Email AIC Secretary
Alliance of Illinois
Cemeterians
2901 Twelfth Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-788-6622
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Welcome to the Alliance of Illinois Cemeterians Home Page
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The Alliance of Illinois Cemeterians (AIC) is a professional organization of Midwest cemeterians,
funeral directors and related death-care professionals interested in creating and sustaining high
ethical standards and practices through educational opportunities. The AIC represents several
hundred for-profit, not-for-profit, religious, municipal, and township cemeteries as well as funeral
homes, crematories, monument dealers, allied professionals and suppliers to the industry. The goal
is to promote cooperative relationships, encourage fellowship and foster continuing education and
training.
BRIEF HISTORY
For a number of years, a group of veteran Illinois cemeterians discussed the possibility of providing
an opportunity for all area cemeteries to have a place to contact when questions arose or dilemmas
surfaced. The result of this exchange was that in 2000, with the beginning of the new millennium, a
pioneering cemetery association was formed to do just that.
It was recognized that there are many cemeteries that did not have a network of peer connections or
the opportunity to exchange knowledge or share their quest to overcome challenges. The Alliance of
Illinois Cemeterians set the goal to provide education, training, networking and camaraderie all at a
very affordable price. It was recognized that many small cemeteries do not have education or travel
budgets. Thus, as the AIC was founded it was the goal to set the annual dues at a level that would not
discourage or prohibit any member. With the mission of training and education it was also realized that
conventions, workshops, and continuing education needed to be an efficient use of time and at a very
minimal cost. This is always achieved.
CEMETERY OVERSIGHT ACT
The AIC took an active role in the development of the new Cemetery Oversight Act (COA.) When the
first draft was written in the fall of 2009 there were tremendous concerns regarding its content.
Members of the AIC began testifying before the Cemetery Oversight Task Force and then before the
state legislature working to rectify the challenges. After months of diligent work a bill was passed that
protects Illinois consumers without putting extreme financial burdens on cemeteries.
Through this process the Alliance strengthened its partnership with the Illinois Municipal League and
the Township Officials of Illinois. This partnership fostered mutually beneficial relationships with the
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations and the Illinois legislature. The AIC
continues to monitor the rules being implemented for the COA. Two AIC board members serve on the
Cemetery Oversight Board.
MOVING FORWARD
The Alliance of Illinois Cemeterians is committed to providing information, answers and training to its
membership. This is accomplished through conventions, workshops, newsletters, web site updates
and email exchanges. Information disseminated will assist in the operation and maintenance of
member properties. It is the intent of the AIC to serve and support cemeteries of all sizes and
demographics to meet their full potential. The result will be strong professional affiliations, positive
customer relationships, and high ethical standards. The goal is that every life lived be remembered
with the utmost dignity and respect.
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