NFDA: Merry Christmas From Heaven, Flagpoles and Digital Registries

Nov 11, 2013 | 0 comments

Floral ArrangementHere are a few more innovative products showcased at the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) annual convention and expo in Austin during October. Did you know such a wide variety of tools for this trade exists?

Messenger Digital Registry

Mike Kane with Messenger Stationery, the largest provider of funeral home stationery in North America, describes a new feature on their Expressions digital guest registry. This digital registry collects contact information from attendees at a funeral, enabling the family to easily thank those who attended or made memorial donations. It also enables funeral homes to generate preneed contacts.

Something new this year is the ability to take pictures of floral arrangements and the cards that come with them, so families have a record of the gift and know who to thank. The system also makes it easy to use a credit card to make a memorial donation on the spot. Click for more information about Expressions online.

Messenger Digital Registry at NFDA 2013

Uncommon USA Flagpoles

Dennis Prell with Uncommon USA shows off their telescoping flagpoles that can extend up to 20 feet. They were invented in Minnesota and are made in the USA. The system eliminates ropes and pulleys, and is designed to prevent noise and flag entanglement. Great for cemeteries, funeral homes, schools, homes, and all kinds of businesses. More information at www.UncommonUSA.com.

Uncommon USA Flagpoles at NFDA 2013

Merry Christmas From Heaven

After John Mooney wrote “Merry Christmas From Heaven” in 1989, the poem took on a life of its own. People began requesting the poem for themselves, their family members and for their friends. Store owners and funeral directors and bereavement directors began contacting the family, requesting the poem. The business grew from there.

Eldest daughter and granddaughter Kristan Dean shares the story of this moving poem written by her father in honor of his parents, who were wed on Christmas Eve in 1944. She also recites “Merry Christmas From Heaven.”

The family business now provides the poem in various forms, including book marks ornaments, keepsake cards, artwork and even a  music CD. While they often attend gift shows, the family was at NFDA’s expo to offer their gift giving aftercare package for families served by funeral directors. Their website is www.MerryChristmasFromHeaven.com.

Merry Christmas From Heaven at NFDA 2013
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