Duncan-Graves Funeral Homes, 30 Church St, Presque Isle, ME 04769, US

Criteria for the Pursuit of Excellence Award are in six categories of achievement: complying with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding innovative programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs. "Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home's voluntary participation in the Pursuit of Excellence program reflects a clear determination to exceed the expectations of those they serve, " NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper said in a press release announcing the award. "This prestigious recognition assures families of the high-quality, compassionate service they will receive the moment they walk through the funeral home's front door." "We began offering grief seminars to the community when we first purchased the funeral home in 2007, " said Doug Hunter, owner-operator of Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home. "In addition, we offer tribute DVDs and many other personal and innovative services to families at no additional charge. "We may live in a rural community, but it's nice to see our services are considered to be world-class by those in our industry, " he said. Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home was established in Caribou in 1898 by G.M. Morgan, who owned a furniture and undertaking company located on Sweden Street. It was purchased by Jack and Juanita Lancaster in 1972 and is now owned by Doug Hunter and his wife, Dr. Josette Hunter, who purchased it from the Lancaster family in 2007.