Active Members
Our Mission
To promote the proper development, management, operation and permanent care of cemeteries throughout the State of Ohio; to promote and maintain the highest ethical standards in all relations with the public; and to foster a spirit of cooperation among the providers of death care products and services.
Membership Programs & Benefits
Access to our
Member Directory
An Active Legislative Committee
Our Legislative Committee continually reviews and recommends legislation affecting the death care industry in Ohio.
An Annual Sales Spectacular & Employee Awards Program
This unique event is a banquet and awards ceremony where outstanding sales advisors and employees of cemeteries of Ohio and surrounding States are recognized for sales efforts and outstanding performance as an employee.
Our Annual Convention
This annual event provides an excellent opportunity to broaden your knowledge on the most current and vital topics concerning cemetery operations, including sales strategies, maintenance techniques, funeral operations, legislative and regulatory compliance, and administration. Of course, the annual convention is a perfect time to exchange ideas and socialize with some of the other members of the Association.
Excellent networking opportunities & Access to industry resources
Member Obligations
As a member of the OCA you are expected to fulfill the following obligations
- Show families your commitment to professionalism by adhering to our Code of Ethics in the care of their loved ones.
- Stay on top of your professional development by attending our events featuring top-notch speakers, vendors and more.
- Be featured on the OCA website as a member cemetery or vendor
- Advocate for Ohio cemeteries in both law and regulations through your membership. Being a part of OCA, means you care, and your OCA Legislative Committee and attorney rely on this united front to push for measures that protect your business and families.
- Network with fellow Ohio cemeterians. We learn from each other, share stories, attend professional development, and make some good friends along the way!
Code of Ethics
- Burial of the dead is a sacred rite entitled to the highest honor. We shall conduct our operations in such a manner as to be worthy participants in that rite.
- Mindful of the special status accorded to cemeteries by the laws of this land we shall abide by those laws and seek to conduct ourselves and our cemeteries in a manner worthy of that privilege.
- Aware that ours is a profession of service, we shall adopt no rule or regulation that will unreasonably interfere with the rightful use of our cemeteries.
- We shall refrain from using any deceptive, misleading or exaggerated representations in any sale program, or in or dealing with others, not shall we sell cemetery burial rights for speculative purposes. These practices are not consistent with the trust we have been given.
- We pledge ourselves to deal honestly and fairly with all persons. We shall base all charges and fees on accepted accounting practices and shall incur only those obligations which can properly be discharged.
- We accept the responsibility for the supervision of our endowment funds, mindful of the perpetual nature of that responsibility. We shall seek in every way to maintain and increase those funds to ensure the maintenance and core of our cemeteries forever.
- Keeping in mind the trust given to us, we shall seek to conduct our cemeteries and ourselves in such a manner so as to be worthy of that trust, and to be a credit to our profession and to our community.
What can the OCA do for you?
I’ve been a proud member of the Ohio Cemetery Association for over 40 years, and it remains an organization very dear to me. Throughout the decades, I’ve met some wonderful people. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors, first as Secretary/Treasurer, then advancing through the chairs to serve as President. To this day, I continue serving on the Legislative Committee.
In addition to the lasting friendships and relationships I’ve built, the OCA has been vital to my professional development and, by extension, the ongoing success of my company. Each meeting, conference, or convention offers valuable insights, practical knowledge, and opportunities for meaningful networking with fellow cemetery professionals. I’ve always believed that if you leave an event with even one new or significant idea, you’ve more than justified your investment of time and resources. Honestly, the OCA events provide far more than that.
For cemetery operators seeking to be part of something larger than themselves, including a network of shared knowledge, advocacy, and support, membership in the Ohio Cemetery Association is absolutely essential. After a membership that has stretched 40-plus years, I can attest to its value.
Daniel Applegate
President & CEO,
Already a Member?
OCA Member Info
Member Directory
Looking to connect with fellow members? Access our Member Directory to find contact details, professional information, and more.
