIATE MEMBERS

STUDENT MEMBERS 25 - STUDENT MEMBERS

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OACFP EDUCATION DON’T FORGET ABOUT OTHER OACFP ONLINE EDUCTION OPPORTUNITIES AT OACFP ACE

The OACFP has long been a leader in providing quality education for all bereavement sector professionals.

We work in conjunction with all our members and sector stakeholders to provide Ontario’s bereavement professionals with the most up to date, relevant and costeffective education and training possible.

The OACFP offers a wealth of resources for the bereavement professional and we pride ourselves on being ”A Unified Association of Bereavement Sector Professionals Providing a Support Network of Education and Resources.”

We offer a variety of online and on-demand education on our OACFP ACE Learning Management System. For information on how to access and navigate the system, check out the short videos below.

CHECK OUT OUR OACFP ACE HELP VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

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Crematorium Operator (Evening Shift) - North Toronto Crematorium, Markham

Sales and Service Coordinator – Cemeteries, Town of Halton Hills

Funeral Director - Nisbett Funeral Home, Peterborough

CHAT GPT PROMPT FOR YOU TO TRY FOR BEREAVEMENT SECTOR PROFESSIONALS: USE AI AS A PERCEPTION MIRROR AND CHOOSE A PHOTO FOR PROFESSIONAL AND/OR PERSONAL USE ON SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS, BIOGRAPHIES, ETC

1. GO TO CHATGPT.COM AND SIGN UP FOR A FREE ACCOUNT. 2. IN THE “WHAT CAN I HELP WITH?” BOX, TYPE IN: “I AM A (LIST YOUR SPECIFIC POSITION IN THE SECTOR). BASED ON THIS IMAGE, DESCRIBE HOW PEOPLE WOULD PERCEIVE MY PERSONALITY, MOOD, AND CONFIDENCE LEVEL UPON FIRST MEETING ME. “ 3. UPLOAD A PHOTO OF YOURSELF INTO CHATGPT (CLICK THE + SIGN TO BRING UP A MENU ALLOWING FOR UPLOADS OF FILES) 4. TRY A FEW DIFFERENT PHOTOS AND LET CHATGPT HELP YOU CHOOSE A PHOTO THAT SENDS THE RIGHT VIBE.

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MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO THE DEMAND FOR QUALIFIED FIRMS TO ASSIST WITH BAO COMPLIANCE REPORTING, WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THATMNP LLP IS OFFERING A 10% DISCOUNT ON AUDIT AND ASSURANCE

Travelling over the Holidays? OACFP has you covered with both hotel discounts from Hilton and car rentals from Avis/Budget and Park’N Fly Corporate Travel.

SERVICES FOR THE FIRST YEAR AS A NEW CLIENT TO ALL OACFP MEMBERS.

We’re excited to offer you and your business a review of new and existing benefits in our Member Benefit and Supplier Spotlight Webinar—designed to help you maximize your membership and stay connected with the latest innovations in the bereavement sector.

We have added many member benefits this year both for your business and your employees.

Click the banner to the right to review the webinar.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBER BENEFITS

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THE OACFP OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED AS FOLLOWS DECEMBER 24TH AT 12:00 NOON UNTIL JANUARY 5TH AT 8:30 AM DURING THE TIME THE OFFICE IS CLOSED PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE AT: ADMIN@OACFP.COM OR INFO@OACFP.COM FOR URGENT MATTERS.