Welcome to the final edition of the MFDA Directors Digest for 2025.
As we wrap up another year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside you at the Montana Funeral Directors Association (MFDA). It has been an honor to work with MFDA for over eight years, and I am proud to hold the position of executive director. On behalf of the families you support throughout Montana, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication and service to the communities you serve.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are proud to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the MFDA — a remarkable milestone in our association’s history. Membership renewal notices will be mailed in December, and I’m pleased to share that association dues will remain unchanged, as they have for several years, despite the ongoing challenges of inflation.
Earlier this fall, the association successfully held its online Fall District Meeting. We were fortunate to have Leili McMurrough from Worsham College of Mortuary Science present on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule. This program qualifies for continuing education (CE) credit for morticians in Montana. Additionally, I want to remind all members that the MFDA offers free OSHA training. If you are interested in taking the course online, please feel free to reach out to me anytime.
The MFDA is committed to offering informative and engaging educational programs that enhance professional knowledge, promote best practices, and encourage continuous growth in our field. These programs demonstrate our dedication to helping members improve their skills, maintain high standards and achieve lasting success.
This fall, I was thrilled to attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago! The trade show was truly a standout experience, filled with wonderful opportunities to connect with our valued associate member companies and invite potential new members to join the MFDA. One of the highlights for me was the therapy dog booth, where we were greeted by sweet chocolate and yellow Labradors — such a joy and an absolute favorite among everyone!
Another memorable event was the MFDA dinner at Mia Francesca’s, where our group enjoyed a family-style meal in the restaurant’s charming “Coach House,” an atmosphere reminiscent of old Chicago.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous dinner sponsors: Memorial Monuments, Federated Insurance and Precoa.
The MFDA Board held its final meeting in November. The agenda included a review of the Association’s finances, a report from the Board of Funeral Service, updates on NFDA advocacy efforts, and planning for the 2026 MFDA Convention and Trade Show. This event is scheduled to take place from June 14-16 at the Copper King Inn in Butte. Please mark your calendars — we look forward to celebrating this milestone year together!
The Board also received an update from the Montana Funeral Trust, presented by our new trust partners. This partnership, established after extensive research by the Trust Committee, officially began on Oct. 1 and is already showing great promise. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration with US Alliance.
Although 2026 is not a legislative year, we will continue collaborating with MFDA lobbyist Brad Longcake to prepare for the 2027 legislative session. One of the priorities identified by our members is to define forms of disposition, a topic that the MFDA Board is committed to advancing over the next two years.
In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about your membership or available member resources. Our goal remains simple: to ensure you have the tools and support needed to thrive in today’s challenging business environment.
Thank you once again for being an essential part of the MFDA team and for all you do for your customers and communities. I am truly grateful for each of you.
On behalf of the MFDA Board and myself, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year. May 2026 be your best year yet.
