What Caught My Eye at NFDA 2007

I just wanted to highlight a few of the offerings that grabbed my attention - some are new and some are not, but in this every changing world we need to keep abreast of new ideas.

Silver Jewelry by Designs by Owen Thomas

This is where the family supplies a photograph and through their process the photo becomes part of the jewelry. Why I like this product is that it is not "At Time of Death" specific - just like the "Thumbies" families can purchase this at the pre-arrangement or at any time following the Death. www.designsbyowenthomas.com

Bamboo Caskets by Ecoffins

Two weeks ago I received an email from an environmentalist from California suggesting that we, the funeral industry, should be offering bamboo caskets as an environmental alterative. Here is an excerpt of her email:

I am writing you because you are a funeral futurist. I have an environmental sound idea that I hope you will share with your members and it will put the industry in a progressive light. I believe if your industry made BAMBOO caskets, which are ECO-FRIENDLY, it would generate more revenue plus be the right thing to do. Bamboo is a sustainable product unlike steel, walnut, & mahogany trees etc. If you advertised GREEN you would be seen as helping our home, MOTHER EARTH.

Well now I can let her know that bamboo caskets are available! www.ecoffins.co.uk.

Gold Dipped Roses by 24k Rose Co.

What really impressed me is that Greg and Ginni Greffin really understand "our process" - from first call and transfer to graveside and aftercare. I can see many applications to offer their products, check out their website at www.24karatrose.com.

Comfort Food by Sympathy Food

Created by funeral director, I think that this is a great compliment for you web savvy funeral directors who offer flowers and gift baskets online. In our busy and mobile world, many people are unable to bake a lasagna and drop it off at the family's house like they did years before. Now you have a choice to send a ham, turkey, etc. Just imagine how great it would be to have 10 family members breaking bread over a turkey that was send by a friend via your funeral home's website. www.sympathyfood.com

Hand Made Caskets by Art Caskets

In a time where the average consumer is seeing less value in caskets and leaning towards cremation, this company is going after a niche market where money is not an issue. From the northern Italy town of Caravaggio - known for its elegant, hand made furniture - these caskets use more than 450 different kinds of rare and precious woods. www.artfuneral.com.