The 2023 MFDA Mid-Winter Conference was held February 8–9 in Helena at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel.
An evening reception was held for the Montana Legislators on February 8, and there was an impressive turnout from both directors as well as legislators. The reception had mouthwatering appetizers and beverages of choice. Thank you to LifeNet Health for sponsoring the event.
The first guest speaker was MFDA President T.J. Stevenson who welcomed all to the second day of the event. T.J. was followed by Executive Director Jim Brown who gave a brief association update to the members. Jim then introduced Brad Longcake, MFDA Lobbyist, to give an update on bills of concern for MFDA. Newly-elected Chairman of the Board of Funeral Service Jim Axelson was the next speaker who gave a brief overview of the Board of Funeral Services’ upcoming agenda items. Morrison Law Firm Attorney Rose James gave an outstanding presentation on estate planning. Rose was followed by Dennis Beverlin who presented on cremation called “Cremation: Price or Service, What Do You Want to be Known for?”
A lunch buffet was served and sponsored by Memorial Monuments. During lunch, members had the opportunity to watch a recording presented by NFDA Lobbyist Leslie Witter and Chief Legal Counsel Chris Farmer for an update on formaldehyde and FTC pricing regulations. Other sponsors of the conference were SightLife, Precoa, NFDA, and the Montana Funeral Trust.
Lunch was followed by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudson who gave an eye-opening report on the Mexican cartel in Montana and the fentanyl crisis. Lastly, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Willy Kemp gave a presentation on autopsies. All of the education speakers were sponsored by Medallion Vault and Casket.
Nineteen firms were represented at the conference as well as non-firm members, one non-member, and four associate members. Funeral directors were eligible to earn up to six continuing education credits for attending the conference.
Thank you to all who attended the largest Mid-Winter Conference to date.
