November 2003
The Director - Features
Vanishing Vacancies
Creatively offering your facilities as the setting for “life events” not only improves your community standing but also boosts your bottom line
In
Vanishing Vacancies, Brian K. Buchanan writes: “I have enjoyed the privilege, while traveling across the United States, of visiting different funeral homes and cemeteries. I have found the greatest pleasure in making the acquaintance of caring people who genuinely feel friendship toward all who enter their facilities. In short, people of substance with a mission to serve the public. The buildings I have seen vary in style and design according to local customs and expectations. While the rooms within might be used for different functions, however, these fine facilities have one thing in common: they often go for a considerable time with little or no activity within. As we look to the future, funeral directors should explore other uses for their structures and staff in order to utilize this downtime while better serving their communities.” Buchanan stresses the importance of holding other events other than funerals in funeral homes.
Buchanan is president of Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Centers, with locations throughout greater Indianapolis, Indiana.
