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President’s Message

Dan Ford’s Address at the Annual Meeting

Dan Ford with family

Dan Ford, CFSP, CPC, CFDA President with family

by Daniel J. Ford, CFSP, CPC, CFDA President

Good evening. Let's have a round of applause for Jonathan for two great years as president.

I'm blown away at all the people who have traveled to be here with us tonight. Our friends from Rhode Island; our friends from New Hampshire, Charlie and Ray; to the north our friends from Massachusetts. I would be remiss if I didn't mention my good friends from Mt. Ida College who also traveled to be with us tonight. I am also very appreciative that my uncle David and Cousin Michael are able to be here.

I am fortunate enough to take this position because of several people in my life. My mother and my sister are two people who immediately come to mind. They are constantly there for opinions (solicited or not) and to be there when I over all need them. I also owe a lot to my Daddy. For anyone that knows our situation we have been through a lot over the past couple of years. Dad, we are in a great place now and it's only going to get better. There is the funeral home staff as well. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Paul, Billy, Jon, Jackie, Linda, and Jodie. Without these people supporting me and filling in at a moments notice, I wouldn't be able to fill this position or even be on the board for that matter. Then there are the people that have to live with me. My children Ryan and Emma and my beautiful wife Danielle. When initially discussing my possible involvement as a board member and possibly someday becoming president with Danielle, I briefly told her about the job and naturally highlighted the beautiful national convention spots. Just prior to our annual convention this year in sunny Orlando, Danielle asked me where the convention was when I was president. I had to break it to her gently and tell her we were going to be driving to Boston, which obviously pales in comparison to Orlando (Sorry Massachusetts). However I know in my heart she would stick by my side regardless. I love you for that Danielle.

When I discussed our theme for the upcoming year with our staff at Alderson's, we talked about my beliefs. With the assistance of Paul Belval and the rest of the staff, we came up with "Building Bridges within Our Communities". Some of you may ask "What does this mean ?" In basic translation this means that we need to reach our and be involved in our communities. We shouldn't be that man or woman who sits back and waits for the phone to ring. We should know by name or facial recognition most of the people who come through the door. I'm not saying that you have to hold a blood drive at your funeral home but you should be the individual who holds the coat or food drive, you should be the individual who is receiving the community award for involvement. Over the next year I challenge all of you to get out into your communities and meet your neighbors before they have to call upon your services. ~ Dan