Supplier News News from OGR’s Supplier Network Starmark introduces new Artisan series - The Artisan Cremation Container line offers high eye-appeal options at price points that resonate with cremation families and modest viewings, resulting in more body-present service upgrades. “An ever-increasing number of cremation families want to see the body again before cremation but most nice-looking cremation container products are priced too high to allow for cost-effective identification and private farewells,” said Starmark Cremation Products president Gerald Davis. The containers are available through nationwide Starmark distributors or may be ordered directly from the Starmark factory. Learn more at StarmarkCP.com. | OpusXenta introduces ‘byondcloud’ online marketplace - byondcloud delivers a highly scalable, cloud-based platform that streamlines how funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoria manage bookings, track endowment funds, collect payments, manage grounds and services requests, and connect with other service providers such as masons. “We designed byondcloud to give death care providers a secure, for running their businesses efficiently,” Tony Lorge. cloud-based platform more said OpusXenta CEO “Funeral directors can now increase the level of service they provide by making cemetery and crematoria bookings directly—online.” | Johnson Consulting Group’s new sister company J3Tech Solutions announces next generation of Performance Tracker - This tool gives you actionable insights to see how your business, social media performance and bottom line will improve by moving customers to share their experience, moving your team to take action and moving your bottom line in the right direction. Overall, it’s designed to help you increase performance, boost customer sentiment and enhance your online reputation. Learn more and schedule a demo at GetPerformanceTracker.com. J3Tech was just launched in October FIND EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FUNERAL HOMES • TRADE SERVICES • SUPPLIERS to bring an innovative tech-driven focus to the death care industry, creating user-friendly, intuitive and dynamic digital solutions. “Our goal through J3Tech is to create platforms that easily integrate into consumers’ everyday lives,” Johnson Consulting Group President & CEO Jake Johnson said. | Thumbies & Bass-Mollett announce partnership - OGR Endorsed Supplier Thumbies® Inc. announced Oct. 30 that they’re partnering with industry-leader Bass-Mollett Publishers. This strategic alliance will allow Bass-Mollett’s team of independent representatives to offer the Thumbies line of jewelry in their portfolio of products, supporting the needs of their funeral partners nationwide. | Federated Insurance appoints new CEO and COO - On Jan. 1, Michel G. Kerr took over as Federated’s new president and chief executive officer and Nicholas R. Lower was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer. The previous CEO, Jeff Fetters, voluntarily relinquished his role but will stay on as chairman. “It is with tremendous pride and complete confidence that we announce these important leadership changes,” Fetters said. “Mike Kerr and Nick Lower are proven leaders who breathe life into our organization’s mission each and every day. We have been tremendously fortunate to benefit from their contributions over the years and look forward to the future they will help shape for our company and clients.” | Foresight Companies announces Mark Kwosek as director of accounting - Chris Cruger, Chief Operating Officer and partner stated, “Our goal was to identify someone who has the skills and aligned with our vision to bring institutional excellence to our accounting services. We have faith that Mark can accomYour Real Source. Anywhere. Anytime www.nomispublications.com plish that.” As director of accounting, Mark will supervise Foresight’s rapidly growing business segment that provides accounting for the funeral and cemetery professions. He will also oversee the internal accounting needs for the company. www.ogr.org | The Independent® 29
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