NEWS
News on what’s happening at ClearPoint, in the deathcare industry, and in the banking & finance industries.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). This year’s theme is Own It. Secure It. Protect It. To learn more about NCSAM 2019 and to access the 2019 Toolkit go to https://niccs.us-cert.gov/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2019.
Do you currently offer ongoing training for your staff regarding cybersecurity? All businesses must be diligent in preparing their staff and providing the resources and training needed to be safe and secure online.
There are many companies offering cybersecurity training making it difficult to decide which company offers the best up-to-date training. A few years ago we selected a cybersecurity training company – KnowBe4. KnowBe4 https://www.knowbe4.com/ was one of the pioneers in the industry and remains one of the best providers of training courses designed to teach users about the latest threats and to test their knowledge and understanding to maximize success.
For additional information regarding cybersecurity, you can also check out the Department of Homeland Security’s website. https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity
ClearPoint Names Ashlee Theising, President & COO
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Ashlee Theising, to President & COO and will serve on the Board of Directors. ClearPoint has worked hard to establish its name in the industry over the last five years, adding talented team members across every area of the organization. The promotion of Ms. Theising to President & COO completes a two-year transition plan that is a key part of ClearPoint’s overall strategy as a progressive funeral and cemetery trust and recordkeeping company.
Ms. Theising has been with ClearPoint since 2006, working initially in Trust Administration and eventually moving to Operations. Her diverse and hands-on experience makes her intimately familiar with all the workings of the Bank, positioning her to drive ClearPoint’s continued success. When asked about her plans for the direction of ClearPoint, Ms. Theising commented, “We will continue our focus on developing innovative solutions designed to meet the needs of our customers while growing and building an infrastructure which supports many strategic growth initiatives. I am excited to lead the organization at this time and to continue developing the team and company to make ClearPoint the first choice for trustee and recordkeeping services in the deathcare industry.”
Michael Devlin, Chairman of the Board, commented, “I have worked with Ashlee throughout her career at ClearPoint, and even more closely since she was promoted to Vice President, COO in 2017. I’ve always been impressed with her knowledge, skill set and professional demeanor. I speak for the entire Board when I say that we are very enthusiastic about the future of ClearPoint with Ashlee leading the company.”
Arranger Training – Winner
Congratulations A.W. “Kippy” Lang, IV CFSP/CCO/CPC, the winner of the ClearPoint giveaway for the free registration to the NFDA Arranger Training Program in Ft. Worth, TX.
Thank you to everyone who participated.
If you are interested in attending, there are a few seats available. Please check out the NFDA website to learn more about the training and to register.
www.nfda.org
Development Initiative For Funeral Service
Registration Giveaway for NFDA Arranger Training Is Initial Program
ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust (“ClearPoint”), an industry leader in providing fiduciary services, investment management, and recordkeeping services to members of the death care industry, has announced a career development program that awards death care professionals with the opportunity to further their training in the profession. The first initiative in the program is a giveaway to provide free registration to the National Funeral Director Association’s (NFDA) Arranger Training the day prior to the Texas Funeral Director Association’s (TFDA) convention in June.
The Arranger Training Program will take place on June 9, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas from 8 am – 5 pm. The winner of the giveaway will have the cost of the registration fee reimbursed by ClearPoint. The registration is not transferable and all travel expenses are the responsibility of the winner.
To enter the contest, funeral professionals should send an email to [email protected] by May 20, 2019. In the email, please include the following: your name, business name, phone number and email address. The winner will be drawn on May 21, 2019 at which time they will be contacted.
“There are two primary reasons we have partnered with the NFDA and the TFDA on this important career development initiative,” said David de Gorter, ClearPoint CEO and President. “The first is our shared passion and commitment to the advancement and success of funeral service professionals. The second reason is our desire to support organizations that are such a strong advocate for the profession.”
NFDA’s Arranger Training Program is a high energy, interactive workshop that provides funeral professionals with the tools needed to partner with families and design memorable life tribute events. Through a combination of small- and large-group discussions, problem-solving and creative collaboration, attendees will leave with fresh approaches and new ideas to transform arrangement conferences. The program is facilitated by Lacy Robinson, NFDA’s Director of Member Development and earns up to eight continuing education hours.
“I’m looking forward to facilitating NFDA’s Arranger Training Program once again in the great state of Texas prior to TFDA’s annual convention.” stated NFDA’s Lacy Robinson. “Having a respected company like ClearPoint step up to support our Arranger Training Program is very much appreciated and speaks volumes of their support for the profession.”
“As a company solely focused on providing products and services to the death care industry, ClearPoint values organizations such as the NFDA and the TFDA that are devoted to the profession,” added de Gorter. “Just as with our financial donation to the Funeral Service Foundation, we believe supporting such organizations is crucial to the future success of funeral service, which makes this a very meaningful initiative for ClearPoint.”
2019 ICCFA Annual Convention & Expo
We are thrilled to be a convention sponsor and exhibitor at the 2019 ICCFA Annual Convention & Expo in Charlotte, NC.
We are also proud of our team members who will be presenting during the educational sessions. Learn more about our team and their presentations.
Beth Kmiec and Ashlee Theising presenting… Your Comprehensive Preneed Program: Insurance, Trust or a Little of Both?
Friday, April 5 @ 3PM
Jodi Clock, CPLP presenting… Pet Disaster Recovery
Saturday, April 6 @ 12:00PM
Beth Kmiec, panelist… Legal and Legislative Luncheon: A Regulatory Update Everyone Needs
Saturday, April 6 @ 1:00PM
Annual Grantor Letter Mailing – 2018 Tax Year
The Annual Grantor Letters have been mailed. These annual tax forms are mailed to the grantors of the preneed trusts that have not elected QFT (Qualified Funeral Trust) status.
If you have questions regarding the Grantor Letters, please contact Customer Service at 800-763-0234 or [email protected].
ClearPoint Hires Jodi Clock as Business Development Director
ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust (“ClearPoint”), a leading provider of preneed trust and recordkeeping solutions, announced the addition of Jodi Clock to the key position of Business Development Director. “We are excited to welcome Jodi to the ClearPoint team. Her experience, extensive understanding of the industry, and her passion for service excellence will be great assets as we continue to grow our business, and deliver valuable preneed and financial solutions to funeral and cemetery professionals nationwide,” remarked ClearPoint President and CEO, David de Gorter.
Ms. Clock has worked in the ‘end-of-life planning’ industry since 1988. Her experience includes working for family and corporately owned funeral homes, advance planning companies, and casket manufacturers. Most recently, Jodi was president, owner and founder of Clock Timeless Pets, a pet loss center in Western Michigan. She was also a partner of Clock Funeral Home, a Selected Independent funeral home serving over 420 families each year.
Having a passion for eldercare and end-of-life planning, Jodi wrote and published the book “Navigating the Elder Care Journey…Without Going Broke”. As an international speaker, she has educated industry professionals at numerous events, and is also a two time ICCFA KIP Award Winner. Focused on development and learning, Jodi has her Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University, and holds many certifications; including Celebrant, Life Insurance License, and Grief Companioning.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the ClearPoint team. Having spent the first half of my 30 year career on the consulting and vendor side of deathcare, then the last 15 years owning and operating a multi-property funeral home, pet loss center, and crematory operation, I feel strongly that I can relate to my fellow colleagues with a full circle approach. I look forward to combining my experience with ClearPoint’s value added solutions to help funeral and cemetery professionals thrive financially and professionally,” shared Ms. Clock.
Jodi will play an important role in driving the company’s business by identifying and developing new opportunities, and expanding the presence of the company and brand. As an industry expert and leader, Jodi will use her experience, skills and knowledge to help customers achieve their preneed goals through education and incorporating the innovative ClearPoint products and services into their business.
ClearPoint Holiday Schedule
Our office will observe the following holidays in 2019. Please feel free to contact our Customer Service team if you have any questions at 800-763-0234 or email us at [email protected].
State Annual Reports
One of our roles as your trustee and record keeper is to provide data to help you complete your state annual reports. We stay in contact with the states about annual report changes to ensure we are up to date on the state requirements and deadlines, and administer our annual report processes accordingly.
Based on the state annual reporting table below, in the next few months we will provide you with your specific data to complete your annual reports. Our goal is to ensure you have the necessary information at hand to help you save time and simplify your process. Our commitment to you is to send the information at least 28 days prior to the state filing deadlines.
Your feedback and insight is always appreciated. If you are aware of any changes to your state reports that you want to ensure we have addressed, or if you have questions, please call ClearPoint Customer Service at 800-763-0234.
ClearPoint Pledges to Donate $25,000 to the Funeral Service Foundation
On Monday, October 15, 2018, our team was honored to participate in the Funeral Service Foundation Donor Reception in Salt Lake City, UT. ClearPoint has pledged to donate $25,000 to the Funeral Service Foundation over the next five years.
Funeral Service Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association. Founded in 1945, the Foundation’s mission is to support funeral service in building meaningful relationships with the families and communities it serves. Their vision “improved end-of-life experiences for families and their loved ones,” aligns with ClearPoint.
“There are two key reasons we selected the Funeral Service Foundation,” said David de Gorter, ClearPoint CEO and President. “The first is our shared passion and commitment to the advancement and success of funeral service professionals. The second reason is our desire to support an organization that is creating change and having an impact.”
“The Foundation is grateful for ClearPoint’s major gift, which increases our capacity to elevate education, outreach and initiatives that have a measurable impact on funeral service,” said Funeral Service Foundation Executive Director, Danelle O’Neill. “ClearPoint is a longtime Foundation supporter, and its recent major gift underscores the company’s commitment to the funeral service profession.”
As a company solely focused on providing products and services to the death care industry, ClearPoint values organizations that are devoted to the future success of the profession and its leaders. Supporting an organization whose purpose is to educate families about the importance of memorialization and provides direction and support for our industry leaders makes this a very meaningful donation for ClearPoint.
It is an honor for ClearPoint to be associated with the Funeral Service Foundation. Community outreach efforts such as its Youth & Funerals initiative and distribution of Have the Talk of a Lifetime® Conversation Cards provide hope and comfort for our youth and direction for families.
To learn more about the Funeral Service Foundation and the opportunities, programs and scholarships they offer, visit www.funeralservicefoundation.org.