For Immediate Release:
August 24, 2012
Contact:
Kim Wade, Public Relations Director
859.245.1100
Kim_wade@bakercomm.com


Milward Funeral Directors to receive 9th Pursuit of Excellence Award

On August 23, 2012, National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) announced that Milward Funeral Directors was one of 164 Funeral Homes in the United States to be recognized with the 2012 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Eagle award recipient.
 
Only two percent of funeral homes nationwide are recognized annually by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) for their commitment and dedication to excellence. The Pursuit of Excellence Award recognizes NFDA members for their outstanding community service, professional integrity and high ethical standards. Because we go above and beyond the standard level of service for our families and community, we have been honored with this prestigious award. This means you are assured superior quality in everything we provide.

Award recipients will be honored on October 8 at the All-Star Recognition Ceremony during the 2012 NFDA International Convention & Expo. The 2012 NFDA Convention will take place October 7-10 in Charlotte, N.C.

Achieving recognition in the Pursuit of Excellence program is a rigorous process. A funeral home must meet strict quality service criteria in nine categories of achievement. The categories include: education, compassionate service, technical skills, community and professional service, library or media resources, professional development, in-house staff training, and public and community relations.

Created to recognize long-standing participation in the Pursuit of Excellence program and a consistent display of service excellence, NFDA-member funeral homes are inducted into the Hall of Excellence upon receiving their 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award. This is the 9th year Milward Funeral Directors has been a Pursuit of Excellence recipient.

NFDA is the leading funeral service association, serving more than 10,000 of the 21,528 funeral homes in the United States. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., NFDA provides advocacy, education, information, products, programs and services to help members enhance the quality of service to families.

For more information, visit NFDA.

For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2012
Contact: 
Kim Wade, Public Relations Director
859.245.1100
Kim_wade@bakercomm.com

Milward Funeral Directors-North Broadway will host local artists
at its June 15 LexArts "gallery" Hop

Milward Funeral Directors will feature artist Mike Creech, Stephanie Wiant, Roger Ballard and Cindy Baker at its third LexArts "gallery" Hop from 5-8p Friday, June 15, 2012 at its Downtown location.

LexArts' gallery Hop is a self-guided tour of the visual arts in downtown Lexington, KY. Patrons can visit up to 46 sites of their choice.

Milward is a unique gallery Hop location. Built in 1905, by Union civil war veteran, Colonel Wm. Rice Milward Sr., the historic building has served in Lexington families as a funeral home for 106 years.

Most people who attend the gallery hop were surprised and appreciative at the same time that Milward Funeral Directors was opening up its
facility to host local artists.  Yet, the April hop featuring artist Darrell Ishmael was well attended by more than 350 people. 

To the owners and staff at Milward Funeral Directors, the LexArts Gallery Hop is just another opportunity to collaborate with and support the art community.

Milward hosted a Piano and Voice Recital of the students of Amy Brown at Milward Man O' War in April. The piano and vocal students were pleased to be able to use the beautiful Baby Grand Piano found in the Man O' War facility to demonstrate their talents then utilize the reception area following the recital for refreshments. 

Last summer, the Milward Funeral Directors Southland Drive facility was the site for the Bluegrass Music and BBQ featuring Second Time Around.  The event was a fun Sunday afternoon for families visiting the Southland Farmer's Market or others in the community to sit back, relax and enjoy a little bluegrass music and barbeque.

In 2011, just a few months after Milward Funeral Directors opened
its third location at 1509 Trent Boulevard (Milward Man O' War), the funeral service provider hosted a site-specific production of Three Viewings by Jeffrey Hatcher and presented by a local production company, On the Verge.  The production was such a hit it was attended
by a sold-out crowd for the first three shows and was scheduled for another weekend a month later.  The second showing was equally successful.

When the Bluegrass region entertained visitors at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, LexArts led the charge with an encore appearance of its greatest hit-Horse Mania. A public art project, Horse Mania involved a citywide display of fiberglass horses extravagantly decorated by local artists. Recognizing the immerse opportunity presented by Horse Mania 2010, astute local businesses responded enthusiastically to LexArts call for sponsors. Milward Funeral Directors was honored to sponsor Wildflower, created by the artistic hand of Anne Kindl. Wildflower is located in front of the Milward Funeral Directors Broadway location.

"Hosting events for local art groups in our three facilities has
been a great way for our local family business to support the arts
community,"  said Grant Bolt, Milward Funeral Director general manager. "We are excited about providing a venue for artists to share their special talents. We encourage people to stop by our facility on North Broadway and see some spectacular works of arts on June 15 and future Hops."

Featured Artists for June 15:

Mike Creech

Mike Creech, of Lexington, KY (with ties to Eastern Kentucky), is a self taught artist with a quirky folk art style with vibrant colors and a humorous twist. As a photographer, he specializes in off the beaten path images and local Kentucky landmarks. He is an accomplished chef and gourmet food entrepreneur, and writer of poems and stories. He has been known to, on occasion, jump on stage, bang a conga drum, belt out the blues and/or whistle a mean rendition of "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay"! He is the co-owner of Flag Fork Herb Farm and former owner-chef of the award winning Garden Cafe at Flag Fork. In his spare time, he travels the back roads in search of culinary adventures,
art and antiques.

Stephanie Wiant

Being an army brat was a great and yet sometimes intimidating  experience for Stephanie Wiant. As she moved around the United States, and adjusted to new challenges, art provided an avenue of comfort for her. It helped her find a way to release her thoughts, conquer her fears and communicate her thoughts and dreams. Art gave Stephanie a sense of purpose and confidence.

Stephanie's sense of purpose and confidence broke in the summer of 2005 when her father unexpectedly died from heart disease. Months went by after her father's funeral and it still felt like she was living in a dream. Art was the only thing that seemed to move on or tell her what to do. It simply listened to the stroke of her brush, paused with every sketch from her pencil, and ignited with every color she used.

To this day art continues to be a major influence in Stephanie's life. Currently, she tries to incorporate art in her life as much as possible and actively looks for ways to display her work and tell her story. Stephanie believes art is a language that can speak volumes to the heart and provide a common ground.

Roger Ballard

Roger Ballard is a native Kentuckian whose Kentucky roots date back to the 1780's. Roger and his wife have lived in Versailles since 2001.

Photography has been a longtime hobby. He only recently has decided to share it with the public. In 2010 prints of Roger's photographs began appearing in galleries, gift shops and restaurants in Central Kentucky. He also has begun to sell his work in art fairs throughout the region.

Cindy Baker

Cindy loves to travel and experience first-hand the combination of colors found in flowers all over the world. In 2011 she visited some really
special places - five islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Amelia Island,
Savannah, Boca Raton and Key Largo. She photographed lots of beautiful flowers. At the Hop, Cindy will feature new flower prints (framed and unframed), perpetual calendars and note cards. Her latest endeavor is a booklet called "How Does Your Garden Grow?". It's a month-by-month gardening calendar with tips and techniques to encourage beautiful blooms, healthy plants and fresh herbs and vegetables.

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2011

                                                                                               

Contacts: 
Kim Wade
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
859-245-1100
kim_wade@bakercomm.com

Ave Lawyer
ON THE VERGE

859-271-2883
avelawyer@windstream.net

On The Verge to set play at Milward funeral home and reception center

Lexington, KY April 14, 2011:
What happens when the oldest business in Lexington invites one of the newest theatre groups in town to perform on its premises? Something pretty special.

The venerable and visionary business is Milward Funeral Directors, established in 1825.

The up and coming company, known for its site specific approach, is On The Verge.

The play is Jeffrey Hatcher's Three Viewings.

The venue is the  magnificent new Milward funeral home and reception center on Trent Boulevard, off Man O'War.

Based on the premise that there is a story behind every farewell in a funeral parlor, Three Viewings, directed by Ave Lawyer, lets us in on three.  A mortician (Adam Luckey) shares a long repressed secret.  A young woman (Robbie Morgan) comes home to settle a score. And a sheltered wife (Samantha Doane Bates) discovers the startling truth about her marriage. Each tale of life, love and loss, rich with humor, pathos and suspense is performed separately, by three wry, witty, articulate, all-too-human beings, but meshes seamlessly in a manner reminiscent of Our Town.  Each farewell packs an even more powerful punch because audiences will experience them in an actual funeral home.

"The building is totally different from any other funeral and reception facility in Kentucky," said Rob Milward, Vice President of Milward Funeral Directors. "With Three Viewings, we thought it made sense to bring it to people's attention in a totally different way.  Reaching out to support an arts group with a reputation for quality work lets us show off a building of which we are extremely proud. Teaming the oldest business in its newest facility with a new theatre company provides Central Kentucky with a rich and unique artistic experience.  We've always believed that a thriving arts scene makes a community stronger and this is our way to both show our support for theatre and showcase our beautiful neighborhood center."

On The Verge's first two ventures, site specific stagings of The Little Foxes at the Bodley Bullock House and Another Part of the Forest at the Hunt Morgan House met with positive critical response and sold-out runs. In the marvelously atmospheric environs of another soon-to-be historic Lexington landmark, Three Viewings promises a site specific experience, albeit of an entirely different character.  A dessert reception, courtesy another Lexington landmark business, Bluegrass Baking Company, will follow the performance.  An exhibit of portraits by distinguished Lexington photographer Lee Thomas will be on display. 

The company
Three Viewings is the third production of On the Verge, an informal alliance of seasoned theatre artists intent on exploring challenging work and creating untraditional experiences both for theatre aficionados and for those who would rather be mugged than attend a play.  The group's first venture featured back-to-back site specific productions of Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes and its prequel, Another Part of the Forest, at the Bodley Bullock and Hunt Morgan houses respectively, in Lexington's historic Gratz Park. 

In both instances, the audience followed the action from room to room, as an avaricious and conniving Southern family plotted and schemed for supremacy. Every seat was the best in the house, as audiences sat virtually knee to knee with the actors, enjoying complimentary refreshments and experiencing a play in an entirely new way. 

The presenting sponsor
Milward Funeral Directors third location at 1509 Trent Boulevard at the intersection of Man O' War and Trent., brings a modern facility that accommodate many types of funeral service options for today's consumer to the growing south side of Lexington.

The new Milward Man O' War community facility is 7500 square feet of flexible space that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate large or small gatherings, receptions, and funerals. Designed as an "open concept," building around a central gathering area with thirty foot ceilings and skylights in the roof, the light, bright space is at once inviting and inspiring. New technology incorporated into the design enables Milward Funeral Directors to personalize services in unique ways.  Flat panel televisions throughout can play any type of media and audio.  A baby grand piano is prominently positioned in the front lobby for use by families and visitors. Whether small or large catered receptions, small intimate visitations or large services seating hundreds of people, the new Milward - Man O' War can easily accommodate every request.  

Dating to 1825, Milward Funeral Directors is Lexington's oldest business and the thirty-seventh oldest business under continuous family ownership in America. New and longtime residents alike have trusted Lexington's oldest funeral services provider in Central Kentucky for six generations.  Then as now, the goal is to help family and friends to commemorate and celebrate with dignity the life of a unique individual.

Milward Funeral Directors presents an On The Verge production of Three Viewings
by Jeffrey Hatcher

8 p.m. Friday June 3 and Saturday June 4
2 p.m. Sunday June 5

At Milward Man O' War, 1509 Trent Boulevard, Lexington

Tickets: $25 (plus applicable fees) includes complimentary refreshments

LexArts Box Office 225 0370 or lexartstix.com

Directed by Ave Lawyer

Featuring Adam Luckey, Robbie Morgan and Samantha Doane-Bates

"..life-enhancing, dramatic and comic..." The New York Times

Find out more at milwardfuneral.com and ontheverge.org

For Immediate Release:
February 8, 2011
CONTACT:
Kimberly Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: 859-245-1100


NOW OPEN:
MILWARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS NEW MAN O' WAR FACILITY

LEXINGTON, KY--Milward Funeral Directors has expanded its funeral, cremation, and reception services to the growing southeast side of Lexington. The third Milward location is at 1509 Trent Boulevard at the intersection of Man O' War and Trent.  Conveniently located between Nicholasville Road and Richmond Road, Milward - Man O' War is a modern facility that will accommodate many types of funeral service options for today's consumer.

"The building is uniquely different than any other funeral facility in Kentucky. It is designed as an "open concept," building, providing a flexible, comfortable and accommodating space for hospitality with plenty of natural light. If you can imagine a 7500 sq ft. building with essentially four rooms with 14 ft ceilings opening into a central gathering area with thirty foot ceilings and skylights in the roof; you can visualize the comfortable, inviting and inspiring spaces that this new facility will create for those who visit," said Rob Milward, Vice President of Milward Funeral Directors.




The new Milward - Man O' War is designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate large or small gatherings, receptions, and funerals alike. The interior space can be easily reconfigured to virtually any size needed. The new technology incorporated by design  will help to personalize services in unique ways.  Flat panel televisions throughout will be capable of playing any type of media and audio, while providing a piano in the lobby area for families to use. Whether small or large catered receptions, small intimate visitations or large services seating hundreds of people, the new Milward - Man O' War can easily accommodate every request.

OLDEST LEXINGTON BUSINESS WITH NEWEST COMMUNITY FACILITY

Milward Funeral Directors is Lexington's oldest business and the thirty-seventh oldest business under continuous family ownership in America.

"The new Milward - Man O' War facility will allow us to expand upon the personalized services we've been offering families at our other two locations, since 1825. New and longtime residents alike have trusted Lexington's oldest funeral services provider for six generations. For funerals, our goal is still the same: to help family and friends to commemorate and celebrate with dignity the life of a unique individual. This newest facility will extend our record of service well into the future," Mr. Milward stated.

GREEN INITIATIVE - ECO FRIENDLY FUNERALS AND FUNERAL HOME FACILITY

Milward Funeral Directors is the only funeral service provider in Lexington to be certified by the Green Burial Council.

Natural burial is often a satisfying choice for families interested in honoring their loved one while simultaneously caring for the earth.  A Milward Green Burial Package is available so families may choose a traditional funeral service while using eco-friendly burial practices. The visitation and funeral service can be held at one of the three locations of Milward Funeral Directors, a place of worship, at home, outdoors in a park or other settings in nature.

HOLDING THE LINE ON FUNERAL EXPENSES

The news media often reports that funeral expenses are increasing, but that is not the situation for Milward Funeral Directors and its new Man O' War location.

"In carefully planning for this new location we have been able to develop our new forward-looking unique facility without increasing prices. Families have many options available, so everyone can arrange a fitting and dignified service or tribute within their budget. For 185 years, families have felt confident that when they selected Milward Funeral Directors, they would receive personalized care, attention to detail and peace-of-mind knowing their relatives, friends and acquaintances will be received in a comfortable environment. Most of all, they just assume they will be well-cared-for by our exceptional staff. We offer the same assurance today and will continue to do so in the future." Milward said.

 

NEW MILWARD - MAN O' WAR OPEN HOUSE
NOON - 5PM, MARCH 6, 2011

Milward Funeral Directors will hold an Open House at the new Milward - Man O' War location from Noon-5pm on March 6, 2011. During the Open House, the public will have an opportunity to tour the beautiful new open-space design to see the features that make it the most unique funeral home in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky vs. University of Tennessee game can be viewed on the big screens beginning at noon. Following a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 3:30pm, guests can enjoy music performed by the Messenger Quartet at 4p.m. Children's activities are planned throughout the afternoon. Guests can enter to win an Ipad and other door prizes.

For Milward Funeral Directors - Man O' War site development updates and photos, visit http://milwardfuneral.com/index.cfm/three_locations.html.

For Immediate Release:
October 28, 2010
CONTACT:
Kim Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
859-245-1100

MILWARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS & HOSPICE OF BLUEGRASS
Host "HOLIDAY HOPE" Tuesday, Nov 16, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY--Holidays are typically fun-filled times spent with family and friends. However, when a person has experienced a loss in their life, the holidays can become burdened with anxiety, apprehension and sadness.

At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, Milward Funeral Directors and Hospice of the Bluegrass will present a special program, "Holiday Hope". The site of the service will be Anchor Baptist Church, 3601 Winthrop Drive, Lexington, Kentucky.

Holiday Hope is a special program that will help people who have experienced a loss cope during the holidays and other special days during the year. Guest speaker will be Janice Purdy, MSW, CT,  who is a Bereavement Counselor at Hospice of the Bluegrass. The program will close with a candle-lighting ceremony to honor loved ones. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy some light refreshments.

The program will include a special session for children 6-12. The children's program helps children explore grief through art therapy and group interaction.

The program is free and open to the public without cost or obligation. Reservations are requested, but not required. To reserve a seat, call (859) 276-1415.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 18, 2010
CONTACT:
Kimberly Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: 859-245-1100

MILWARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS RECEIVES
NFDA PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

October 18, 2010-At it annual convention in New Orleans, LA, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) presented Milward Funeral Directors, of Lexington, KY with the 2010 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Eagle award. This mark of excellence honors funeral homes for their outstanding community service, technical ability, and professional integrity.

Milward Funeral Directors is one of only 166 funeral homes that were presented with a Pursuit of Excellence award by the NFDA. In receiving the award again in 2010, Milward remains continues to be in the Top 2% of all funeral homes in the United States.

Achieving recognition in the Pursuit of Excellence program is a rigorous process. A funeral home must meet strict quality service criteria in nine categories of achievement. The categories include: education, compassionate service, technical skills, community and professional service, library or media resources, professional development, in-house staff training, and public and community relations.

Created to recognize long-standing participation in the Pursuit of Excellence program and a consistent display of service excellence, NFDA-member funeral homes are inducted into the Hall of Excellence upon receiving their 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award. This is the 8th year Milward Funeral Directors has been a Pursuit of Excellence recipient.

NFDA is the leading funeral service association, serving more than 10,000 of the 21,528 funeral homes in the United States. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., NFDA provides advocacy, education, information, products, programs and services to help members enhance the quality of service to families.

For more information, visit http://www.nfda.org/.

For Immediate Release:
March 19, 2010
CONTACT:
Kimberly Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: 859-245-1100

Robert E. Milward Re-designated as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner

 
Lexington, KY - Medical, legal and a number of professions grant special recognition to members upon completion of specified academic and professional programs. Nationally, "CFSP" is awarded to individuals in the funeral service industry. The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) in Columbus, Ohio, recently re-designated Robert E. Milward, president of Milward Funeral Directors, as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP).

To be certified with the designation of CFSP, a funeral director must complete a 180 hour program of continuing education and events. To be re-certified, a funeral director is required to accumulate 20 hours per year for professional and/or personal growth areas and earn credits from the Academy. As a CFSP designate, Milward has made a commitment to provide exceptional service to his community through professional and civic activities.

"A select few have distinguished themselves among their peers within the funeral service profession as they continue their education to exceed the highest standards of care," said Kimberly A. Gehlert, Executive Director of APFSP. ‘This achievement is especially notable because Bob has voluntarily elected to participate in quality educational and service opportunities that far surpass what the funeral service licensing board in Kentucky requires. Bob has committed to a program of lifelong learning to families in his community with the level of excellence expected of a professional."

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Bob Milward has carried forth the Milward family funeral service tradition while serving as a director for funeral service associations including: Selected Independent Funeral Homes; Kentucky Funeral Directors Association; and the National Foundation of Funeral Service.

His community service includes: Charter Member, Past-President and 30-year board member of the Bluegrass Community Foundation; Past-President Hospice of the Bluegrass and Co-Chairman of the 1991-92 Capital Campaign Committee; former Vestryman at Christ Church Cathedral. He has served as a director of AAA Bluegrass/Kentucky Automobile Club for 29 years. In 2009 he served as Events Host Committee Chairman for the Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition.

Bob has served on numerous boards, including The Salvation Army for 30 years, Lexington Federal Savings and Loan Association for 26 years, Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Headley-Whitney Museum, Better Business Bureau, Y.M.C.A. (High Street), United Way of the Bluegrass, Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America (Bluegrass Council) and as a Trustee at the Lexington School.

He was the youngest President of the Rotary Club of Lexington and received the President's Cup in 2002, served two terms as Chairman of the Board of the Lafayette Club. Bob currently serves on the Board of the Triangle Foundation and the Advisory Board of U.S. Bank Central Kentucky.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:October 22, 2009
CONTACT:
Kimberly Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: 859-245-1100

MILWARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS & HOSPICE OF BLUEGRASS
Host "HOLIDAY HOPE" Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009

October 22, 2009--Holidays are typically fun-filled times spent with family and friends. However, when a person has experienced a loss in their life, the holidays can become burdened with anxiety, apprehension and sadness.

At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, Milward Funeral Directors and Hospice of the Bluegrass will present a special program, "Holiday Hope". The site of the service will be Anchor Baptist Church, 3601 Winthrop Drive, Lexington, Kentucky.

Holiday Hope is a special program that will help people who have experienced a loss cope during the holidays and other special days during the year. Guest speakers include: Kay Collier-McLaughlin, Bereavement Specialist and Linda Blair, Certified Bereavement Facilitator, as well as Sheryl Woolverton and Janice Purdy who are both Bereavement Counselors. The program will close with a candle-lighting ceremony to honor loved ones. 

The program will include a special session for children 6-12. The children's program helps children explore grief through art therapy and group interaction.

The program is free and open to the public without cost or obligation. Reservations are requested, but not required. To reserve a seat, call (859) 276-1415.


 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 18, 2008
CONTACT:
Kimberly Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: 859-245-1100

MILWARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS RECEIVES
NFDA PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

December 15, 2008-At it annual convention in Orlando, Florida, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) presented Milward Funeral Directors, of Lexington, KY with the 2008 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Eagle award. This mark of excellence honors funeral homes for their outstanding community service, technical ability, and professional integrity.

Milward Funeral Directors is one of only 170 funeral homes that were presented with a Pursuit of Excellence award by the NFDA. In receiving the award again in 2008, Milward remains continues to be in the Top 2% of all funeral homes in the United States.

"Pursuit of Excellence funeral homes provide innovative and compassionate care to the families they serve," said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. "Through commitment to their communities and providing services of the highest professional standards, these funeral homes are raising the bar for all funeral homes in the country."

Achieving recognition in the Pursuit of Excellence program is a rigorous process. A funeral home must meet strict quality service criteria in nine categories of achievement. The categories include: education, compassionate service, technical skills, community and professional service, library or media resources, professional development, in-house staff training, and public and community relations.

NFDA is the leading funeral service association, serving more than 10,000 of the 21,528 funeral homes in the United States. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., NFDA provides advocacy, education, information, products, programs and services to help members enhance the quality of service to families.

For more information, visit http://www.nfda.org/.

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Media Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 15, 2006

CONTACT:
Kimberly Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: 859-245-1100

kim_wade@bakercomm.com

Milward Funeral Directors Receives National Award

National Funeral Directors Association Announces Pursuit of Excellence Winners

Milward Funeral Directors, of Lexington, KY has received the 2006 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence Eagle award. This mark of excellence honors funeral homes for their outstanding community service, technical ability, and professional integrity. Milward Funeral Directors is one of only 183 funeral homes from 12,200 to be presented a Pursuit of Excellence award by the NFDA. This recognition puts Milward in the Top 2% of all funeral homes in the United States.

“Pursuit of Excellence funeral homes provide innovative and compassionate care to the families they serve,” said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. “Through commitment to their communities and providing services of the highest professional standards, these funeral homes are raising the bar for all funeral homes in the country.”

Achieving recognition in the Pursuit of Excellence program is a rigorous process. A funeral home must meet strict quality service criteria in nine categories of achievement. The categories include: education, compassionate service, technical skills, community and professional service, library or media resources, professional development, in-house staff training, and public and community relations.

NFDA is the leading funeral service association, serving more than 20,300 funeral directors who represent more than 12,200 funeral homes in the United States and other countries. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., NFDA provides advocacy, education, information, products, programs and services to help members enhance the quality of service to families.

For more information, visit http://www.nfda.org/.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 2, 2007
CONTACT:
Kimberly Wade, Public Relations Director
BAKER COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: 859-245-1100

Milward Funeral Directors offers opportunity
for Lexingtonians to pay respect to President Ford