Bulletin 2004 February

Annual Convention • February 22-24, 2004 • Las Vegas, NV

In this issue. . . • President’s Message ..................3• Certification Program Update......6• ASTM Standards ........................8• Domicile and Law......................14• Certified Plants..........................20 Two nationally known consumer authorities–each with different

insights–highlight the program of events at the NCBVA Annual Convention at The Venetian in Las Vegas on February 23 and 24. Jim

Knight, Director of Training for Hard Rock Cafe, will give you advice on how to deliver world class funeral service, and Ann Bastianelli, an authority on advertising, marketing and consumer trends, will help you zero in on what matters most. Their experience isdirectly translatable to the funeral industry, and you don’t want to miss hearing firsthandwhat they have to say. Their advice will give you an invaluable competitive edge.

Service is PricelessHow do you keep customers returning in the highly competitive burial vault industry?Service, service, service. Jim Knight will tell you first what you already know–that

having a strong and viable company “service culture” is priceless.Then, he will give you tips in creating a fundamental, grass rootsapproach to developing your company’s special service culture.Highlights include: Tapping into the desires of today’s workforce and the needs of your clients; creating a positive employee life cycle;and matching your values to your methods.

Although controversial in many of its approaches, the HardRock Cafe is one of the most successful companies in the world. This common sense and fun discussion will share Hard Rock’s successes with you, and help you to create loyal fans in your clientsand your own organization.

Selling – From Food to FuneralsIn her advertising career, Ann Bastianelli, president of AnthologyConsulting in Indianapolis, has managed such popular consumer campaigns as the Happy Meal program, “Two Scoops of Raisins,”and Dow’s Scrubbing Bubbles. You’ll find out that the concepts for

selling food and top-quality funeral service have something in common. For Batesville Casket Company, Ann introduced the concept of staging funerals in personalized vignettes–a concept you’lldefinitely want to know more about. Ms. Bastianelli is also a professor of marketing and a lecturer at Indiana University’s KelleySchool of Business.

2004 ConferenceSponsors & Exhibitors

PLATINUM SPONSORWilbert Funeral Services, Inc.

GOLD SPONSORSDoric Products, Inc.

Trigard Vaults/Greenwood Plastics

BRONZE SPONSORSAcromix Systems

Adco Products, Inc. Edgmont Metallic Pigment, Inc.

EXHIBITORSAxis Corporation

Acromix / Elk River Machine Co.Adco Products, Inc.

American Cemetery SuppliesBekaert Corporation

CargotecD & C Supply Co., Inc.

Edgmont Metallic Pigment Co.Forta Corporation

Frigid FluidLong Machine Co.

Mixer Systems, Inc.T & J Manufacturing Corp.

Trigard Vaults/Greenwood Plastics

as of February 1, 2004

Great Service and Selling To Highlight Convention

900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite 204, Longwood, FL 32779-2552

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc.

FIRST CLASSAddress Correction Requested

Annual Convention • February 22-24, 2004 • Las Vegas, NV

Dear Readers,We at the National Concrete BurialVault Association Bulletin would loveto hear from you. Specifically, we arelooking for press releases from you sothat we can continue to address issuesand topics that are directly facing you.

Do you have an idea for an articleof interest to other manufacturers?

Why don’t you take a few minutesand send us a press release about yourhappenings? We’re interested indetails about special events, individu-als who deserve recognition, awards,new services you are providing. Suppliers: let us know about your newproducts and services. Color or blackand white photos are also welcome.

If you are unsure about how towrite your press release or article,don’t hesitate to give me a call at(407) 788-1996 or e-mail me [email protected]. It would be mypleasure to assist you.

Looking forward to hearing fromyou.

Jan MonahanEditor

Industry News and Notes

Cemen Tech Inc., announces a new optionalextended life stainless steel bin for theirMobile mixermodels. Thestainless steelaggregate binand conveyorframe offerscustomers amixer that will out live a standard carbonsteel body with less maintenance and downtime.

NFDA Has the Beat“Rhythm of the Future” has been an-nounced as the theme for the National Fu-neral Directors Association 2004 AnnualConvention, October 17-20 at the GaylordOpryland Resort and Convention Center,Nashville, TN. MichaelJanke, bestsellingauthor, Fortune 500 consultant, and perfor-mance expert will keynote the opening ses-sion. Sports broadcaster, Greg Gumbel hasbeen signed on for the Convention break-fast (formerly the leadership breakfast).

More Trouble for SCIA group of investors is suing the world’slargest funeral and cemetery services company, accusing executives of failing todisclose problems with mishandled remainsand not having enough money in reserve todeal with lawsuits stemming from the mistakes. The suit was filed in Miami federal court against Houston-based Service Corporation International and threeexecutives, accusing them of violating federal securities laws. The company hasalready settled two lawsuits filed over thehandling of remains at SCI-owned MenorahGardens cemeteries in Broward and PalmBeach counties. The attorney in the casenotes that shareholders affected by double-digit percentage drops in the company’sstock price were defrauded because company officials “made no disclosure ofproblems, which were substantial, atMenorah Gardens.”

Mobile Mixer Goes Stainless

Vol. 19 ■■ No. 1 ■■ February 2004

2 NCBVA BULLETIN February 2004 February 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 23

National Concrete Burial Vault Association“Serving the death care industry with the very best”

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Key Contact____________________________________Nickname_____________

Title ______________________________________________________________

Company Name _____________________________________________________

Street Address _______________________________________________________

City _____________________ State _______________ Zip __________________

Phone ___________________________ Fax ______________________________

E-mail ____________________________________________________________

Company Web Site ___________________________________________________

❐ Check here if you prefer to have your mail sent to your home.Home street Address _________________________________________City _____________________ State ______________ Zip ___________Home Phone _________________ Home Fax ______________________

COMPANY INFORMATION❐ Burial Vault Manufacturer ❐ Funeral Director

❐ Crematory ❐ Cemetery

❐ Doric ❐ Wilbert ❐ Eagle ❐ Trigard

❐ Con-O-lite ❐ Other ❐ Provide Graveside services

❐ Metal Vaults ❐ Plastic Vaults ❐ Fiberglass Vaults

Offer sizes for ❐ Children ❐ Adults ❐ Oversize

❐ Associate Member: Tell us in 25 words of less about your product/services

❐ Please enroll me in NCBVA today!Signature indicates that you have read and agree to abide by NCBVA’s Code of Ethicsand the rules which govern the National Concrete Burial Vault Association. Signa-ture is required before this application can be processed.

_________________________________________ ___________(Signature) (Date)

Dues Schedule

❐ Manufacturer MemberDues are based on total units sold forall locations of the company.

Please check appropriate level:❐ 1-999 Units ........$170

❐ 1000 - 1999 ........$260

❐ 2000 - 3499 ........$350

❐ 3500 - 4999 ........$435

❐ 5000 and more ....$525

❐ Associate Member....$150

❐ Franchise Group........$600

Payment InformationInclude payment with this completedform. We accept Visa, MasterCard andAmerican Express

❐ Check is enclosed

Please charge my❐ Visa ❐ MasterCard ❐ Amex

Account #_____________________Expiration date _________________

Mailing Information

NCBVA900 Fox Valley Drive Suite 204

Longwood, FL 32779-2552(800) 538-1423

Fax: (407) 774-6751

www.ncbva.org

We believe that concrete is an ideal material for the construction of burial vaults for the interment of human remains and that a properly constructed concrete burial vault is worthy of acceptance by the public. Our sales and advertising policies will be governed by standards acceptable by the public and the funeral profession and by principles advocated by the National ConcreteBurial Vault Association, Inc. We pledge fair trade practices to our competitor whose product we will not disparage. We shall conduct our business on sound business principles, striving to build a relationship of respect and confidence for the burial vaultindustry with the public, with the funeral director and with the cemeteries management. We will abide by the rules and regula-tions of the National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc., thereby contributing to a stronger and greater national industry.

CODE OF ETHICS

February 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 3

National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc.900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite 204Longwood, Florida 32779-2552

http://www.ncbva.org(800) 538-1423 Fax: (407) 774-6751

President’s MessageBy Dan Hicks

PresidentDan Hicks

Hicks IndustriesMiami, FL

President-Elect J.C. Clifton

Quality Burial Vault Co.Houston, TX

Secretary/TreasurerGraham MacLeod

Detroit Wilbert Vault Co.Detroit, MI

Immediate Past PresidentJack Swihart

Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp.Saginaw, MI

DirectorsDarren Baxter

Baxter Burial Vault ServiceCincinnati, OH

Marty BegunEagle Burial Vaults

Detroit, MI

Warren ChandlerMaster Grave Service, Inc.

Bogart, GA

Linda Darby-SempsrottGreenwood Plastics

Phoenix, AZ

Bob DonatelliBaumgardner Products Co.

Akron, OH

Kelly PellicanoGraffius Burial Vault Co.

Reading, PA

Todd SwihartSaginaw Wilbert Vault Corp.

Saginaw, MI

Steve VincentJ.P. Vincent & Son, Inc.

Galena, IL

Curt ZamecWilbert Funeral Services, Inc.

Forest Park, IL

Executive DirectorThomas A. Monahan, CAE

Certified Association Management Company

Longwood, FL

Legal CounselJ. Scott Calkins, Esq.

Publications DirectorJan Monahan

Membership & BookkeepingSonia Medina

A nother year has flown by. Welcome to 2004! It seemslike only yesterday I was elected President when, infact, it has actually been almost two years!

In this New Year, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for all the support and help I have received as President of NCBVA. I would like to especially thank the Board of Directors, Tom and Jan Monahan and our headquarters staff, J. Scott Calkins, Esq., NCBVA legal counsel, and all of our committee members. Two committees, the ASTM Committee and Marketing Committee, deserve extra commendation for their exemplary work. Thanks also to our loyal suppliers, who help us keep our services at a high level of excellence.

As we move forward, it is obvious to me that the NCBVA, with your help, needs to take the lead in promoting this industry. We apparently are still not getting the news out. While “surfing” the Internet, we came across an article on the MSN Money Website titled “How to Plan an $800 Funeral” by Christopher Solomon. The author writes that consumer advocates state the following about grave liners and vaults: “Most cemeteries require that a coffin in a grave must be surrounded by concrete walls so that the ground doesn’t settle over time. These ‘grave liners,’though simple, can cost a few hundred dollars. Call funeral homes to find the best price. Don’t get pressured into buying a ‘burial vault,’ a more extensive liner that can cost much more but is unnecessary.”

We will be sending Mr. Solomon information about our products. Judging by his comments alone, we can see why it is so vital for NCBVAto educate consumers on the benefits of concrete burial vaults. There is a general lack of understanding regarding the benefits the concrete burial vaultprovides to the cemetery and the peace of mind that is given to the family.

As I make the transition from current President to Past, I encourage everyone to continue working the NCBVA strategic plan. By following this plan, I believe, NCBVA will easily grow, prosper, and become the voice and final authority of the burial vault industry. Excellent marketing materials were created by our Marketing Committee and are available for use in your local area (see page 12).

I look forward to seeing all of you at the Annual Convention and Business Expo this month in Las Vegas and I wish each of you good luck and prosperity in this new year.

Thank you for your loyal support and participation in NCBVA.

There’s Much Work To DoIn Educating Consumers

22 NCBVA BULLETIN February 2004

Since the 1600s and the Napoleonic Wars,the tradition of the horse-drawn casket hasplayed an important role in the funerals ofmilitary leaders and dignitaries. The customoriginated with the teams of draft horsesthat were used to clear battlefields of thedead and wounded.

In recent times in funeral processionsfor well-known individuals, a caisson teamwas used for President Kennedy, U.S.Senator Strom Thurmond, and U.S.Representative Floyd Spence, as well asastronauts, police officers and military personnel killed in the line of duty.

Today, however, in South Carolina, proposed state budget cuts threaten theexistence of one of the last publicly fundedcaisson teams in the country that performtraditional military burials.

Some years ago, Maj. Steve Riggs builtan authentic cannon so his son could participate in Civil War re-enactments. Heenlisted the help of Mark Herron, a carriagedriver in Charleston, and started towing thecannon with horses. The excitement he

created resulted in the donation of eightwhite draft horses from the Army unit thathandles a number of caisson burials a day at Arlington National Cemetery. Sen. GlennMcConnell and others helped Riggs get$100,000 annual funding, and, in 1998, hisoutfit was sworn into service as part of theadjutant general’s office.

In addition to lending a special dignityto the funerals of soldiers, police officersand statesmen, Riggs’ team of horses and14 volunteer cavalrymen has performed formore than 8,000 schoolchildren.

The caisson may become a thing of thepast in South Carolina if state funding iscut. Of the $100,000 of taxpayers’ money,more than half is spent on feed and board,veterinary bills, horseshoes, and for upkeepof the vintage gear. Riggs estimates that ifhis volunteers received pay, a budget of$300,000 a year would be needed, and asingle burial could cost $6,000.

Sentiment for Riggs’ caisson team runshigh, however, and those who have witnessed a funeral involving a horse-drawn casket have described the processionas very moving, solemn and beautiful. Somesay there are certain institutions and traditions that have value that transcendtheir cost. The opinion is raised that thosewho die in service for our country should be provided with a caisson burial.

The question remains whether fundswill be found in South Carolina’s budget tokeep the grand tradition of the caisson alive or if this tradition, like many others,will have to rely on heroic fundraisingefforts for its existence.

Is It End of the Road for Caisson Team?

Caisson team escorted body of Space ShuttleCrew member, Michael P. Anderson

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BURIAL VAULTS

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Stainless steel premium vaultsCremation urns and urn vaults

“Daisy” infant combinationsQuality, dependable graveside service

Find out more about being a Doric “Problem Solver”

800-457-0671www.doric-vaults.com

American Cemetery Supplies, Inc.1-800-515-0400 Fax (757) 488-1589

Your Total Vault Supplier

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Manufacturer of:Tents • Grass • Chair Covers • Tarps

Drapes • Lowering Devices Casket Roller Bars

Casket Stands and Cremation Standsand many other items

Distributor of:Flags • Chairs

Frigid Lowering Devices

Welcome, New Members!

Bart WillenborgHeartland Vault Co.

15734 E. State Hwy. 33Effingham, IL 62401Phone: 217-857-6085Fax: 217- 857-1416

Lynn OubreOubre Memorials & Burial Vaults

806 West Washington St.New Iberia, LA 70560Phone: 337-367-9260Fax: 337-367-2911

David JohnstoneW.C. Cardinal Co.1 Industrial Park Rd.

Cadiz, OH 43907Phone: 888-297-3132Fax: 740-942-4412


National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc.Member Application for Plant Inspection

Name of Plant ____________________________________________

Plant Mailing Address ______________________________________

Plant Street Address ________________________________________

Plant Telephone __________________________________________

Fax Phone Number ________________________________________

Owner’s Name ____________________________________________

Evening Telephone ________________________________________

Plant Manager/Contact Person________________________________

Evening Phone ____________________________________________

Types of Outer Burial Receptacles Produced❐ Top Seals ❐ Air Domes ❐ SectionalsOther ____________________________________________________

Please return this application with full payment to:

The National Concrete Burial Vault Association, Inc.900 Fox Valley Drive, Suite #204Longwood, FL 32779-2552(800) 538-1423Fax (407) 774-6751

As an NCBVA member in good standing, the total of yourPlant Certification Inspection will be $1295 (Recertification, $495). Full payment should be enclosed with your application.

Southern Ohio Vault Co.Portsmouth, OH

Southern Vault ServiceBlakely, GA

Spoerr Precast ConcreteSandusky, OH

Sunnycrest, Inc.Auburn, NY

Suhor IndustriesCedar Hill, TX

Superior Burial Vaults, Inc.Salt Lake City, UT

Superior Vault Co.Bryantown, MD

Superior Vault Co. Charlestown, IN

Superior Vault Company LTDMississauga, Ontario, Canada

Swan’s Concrete ProductsWestbrook, ME

Tennessee Vault & Grave, Inc.Dechard, TN

Tucker Vault Co.Farmington, MO

Turner Vault CompanyToledo, OH

Vanden Boomen Burial Vaults Inc.Appleton, WI

Vanden Boomen Burial Vaults Inc.Wausau, WI

Vault ServiceGriffin, GA

Vincent and SonsGalena, IL

Washington Wilbert Vault Works Inc.Laurel, MD

Warga Concrete Products Inc.Fort Wayne, IN

Watts Vault & Monument Co.Montezuma, IA

Wayne Burial Vault Co., Inc.Indianapolis, INWelte Vault Co.

Danbury, IAWest Plains Vault & Mfg. Co.

Pomona, MOWhitman Vault Co.

Whitman, MAWicomico Vault Co., Inc.

Salisbury, MD Wieser Precast

Stewartville, MNWilbert Burial Vault Co.

Atlanta, GAWilbert Burial Vault (The James Co.)

Waycross, GAWilbert Vault of Houston, Inc.

Houston, TXWilliams Vault Company

Emporia, VAWillmar Precast Co.

Willmar, MNZeiser Wilbert Vault Co.

Elmira, NY


VALUE VALUE VALUE Our commitment is to offer you the best value on the market.

1-800-527-8818Graveside set-up equipment manufactured by Holland Supply.

Holland 15’ x 15’ & 15’ x 20’ Tents

Hydraulic vault cart

Excellent Quality + Unsurpassed Service + Aggressive Prices = Better Value

Holland Supply has been servingthe industry since 1962, and proudto be the supplier of choice formany Vault Dealers across thecountry.

* Tent frame fittings guaranteed for life.* Strongest aluminum frames in the industry.* Tent peak and corners with 4 layers of reinforcement.* Straps & hooks with 3 layers of reinforcement.* Tops made to fit your frame.

* Holland Supply now manufactures a completeline of oval tops, frames and parts.

* Interchangeable with Steril tops, frames and parts.* Same quality and experience you’ve come to

expect from Holland Supply.

Call for your Vault Dealer SALE PRICES on these and all our setup products.

Best prices onFrigid devices.

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continued . ..

continued . ..

continued . ..

For information on NCBVA’s exclusive Plant Inspection and Certification Program, pleasecontact NCBVAHeadquarters at 1-800-538-1423 or use application form on adjacent page.

For information on NCBVA’s exclusive Plant Inspection and Certification Program, pleasecontact NCBVAHeadquarters at 1-800-538-1423 or use application form on adjacent page.

NCBVA Certified Vault Manufacturing Plants ��Abel Vault & Monument Co.

Canton, ILAbel Vault & Monument Co.

Pekin, ILAmerican Concrete Industries

Bangor, MEAmerican Vault Co. Cleveland, OH

American Vault & Concrete Prod.Detroit, MI

American Wilbert Vault Corp.Forest Park, IL

Arnold-Wilbert Corp.Goldsboro, NC

Arrow Vault Co., Inc.Lafayette, IN

Atlas Concrete Products, Inc.Orlando, FL

Automatic Wilbert Vault Tacoma, WA

Babylon Vault Co.New Windsor, MD

Baumgardner Products Co.Akron, OH

Baxter Burial VaultCincinnati, OH

Baxter Vault Co.Baxter Springs, KS

Beck Vault Co.Rome, NY

Beier Burial VaultsColumbus, WI

Brewster Vaults & MonumentsMillville, NJ

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.Fargo, ND

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.Morris, MN

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.St. Paul, MN

Bruns Norwalk Vault Co.Saint Louis, MO

Brutsche Concrete ProductsBattle Creek, MI

Brutsche Concrete ProductsBenton Harbor, MI

Buckeye Vault ServiceMansfield, OH

Bush Concrete Products, Inc.Muskegon, MI

C & M PrecastKerrville, TX

Calumet Wilbert Vault Co. Inc.Gary, IN

Carolina-Doric, Inc.Florence, SC

Central Burial Vaults, Inc.Marlow, OK

Central Burial Vaults, Inc.Oklahoma City, OK

Central Burial Vaults, Inc.Tulsa, OK

Central New York Vault Co.Cortland, NY

Century Vault Co., Inc.Barnstable, MA

Cheboygan Cement Products Co.Cheboygan, MI

Chesapeake Burial Vault Co.Ingleside, MD

Christy Vault Co., Inc.Colma, CA

Clinton Wilbert Vaults, Inc .Clinton, IA

Cooper Wilbert Vault Co.Barrington, NJ

Cooper Wilbert Vault Co.Middletown, DE

Cordeiro Vault Co., Inc.Vallejo, CA

Costello VaultsSmith Falls, Ontario, Canada

Creter Vault Corp.Flemington, NJ

Crummitt & Son Vault Corp.Martins Ferry, OH

D.G. Robertson, Inc.Williston, VT

Dardanelle Vault & Monument Dardanelle, AR

Delaware Valley Vault Co.,Philadelphia, PA

DePue Wilbert VaultSavannah, GA

Deihl Vault & Precast Co.Orangeville, PA

Detroit Wilbert Vault Corp.Detroit, MI

Doody Burial Vaults, Inc.Winchendon, MA

Doric Concrete Vaults Inc.Garden City, KS

Doric Concrete Vaults, Inc.Great Bend, KS

Doric Concrete Vaults Inc.Osage City, KS

Doric Huntingburg Vault Co.Huntingburg, IN

Doric of Kansas VaultIola, KS

Doric of Nashville, Inc.Nashville, TN

Doric of Northeast ArkansasJonesboro, AR

Doric of South TexasElsa, TX

Doric Concrete VaultsLimon, CO

Doric Concrete Vaults, Inc.Newton, KS

Doric Manufacturing Co.Boaz, AL

Doric Mississippi, Inc.Vicksburg, MS

Doric-South, Inc.Demopolis, AL

Doric Vault of Eastern NY, Inc.Hudson, NY

Doric Vault of Western NY, Inc.Depew, NY

Doric Vault Co.Griffin, GA

Dura VaultNorth Bend, OH

Eagle Burial Vault Co. of LARuston, LA

Eagle Burial VaultsPerry, GA

Esterly Burial Vault Co.West Reading, PA

Evans Eagle Vaults, Inc.Leola, PA

Everlasting Vault Co.Randallstown, MD

Florida Wilbert, Inc.Jacksonville, FL

Fond Du Lac Wilbert Vault Fond Du Lac, WI

Forsyth Bros.Fithian, IL

Forsyth Bros. Concrete Prod.Terre Haute, IN

Gettysburg Burial Vault Co.Gettysburg, PA

Grable Vault Co.Logansport, IN

Graffius Burial Vault Co.Sinking Springs, PA

Granite State DoricNewport, NH

Gray Bros., Inc.Kansas City, KS

Hairfield Vault Co.Hickory, NC

Hardy Doric, Inc.Chelmsford, MA

Harn Vault ServiceMassillon, OH

Harris PrecastLaporte, IN

Heilman – Wirtz, Inc.Cedar Hill, TX

Hicks Industries, Inc.Miami, FL

Hicks Industries, Inc.Mulberry, FL

Hydraulic Dolly, Inc.Altoona, PA

J.P. Vincent & Son, Inc.Galena, IL

Jacson, Inc.Henderson, TX

Jefferson Concrete Corp.Watertown, NY

Josten Wilbert Vault Co.Sioux Falls, SD

Lakeshore Burial Vault Co.Brookfield, WI

Lavaca Vault Co.Lavaca, AK

Louisell-Davis Vault ServiceChattanooga, TN

Ludlow Burial Vault Co.Ludlow, MA

Lycoming Burial Vault Co. Inc.Montoursville, PA

Marion Vault WorksMarion, IN

Markham Burial Vault ServicesRichmond, VA

Markham-Carter Vault ServiceSmithfield, VA

Master Grave ServiceAthens, GA

Memphis Burial Vault Co.Memphis, TN

Mercer Vault CompanyFredericksburg, VA

Milan Burial Vault, Inc.Milan, MI

Milwaukee Wilbert Vault Co.Milwaukee, WI

Minnick Services Corp.Fort Wayne, IN

Moore Wilbert Vault Co.Evans, GA

Murray Vault Co.Austin, AR

Neher Burial Vault Co.Springfield, OH

Nor-Don Vault Co. Inc.Strafford, MO

North Central Mich. Vault Srvc.Cadillac, MI

Norwalk Vault Co.Johnstown, PA

Odon Vault Company, Inc.Odon, IN

Omaha Wilbert Vault, Inc.Omaha, NE

Ostwalt Vault Co.Concord, NC

Palm Vault Co.Ada, OK

Panhandle VaultsWellington, TX

Peoria Vault Co.Peoria, IL

Pennyslvania Concrete Vault Co.Greensburg, PA

Perfection VaultWoodson, IL

Phenix VaultPhenix City, AL

Pioneer Vault, Inc.Doylestown, PA

Poplar Bluff Doric Vaults, Inc.Poplar Bluff, MO

Precast Concrete Products, Inc.Blissfield, MI

Precision Precast Inc.Pittsfield, MA

Quality Burial Vault Co.Houston, TX

Rex Vault ServiceNewton, IL

Rocky Mountain Monument/VaultSandy, UT

Roland-Wilbert Vault Co.Marion, IA

Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp.Saginaw, MI

Sam Green Vault Co.Lynchburg, VA

Saline Vault Co.Sweet Springs, MO

Santeiu Vaults Inc.Livonia, MI

Shenandoah Valley Vaults, Inc.Dayton, VA

Shore Vault & Precast Co.Exmore, VA

Simerly Concrete Products, Inc.Bristol, TN

Simerly Vaults, Inc.Knoxville, TN

continued . ..


By Earl J. BrutscheNCBVA Plant Inspector

At the end of last year, NCBVA’s PlantInspection and Certification Committee met at Mark Minnick’s office in Fort Wayne, IN, to review the association’s publication that outlines the specificationsand performance standards for the manufacturing of concrete burial vaults. Inattendance were Alice Minnick, MerryWirth, NCBVA Past Presidents Dan Wagner,Tim Brutsche, Mark Minnick and I.

We were very fortunate to have assistance from two of Mark’s employeeswho manned the computers during our twoday meeting, entering more than 200 additions, corrections and deletions to thedocument, “Concrete Information,Performance Standards and PlantCertification for the Manufacturing ofConcrete Burial Vaults.”

During the past 14 years, I have seenmajor improvements by companies notonly complying but “going the extra mile”to see that there are proper exit signs, safetymeetings, eye wash stations, first aid kits,etc. In the early years it was not unusual forthe total points to fall below the minimumand therefore a plant did not pass inspection. Today, inspections in general

are earning much higher scores, includingthree perfect scores in the past year.

This didn’t just happen. With the help of their employees, insurance safety engineers and some-times outside expertise,companies have beenable to make the changesnecessary to insure asuccessful inspectionand certification.

The biggest chall-enges facing membersare proper reinforcing,proper mix designs,proper curing, and moldsnot in alignment.

It is most rewardingtoday to see the resultsof the improvements thathave taken place sinceour program started. Onbehalf of NCBVA, I amnow doing third inspections in many plants. During the nextfew months I will continue to work withthose companies that are consideringchanging over to Self ConsolidatingConcrete (SCC). More and more membersare making the move once they becomeaware of the benefits.

We have just started casting vaults withthe new structural synthetic fibers callForta-Ferro™ and I will be testing those inthe next few weeks. Great results have been

achieved in casting septic tanks with thesestructural fibers only—no steel reinforcing.I will keep members informed on the resultsof this experiment.

The new Concrete Information manualis expected to be available following theFebruary meeting in Las Vegas.

Certification Program Sees Great Strides


A 30-year-old man was trapped for nearly two hours inside agrave when the 800-pound vault cover fell on him while he waspreparing a vault for a burial in a Pennsylvania cemetery.

According to a Web article, the man was working with threemen to clean a previously excavated crypt that had partially filledwith mud after a heavy rainstorm. The other men were away fromthe grave site gathering equipment when the vault’s dirt walls cavedin, knocking the lid onto the man’s legs and upper torso.

The workers were able to move the lid from atop the trappedworker’s body when they returned to the vault, but had to rely onemergency crews to dig him out of the trench. About 20 men froma Technical Rescue Team responded to the scene and stabilized thevault before hoisting the man from the grave on a backboard. Hedid not suffer any serious injuries but the burial for which theworkers were preparing the vault had to be postponed, said thearticle.

Two days after saying goodbye to a loved one, an Ohio familyreturned to the grave to find the coffin floating upside-down inabout eight feet of water. Family members contended the cemeteryworkers did not adequately bury the casket, they only put gravelon top of the vault, so the vault came apart and the casket floatedup. The park’s management offered to pay for a new casket andvault and to give the family $3,000 for pain and suffering, but thefamily declined, saying they did not want to return their loved oneto the cemetery.

The children of a deceased Akron, OH man are suing a funeralhome for wrongfully cremating his body. They complained to thecourt that the company cremated the remains of their father withouttheir knowledge or permission. According to the lawsuit filed,police found the 75-year-old man dead of natural causes in hishome. Two days later, the funeral home notified the family that hisremains had been cremated. According to the lawsuit, the company’s negligence prevented relatives from viewing the bodyor planning a funeral and they suffered severe emotional injury.Theplaintiffs are suing for breach of contract, negligent and/or intentional misrepresentation, intentional infliction of emotionaldistress and mishandling of a body, and are asking for a jury trial.

Things You Don’t Want to Hear. . .Vault Lid TrapsWorker Inside Grave

Casket Floats From GraveDays After The Funeral

Funeral Home SuedFor Wrongful Cremation

Plant Inspector Earl Brutsche performs a center loadcrush test on full size vault

February 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 718 NCBVA BULLETIN February 2004

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By Merry Wirth

What?ASTM International is one of the world’s largest standard developing organizations. With more than 30,000 members, ASTMInternational is represented in 100 different countries. ASTMstandards provide guidance for more than 130 industries. Becauseof the diverse number of industries utilizing ASTM standards, ourlives are affected by standards each day.

ASTM International is divided into various committees. Eachcommittee includes members with a common interest. Each committee is given a designation and provides standards on itemsranging from D14 Adhesives to F11 Vacuum Cleaners. Within eachmain committee exist a number of subcommittees. Subcommitteesaddress specific segments of the main committee.

For more than a year, the precast concrete burial vault industryhas been working on a standard. In December 2002, a task groupwas formed within the subcommittee of C27.20 Architectural andStructural Products within the main committee, C27 PrecastConcrete Products.

The task group is developing standards that will provide a common language throughout the industry. Definitions provided by NCBVA such as concrete burial vault and graveliner willbecome the global terminology. In addition, these standards willspecify the quality, strength, and performance required to producean outer burial container. Cemeterians, funeral directors, and thegeneral public will have a method of distinguishing between theproducts available in their market place.

Where?ASTM standards are everywhere. Look around and you will realizehow dependent our lives are upon basic standards. ASTM standardsthat ensure safety and consistency are a few examples of howimportant standards are in our society.

There are numerous ASTM standards concerning safety. Forexample, children’s pajamas are made with a standard flame retardant material. The food we eat is processed according to basicASTM standards. Even the candles burned in your home meet certain minimum standards.

ASTM standards are used to provide consistency. An automobile can be driven from New York to California and all ofthe gas stations along the route will have fuel produced to anASTM standard coming out of a standard size pump at a standardmeasurement. Another example is letter-sized sheets of paper. Eachis manufactured to a dimensional standard to allow use in printers,copy machines, or to be placed into standard-size envelopes. Theconsistency provided by standards allows our lives to run smoothly.

Why?Each year new standards are developed and old standards areimproved. These standards are becoming increasingly important to the communication that exists between a buyer and seller.Although the precast burial vault industry was established manyyears ago, a standard to ensure performance and quality does notexist.

Once approved, ASTM International global standards will provide the producer with the minimum quality required to producea precast concrete burial vault. The consumer will have the peaceof mind that the products are manufactured according to the acceptable standard. While other manufacturers produce product to a price, NCBVA members will produce according to a globalstandard.

Merry Wirth is Quality Assurance Manager for Wilbert FuneralServices, Inc., Broadview, IL.

ASTM International is divided into various committees

Standards Provide a Common Ground


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February 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 916 NCBVA BULLETIN February 2004

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A recent report from the Pew Internet and American Project makessome interesting observations about age and use of technology. You may find yourself in one of the big three categories determinedin this project.

An inventory was taken of the communications gadgets andservices that Americans use. It examined the variations within thepopulation of technology users and found that the “technical elite”group of people comprises three distinct sub-groups of Americanswho are the most voracious consumers of information goods andservices in the U.S. And the categories are:

Generation Xers (GenXers)make up most of the technologyelite (about 60%). Wired Generation Xers comprises 18% of theU.S. population and a member of this cohort is as likely to befemale as male. Relative to the other two groups in the tech elite,Wired GenXers have less on-line experience, but they have quicklyembraced a wide range of information goods and services. All usethe Internet and 82% have cell phones. They are the second-mostactive group (behind the Young Tech Elites) in pursuing the Net’sinteractive features. They spend an average of $169 per month oninformation goods and services. The average age in this group is36.

The Young Tech Elitesmake up one-fifth of the technologyelite. What is distinctive about them is that they would rather dowithout their wireline telephone than their computer. For the YoungTech Elites, the cell phone is more important than the wirelinephone, and email is as important as telephonic communication. The Internet is a regular source for daily news and an indispensableelement of their entertainment experience. Young Tech Elites makeup 6% of the U.S. population and are the heaviest technology users. Members of this group are more likely to be male than female.All have Internet access, most have cell phones and DVD players(80% or more), and most are most engaged with the interactiveaspects of the Internet. Their monthly spending on informationgoods and services averages $161.10. The average age for thisgroup is 22.

Older Wired Baby Boomersmake up the remaining one-fifthof the technology elite. This group is 6% of the population and ismostly male. These people spend the most money per month ontechnologies of any group (an average of $175), 100% have Internetaccess, and most (82%) have cell phones. They are very activeinformation gatherers online. The average age for these babyboomers is 52.

Didn’t find yourself in those major categories? Here are someother smaller groups identified in the report:

Wired Senior Men: Highly educated small cluster (1% of thesample) of mostly older men (average age is 70) who have a wealthof on-line experience, having been on line for about 10 years.

Low-Tech Older Baby Boomers:This group has an averageage of 54, is tilted toward women, makes up 21% of the population,and has a cell phone penetration rate that exceeds Internet penetration (60% to 51%). This group has lower-than-average educational and income levels and only a few years of Internetexperience. Average monthly spending on information goods—$124.

Use of High Tech GoodsVaries With Age Group

Since its introduction, the Aegean and the Aegean Elite hasbecome one of the finest burial vaults in the industry. Both Aegean linesconsist of thermoformed faux finished polymers that surround a concretecore to offer the ultimate in strength and long lasting protection. To com-pliment any casket, both the Aegean and the Aegean Elite are availablein traditional cherry, white marble, black marble, natural wood, andgray granite.

For a more refined look, The Aegean Elite Series consist of addi-tional handcrafted metal accents in stainless steel, copper or bronze thatenhance the beauty and strength of the interior as well as the exterior.Outside accents are also available to coordinate with the intricate mold-ings and decorative corner columns.

In 2001, Trigard expanded the Aegean concept to its cremationline of burial vaults. Like all Aegean products from Trigard, thermo-

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When you combine personal service with Trigard’s standards ofexcellence, you will discover the Aegean Family of vaults will deliver thequality, durability and strength your customers expect and deserve.

Aegean...when only the finest vault will do.

10 NCBVA BULLETIN February 2004 February 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 15

By J. Scott Calkins, Esq. NCBVA Counsel

Many NCBVA member company owners have purchasedvacation or second homes in states other than where theirmanufacturing facilities are located. Some have alsoobtained second residences in tax-favorable states likeFlorida where I personally have a residence.

Thus, in planning and carrying out any estate plan, the matter of domicile may become important. It isimportant in the determination of taxes, in determining the validity of the will, in interpreting the will and indetermining the respective rights of the beneficiaries.

Domicile is largely a matter of intent, but a failure toclearly express that intent may result in a will that cannotbe admitted to probate, difficulty in determining the placewhere the estate is to be probated, or the imposition ofstate inheritance tax by more than one state. More thanone state can legally impose inheritance tax on intangible personal property (bankaccounts, bonds, etc.) without violation of any constitutional restriction. Failure to make clear which of two or more states is one’s domicile may result in having each claima full amount of inheritance tax.

For those of you who have accumulated a large estate, it is even more important thatyou establish domicile in one state to avoid having two states impose an inheritance tax.

The subjective intent to change domicile may not be enough to convince the objectivity of computers. For example, Florida has no income tax, but Florida residentswho are “Massachusetts or New York nonresidents” with “source income” from thosestates must pay an income tax to the state that is the source of the income. Typical“source” income is rental income from real estate in that taxing state. The same is true forformer residents of many other states with income taxes.

State Law Governs OwnershipReal estate ownership is unique to and governed by the laws of the state where the realestate is located. If one dies owning real estate in New York or any other state, the transferof ownership (whether by will or sale by the personal representative or heirs) is governedby that state’s law.

Any transfer of real estate from an estate involves proving that there is no death tax due. In Florida and a few other states that have no estate tax, there is no problem, but inNew York and other states with an estate tax, an appropriate certificate from the state taxcommission must be filed with the new deed to convey clear title.

The other problem with owning real estate in two or more states is that ancillary probate administration will be necessary to pass title to the real estate located in the non-domicile state. I realize that probably most of the owners of our member companies donot personally own their facilities (other than their private homes). For those that do personally own their facilities (not corporate owned), ancillary administration can beavoided by having the property owned by joint tenants with right of survivorship or intrust, but this will not preclude death taxes being imposed by the state in which the

property is located. Yet there are still complicated legal means to even escape such taxeswhich would necessitate the involvement of an experienced estate attorney. In Florida for example, after Florida domicile is established and ownership of the property changed,there is the Florida Intangible Tax Escape Trust available.

Memory Glass, a new company in thefuneral industry, announces the launch of aunique cremation memorial product, developed in response to the demands oftoday’s discerning consumer. A MemoryGlass is a hand-blown, glass keepsake thati n f u s e sm i n u t eamounts ofhuman or petashes into afunerary arto b j e c t .M e m o r yG l a s sP r e s i d e n t ,Nick Savage, and Vice-President, LorenDion also introduced the Memory Glasswebsite

“Memory Glass was developed to personalize traditional uses of crematedremains,” noted Mr. Savage. “By using onlya small portion of the ashes in each glasssculpture, every family member can have a‘memory,’ while still allowing the rest ofthe cremated remains to be buried or scattered in traditional ways.”

The first Memory Glass was made fiveyears ago when a friend of Mr. Savage diedin a river accident. A girlfriend of thedeceased hit upon the idea of suspending aportion of ashes in glass sculptures. Theelegant glass memorials proved to be powerful personal mementos for far-awayrelatives and friends who couldn’t attendthe scattering ceremony. Mr. Savage elabo-rated on the Memory Glass “urn alternative,” pointing out that “the scattering of ashes is a useful ceremony forclosure, but in time survivors yearn forsomething more tangible than just memories of the event. Our product preserves the loved one’s cremated remainsas a visible part of the art.”

For product information, customers canview, customize and order glass atwww.memoryglass.com.

Glass SculpturesUse Some AshesFor Lasting Memory

Where You Call Home ImportantIn Your Tax and Estate Planning

THE LOGAN VAULT HANDLERBy Axis Corporation


Once in the minority, women now make upthe majority of students studying for mortuary degrees, according to theAmerican Board of Funeral ServiceEducation.

Burying the dead used to be men’s work.Hoisting dead bodies and lifting heavy caskets was reserved for the brawnier sex,and fathers passed the family funeral hometo sons. In recent years, women have beenmore attracted to the funeral business by the profession’s greater emphasis on holistic care. Mortuary colleges used to beembalming schools. Now, programs spendmore time on the psychology, counselingand ethics associated with funerals than onthe science of after-death treatments.

Yet, obstacles remain. While they constitute the majority of mortuary students, very few women have ascended to become owners of funeral homes. Part ofthat, industry experts say, is because theinflux of women has been so recent.Traditionally it takes 20 years to rise fromapprentice to director or owner of a funeral

home. Only rarely do newcomers start theirown homes.

At the same time, the increasingly corporate structure of the funeral industry is creating more opportunities for women.While funeral homes used to be among thelast holdouts of mom-and pop businesses,now some 15 percent of such homes arechain-owned.

While women’s enrollment in mortuarycolleges is new, they have always played an important role in funeral care. Before theCivil War, women in rural towns wereknown as “layers out of the dead.” Theywere the same women who served as nursesand midwives but they weren’t consideredprofessionals. Then, as Americans floodedto the cities, epidemics of infectious diseases triggered a sanitation movementand people began experimenting withchemicals that would preserve the body and also kill any of the germs. That’s whenembalming came into existence. Once thathappened, the complex science of preserving a body necessitated schooling

and it wasn’t suitable for women to go awayto school. So, when it became a formalizededucation, funeral service became a maleprofession.

The advent of mechanical lifters hasalso made it possible for even a 5’ 3” womanto transport a casket with far greater ease.

The National Funeral Directors Association’s Professional Women’sConference offers attendees the theme,“Above & Beyond the Expected.”

“As more women become funeral di-rectors , it is important to give them op-portunities like this to network and sharetheir unique perspectives,” said NFDAChief Executive Officer Christine Pep-per. The event, April 16-19 at the HiltonClearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater,FL, offers 11 hours of credit by the Acad-emy of Professional Funeral Service Prac-tice and by most funeral service stateboards.

Doors Open Wider To Women Networking and Educationat NFDA’s Women’s Program


The family of a Pennsylvania man who died last month said thatwhen they went to a funeral home to make arrangements for him,they found one mourner already in attendance — a faithful dog.

Polo, a 3-year-old mix of German Shepherd, Chow Chow andLabrador, was often seen in the company of Ed Crossan, whosedaughter, Donna, owns the dog. Crossan, 73, died after surgery.

On the day that Theresa Crossan was preparing to make funeralarrangements for her husband,

someone let Polo out and no onecould find him. When the family

arrived at the funeral home about fiveblocks away, they found Polo pacing

back and forth. When Polo disappeared

again the next day, Ms. Crossanand her 10-year-old son, knewjust where to look.

When the young boy said he thought Polo could smell his

missing friend at the funeral home, a veterinarian, agreed, saying,“It was just a dog looking for his pal. It’s an amazing story. Itshows that the dog was very loyal and loving.” Source: The Associated Press

February 17-20 World of ConcreteOrange County Convention CenterOrlando, FL

February 22-24 NCBVA Annual Convention & ExpoThe Venetian ResortLas Vegas, NV

March 10-13 ICFA Convention & ExpositionNashville Convention Center Nashville, TN

Mar. 31-Apr. 3 OGR Annual ConferenceGaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, FL

April 23-25 ICFSEB 100th Annual ConferenceDowntown St. Louis, MO

August 18-21 CANA 86th Annual ConventionFairmont HotelVancouver, BC Canada

October 18-20 NFDA Annual ConventionNashville, TN

2004 Industry Calendar of EventsFaithful Dog Tracks Pal To Area Funeral Home

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VAULT MARKETING PROGRAM ORDER FORM

Company Name ___________________________________________________

Billing Street Address or PO Box ______________________________________

City_____________________ State __________________ Zip___________

Shipping Street Address_______________________________________________

City ____________________ State ___________________ Zip ___________

Phone # ___________________________________________________________

Contact Person______________________________________________________

ADVERTISEMENT - “Three Reasons to Consider a Lined Concrete BurialVault”______ I would like a copy of the advertisement to run in my local publications

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______ Use Company Name as listed above

Personalization address______________________________________

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BROCHURE - Reasons to Consider a Lined Concrete Burial Vault

______ Quantity ($25 PER HUNDRED, MINIMUM OF 100)

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Check is enclosed for $_______Credit Card: ______ VISA ______ MasterCard ______ American ExpressCard Number: ___________________________ Expiration: __________Signature: _______________________________

If paying by credit card, fax this order form to: (407) 774-6751.

Or mail along with payment to:National Concrete Burial Vault Association900 Fox Valley Drive, Ste 204 - Longwood, FL 32779-2552Phone: (407) 788-1996

National Concrete Burial Vault Association

With experts predicting there may be only25 years of burial space left in Great Britain,the government is seeking views from thepublic, faith groups and other interested parties on how to best manage burialgrounds in the future.

The prospect of having to reuse gravesso that the dead are buried up to four deepwas raised by the Home Office. Otherwise,many in the funeral industry there are pre-dicting that cemeteries and graveyards willhave to shut their gates to burials within 10to 15 years.

In response, Home Office Minister PaulGoggins began a six-month consultation on what should be done.

A new consultation paper asks questions on maintenance of burial grounds, exhumation and the possible re-use of old burial grounds. Responses fromthe consultation will feed into a review ofburial law already underway.

“The public must have a realistic choice in the funeral arrangements for theirrelatives and cemeteries must be well managed and accessible. The services provided by burial and cremation authorities should be professional, caringand sensitive to serve the needs of the community.

“We are committed to reviewing boththe law and current practice relating to burial and cemetery management to ensurethat the standards of service fulfil the expectations and needs of the public today.But we want to ensure that any change–inparticular with regards to the re-use ofgraves–is acceptable.”

The consultation asks a number of specific questions, including:

• Should burial law be more consistentacross public and private burial groundproviders, and the Church of England?

• Do the burial process and the standardsof service require more or less regulation?

• Does existing legislation on the exhumation of buried human remains needto be made more consistent?

• Should existing legislation be extendedto enable old burial grounds to be re-used fornew burials?

Britain’s GovernmentSeeks Public ViewsOn Burial Crisis


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NEWPerformanceProfitabilityAN

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Transcript of Bulletin 2004 February