TIMELINE

Telegram from Beryl Boyer to Frank Fairchild in Brooklyn, NY regarding a planned meeting in Toledo, OH.

The first issue of The Bulletin was released November 3, 1917. It was one of the key methods for sharing news and information with the membership. NSM had no duplicating equipment at that time, so The Bulletin was simply typed on legal size paper with carbon copies.

Members were treated to something unusual at the 1919 meeting held outdoors in the foothills of Morrison, CO. Tents were set up for the daily sessions and members slept in a small hotel in Morrison. “It was the most wonderful set-up,” said NSM Secretary, Beryl Boyer.

NSM’s first printed booklet as issued known simply as The Why Book. It was published in the early 1920s. It’s intended use was prospecting for new members and as an introductory piece to newly-invited member firms. It was not exactly a model of modesty.

Harry Samson, NSM’s second president requests a headquarters move to 803 Renshaw Building, Pittsburgh, PA.

To further emphasize the working nature of the assembly, the annual events changed from “conventions” to “meetings”. Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago, IL became the regular home for NSM annual meetings until the late 1960s.

For nearly two years, NSM was without paid leadership and committee rule took over in the form of  28 committees. Headquarters moved to Room 1014 of the Fischer Building at Dearborn and Van Buren, Chicago, IL.

Wilber M. Krieger (who became known as “Mr. Funeral Service” and “Mr. NSM”) serves as Executive Secretary of NSM and in 1947 elevated to the newly created post of Managing Director.

Members gather at the Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO.

National Institute of Funeral Service becomes a reality.

An inclusive study revealing functions and procedures, management responsibilities and sound methods was presented in this publication to help members.

National Foundation of Funeral Service was created independently of NSM and was open to all.

The first class of the NFFS School of Management occurred in June 1948, conducted at Wieboldt Hall of Northwestern University, on the Chicago campus.

NSM insignia cuts were used to print and brand member materials.

On August 13, 1950, ground breaking began for the new building at 1600-1628 Central Street, Evanston, IL which would become the home of NSM Headquarters for 40 years.

State boards set limits on size of advertisements.

The NSM Associate was launched and directed toward the employees of NSM members. A special supplement called the Public Relations Newsletter appeared in 1965 and discussed advertising, booklets and literature as part of the program aimed at keeping the public informed about funeral service.

President Ray Porter voiced the decision that there should be no numerical limit to membership.

The mid-sixties saw the advent of a computerized Management Comparative program which gives each member the opportunity to compare his or her firm with other NSM member firms in key financial and management areas.

1480 people attended the Annual Meeting at the Americana Hotel in Bal Harbour, FL.

Jessica Mitford’s expose “The American Way of Death” created an upsurge in criticism for funeral service. Krieger offered Trade Practice Rules . These voluntary rules were applauded by the Federal Trade Commission.

In a special meeting in June 1965 the NSM Board named William L. Bustard Executive Secretary.  In 1969 Bustard wrote  the new NSM constitution, by-laws and a modern version of the Code of Good Funeral Practice. Also, a vote was taken to keep NSM an association composed entirely of privately owned, independently-operated funeral firms.

Published to coincide with the golden anniversary of NSM, the book was written primarily for funeral directors and particularly for members of NSM regarding the formation and history of the association.

National campaign to reach consumers through magazines like Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, U.S. News & World Report and more.

Feedback from families compiled and sent to members for review.

Fred Bates becomes NSM’s 9th Executive Director. 1984-1996

First Under 35 Roundtable Meeting held, followed by the first Under 40 Meeting series.

The “Good Ideas” Program was the precursor to today’s Best Practices, with members sharing innovative ideas for improving their service and business.

Established for the purpose of underwriting a variety of educational programs for NSM.

In January 1992, NSM released a 30-minute video on Death, Grief and Funerals in North America.

Howe-Peterson wins the first Good Idea Award at the 1993 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

“Our Town” Program enhances members’ community relations activities and makes its debut on Sept. 24-28, 1995 at the 78th Annual Meeting.

By-law amendment approved to change name to Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

Headquarters move to 500 Lake Cook Rd, Ste. 205 Deerfield, IL.

Reorganization of membership Groups changed from twelve to six.

At 92nd Annual Meeting in Lake Buena Vista, FL, the Educational Trust hosts its inaugural formal fundraising Gala on October 1.

Selected launches the Selected Transfer Services Program to create a network of members who provide timely, cost-effective and efficient transfers. There are currently more than 260 members participating.

In February, 2011  Selected launched the Preferred Partner Program, which connected membership with funeral service consultants and vendors that offer preferred services and product discounts to members.

In September 2014, a campaign is established with the ultimate goal to have 600 total North American members by the year 2020, gained 1 member at a time.

In July 2016, the first Women’s Group Roundtable was hosted by Group 4 at Selected member firm Baue Funeral Home in St. Louis, MO offering programming specific to female funeral directors.