Potomac Valley Cremation Center
12 Executive Park Court
Germantown, MD 20874
Germantown, MD
What Makes Us a Good Cremation Provider?
We consider ourselves a good cremation provider not just because we run a successful business that turns a profit, but we also consider ourselves a good cremation provider because we are socially responsible and highly ethical.
A Social Responsible Cremation Provider
In today's business climate, what is considered a "good" company is one that is committed to social responsibility for the community and environment. A "good company" is active in the community, treats both employees and customers respectfully and fairly. In short, it is one which focuses on providing social as well as economic value to their community.
Potomac Valley Cremation Center expresses the qualities of a socially responsible company in 3 ways:
1) We Do Our Best to Reduce Our Environmental Impact
Our staff have always cared deeply about Germantown and the surrounding communities. We continue to do what we can to preserve the natural beauty of Germantown, and ensure the highest quality of its citizens. We have taken steps to limit electrical consumption wherever and whenever possible, we regularly perform scheduled maintenance at our crematory to help reduce emissions, and we have a stringent recycling program in place.
2) We Enrich the Community with Education
Our staff have made it a priority to educate our Germantown citizens about cremation, the value of planning cremation services ahead of time, and how to deal with grief. Our experienced staff and cremation experts are always talking with families about their options whether it be at our facility, at community events, at their residences, over the phone, by email, or any other way they come into contact. This website itself provides a plethora of useful information.
3) Contributing to Philanthropic Activities & Organizations
As workers in the funeral industry, our staff members are all “givers” by nature. Therefore, it is no surprise that our staff take part in numerous philanthropic activities in Germantown. Potomac Valley Cremation Center is fully committed to improving the well-being of the Germantown community.
Code of Ethics
Another part of being a “good company” is establishing and following a code of ethics that demands services that are professional and meet high standards. Operating in this manner has established us as a reliable funeral home that families can trust.
Funeral Service Code of Ethics
We along with all other funeral professionals are subject to a set of ethical guidelines set out by associations we belong to such as the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA). In additional to these national and international regulating bodies, many state funeral service associations expect members to follow their established code of ethics. There also exists strongly worded role specific ethical codes; such as the one developed by the NFDA for Certified Preplanning Consultants.
The fundamental elements within each of these codes are intended to provide funeral professionals with a framework for the relationships we develop with the families and individuals we serve; as well as to establish guidelines for those relationships we have with our community-at-large.
The Ethical Care of Families
Of course, in every relationship we have in life–whether within the family, at work, or in the marketplace–we expect to be treated fairly; and with respect. This is especially true when turning to a cremation care provider. After all, there is no more vulnerable time than when a beloved family member dies; it's certainly a time when respectful, compassionate care is needed. At their heart, our professional codes of ethics relating to our client relationships follow these core guidelines:
a) We will treat all information shared during the cremation arrangement conference, and throughout the time we spend together, with confidentiality and integrity.
b) We commit to providing cremation-related services to all without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
c) We will honestly answer any and all questions asked by the families we serve, and will attempt to resolve any problem fairly and efficiently.
d) We commit to ethical fiscal processes and procedures; factually accounting for all monies, documents or personal property which comes into our possession.
e) We will always follow the guidelines of the Funeral Rule, which requires us to provide detailed pricing information and/or a copy of our General Price List (a list of available goods and services) at the time cremation costs become the focus of conversation.
f) We commit to continued compliance with the Funeral Rule by furnishing detailed written statements of all purchased services and/or merchandise at the close of the arrangement conference.
Ethical Relationship to the Community
We exist to serve the families and individuals in our community by providing them with exemplary cremation care, and we take the responsibilities involved (as well as the code of ethics governing them) very seriously. To that end, our ethical business practices as they relate to our relationships with the community-at-large, including our responsibility to respective governmental agencies include:
a) We will make no representation, either in writing or transmitted orally, that may be false or misleading.
b) We will continue to hold all necessary licenses, both as individuals and as a business entity.
c) We will continue our professional education, ensuring an uninterrupted level of superior service in all we do for our community.
d) We pledge to conduct ourselves, at all times, in a manner deserving of the community's trust.
e) We will comply with all state and federal standards and regulations governing funeral service business operations.
b) We will continue to hold all necessary licenses, both as individuals and as a business entity.
c) We will continue our professional education, ensuring an uninterrupted level of superior service in all we do for our community.
d) We pledge to conduct ourselves, at all times, in a manner deserving of the community's trust.
e) We will comply with all state and federal standards and regulations governing funeral service business operations.
Our operates on standards well above legal expectations, and it is why families consider us a reliable cremation provider. We know Germantown families have come to realize this and appreciate our efforts.
