What is the ACM?

Perhaps you spotted the Associated Cemeteries of Missouri logo on the front page of our website; perhaps you even wondered what it was. The organization was founded in 1958 and is dedicated to helping cemeteries network with others and to keep an eye on legislation being debated in Jefferson City that concerns cemetery management. Zion joined the organization in 2017 and its current board president, Martha Kneib, has been elected to a 2-year term on the ACM’s board. She recently attended the annual board meeting in Jefferson City in January 2018, after which she, along with other members, visited their representatives in the capitol to introduce themselves and the organization. ACM members visit their representatives every January to let their representatives know that they are available to be contacted should any questions on cemeteries arise during the legislative session.

Zion’s mission is easier to accomplish when we have access to the knowledge and expertise of others in our field and when we are able to keep an eye on what laws legislators are considering passing which might affect the way cemeteries operate. Zion has benefited greatly in just one year of membership by meeting other cemeterians, gaining contacts with the vendors we need for the continued maintenance of our grounds and supplies, meeting our representatives at the state capitol, and learning more about the industry from those “in the know.”

Every July, the ACM has a conference at the Lake of the Ozarks so members can meet new vendors and learn what’s new from the speakers. In 2017, Martha and her husband Todd attended, and were able to connect with many people who are helping Zion move forward into the 21st century. We look forward to continuing to work with the other members of the ACM in 2018 and beyond.

You can visit the ACM’s website to learn more about them.