The CFSA Board of Directors in September enthusiastically and unanimously approved the recommendation of the Lifetime Recognition Awards Committee to honor two deserving recipients in 2017: Mike Fleming of Keith M. Merrick Company and Steve Duffy of Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions. The awards will be presented at the President’s Reception on Monday, November 13th, during the Fall Conference & Trade Show at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. A full tribute to each of these “CFSA Legends” will be showcased during the event, and we will include detailed, deserving articles in a future issue of the CFSA Newsletter.
The Lifetime Recognition Award is the highest and most prestigious honor conferred by CFSA, limited to individuals who have been in the industry for at least 35 years and who have had a positive and considerable impact on the association. The award was first given in 2002, and a complete list of past recipients is available on the CFSAA.org website.
This year’s selection committee – impressive in its own right – brought a wealth of experience to the table and exacted high standards in determining this year’s recipients. Committee members were: Tina Houck, Chair (Schuylkill Haven Casket Company, CFSA Past President); Tom Fretwell (Freeman Metal Products, CFSA Past President and past Lifetime Recognition Award recipient in 2014); Bob McCabe (W&M Manufacturing, CFSA Past President and past Lifetime Recognition Award recipient in 2016); Dave Hazelett (Astral Industries, CFSA Past President and past Lifetime Recognition Award recipient in 2016); Lou Tobia, Jr. (New England Casket Company, CFSA Past President); and, Jerry Burchett (PPG Industries, CFSA President), ex officio.
We hope that we have a great turnout on Monday, November 13th, to honor Steve and Mike. If you have not yet registered for the Fall Conference & Trade Show, please consider registering for a one-day pass so that you can attend the President’s Reception and tour the exhibit hall. Details are on our website, or call our headquarters staff at 847.295.6630.
PHOTO CAPTION: The 2017 CFSA Lifetime Recognition Awards will be presented on Monday, November 13th, during the Fall Conference & Trade Show. Steve Duffy (left) of Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions and Mike Fleming of Keith M. Merrick Company are this year’s deserving recipients.