05/09/2005

Incoming President's Message - Let's Make a Difference!

By OFDA President, Kenneth A. Cahall, CFSP

The stakes were high at the 125th Annual Ohio Funeral Directors Convention and Exhibition April 13 15 in Columbus. A fantastic job was done by the OFDA Convention Committee. All 130 exhibit spaces were full and I would like to thank all members and suppliers that made it such a success.

The Keynote speakers were excellent. Wednesday's speaker - John "Jack" Metzler, Jr., Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, was fascinating. Al Walker's "Service That Sells" on Thursday was full of wit and humor and on Friday, we heard from Tim Collison about the technical side of embalming a difficult case and Staying Safe and Healthy in the Prep Room. All sessions were well attended. I would like to thank all of our generous sponsors for their support of this convention. It makes the Ohio Convention one of the finest in the country. On Thursday evening The President's Celebration and Casino night became the sold out event of the Convention. Members, suppliers and sponsors had a night to remember. As promised, the installation of officers was brief and the food and fun was abundant. There was a sense of electricity in the air throughout the night that ended with a grand prize winner of a trip to Las Vegas!

I am truly honored and humbled to become the president of OFDA. The President's Celebration was a memorable evening that my family and I will never forget. The past three years that I have served as an officer have been some of the best and most rewarding times of my life. They have prepared me for this position. I have been very fortunate to serve with fellow officers that are hard working and dedicated, Mike Krill, Dan Tobias and immediate past president, Bob VanHorn. I would like to congratulate my fellow officers on their election: Jon Deitloff - President-elect, Keith Walker - Treasurer and our new Secretary, Walt Lindsey. I know we will have a very active and productive year.

The OFDA staff is second to none. Their experience in serving the membership, their dedication and support of the association benefits all of us. They are knowledgeable in what makes funeral service better. The staff is there to assist all of us. Please take advantage of their knowledge and skills.

While representing OFDA the past three years, I have made many new friends and met many funeral directors who have a true passion for what we do. That is, caring for the deceased with dignity and compassion and serving the family in a way that is comforting and meaningful. It sounds simple, but as all of you know, it is not. It takes passion and dedication to go that extra mile for that family. That's why we do what we do! Let's make a difference. That is what I would like to do this year. Make a difference.

OFDA is an association that is here to assist us in our profession. The officers and staff will work very hard to maintain services, educational opportunities, networking or providing a voice in the legislature to ensure the families we serve are receiving the best of our care.
With your continuing support, my fellow officers and I will serve OFDA and you to the best of our abilities. We will strive to make a difference! Thank you for putting your faith and trust in us.