July, August, & September 2018
Q3 eNewsletter
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The first half of 2018 may be behind us, but the best of this year is yet to come from your team at FSI!
Recently, we announced an exciting new collaboration that offers funeral directors and cemetery owners a turnkey solution for PreNeed and Perpetual Care Trusts. Read more about the many benefits of this collaboration below, and know that we continue to pursue opportunities that will better serve you on the path to financial success.
Our team at FSI and fellow colleagues also regularly contribute thought leadership to several industry publications. You may find this quarter’s stories of particular interest, as they cover topics such as the impact of the Unitrust distribution method – one year after the State of Florida officially adopted it for the deathcare industry – and important questions you may not know to ask about your deathcare sales program.
Now that we’ve reached the year’s halfway point, it’s the perfect time to re-visit your 2018 business goals and assess if you’re on track. Of course, FSI is always here to offer any guidance or assistance you need to ensure the growth of your business. Remember we are here to help you accomplish your objectives, and we are always just a phone call away!
No matter what time of year it is, we always remain knowledgeable on the latest legislative and regulatory changes in the industry by maintaining close relationships with many experts. One of our regular partners, Wendy Wiener, Esq., partner at Broad & Cassel, shares an important update for you in this edition of our e-Newsletter.
The remainder of 2018 is sure to bring many exciting new opportunities, and as always, we wish you and your business the best of luck for a productive and prosperous future. We look forward to speaking with you very soon!
Sincerely,
Bill Williams
President and CEO
Funeral Services, Inc.
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ICYMI: Argent Trust Company Selects FSI to Form Go-to Program
for
Your PreNeed or Perpetual Care Trust
Argent Trust Company has selected FSI for its master trust program, which delivers a unique suite of benefits focused on enhancing your PreNeed or Perpetual Care Trust.
This program brings together a leading trustee and deathcare administrator to provide you with confidence and ease of mind when it comes to your sales programs and trust accounts.
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Benefits of this collaboration:
· Nearly 200 years of combined industry experience
· Streamlined business operations
· Active communication between your team of trust experts
· Greater efficiency, security and financial strength for your business
Let us take care of the details so you can focus solely on what’s most important: growing your business. Learn more by reading the full announcement here. Read More...
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FSI In the News
Over the last quarter, FSI and fellow colleagues have been sought out to provide thought leadership on a variety of topics in several industry publications. Here’s a quick look at some of the most recent stories featuring FSI:
How Unitrust Distribution if Providing More Money for Cemetery Maintenance
In the first quarter of 2017, the State of Florida officially adopted the Unitrust distribution method for the deathcare industry. Just one year later, FSI has seen the financial capabilities and performances of many cemeteries increase significantly. Learn more about Unitrust's impact on cemeteries from FSI's Bill Williams in the latest issue of ICCFA Magazine, with special insight from FSI client John Williams, President of Farley Funeral Homes & Crematory & Venice Memorial Gardens. Read the full story by clicking here.
Four Questions to Ask About Your Deathcare Sales Program
The performance of your deathcare sales program is one of the primary determining factors for the success of your business. But sometimes, you may not even know the questions you should be asking about it. Thankfully there are professionals, including FSI President & CEO Bill Williams and Wendy Wiener, Partner at Broad and Cassel, who know these questions and have the answers, too. Read the full story in this issue of American Funeral Director by clicking here.
Driving Your Funeral Home Into Perpetuity: A Powerful Car & Deathcare Sales Program Are More Alike Than You Think
Before you ever step onto the lot of a dealership, you know exactly what you want in a new car. And here’s the thing: your potential clients know exactly what they want from your services before they come to you, too. A new car and a powerful deathcare sales program have a lot more in common than you’d assume – learn more in this issue of Funeral Business Advisor.
Read the full story by clicking here.
Every time FSI is published by industry media, the article is posted on FSItrust.com. Check our ‘Resources’ tab frequently for continuous updates on FSI news and coverage! |
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Wendy Wiener, Esq.,
Broad & Cassel
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While FSI always strives to ensure its clients remain in compliance with all deathcare laws and regulations, we also want to educate you on changes or little-known details within the industry that impact your business.
Our dear friend and colleague, Wendy Wiener, Esq., partner at Broad & Cassel, will provide an insightful update on the regulations in the deathcare industry in each of our quarterly e-newsletters.
Common Regulatory Problems with Preneed Contracts
According to the Florida Division of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services, most consumer complaints against preneed licensees and most violations noted by inspectors involved contracts – either failure to complete contracts properly or failure to handle them correctly. Many preneed licensees may not know about the potential penalties for offenders, which can be steep.
Read more about how to avoid the common problems with preneed contracts here.
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FSI is made up of a dedicated team of experienced professionals who work each day to provide you with excellent service. Each individual brings an important skillset that assists us in powering your trust. To help you get to know the FSI team better, we shine a spotlight on one employee each quarter.
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Jessica Johns joined the FSI team in October of 2015. She takes her work very seriously and finds great satisfaction in providing data input that is fast and extremely accurate. While she’s very humble, her coworkers will tell you that she’s the fastest typist in the office and that she’s never made an error – and that’s a huge accomplishment!
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In her three years with FSI, Jessica has seen firsthand how the company is always striving to streamline its processes, both for clients and for its employees. According to Jessica, productivity has improved leaps and bounds since she started, and she has no doubt that it will keep getting better.
While she’s been part of many exciting developments in her time at FSI, the most significant milestone in her opinion was the completion of the switch to FSI’s new PRISM system. This was a huge step forward that had been in the works since before Jessica was brought on, and it was really exciting for her to see that come to fruition.
Jessica’s favorite part about working at FSI is that the company provides a very welcoming environment and makes sure to take care of its own. To Jessica, FSI feels like one big family. Outside of work, she sings with her mother and sister, and she’s been known to appear in the occasional community theater production. She also loves to write when the inspiration strikes.
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Important FSI Dates to Remember:
Cremation Association Of North America’s 100th
Annual Convention
Fort Lauderdale, FL
September 3, 2018
Labor Day
FSI offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day.
October 14-17, 2018
2018 National Funeral Directors Association
International Convention & Expo
Salt Lake City, Utah
Stop by and see us at Booth #2124!
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Copyright © *|2017|*|Funeral Services, Inc.|*| All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
Funeral Services, Inc.
Post Office Box 13407
Tallahassee, FL 32317
(800) 749-1340
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