Visit Ring Ring Marketing at ICCFA at Booth 522
The Ring Ring Marketing Team is looking forward to connecting with clients and deathcare professionals who want to serve more families at the ICCFA Experience, April 29 to May 1 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth Texas.
Welton Hong, the founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing, will be at the convention and is looking forward to seeing people at Booth 522.
“As always, we’ll have a fun activity at our booth, where ICCFA attendees can try their hand at shooting at a target and trying to hit the bullseye,” Hong said. “The activity aligns perfectly with what we do at Ring Ring: We always strive to hit the marketing bullseye for our clients. We also provide a coach to work one-on-one with every valued partner. Together, we figure out what’s working, what isn’t — and we work relentlessly, so our client funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories retain and boost market share.”
In addition to being found on Google and other search engines, Hong emphasized that Ring Ring provides a variety of additional services, including social media offerings and a new solution geared to help funeral home partners promote their obituaries locally.
Ring Ring’s Obituary Promotion Service helps more members of your community see the obituaries you post on Facebook, creating more visibility for the family, awareness of your funeral home and website traffic.
You can view a quick video about the new offering and schedule a no-obligation conversation with Ring Ring about the Obituary Promotion Service here.
This year at ICCFA, Ring Ring is excited to be co-hosting a special event with C&J Financial and PlotBox, which will be Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Topgolf Swing Suites, Loot 12 Rooftop Bar at 2512 W. Berry Street in Fort Worth.
“We only have a handful of spots left at our special event with C&J and PlotBox – it includes an open bar, access to Topgolf Swing Suites, a thoughtfully prepared menu and my personal favorite: awesome networking opportunities,” Hong said. “Be sure to visit us at ICCFA at Booth 522 and ask about joining us!”
The ICCFA Announces 2026 Century Club Award Recipients
The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of its prestigious Century Club Awards, recognizing members whose long-term dedication has helped shape and strengthen the association and the deathcare profession.
The Century Club Awards honor individuals that have maintained continuous ICCFA membership for 25 and 50 years. This year’s honorees exemplify a deep and enduring commitment to excellence, service, and industry leadership.
The 2026 recipients are:
- Quarter Century Club Award (25 Years): Christine Toson – The Tribute Companies, Hartland, Wisconsin
- Half Century Club Award (50 Years): Bert Edquist – Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles, Michigan.
“These awards recognize not only longevity, but a sustained dedication to advancing the deathcare profession and supporting the ICCFA community,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “We are honored to celebrate Christine and Bert for their remarkable commitment and lasting influence.”
Individuals are eligible for induction into the Quarter or Half Century Club if they have maintained ICCFA membership for 25 or 50 years, respectively, along with continuous membership by their organization during that time.
Recipients will be honored during the Annual Board Report & Awards at the 2026 ICCFA Experience on April 30 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The ICCFA extends its sincere congratulations and gratitude to this year’s recipients for their decades of support and service.
Forest Meadows Introduces Water Cremation Option in Gainesville, Florida
Forest Meadows Funeral Home & Cemetery in Gainesville, Florida, has expanded its service offerings to include water cremation, providing families with an alternative to conventional flame-based cremation, the Main Street Daily News reported.
Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation is a process that uses heated water, circulation, and an alkaline solution to accelerate natural decomposition. The method breaks the body down into its fundamental elements in a way that mirrors what occurs over time in soil. Afterward, the remaining bone material is dried and processed into a fine, ash-like substance that can be returned to families, similar to traditional cremated remains.
The funeral home emphasized that choosing water cremation does not limit memorialization options. Families can still arrange services such as celebrations of life or other personalized tributes, maintaining the same flexibility typically associated with flame cremation.
The addition comes amid growing demand for environmentally conscious end-of-life options. Compared to traditional cremation, water cremation is widely regarded as more sustainable. It requires significantly less energy, produces no direct airborne emissions and reduces the need for materials such as caskets, embalming chemicals and burial vaults. It also uses less water overall than many might expect, consuming less than the average household uses in a single day.
The initiative is supported through a partnership with Gentle Water Cremation, a company that specializes in alkaline hydrolysis and public education around the process. The collaboration is designed to help families better understand their options within a familiar and trusted funeral service setting.
Texas Funeral Commission Chair Departs Amid Agency Turmoil
Kristin Tips is no longer serving as presiding officer of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, marking a significant leadership change for an agency that has been under sustained scrutiny, KERA News (NPR for North Texas) reported.
Officials in the office of Greg Abbott confirmed her departure but did not specify whether it was voluntary or the result of removal. A successor has not yet been announced.
Tips, a San Antonio-based funeral professional affiliated with Mission Park Funeral Chapels, joined the commission in 2017 and was elevated to chair in 2024. Her exit follows months of controversy involving internal disputes, litigation and questions about governance within the agency, which oversees funeral homes, crematories, and body donation programs across Texas.
Much of the turmoil traces back to the 2025 dismissal of former executive director Scott Bingaman. Prior to his termination, Bingaman alleged that Tips blurred the line between her regulatory role and private business interests, including claims that she used agency resources to support legislation that could benefit funeral service providers. He also accused the commission of retaliatory actions tied to his firing, leading to an ongoing lawsuit involving whistleblower and open meetings claims.
Commission leadership has disputed those allegations in court filings, instead asserting that Bingaman mismanaged funds and disrupted agency operations.
Maryland Legislature Passes Pet Cremation Bill
A measure inspired by a disturbing pet cremation case in Baltimore County has cleared the Maryland legislature, signaling a shift toward stronger consumer protections and greater recognition of the emotional value of companion animals, WMAR Channel 2 in Baltimore reported.
The legislation stems from an incident in which pet owners believed they were receiving their animals’ cremated remains only to learn they had been duped.
Nick Allen, a Democrat with District 8 with the House of Delegates, introduced the Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act to address gaps in oversight and accountability within the industry.
The bill passed both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly, gaining final approval in the Senate at the close of the legislative session. It establishes a framework requiring pet cremation providers to clearly outline their services in writing, maintain comprehensive documentation and issue formal certification verifying the return of cremated remains. It also introduces penalties for noncompliance.
For individuals affected by the Baltimore County case, including victims tied to Loving Care Pet Funeral Services, the legislation represents a measure of accountability and acknowledgment, even as emotional wounds remain.
Legal professionals, including Baltimore County Assistant State’s Attorney Adam Lippe, have indicated that the measure reinforces the importance of treating animals with dignity and holding service providers responsible for their conduct — even after an animal’s death.
Novel Introduced at Chicago Funeral Home Central to its Plot
A new novel blending grief, humor and reinvention was introduced in a setting central to its storyline: a historic funeral home on Chicago’s West Side, Block Club Chicago reported.
Author Amy Peele marked the release of her latest book, Last Bite, with a launch event at Rago Brothers Funeral Home in the city’s West Town neighborhood. The venue plays a prominent role in the narrative, making it a natural choice for the celebration.
The novel, released earlier this year, is a romantic comedy rooted in Chicago and follows a middle-aged widow navigating life after the sudden death of her husband. The story begins with a post-funeral experience — disappointing food at a memorial gathering — which ultimately sparks a business idea. The protagonist goes on to launch a catering service focused on funeral receptions, using the venture as a path toward healing and self-discovery while uncovering unexpected aspects of her late husband’s life.
Peele’s connection to the funeral profession informed her choice of setting. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a nurse, coordinating with funeral homes as part of her responsibilities. That experience, combined with her deep ties to Chicago, shaped the novel’s tone and backdrop.
Rago Brothers Funeral Home—recognized as one of the city’s oldest funeral establishments and known for handling high-profile services, including that of Al Capone—features prominently throughout the book. It serves not only as the site of the opening funeral scene but also as an ongoing location tied to the protagonist’s business and personal journey. The funeral home’s director is also depicted as a character in the story.
Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice Approves ‘Mastermind’ for Continuing Education
The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, the leading credentialing and continuing education organization in funeral service, has officially approved “Mastermind: Elevating Your Funeral Service Business to New Heights” for six hours of continuing education credit.
Welton Hong, founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing, is one of the keynote speakers at the Sept. 24 event at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This approval underscores APFSP’s ongoing commitment to advancing lifelong learning and professional development across the funeral service profession. The Academy evaluates continuing education programs based on rigorous standards that ensure educational integrity, relevance to professional practice, and meaningful value for licensees seeking to enhance their skills and service capabilities.
“Mastermind: Elevating Your Funeral Service Business to New Heights” is designed specifically for funeral professionals seeking to strengthen operational performance, leadership capacity, and business growth strategies within their firms. The program will deliver practical, real-world insights tailored to the evolving needs of today’s funeral service providers.
Funeral professionals interested in attending “Mastermind: Elevating Your Funeral Service Business to New Heights” are encouraged to visit www.mastermindfuneral.com for additional details, including program registration and scheduling information.
Andy Buckman Elevated to Chief Sales Officer for the Messenger Co’s Portfolio of Brands
The Messenger Co recently announced the promotion of Andy Buckman to chief sales officer.
In this role, Buckman will lead the company’s sales and marketing teams across its full portfolio of brands, including Messenger Stationery, Thumbies, Express Funeral Funding, CemSites, and Just Digital, overseeing growth initiatives and strengthening customer relationships across each business.
Buckman will also continue to serve as president of Express Funeral Funding, ensuring continuity of leadership, service, and strategic direction for the company’s funding operations and valued customer base.
“Andy has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to our customers,” said Kevin Tkacz, chief executive officer of The Messenger Co. “This promotion reflects both his outstanding contributions and our confidence in his ability to lead our comprehensive sales organization to deliver even greater value to customers.”
In his new role as chief sales officer, Buckman will focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing customer engagement and driving continued innovation in the company’s sales approach across all brands.
“I am honored to take on this new role and continue contributing to the success of The Messenger Co,” said Buckman. “I look forward to working with our talented teams to deepen customer relationships, expand our reach, and drive meaningful results for our clients.”
Batesville Announces Strategic Investment and Partnership with Eterneva
Batesville recently made an equity investment in Eterneva and formed a strategic partnership with the company to expand access to custom memorial diamonds, according to a news release.
Eterneva is a pioneer in creating diamonds from the ashes or hair of loved ones or cherished pets – each one a keepsake that can be set into jewelry and passed down for generations.
Families today want experiences that celebrate life and keep their loved ones’ memory close. This collaboration brings together two trusted names in funeral service and memorialization to deliver exactly that.
“Personalization has long been at the core of how we help funeral professionals serve families, and our partnership with Eterneva builds on that strength,” said CEO Chris Trainor. “Our combined expertise and shared values of quality, service, and innovation, position us to give funeral professionals a powerful new way to support families, delivering an experience that is both deeply personal and lasting.”
Founded in 2017 by Adelle Archer and Garrett Ozar, Eterneva has gained national recognition for its approach to memorialization, including an appearance on Shark Tank, where it secured an investment from Mark Cuban. The Texas-based company is known for its high-touch customer experience, guiding families through every milestone of the diamond creation process with photos, videos, and personal updates, making the journey a process of remembrance.
“Grief can feel isolating, but the way we remember those we love has the power to bring us together,” Archer said. “The diamond journey gives families something beautiful to focus on and share – with friends, family, and even their broader community – transforming loss into a healing ritual that keeps people connected and helps them find meaning, hope, and moments of brightness along the way.”
For funeral homes, the partnership offers a meaningful way for them to remain engaged with families after the service while extending their role in the memorialization journey.
Batesville will leverage its national network of customer relationships to bring Eterneva’s memorial diamond service directly to funeral homes. The program will initially launch in select markets, with plans to expand nationwide over time.
Learn more about the partnership on Batesville.com (www.batesville.com/for-funeral-professionals/eterneva/) or stop by the Batesville booth at ICCFA in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29 – May 1, Booth #263.
Foundation Partners Names Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer
Foundation Partners Group, the nation’s second-largest provider of funeral services, recently announced the appointments of Ben Brink as chief financial officer and Gabrielle McCarron as chief people officer. These additions strengthen the company’s executive leadership team as it accelerates its Pathway 2028 strategy and continues building a unified, high-performing operating company.
Together, Brink and McCarron bring deep, complementary expertise across financial discipline, operational execution, talent strategy and leadership development—capabilities that are foundational to the company’s next phase of growth.
“This is about building the company we know we can be,” said John D. Smith, chief executive officer of Foundation Partners. “We are creating a high-performance culture grounded in The FPG Way — where we invest in our people, build strong leaders and execute with consistency and accountability. For funeral directors and field leaders who want to grow, develop and be part of something meaningful, Foundation Partners is the place to build a career.”
Brink, an industry veteran with more than two decades of financial leadership experience, joined Foundation Partners as CFO in March 2026. He oversees the company’s financial strategy, long-range planning, capital structure and performance management. Most recently, Brink served as CFO of Carriage Services, a publicly traded consolidator of funeral homes and cemeteries.
McCarron joined Foundation Partners as chief people officer effective April 6, 2026. She leads the company’s people and leadership strategy with a focus on building the strongest team of funeral directors and field leaders in the industry. In addition, McCarron will be instrumental in creating an environment that attracts and retains the very best functional leaders in our support center to support those in the field serving families.
She brings extensive experience building high-performing, people-centered organizations in licensed provider environments. Most recently, she served as chief people and brand officer at North American Dental Group.
McCarron will focus on elevating the team member experience; strengthening leadership pipelines; and embedding development, coaching and accountability into the company’s operating model — reinforcing The FPG Way.
