July, August, & September, 2020
Q3 eNewsletter
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We continue to think of you, your staffs and your families as our country battles the pandemic, social issues and economic challenges.
In a time like this, we understand the immense pressure you are under to serve your communities who are suffering unthinkable loss and hardship and are apprehensive about leaving the comfort and safety of their homes.
Over the past several months, our team has worked hard to develop new solutions that meet your needs and help make communication between you and your consumers as easy and seamless as possible.
Following this note is an overview of the new digital offerings we have created, which are available today to all FSI clients at no additional cost. We are confident these features will optimize your trust and preneed program and ultimately, enhance your service to your families.
In fact, the majority of this edition of our e-newsletter focuses on all aspects of doing business digitally during COVID-19, including guidance on compliance matters from our general counsel, Wendy Russell Wiener, a story on some of our eSolutions in action, and a spotlight on one of our IT team members who was integral in the development of our new offerings.
While the events of the world have brought several new and significant challenges, we have been inspired by the response from our peers and colleagues in the deathcare profession and know we will rise from this stronger than ever.
To all deathcare professionals, our “Final Responders”: thank you for taking care of our country’s loved ones – your service and attention to families has been nothing short of remarkable.
Sincerely,
Bill Williams
President and CEO, Funeral Services, Inc.
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New Digital Offerings Available to All FSI Clients
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The past several months have brought new challenges to deathcare firms as they navigate how to serve families in need from the comfort and safety of their homes. In response, we have expanded our digital offerings, which are outlined below.
FSI eContract Now Offering Credit Card Transactions
FSI’s eContract software now enables consumers to make one-time or recurring credit card payments on a preneed or atneed contract. This is in addition to the pre-authorized debit and coupon book payment options that currently exist in the software.
New Ways to Sign Preneed Contracts Digitally – No Printing or In-Person Signing Necessary
While eContract has allowed digital signatures for years, we recently added the following features, especially for clients who still utilize paper contracts.
· Paper Contracts with Adobe eSign: the firm can fill out and scan a paper contract, then email it to the consumer for digital signature using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
· Fillable PDF Contracts: FSI has created fillable PDF contracts, where the firm can fill in a contract online, then email it to the consumer for digital signature using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
· eContract with FSI eSign: enables consumers to sign a preneed contract through FSI’s secure website. This eliminates the need to email contracts with sensitive data. Instead, consumers are emailed a secure link to the contract, where signatures can be completed via keyboard, mouse or hand (if computer is touch-enabled).
These new features are now part of a long list of eServices available, which include the ability to process contracts digitally, sell preneed directly on your website and view all of your trust program details online in one, easy-to-manage location.
For questions, please contact our Client Services team at 1-800-749-1340 or clientservices@fsitrust.com.
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CANA is Going Virtual this Year –
Here’s How FSI is Participating
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In case you missed it, the Cremation Association of North America’s 102nd Cremation Innovation Convention is going virtual this year, and the FSI team will be participating with their own “digital” booth.
During the convention, FSI will also give a live demo of its eContract software, which allows firms to create, edit and process preneed contracts digitally, 24/7. If you’d like to watch the webinar, you can sign up here.
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Wendy Russell Wiener,
FSI General Counsel
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As FSI continues 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 general counsel, Wendy Russell Wiener, Esq., provides an insightful update on the regulations in the deathcare industry in each of our quarterly e-newsletters.
Sales during COVID-19: How to Remain in Compliance
Sales processes have become more complicated now that funeral directors are not sitting across from consumers at arrangement room tables as frequently. This installment will give you the direction you need to engage in sales, both at need and preneed, from a distance, via the internet, e-mail or telephone and remain complaint with relevant laws and rules.
Read More
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How Much Do You Know About FSI?
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Each quarterly e-newsletter, we share a service or resource FSI provides to help ensure our clients and the industry understand the value we can deliver to them.
Did You Know that FSI can help you sell preneed directly on your website?
FSI’s eCommerce solution enables clients to sell preneed contracts online. FSI’s system integrates with a client’s website, allowing consumers to select a preneed package, execute a contract, pay with a credit card and set up recurring payments.
Learn more about our eCommerce solution by calling us any time:
1-800-749-1340
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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.
Taking Deathcare Digital during COVID-19 without Sacrificing Customer Service
Now more than ever, deathcare firms must find ways to integrate technology into their time-tested practices – a small change in philosophy that can help you better serve families and provide greater sustainability both during and after COVID-19. Learn more in Bill Williams’ op-ed that was published in Memorial Business Journal.
FSI Helps Palms West Funeral Home and Crematory Leverage Technology to Serve Families during COVID-19
To help serve those who may be uncomfortable visiting a facility at this time, Palms West Funeral Home and Crematory utilized FSI’s eContract and eRemote software to enable staff and families to seamlessly execute and process preneed contracts digitally. Learn more in Funeral Service Insider’s article here.
Proper Records Management for Deathcare Business Consolidation
In the April issue of American Funeral Director, FSI and WRW Legal break down the necessities during the process of acquiring and consolidating several funeral homes and cemeteries at once. These necessities include how proper (or improper) records consolidation as well as the legal process can impact your bottom line. Learn more 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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Meet:
Jay Ji, Software Developer
Jay Ji serves as a software developer with FSI’s talented IT department. In this position, Jay is responsible for reviewing and importing legacy data to the PRISM system. He also validates and writes script code for client contracts, a critical part of ensuring functionality and accuracy for clients.
Jay’s favorite part of working in the IT department is the flexibility and freedom FSI provides to its employees, allowing him to take on new projects and challenges that support his professional growth. As Jay grows with FSI, he is excited about becoming better versed in advanced technology functions, writing programs for FSI clients and contributing to FSI.
Jay graduated from Florida State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. In his spare time, Jay likes to come home after a long day at the office and spend time with his wife, son and new baby daughter.
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Important FSI Dates to Remember:
August 5-6, 2020
CANA’s Virtual Cremation Innovation Convention
Live Demo of FSI’s eContract Software
September 7, 2020 Labor Day
FSI offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day
September 29 – October 1
71st Annual CCC Convention & Exposition – New Orleans, LA
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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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