THE

BULLETIN Vol. 20

No. 5 Ei October 2004

Mi/a I ii MI U1 I I 11 VI

II O OM

I 11 71111 vii 11

—II III

1111=1111MBIE w/ • MOM

In this issue. . . Go to Convention FREE 3

Manufacturer's Profile 4

Industry Calendar 8

Certified Plants 12

MTERNATIONAL Standafds Worldwide

Surviving the 'Canes: NCBVA Office Invokes Emergency Mode Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne—Flo-ridians won't soon forget those four names. They were the four hurri-canes that crisscrossed the state leav-ing devastation in their wake. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost so much in these storms.

The NCBVA headquarters office located in the center of the state was spared of any damage. During each storm, Emergency Procedures were invoked to insure the integrity of the association's documents and data.

We lost several productive days during each storm due to power, phone, and computer outages. We apologize for any inconvenience to members who tried to reach us dur-ing those times and for the delay in production of this newsletter.

Task Force Seeks Input For Global Vault Standards

T he American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) task group developing standards for the precast concrete vault industry invites all interested parties to participate. We are working hard at defining the performance criteria and

requirements for concrete vaults. Global standards do not currently exist and some of the products on the market do not provide the performance required.

We recently submitted the ballot titled: "Standard Practice for Minimum Structural Design Loading for Precast Concrete Burial Vaults." The subcommittee ballot for this standard opened October 20, 2004 and will remain open for voting for 30 days. When it closes, the comments will be reviewed immediately so that the standard is ready for the main committee vote at the Annual ASTM December meeting.

According to the ASTM, "a practice is defined as a definitive set of instructions for performing one or more specific operation that does not include a test result." Basically, it is a general usage standard defining the criteria that makes a vault a vault. Included in the standard are cover, base, and wall designs similar to requirements set in place by Catholic Cemeteries or NCBVA. The biggest difference is the process is explained in greater detail and once approved will be a standard set on a global scale.

The other item we are developing is titled: "Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Burial Vaults." The "Specification" contains greater detail. This standard addresses design criteria and manufacturing practices for the concrete burial vault industry.

The work on definihg test methods is still underway. Test methods require explicit detail: A definitive procedure that produces a test results (i.e. Center Load Test Method) and required results.

For further information, contact Merry Wirth, Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc., Broadview, Illinois. Phone: 708-865-1600 x247; email: mwirth@wilbertinc.com

Hurricane Flood Waters Raise Vaults Flood waters from recent hurricanes have posed problems for cemeteries in the South. According to news reports, flood waters raised the exposed lid on one burial vault and threatened several others. The vault was in a private cemetery which does not have to meet the state's requirements that vaults be under 12 inches of soil. It's the first time in many years since such an incident has happened in Florida, according to the state's chief of the Bureau of Funeral and

Cemetery Services. Several caskets floated up and out of

their graves in Georgia after Hurricane Jeanne dumped heavy rain in the region. Officials said a flash flood rolled through a cemetery in Folkston, Georgia, seeping into and filling some graves, forcing the caskets to float up and lift the lids on the unlined vaults. An investigation could lead to changes in Georgia's funeral in-dustry, the news reports said.

"MOO

No one has trained or certified more

cremator operators than we have.

CREMATION GROUP

NCBVA BULLETIN

Octobcr 2004

No One Can Service, Repair Or Rebuild An IEE Or ALL

Cremator Like We Can...

No one has more technicians and service centers located throughout the U.S. than we do.

No one has more technicial and engineering support than we do.

No one knows more about our equipment than

we do.

...and we are the only company that can provide you with a certificate that your IEE or ALL cremator meets our exact Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

When it's time to have your IEE or ALL cremator serviced, repaired or rebuilt,

come back to the experts with the reputation for servicing what we sell.

Done right the first time.

1-800-327-2831

4E> P.O. Box 547796 • Orlando, Florida 32854 • 800-327-2831 • Fax 407 -886-5990 www.matthewscremationgroup.com

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

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

President J.C. Clifton

Quality Burial Vault Co. Houston, TX

President -Elect Graham MacLeod

Detroit Wilbert Vault Co. Detroit, MI

Secretary/Treasurer Darren Baxter

Baxter Burial Vault Service Cincinnati, OH

Immediate Past President Dan Hicks

Hicks Industries Miami, FL

Directors Martin Begun

Eagle Burial Vault Association Detroit, MI

Warren Chandler Master Grave Service, Inc.

Bogart, GA

Michael Crummitt Crummitt and Son Vault Co.

Martins Ferry, OH

Linda Darby Sempsrott Trigard Vaults / Greenwood Plastics

Danville, IL

Stephen Hatfield Hicks Industries, Inc.

Mulberry, FL

Hubert McQuestion Lakeshore Burial Vault Co.

Brookfield, WI

Todd Swihart Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp.

Saginaw, MI

Steve Vincent J.P. Vincent & Son, Inc.

Galena, IL

Scott Watts Watts Vault & Monument Co.

Des Moines, IA

Curt Zamec Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc.

Forest Park, IL

Index of Advertisers

American Cemetery Supplies, Inc 8 Axis Corporation 7 B & L Cremation Systems, Inc 11 Crescent Bronze Powder Co 5 D & C Equipment 5 Doric Inc. 8 Edgmont Metallic Pigment Co. 15 Hill and Griffith 10 Holland Supply Inc. 9 Long Machine Co. 18 Matthews Cremation 2 Mixer Systems 12 Newline 14 Romix Chemical & Brush 13, 15 Trigard Vaults 6 W. C. Cardinal 13

October 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 3

Executive Director Thomas A. Monahan, CAE

Certified Association Management Company

Longwood, FL

Legal Counsel J. Scott Calkins, Esq

2005 Annual Convention February 21-23 • Maui, Hawaii

Convention Rates: $195 Garden View, $210 Ocean View

For Reservations Call: 800-367-2960

Work Your Way to Maui f you would like to attend NCBVA's 2005 Annual Convention in Hawaii and would like to save a few bucks doing so, here's a way to "work your way to the convention." The National Concrete Burial Vault Association is seeking volunteers to make

presentations related to the burial vault industry during the convention slated for February 21-23, 2005 at the Wailea Marriott on the island of Maui.

"We are particularly interested in receiving sub-missions related to such subjects as business operations, marketing, and transition planning, but we are not limited to these areas," said Convention Chair, Linda Darby-Sempsrott. Presentations must be 60-90 minutes in length and be accompanied by

an appropriate PowerPoint ® visual presentation. If you are selected to make a presentation, you

will receive a complimentary registration to the entire conference, valued at approximately $500 (airfare is on your own).

Members who would like to make presentations must submit a suggested title and a 100-200 word description (abstract) of the proposed presentation to the conference committee. Include your name, company and telephone number along with

the abstract and mail to Tom Monahan, CAE, Executive Director, National Concrete Burial Vault Association, 900 Fox Valley Drive, Ste 204, Longwood, FL 32779. Contact the association office at (407) 788- 1996 if you need additional information.

Tri-State Trial Delayed A trial for the operator of the Tri-State Crematory who is accused of failing to burn hundreds of corpses has been postponed while the state Supreme Court hears an appeal of scores of criminal charges. Among other points, defense attorneys argue that dead bodies are not property subject to the state's theft laws. The 787 criminal charges against Ray Marsh include 439 counts of theft.The Georgia Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal. Court officials said justices would probably not hear arguments before February.

The Evans, Shade, Con-O-Lite Burial Vault

and Crematory, Inc. 15 Graybill Road Leola, PA 17540 800-352-4905

FAX 717-646-0022

Left to right: Dave Deihm , General Manager; Leon Frey, Shop Foreman; Carl

Evans, brother and 3rd generation; R. Paul Evans, Partner and VP 3rd generation;

William Evans, Partner and President 3rd generation; Allison Evans, Secretary and

daughter of Bill 4th generation and Shane Evans 4th generation and runs the concrete mixer.

Family philosopy has endured for three generations at this Pennsylvania plant.

of the company. In 1916, his Uncle "Doc" Landis started Bareville Concrete Co. He manufactured concrete block, bird feeders and the like. Many of the homes in Bareville, Lancaster County and the surrounding

counties are built with block. Sometime after World War II, however, the building industry slowed down. In a diversification effort, the first burial vault was manufactured, and the rest, as they say, is history. Robert's father (Leroy) bought the company—which became the Bareville Burial Vault Co. Robert bought the plant in the early '60s. It became an Eagle franchise in 1976. In 1985, the company purchased Shade Burial Vault Company in Harrisburg, and the latest acquisition (2004) was the Con-O-Lite Burial Vault Company in Schaefferstown.

All three plants are within an hour's drive of each other, making it convenient for the Evans group to service their funeral director clients in the immediate area. The managers have cultivated a relationship with the funeral directors and service about 6,000 funeralk_i a year, handling as many of the details as requested—from providing the vault to setting up the tent and other services. Because they are based in a rural area, they are familiar with setting up in small church cemeteries.

N ot many family-owned businesses can claim being successful for three generations, but the Evans, Shade, Con-O-Lite Burial Vaults and Crematory, Inc. in Leola, PA is proud to count itself as one of those. Leola is located in picturesque Lancaster County, and the company primarily services the

suburban area of Lancaster, Harrisburg and Lebanon. "Basically, there are seven of us who are related to each other and who are involved in

the business," says R. Paul Evans, Vice President. "My cousin Bill Evans is the President. Because we are family, we try to treat everyone like family. Every funeral is handled like it's for one of our own family members, and we do specialty things—such as add emblems

or do special colors—to personalize our vaults."

Many of the employees are considered family, too, because they've worked in the business so long. One man has worked for the company for 40 years. His son, in turn, has already worked for the Evanses for 25 years \ i _

(Visit the company Web site at. --dr www.evanseagle.com to see many of the staff of 35 pictured. Note their years of service. Quite a record in today's times.)

Genealogy of the Business Here's the genealogy of the business: Robert Evans (Paul's father), Chairman of the Board, is currently the patriarch

NCB VA BULLETIN October 2004

At Evans, Everyone's Considered Family

By Sylvia Heidemann NCBVA Staff Writer

1=1E1111111=M

Vault Master paints. 1 ne q„alry yo, deTand, the speed you need.

Vault Master paints provide consistently beautiful finishes, job after job. And our new, improved water-based formula covers in one coat, saving you time and labor costs.

Metallics White and Black

Also available: Glitter Metallic Powders and Pastes Bronzing Liquids, Spray Cans

See for yourself. Call or write for our Metallic Vault Master Color Card or samples. 1-800-445-6810

(

Crescent Bronze Powder Co., Inc.

The Metallic Products Specialist

3400 N. Avondale Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 Fax: 773-539-1131 www.crescentbronze.com

2 X 2 1 /2 xl 6ga. GAL. 28" X 300 ROLL

12.5 ga. TANK MESH many other sizes and gauges also available

1/4" DEFORMED PENCIL ROD for VAULT LIDS

EDGE-RITE SYNTHETIC FIBER

STEEL FIBER

All available from

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October 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 5

"One of the challenges of our business, as we see it, is the consolidation of the industry. We work very closely with the funeral directors. We are active in all industry associations..." —Paul Evans

The company manufactures EAGLE SENTINEL, TRIGARD, DORIC and Con-0-Lite lines of burial vaults. On a daily basis, 24 units are produced at the Leola plant, while the Schaefferstown plant produces 10. The company is rated as a 5- star burial vault manufacturing plant.

Cremation Services, Too A national trend is toward cremation, therefore the company offers this service, doing approximately 1,500 cremations a year. A business goal is to maintain this level of service. In 1990 a crematory was started at the Leola location, and a second unit was put into service in 1999. With the acquisition of Con-O-Lite came a third unit in Schaefferstown. The crematoriums are regularly inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The Evans, Shade, Con-O-Lite Burial Vault and Crematory is a member of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and all its technicians are CANA certified.

"We're trying to deal with trends and plan for the future," says Paul Evans. "That's why we offer emblems and motifs (cars, flowers, animals, crests, etc.) when possible to personalize the vault and reflect the personality of the deceased. We have a digitized engraver for urn vaults." The company also carries a line of Clark metal vaults.

"One of the challenges of our business, as we see it," Evans continues, "is the consolidation of the industry. We work very closely with the funeral directors. We are active in all industry associations, such as the NCBVA (longtime members), Eagle

Burial Vault, Doric Products, the Pennsylvania Concrete Burial Vault Association, CANA, the Funeral Directors of American, and the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association. By active, I mean we participate in golf outings, conferences and exhibits, and have held or currently hold offices in these important associations." Robert Evans served on the NCBVA Board of Directors years ago.

A Marriage of Skills Bill and Paul Evans consider their family business to be a marriage of skills, and they're determined to make that marriage work. Bill has devoted his entire career to the business, focusing on plant operations. Paul worked as a civil engineer for many years. When he returned to join the family business, he computerized the office operations to increase their efficiency. But the two men agree that the most important skill of all is the ability to deal with people and treat them like family. That's one skill that's been practiced since 1916—from the top down.

CENTER-RITE VAULT MESH

D & C Supply Company, Inc. 335 Washington Ave. Bridgeville, PA 15017

Phone: 1-800-234-5781 or 412-221-1191

Fax: 412-221-9206

Your Source For Concrete Reinforcements

6

NCBVA BULLETIN

October 2004

Gene and Brad Holtzclaw, father and son owners of Liberty Mortuary, both have attended Trigard University.

"Trigard University was the most

eye opening experience we have had

in the funeral industry. The ideas and

support we received from Trigard was

second to none. We both plan on com-

ing back every year, even if we have

pay for the trip ourselves."

Trigard University is dedicated to assisting

dealers and funeral directors by providing the

necessary tools to make their firms succeed in

today's competitive environment.

Trigard University creates the feeling of

lodging at a bed-and-breakfast inn. We offer

fully furnished bedrooms, meeting rooms, food and beverage accom-

modations, outdoor activities and convenient parking. Also, guests

from participating states can earn up to 7 CEU's by attending a ses-

sion at Trigard University.

When staying at Trigard University there is no cost.

We believe by investing in you, we all stand to benefit

by building relationships which are supportive

as well as successful.

For more information or to schedule

a stay at the University call us at 217-477-5732.

Enab. 3901 North Vermilion Street Danville, Illinois 61834 www.trigard.com

I 999

NCBVA BULLETIN 7 October 2004

THE LOGAN VAULT HANDLER By Axis Corporation

...■,..

PROVIDING SERVICE AND REALIBILTY FOR OVER 40 YEARS

THE LOGAN VAULT HANDLERS ARE MANUFACTURED WITH ONLY NEW BRAND NAME PARTS—NOT USED OR RE-MANUFACTURED. This gives you

better dependability and longer life of your Handler. OUR NEW 3/4 TON AXLE is manufactured narrower than the standard 3/4 ton truck axle to allow for more maneuverability in the Cemetery.

The Logan Vault Handler can handle both straight and cross grave settings. The Logan is equipped with hydraulic variable speed Forward and Reverse, also a High and Low range

gearbox STANDARD.

STRENGTH IS NOT IN THE STEEL ALONE IN A VAULT HANDLER; IT IS IN THE DESIGN The Logan was designed to withstand the stress of a heavy load and yet light enough not to tear up turf in the

Cemetery. The Logan was designed over 40 years ago and has seen many improvements in maneuverability and efficiency. The Logan Vault Handler is designed to give you optimum power using reliable parts and

durable construction. It has been tested, beaten, used and abused for over 40 years. The Logan always was and still is the benchmark of Vault Handling equipment, And that is why we are the

Standard of the Industry — CALL US TODAY FOR OPTIONS, PRICING OR A FREE VIDEO TAPE

AXIS CORPORATION P.O Box 668 BELLEFONTAINE 01110 43311 1-800-422-AXIS(2947) FAX 1-937-592-5230 salesOaxiscorooration.com www.axiscorooration.com

BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

DORIC Ill lull ®

BURIAL VAULTS

Solving Problems for Families and Funeral Directors When Details Mean the Most...

Quality Lined, Concrete Burial Vaults Artfully Crafted Olympian Bronze and

Stainless Steel Premium Vaults Cremation Urns and Urn Vaults

"Daisy" Infant Combinations Quality, Dependable Graveside Service

Find out more about being a Doric "Problem Solver"

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

8

NCBVA BULLETIN

October 2004

NCBVA Calendar

October 18-20

NFDA Annual Convention Opryland Hotel Nashville, TN

November 15-16

Casket & Funeral Supply Assn. Crowne Plaza at Union Station Indianapolis, IN

Jan. 18-21, '05

World of Concrete Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV

Jan. 29-Feb. 1, '05 Monument Builders of N. America Annual Monument Industry Show Memphis Cook Convention Center Memphis, TN

Feb. 21-23, '05

NCBVA Annual Convention Wailea Marriott Maui, Hawaii

Mar. 30- Apr 2, '05 ICFA Annual Convention Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, NV

c4trzETican CEMELETy S-11121211£11 —a2C.

1-800-515-0400 gax (757) 488-1589

Towtgotaf (Vault S'ui2.121i.vi

c4ii9fi Quality

Low fpl TicEl

Distributor of: Flags • Chairs

Frigid Lowering Devices

Manufacturer of: Tents • Grass • Chair Covers • Tarps

Drapes • Lowering Devices Casket Roller Bars

Casket Stands and Cremation Stands and many other items

Holland Oval Tents

Best prices on Device straps Hydraulic vault No-fray binding Frigid devices. in all sizes. cart on our grass.

October 2004

NCR VA BULLETIN 9

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

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

Holland 15' x 15' Er 15' x 20' Tents

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

Holland Supply now manufactures a complete

line 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.

Holland Supply has been serving the industry since 1962, and proud to be the supplier of choice for many Vault Dealers across the country.

Holland SUPPLY INC.

The Company that Listens. 1326 Lincoln Ave. • Holland, MI 49423 Phone 616-396-4678 • 1-800-527-8818 • FAX 616-396-9543 WWW.HOLLANDSUPPLYINC.COM

Excellent Quality + Unsurpassed Service + Aggressive Prices = Better Value

Mortuary students see demonstrations of how concrete burial vaults are produced.

The HILL and GRIFFITH Company Quality and Service Since 1896

CINCINNATI HEADQUARTERS • 1085 Summer Street • Cincinnati, OH 45204 • 1-800-543-0425 • 513-921-1075 • Fax 513-244-4199 INDIANAPOLIS FAciurr • 3637 Farnsworth Avenue • Indianapolis, IN 46241 • 1-800-428-3102 • 317-241-9233 • Fax 317-248-7725

E-mail: sales@grifcote.com • Web Site: http://www.grifcote.com

TIlE PEMPECIT RELEASE

NUMEROUS GRIFCOTE® PRODUCTS ARE NSF CERTIFIED, VOC COMPLIANT AND BIODEGRADABLE

Grifcote® Bio Gold (patent pending) • Low odor release agents

Grifoote3 LV-50 (patent pending) • Pallet seasoning agents

Grifoote3 FR-55-VOC (patent pending) • Concentrates Spray tanks • Sealing products

10 NCBVA BULLETIN

October 2004

Mortuary Students Tour Vault Plant; Learn The Basics Jerry and Ruby Cooper, owners of Central Burial Vaults, Inc. of Oklahoma, hosted their annual plant tour for a group of 26 mortuary science students from the University of Central Oklahoma in September. The juniors and seniors were excused from classes to attend the morning tour and learn how concrete burial vaults are manufactured by Central Burial Vaults.

The tour began with a social time that included morning refreshments, introductions of Central Burial Vault employees and a brief history of Central and Doric companies.

Richard Cooper, production manager, and Michael Peery, director of funeral home relations, led the tour, beginning with a demonstration on stripping the concrete vault from the mold and preparations to pour concrete. The students then watched as the production crew poured several units. Richard emphasized the importance of primary and secondary steel reinforcement in the walls and lid of the burial vault. To demonstrate the difference he drove the front wheels of a Ford F-650 vault truck onto two vault lids. One lid was previously poured especially for the demonstration without any primary or secondary wire

reinforcement, however, it did contain fibers. The other lid was taken from stock which included primary, secondary reinforcement and fibers. As the front wheels of the truck drove up on the lids the one without the secondary reinforcement immediately collapsed, but the other lid remained intact throughout the remainder of the tour. This was an excellent visual demonstration of the importance of steel reinforcement in concrete.

Throughout the tour the group asked many questions which were addressed by Richard and Michael. At the conclusion there were scholarships awarded by Central Burial Vaults to four students. The presentation of the scholarships was given

by Kristen Cooper, a third generation employee of the family owned-business and granddaughter of the owners, Jerry and Ruby Cooper. Those who received an award were Traci Williams of Alva, Oklahoma; Megan Stansbury of Bethany, Oklahoma; Victoria Seaman of Chelsea, Oklahoma; and Valerie Jensen of Red Oak, Iowa. The tour ended with a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Jerry and Ruby Cooper are life-time contributors to the Mortuary Department

UCO and are proud to be able to help in the educational process and future of hopeful funeral directors.

-■-■41. • IMMO

AM%)

October 2004

NCBVA BULLETIN

11

Built Better to Last Longer

Quality and Reliability Beyond Expectation

BtS•L Cremation Systeins Will provide you state of the art Cremation equipment with their Proven design features such as:

Fully Automatic Control System Hot Hearth Design Refractory Lined Exhaust Stack Lowest Fuel Consumption And Many More Advantages

ir Mt,6 Aget.5 rg& 4571 5 vic& laar awA41-4/

When the Question is Cremation... The Solution is liS•L Cremation Systems, Inc.

Call 1-800-622-5411 for further details Or visit us at wvvw.blcremationsystems.com

,lowou SALES AND 0

SystChic, Inc. 7205 - 114th Avenue North, Largo, Florida 33773 USA

Toll free 1-800-622-5411 or (727) 541-4666 Facsimile (727) 547-0669 e-mail: blcremsys@aol.com

From the it briers Lamest Independent Mamffacturer

1st in Value • 1st in Design

12 NCBVA BULLETIN October 2004

190 Simmons Avenue • P.O. Box 10 • Pewaukee, WI 53072-0010 Phone: (262) 691-3100 • Fax: (262) 691-3184

email: info@mixersystems.com • www.mixersystems.com

To build your perfect plant lust give us a call at 800 756-4937. Batch plants, mixers and related equipment, material handling and more — Mixer Systems is the

name concrete product producers know and trust.

esigned for

Performance Protitabilty

Mixer Systems Econobatch plant is: Flexible — wide range of component choices and configurations to fit your EXACT need.

Accurate a Consistent — state-of-the-art load cells and computerized control means no more rejected batches.

Low Maintenance — few moving or mechanical parts to wear out and key parts are accessible for ease of service. Also, Mixer offers single-source responsibility. We design, manufacture and service all plant components and back them with a one-year product warranty.

Mixer Systems, Inc.

MOLECULAR CEMENT DISSOLVER'

BIODEGRADABLE • NON-DOT. REGULATED

ACID ALTERNATIVE • NON-CORROSIVE

COST EFFECTIVE • NON-FUMING

BACK-SET molecularly attacks the portland in cement, completely dissolving the hardened molecular structure back into rinsable mud! This type of ionic exchange has never been used before in our industry. This product is one of a kind.

BACK-SET does not contain muriatic, hydrochloric, hydroflouric, sulfuric or phosphoric acids. Use BACK-SET to remove cured cement from virtually any surface.

Toll Free: 800-331-2243 ITRoMix Fax: 817-685-0877

CHEMICAL and BRUSH INC. E-Mail: RoMix@sprynet.com www.romixchem.com

TURNS HARD SET UP CEMENT BACK INTO RINSABLE MUD!

October 2004

NCBVA BULLETIN

13

Better Management

Don't Make Promises You Can't Keep When dealing with your staff, it's a good idea to only make prom-ises that you know you can keep. That might sound elementary, but may people do no follow this simple rule. Managers, too, can be people pleasers, and it's often tempting to tell a worker what he or she wants to hear in order to keep that worker temporarily happy. But what happens when that worker comes back to you asking for that time off that you said you would give him if he finished the project you were under the gun for on time? If you answer back: "There's really no time for that now," it's likely that the worker will feel alienated, and your shady dealings with him or her will be exposed. Most managers who make promises they don't keep prob-ably don't set out with that intention. Probably the promise was made in good faith, but the demands of the business cause unex-pected problems later.

But such an interaction can be extremely demotivating for work-ers. So it's probably best not to make a promise at all if there is any question about fulfilling it later. In those cases, it's probably best to hold back and reward the worker after the job is done, without telling her your intention beforehand. That way you won't let your worker down if something out of your control keeps you from keeping your promise. --adapted from the Negotiation newsletter.

LItOIV .111.

THE W.C.

CARDINAL COMPANY, Inc.

To answer the question -How High can you Go? We must 1st ask.

HO Ma IS YOUR WARD° WC Cardinal's "Drive In/Drive Thu" Structural Rack allows you to stack vaults as high as your ceiling will allow, increasing storage capacity by 80%.

Quick & Easy Picking Cost-Effective

Schedule your no-obligation assessment today.

Call Today Toll Free: (888) 297-3132 Visit Us on the Web: www.wccardinal.com

W.C.CARDINAL COMPANY, Inc. • 1 Industrial Pk. Rd. • P.O. Box 266 • Cadiz, OH 43907

FE?

14 NCBVA BULLETIN October 2004

"LET'S SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM"

$3,950.00 Newkart from NLD & M Standard Equipment— 1 1/2 H.P. Motor, Gearbox, Disc-Brake, Constant Duty Solenoids, Lift Rollers, Disconnect Switch, Removable Tread-Plate, 2 Button Hoist, Switch, Onboard Battery Charger & Plug, Batteries Included. Call for more details: (636) 463-2062

New Gearbox, Motor & Disc Brake $1,750.00 New Disc-Brake System Standard NEMA Greater Speed Loaded 12 or 24-Volt Electric Motor

$2,250.00 New Gearbox, Motor and Brake System We can refit your kart with our new system or you can do it yourself. Call for more details: (636) 463-2062

New Vault Turntable from NLD & M $650 The Vault Turntable lets you hand turn a vault 360 degrees in either direction for easier access to tight spots.

"N14,WLINI-4, WANTS TO BE YOUR SOLUTION" NLD&M • 2201 JARVIS RD • FORISTELL, MO 63348

Call us at: (636) 463-2062

TODAY'S CHUCKLE:A young preacher was asked to hold a graveside burial service at a small local cemetery for someone with no family or friends. En route to the

cemetery, the preacher became lost. Eventually, a half-hour late, he spotted a backhoe and its crew, but the hearse was nowhere in sight and the workmen were eating lunch. The diligent young minister went to the open grave and found the vault lid already in place. Feeling guilty as a result of his tardiness, he preached an impassioned and lengthy service. As he was returning to his car, he

overheard one of the workmen say: "I've been putting in septic tanks for 20 years, and I ain't never seen anything like that."

NCBVA Serving the death care industry

since 1929

Visit us on the Web www.NCBVA.org

CONCRETE RELEASE AGENT

Ro-396 TM

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Ro-396 Environmentally Safe Eliminates Bug Holes Prevents Build-up on Forms PROVEN RESULTS Ro-396 is Non-staining Use on Aluminum, Steel, Plywood, and Fiberglass EPA VOC Compliant Re-active Agent

E-Mail: RoMix@sprynet.com

Website: www.romixchem.com

RoMix CHEMICAL and BRUSH INC.

CUSTOM FORMULATORS • MANUFACTURING CHEMIST

October 2004

NCBVA BULLETIN 15

HAT'S

N for the Best Metallic

Vault Coatings? BRAND NEW SPRAY CANS

We are pleased to announce that we have concluded our R&D on our newsest line of aerosol spray cans. Completed reformulated and redesigned, these cans are easier to use. They do not clog or run when applied. In addition, we have improved the matching qualities of all colors. What can be better then that? OK how about having matching spray cans for our line of quality water-based coatings. Buying solvent or water from Edgmont? It doesn't matter, we have the cans to match!

METALINK COATINGS

Edgmont has expanded its popular line of Metalink Coatings, one-part metallic coatings, to include: Metalink Antique Bronze, Metalink Blue, Meta link Green, Metalink Lavender, Black, White and Blue-Tinted Clear. These colors are featured on our new color card, which is available to all vault companies. Samples available for either spray or roll applications. Call for the color card! Call for samples! We would like to hear your opinion. Thank you for your interest

METALLIC PELLETS

For solvent-based customers, our DUST-FREE copper, gold and silver pellets are the easiest way to utilize metallic pigments in solvent based coatings.

1/4

EDGMONT \''''' ■„„N____,....____ METALLIC•PIGMENTS•INC.

. I QUALITY GLITTERS

ANTIQUE METALLIC PIGMENTS SAMPLES AND REFERENCES BRONZING VEHICLES: SB, WB

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST COPPER, GOLD, SILVER POWDERS

MATCHING SPRAY CANS - SIX COLORS

610-429-1345 • www.edgmont-abc.com West Chester, PA

16

NCBVA BULLETIN October 2004

NCBVA Certified Vault Manufacturing Plants NCBVA proudly recognizes the following companies

which have a current standing in the Plant Certification Program 'e)

Abel Vault & Monument Co. Canton, IL

Abel Vault & Monument Co. Pekin, IL

American Concrete Industries Bangor, ME

American Vault Co. Cleveland, OH

American Vault & Concrete Prod. Detroit, MI

Arnold-Wilbert Corp. Goldsboro, NC

Arrow Vault Co., Inc. Lafayette, IN

Atlas Concrete Products, Inc. Orlando, FL

Babylon Vault Co. New Windsor, MD

Badger Burial Vault Co. Eau Claire, WI

Baumgardner Products Co. Akron, OH

Baxter Burial Vault Cincinnati, OH

Baxter Vault Co. Baxter Springs, KS

Beck Vault Co. Rome, NY

Beier Burial Vaults Columbus, WI

Brewster Vaults & Monuments Millville, NJ

Brown-Wilbert, Inc. Morris, MN

Brown-Wilbert, Inc. St. Paul, MN

Bruns Norwalk Vault Co. Saint Louis, MO

Brutsche Concrete Products Battle Creek, MI

Brutsche Concrete Products Benton Harbor, MI

Buckeye Vault Service Mansfield, OH

Bush Concrete Products, Inc. Muskegon, MI

C & M Precast Kerrville, 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. olma, CA

Cooper Wilbert Vault Co. Middletown, DE

Cordeiro Vault Co., Inc. Vallejo, CA

Costello Vaults Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada

Creter Vault Corp. Remington, 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 Vault Savannah, 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 Vault Iola, KS

Doric of Nashville, Inc. Nashville, TN

Doric of Northeast Arkansas Jonesboro, AR

Doric of South Texas Elsa, TX

Doric Concrete Vaults Limon, 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 Vault North Bend, OH

Eagle Burial Vault Co. of LA Ruston, LA

Eagle Burial Vaults Perry, GA

Esterly Burial Vault Co. West Reading, PA

Evans Eagle Vaults, Inc. Leola, PA

Everlasting Vault Co. Randallstown, MD

Florida Wilbert, Inc. Jacksonville, FL

Fon du Lac Wilbert Vault Fon du Lac, WI

Forsyth Bros. Fithian, IL

Forsyth Bros. Concrete Prod. Terre Haute, IN

Gettysburg Burial Vault Co. Gettysburg, PA

Golden Eagle Vault Co. Rocky Mountain, VA

Grable Vault Co. Logansport, IN

Graffius Burial Vault Co. Sinking Springs, PA

Granite State Doric Newport, NH

Gray Bros., Inc. Kansas City, KS

Hairfield Vault Co. Hickory, NC

Hardy Doric, Inc. Chelmsford, MA

Ham n Vault Service Massillon, OH

Harris Precast Laporte, IN

Heilman — Wirtz, Inc. Cedar Hill, TX

Hicks Industries, Inc. Miami, FL

Hicks Industries, Inc. Mulberry, FL

Horton Precast Gerard, PA

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

Louise11-Davis Vault Service Chattanooga, TN

Ludlow Burial Vault Co. Ludlow, MA

Lycoming Burial Vault Co. Inc. Montoursville, PA

Marion Vault Works Marion, IN

Markham Burial Vault Services Richmond, VA

Markham-Carter Vault Service Smithfield, VA

Master Grave Service Athens, GA

Memphis Burial Vault Co. Memphis, TN

Mercer Vault Company Fredericksburg, VA

Milan Burial Vault, Inc. Milan, MI

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 Vaults Wellington, TX

Pennyslvania Concrete Vault Co. Greensburg, PA

Perfection Vault Woodson, IL

Phenix Vault Phenix 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 Service Newton, IL

Rocky Mountain Monument/Vault Sandy, UT

Saginaw Wilbert Vault Corp. Saginaw, MI

Sam Green Vault Co. Lynchburg, VA

Saline Vault Co. Sweet Springs, MO

Santeiu Vaults Inc. Livonia, MI

Sheldon Vault Co. Sheldon, IA

Shenandoah Valley Vaults, Inc. Dayton, VA

Shore Vault & Precast Co. Exmore, VA

Simerly Concrete Products, Inc. Bristol, TN

Simerly Vaults, Inc. Knoxville, TN

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 10 Top Seals Air Domes 13 Sectionals Other

Please return this application with full payment to:

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

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

October 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN

17

Southern Ohio Vault Co. 1

Portsmouth, OH Southern Vault Service

Blakely, GA Spoerr Precast Concrete

Sandusky, OH Sunnycrest, Inc.

Auburn, NY Suhor Industries

Cedar Hill, TX Suhor Industries

Parsons, KS Superior Burial Vaults, Inc.

Salt Lake City, UT Superior Vault Co.

Bryantown, MD Superior Vault Co.

Charlestown, IN Superior Vault Company LTD

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Swan's Concrete Products

Westbrook, ME Tennessee Vault & Grave, Inc.

Dechard, TN Tucker Vault Co.

Farmington, MO Turner Vault Company

Toledo, OH Vanden Boomen Burial Vaults Inc.

Appleton, WI Vanden Boomen Burial Vaults Inc.

Wausau, WI Vault Service

Griffin, GA Vincent and Sons

Galena, IL Washington Wilbert Vault Works Inc.

Laurel, MD Warga Concrete Products Inc.

Fort Wayne, IN Watts Vault & Monument Co.

Des Moines, IA Wayne Burial Vault Co., Inc. Indianapolis, IN

Welte Vault Co. Danbury, IA

Western Carolina Vault Co. Fletcher NC

West Plains Vault & Mfg. Co. Pomona, MO

Whitman Vault Co. Whitman, MA

Wicomico Vault Co., Inc. Salisbury, MD

Wieser Precast Stewartville, MN

Wilbert Burial Vault Co. Atlanta, GA

Wilbert Burial Vault Co. Muskegon, MI

Wilbert Burial Vault (The James Co.) Waycross, GA

Wilbert Vaults of Houston, Inc. Houston, TX

Willbee Concrete Products Jackson, MI

Williams Vault Company Emporia, VA

Willmar Precast Co. Willmar, MN

Zeiser Wilbert Vault Co. Elmira, NY

Vault-Master VHV

v■Ofk

MORE. . . . STANDARD FEATURES

MORE. . . . LIFTING CAPACITY

MORE. . . . VERSATILITY

MORE. . . . OPTIONS

LESS COST FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

DON OR BRYAN LONG

LONG MACHINE CO. 519 N. MAIN AVE., MAIDEN, NC 28650-1123

(828) 428-2648 • FAX (828) 428-8606

Doric

El Con-O-lite

0 Wilbert

0 Other

COMPANY INFORMATION Ci Burial Vault Manufacturer

0 Funeral Director

0 Crematory

0 Cemetery

0 Eagle El Trigard

0 Provide Graveside services

State Zip

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

Phone Fax

E-mail

Company Web Site

0 Check here if you prefer to have your mail sent to your home. Home street Address City State Zip Home Phone Home Fax

Metal Vaults 0 Plastic Vaults 0 Fiberglass Vaults Offer sizes for 0 Children El Adults 10 Oversize

0 Associate Member: Tell us in 25 words or less about your product/services

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

(Signature) (Date)

CODE OF ETHICS 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 Concrete Burial 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 vault industry 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.

Dues Schedule

[7 Manufacturer Member Dues are based on total units sold for all locations of the company.

Please check appropriate level: CI 1-999 Units $170

1000 - 1999 $260 0 2000 - 3499 $350

3500 - 4999 $435 01 5000 and more $525

El Associate Member ....$150

71 Franchise Group $600

Payment Information Include payment with this completed form. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express

Check is enclosed

Please charge my 0 Visa El MasterCard t7I Amex

Account # Expiration date

Mailing Information

NCB VA 900 Fox Valley Drive Suite 204

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

Fax: (407) 774-6751

www.ncbva.org

October 2004 NCBVA BULLETIN 19

Calkins

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

FIRST CLASS Address Correction Requested

Annual Convention • February 21-23, 2005 • Maui, Hawaii

Vindication! "Old" Opinion Stands Dear Readers, We at the National Concrete Burial Vault Association Bulletin would love to hear from you. Specifically we are looking for press releases from you so that we can continue to address issues and topics that are directly facing you.

Do you have an idea for an article of interest to other manufacturers?

Why don't you take a few minutes and send us a press release about your happenings? We're interested in details about special events, individu-als who deserve recognition, awards, and new services you are providing. Suppliers: let us know about your new products and services. Color or black and white photos are also welcome.

If you are unsure about how to write your press release or article, don't hesitate to give me a call at (407) 788-1996 or e-mail me at jan@camco.biz. It would be my pleasure to assist you.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Jan Monahan Editor

By J. Scott Calkins, Esq. NCBVA Counsel

A decade or more ago there was panic within the concrete burial vault industry regarding threatened litigation against several manufacturers and potential liability over their refusal to sell vaults to cemeteries, especially in South Carolina and Florida.

Our industry was proud of its policy at the time, which was to support and sell our vaults exclusively to funeral homes. As Counsel for NCBVA, I was asked to research the issue. I subsequently rendered an opinion to the Board of Directors and membership that their policy was legal and sustainable in any litigation challenging it. In other words, a vault manufacturer (or any vendor) can choose an exclusive class of buyers (funeral homes) of its products and deny sales to those outside of such class.

That was then. But now it is an accepted and apparently successful sales policy in

our industry (with few exceptions) to sell vaults to cemeteries as well as to funeral homes.

Recently Batesville Casket Company, with its vast in-house coun-sel team as well as outside law firm advice, announced that the change in their policy to "Ship To/ Bill To" will "reaffirm our long-standing commitment to licensed funeral directors as the most important resource for families and our one and only channel of distribution."

Thus Batesville today supports and vindicates my opinion a decade or so ago regarding the right of vault manufacturers to select and sell to an exclusive class of buyers (funeral homes). It's not often theS this humble country lawyer has an ola opinion supported by one of the main players in the funeral industry.