The Tri-State Association

GOLD SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: GARFIELD REFINING

Thank you to Gold Sponsor Garfield Refining for their support of this year’s convention. Their longstanding reputation for integrity, transparency, and dependable refining services has made them a trusted name throughout the profession.

https://www.garfieldrefining.com/

Regional Convention
Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, AL
August 2-4, 2026
www.thetristate.org

AI is already in your inbox, your marketing, your workflow, whether you're using it or not.

Pierce Dempsey, a fourth-generation cemeterian and tech-forward operator, is bringing his session "AI in Action" to the Southern Charm Regional Convention (Aug 2–4, 2026).

Marketing. Communication. Operations. Efficiency. All of it, simplified.

Regional Convention
Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, AL
August 2-4, 2026
www.thetristate.org

The Tri-State Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Thomas Christian "Tommy" Spears, age 74, who passed away on June 2, 2026, in Cordova, Tennessee.

Tommy had a distinguished career in the death care industry, having served as Manager and Funeral Director of Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home in Tullahoma during the 1990s before joining Vantage Funeral Products, where he earned numerous accolades including the prestigious Eagle Award. In 2024, he was honored to serve as President of the Tennessee Funeral Supply Sales Club. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Bellevue Baptist Church, 2000 Appling Road, Memphis, Tennessee, followed by a Celebration of Life Service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the same location.

Read the full obituary: https://www.peeblesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/thomas-spears?fbclid=IwY2xjawSWiuxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFuT0hZTVlVbjZiQmVSWGJXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsZonR6q7E4uXDndlPorgLYYqcWC8CgaVqmHdb38EGrGIBHfNWWJS4_AgCn1_aem_YWdncwD_n9SAgZHyWNtUrRBtcbOy&brid=YWdncwFNtQwcCNO2QeG2-VS296ui

GOLD SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: COLDSPRING

A special thank you to Gold Sponsor Coldspring for supporting the 2026 Regional Convention. Their craftsmanship and innovation in natural stone and memorialization have helped create meaningful spaces across the country for generations.

https://www.coldspringusa.com/

Regional Convention
Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, AL
August 2-4, 2026
www.thetristate.org

Two sessions. Real-world problems. Practical solutions. No fluff.

Poul Lemasters, Esq. is headed to the Southern Charm Regional Convention — Aug 2–4, 2026!

From cemetery liability to conflict resolution, Poul brings 30+ years of funeral & cemetery law expertise straight to you.

Don't miss it.

Regional Convention
Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, AL
August 2-4, 2026
www.thetristate.org

GOLD SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: FLOWERS FOR CEMETERIES, INC.

Thank you to our Gold Sponsor, Flowers for Cemeteries, Inc., for supporting this year’s Regional Convention. Their products help cemeteries create beautiful, welcoming spaces for remembrance, reflection, and care throughout the year.

https://flowersforcemeteries.com/

Regional Convention
Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, AL
August 2-4, 2026
www.thetristate.org

This Memorial Day, Tri-State honors the memory of the service members who gave their lives for our country.

Their courage and sacrifice have left a lasting impact on generations of Americans, and today we pause to remember and recognize their service with gratitude and respect.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we honor those who gave everything for our freedom.

PLATINUM SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: GLOBAL ATLANTIC

A huge thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Global Atlantic, for supporting the 2026 Tri-State Regional Convention. As a leader in retirement security and investment solutions, they continue helping individuals and institutions plan for stronger financial futures, and we’re grateful for their partnership.

https://www.globalatlantic.com/

Regional Convention
Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, AL
August 2-4, 2026
www.thetristate.org

Don't forget to book your room for our Regional Convention!

Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa is offering a special group rate - use the link below or by calling (205) 916-7677 and letting them know you are with The Tri-State Association group.

DEADLINE: July 10, 2026

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1757516657466&key=GRP&app=resvlink

A golf ticket at Ross Bridge isn’t just access to a round—it’s your entry into one of the most prestigious golf experiences in the country. Your ticket includes breakfast, greens fees at Ross Bridge, a championship course known for its pristine conditions and unforgettable layout, plus access to the practice facility and a golf cart.

From arrival to final putt, you’ll experience the elevated standards that define the RTJ Golf Trail—exceptional design, top-tier conditions, and a world-class reputation.

Thank you to our Tee Bag Sponsor, Lindley & Lindley!

Sign up for the golf tournament now! https://thetristateassociation.regfox.com/2026-regional-convention