Batesville Expands Innovation in Burial, Cremation, Digital Solutions and Personalization with New Product Launches at NFDA 2025 

Batesville, Ind – October 16, 2025 – Batesville, a leading provider of high-quality burial products,  cremation products, and technology solutions will debut its newest offerings at the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo from October 27-29 in Chicago, Illinois. 

Building on the momentum from last year’s NFDA, Batesville continues to invest in the future of funeral service with back-to-back years of product launches and technology advancements. No other company in the industry is investing more to bring meaningful, affordable innovations that support funeral professionals and the families they serve. 

“Families today want more choices, personalization options, and tools that make the planning process easier,’ said Jenn Parvin, Chief Marketing Officer. “Our newest offerings reflect those needs, combining tradition and care with forward-thinking design and innovation.” 

New Product Highlights Include: 

Burial  

Batesville is proud to introduce three new caskets, thoughtfully designed to provide families with high-quality options as they honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. The collection includes the: 

• Two 18-gauge steel selections — the NV1 Tuscany Silver and the NV1 Burnished Silver — engineered with both personalization and quality in mind. 

• Crimson Montgomery, a timeless cherry-stained wood casket that reflects warmth and tradition and serves as a dual-disposition casket for both cremation and burial.

• Batesville continues its long-standing commitment to innovation and personalization with its Family Choices® line, available across all three new caskets. The company is also introducing the LifeStories Memory Frame™, a customizable frame for displaying  cherished photos and mementos, and LifeStories Life Touch™ Interiors, beautifully crafted casket interiors that reflect the life and personality of a loved one. Together, these new offerings further Batesville’s legacy of helping families create meaningful and  individualized tributes.

Technology Solutions to Optimize & Grow Your Business

Batesville remains  committed to delivering technology solutions that help funeral professionals optimize their  operations and grow their businesses. From innovative digital tools to integrated platforms,  Batesville provides resources that make it easier to serve families and strengthen success. 

• Family Choices® Digital Showroom: An intuitive online tool that guides families through a personalized journey through casket, cremation, and customization options. Funeral directors can narrow choices based on families’ specific needs, show 3D renderings in real time, and integrate selections into Batesville Connect® for easy and fast ordering. 

• Batesville Connect®: A centralized hub for funeral professionals that streamlines their Batesville experience. Users get ordering, tracking, and business management tasks, making day-to-day operations more efficient.  

• Halcyon by Batesville: The advanced cloud-based management system suite now includes chain-of-custody body-tracking with QR codes, seamless integration with Express Funeral Funding for faster claims procession, and expanded API connectivity. 

Cremation – Urns and Memorialization 

• The new Gallery Series, a carefully curated selection of on-trend, décor-inspired cremation urns from Batesville, are perfect for your home or permanently displayed in a cremation niche.  

• Family Choices® Urn expansion offers families new opportunities for personalization. These urns can be customized with LifeStories® Medallions and LifeSymbols® 

• The expanded NewPointe® line introduces striking new colors and designs with the Nebula, Atlas, and Starlight collections, offering modern style at a great value. 

These new offerings reflect Batesville’s long-standing commitment to delivering products that combine craftsmanship, innovation, and personal meaning for families and loved ones.  

Visit Batesville at NFDA 

Visit Batesville at booth 815 at NFDA 2025 to experience the new products and technologies firsthand and learn how they can help drive higher satisfaction and profitability.  

The Batesville NFDA booth doubles as a fully functioning Physical and Digital Showroom that allows visitors to experience Batesville’s products firsthand. It will serve as a full immersive experience just as families would experience in your actual funeral home. The booth will feature the latest caskets and urns as well as a Family Choices® Digital Showroom where visitors can explore new tools, technologies, and personalization options. 

Batesville will also feature its Family Choices® Physical Showroom, which builds on the success of last year’s ‘Selection Room of the Future.’ Designed to be light, modern, and highly flexible, this updated showroom concept creates a welcoming environment where families can explore products and personalization options with ease. The innovative layout allows funeral professionals to adapt the showroom to the specific needs of the community. Batesville’s selection room offers a contemporary, thoughtful experience that blends tradition with modern design. 

Join us at the NFDA Welcome Party, Sponsored by Batesville 

Batesville is thrilled to co-sponsor the NFDA Welcome Party on Sunday from 6:00-8:00 PM at the House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654 

You can reconnect with friends, make some new ones, and get geared up for an amazing conference. Enjoy food, music, and engaging conversation as we kick off the 2025 NFDA Conference. 

Educational Session: Reimagining the Physical Showroom

In addition to showcasing its newest products and services, Batesville will present an educational section focused on how funeral homes can better meet the needs of today’s families. The session will be presented by  Jenn Parvin, Chief Marketing Officer of Batesville and by Devin Dardanes, Executive Vice  President of Business Development at B+N Industries. “Meeting Modern Expectations:  Redefining the Consumer Experience” will highlight strategies for blending innovation, inspiration, and affordability within the showroom setting, giving funeral professionals tools to create a more engaging, customer-focused environment. Attendees will learn how thoughtful design, modern merchandising, and flexible presentation options can not only enhance the family experience but also drive greater satisfaction and profitability for funeral homes.  

Join us on Wednesday, October 29, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM for an informative and innovative session.

ABOUT BATESVILLE SERVICES, LLC  

Batesville (www.Batesville.com) is a recognized leader in the deathcare industry in North  America, offering a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions and an unparalleled array of personalization and memorialization offerings. For more than a century, Batesville has supported deathcare professionals in helping families honor the lives of those they love. ® A history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation, superior customer service, and reliable delivery helped Batesville become – and  remain – a market leader. 

The Independent Funeral Group Expands Nationally, Uniting Family-Owned Funeral Homes Across the U.S.

MARYVILLE, TN – August 4, 2025— The Independent Funeral Group is proud to announce its national expansion, opening membership to family-owned and operated funeral homes across the United States. This bold step reflects a shared recognition: no matter the zip code, family-owned firms are facing the same challenges—rising costs, corporate pressure, staffing shortages, and burnout.

What began as a local alliance of like-minded funeral professionals has grown into a strong network built on mutual respect, shared values, and the belief that independent firms thrive when they stand together. This expansion is not about growth for growth’s sake — it’s about listening to directors and funeral home owners from Maine to California who have the same concerns and shoulder the same burdens, and recognizing the experiences they share.

“We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re trying to be the most meaningful,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, Executive Director of The Independent Funeral Group and a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for nearly 30 years. “What unites us is a deep commitment to family, to service, and to supporting our community—and for us, that community is made up of our fellow practitioners.”

The national rollout is accompanied by recently-expanded member benefits, including access to strategic partnerships, free continuing education, and The Group’s collaborative network of fellow firms and industry contacts.

At its core, The Independent Funeral Group believes that community-based funeral homes are vital to the emotional and cultural fabric of America. As the landscape of funeral service evolves, The Group is committed to protecting what matters most: local ownership, personal service, and the sacred trust placed in family firms by the families they serve. “Our purpose,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, “Is to keep the heart of funeral care in the hands of those who built it.”

About The Independent Funeral Group
Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community.
To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 405-7085.

Tribute Technology Expands Executive Team to Accelerate Innovation and Growth

WAUNAKEE, WI — Tribute Technology, the leading provider of software and marketing solutions for funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation businesses across North America, has announced the appointment of Craig Greenseid as Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move further strengthens the company’s leadership bench as it enters its next phase of growth, platform innovation, and customer experience enhancement.

Greenseid is a seasoned executive with more than two decades of experience driving transformation and customer-centric strategies across the technology landscape. Most recently, he served as a Managing Director and Operating Executive within The Carlyle Group’s private equity portfolio where he focused tech companies on how they scale and operate effectively — experience that aligns with meeting the needs of Tribute Technology’s clients and the families they serve. 

Greenseid has been a Tribute Technology board member for more than two years, deeply involved in shaping the company’s strategic priorities and roadmap investments. His expanded role ensures continuity in execution and clear alignment for the company’s vision for the future. 

“It is an honor to join Tribute Technology as its CEO,” said Greenseid. “I am excited to lead this innovative company and continue working alongside the talented team to further its mission of delivering unparalleled solutions to the funeral and life celebration profession. Together, we will build on Tribute Technology’s strong foundation, serving our funeral home customers and the families they support in their communities.” 

Prior to joining Tribute Technology, Greenseid held senior leadership roles at companies such as Blackboard and PowerSchool — where he served as Chief Revenue Officer and led a go-to-market organization that significantly expanded the company’s reach in the K-12 education technology space, an area he remains passionate about as the husband to a veteran teacher with 23 years of experience. 

His appointment formalizes his transition from board advisor to operational leader, joining Courtney Gould Miller, President of Commercial Markets, and Matt Powell, Chief Technology Officer, who have been with Tribute Technology for a combined six years. Together they will drive Tribute Technology’s long-term strategic success.

“Craig has been an excellent partner to the Tribute Technology team while advising for Carlyle,” said Gould Miller. “His leadership, insight, and strategic perspective have been invaluable as a board member for the past two years. Having him step into the CEO role to lead the team through the next phase of innovation is ideal for our thousands of customers and our 450 employees.”

Over the past year, Tribute Technology has broadened its leadership team by appointing a new Chief Financial Officer, Anthony Cali, and Chief Operating Officer, Joshua Gibbs, which has reinforced the company’s commitment to stability and future innovation. The entire leadership team, combined with Greenseid’s operating expertise and passion for customer-centric products and service, positions Tribute to best provide value to the clients we serve with increased purpose and confidence.

As part of its ongoing investment in innovation, Tribute Technology also announced the launch of a completely reimagined obituary experience, now available across all Tribute Technology platforms. This enhanced offering is a testament to the company’s dedication to technology that centers the needs of grieving families while equipping funeral professionals with modern, meaningful tools.

With a strong financial foundation, Tribute Technology is committed to reinvesting in its platform, its people, and its partnerships—with a clear focus on helping funeral professionals thrive in a digital-first world.

About Tribute Technology
Tribute Technology is the leading provider of software and marketing solutions for funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation businesses across North America. Trusted by thousands of firms, Tribute Technology’s suite of tools supports funeral professionals in serving families with compassion, efficiency, and modern digital experiences.

NFDA Expands Gold-Standard Arranger Training With Interactive Virtual Series

New interactive study group format builds on the success of NFDA’s Arranger Training to help funeral professionals better serve today’s families. 

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is expanding its popular Arranger Training program with a new virtual offering designed to meet the evolving needs of funeral professionals. The Arrangement Solutions Academy is a four-week, live instructor-led course that brings real-world solutions, peer learning and expert guidance to your screen. 

Participants will join a 90-minute Zoom session each week with a small cohort of colleagues and NFDA’s expert trainer Lanae Strovers, CFSP. This interactive series will help funeral directors make their business stand out while building relationships with families, conveying value through leadership and delivering memorial experiences that foster healing. 

The inaugural cohorts of the Arrangement Solutions Academy begin in July:

• Wednesday Morning Cohort: July 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. CT
• Thursday Evening Cohort: July 10, 17, 24, and 31, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. CT 

“Arranging a funeral or memorial service isn’t just about logistics; it’s about building a connection with a grieving family,” said Strovers. “This new virtual format for NFDA’s Arranger Training program gives us the chance to dig into the real challenges funeral directors face when working with families and share practical solutions that actually work. Whether you’re new to the profession or have been doing this for years, there’s something powerful about stepping back, hearing how others approach things, and picking up ideas you can use right away.” 

Whether attending virtually or in person, NFDA’s Arranger Training helps both new and seasoned professionals better connect with today’s families by equipping them with tools to:

• Understand family needs: Discover what truly matters to families based on NFDA’s exclusive consumer research.
• Speak their language: Learn how to communicate in ways that resonate and build trust.
• Ask the right questions: Guide meaningful conversations that lead to memorable services. 

NFDA’s Arranger Training offerings include:

• Arrangement Solutions Academy – Four 90-minute live Zoom sessions over four weeks
• Arrangement Skills Masterclass – A day-long, in-person experience with collaborative discussions
• Student Arranger Training Experience – A half-day interactive session tailored for mortuary science students 

No matter the format, every session includes access to NFDA’s highly regarded Arranger Training Workbook, filled with legal guidance, grief resources, communication tools, service design ideas and more. 

“NFDA’s Arranger Training is a must-do for any funeral professional,” said Gene Andrus, CFSP, CCO, of Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors in Clawson, Michigan. “The interactive training along with the workbook, that you get to keep, will assist you with the tools and ideas to continually build relationships with families and convey the value of what we do each and every day to celebrate life.” 

As the world’s leading funeral service association, NFDA has long been recognized for setting the standard in continuing education. From groundbreaking research to practical skills development, NFDA provides funeral professionals with the tools, insights and training they need to adapt and grow with confidence.

The launch of the Arrangement Solutions Academy is another example of how NFDA is innovating to meet the evolving needs of its members, anytime, anywhere. 

To register for the Arrangement Solutions Academy or any Arranger Training experience, visit NFDA.org/ArrangerTraining or call 800-228-6332 (262-789-1880). 

About NFDA

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.

Thacker Caskets Expands with Acquisition of Southern Legacy Casket and New Warehouse in Bowling Green, Kentucky

MONROVIA, MD – Thacker Caskets, the leading family-owned funeral supply company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Southern Legacy Casket Company. This strategic acquisition reinforces Thacker’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and products to our valued customers.

Thacker Caskets is excited to share the opening of a second Kentucky warehouse, located in Bowling Green. This new facility will enhance our logistics capabilities, allowing us to better serve customers in the region with faster delivery times and an expanded product inventory.

“We are thrilled to welcome the talented team at Southern Legacy Casket to the Thacker family,” said Danielle Thacker of Thacker Caskets. “Their dedication to providing high-quality, affordable caskets perfectly aligns with our mission, and we are excited to work alongside them to ensure that our customers’ expectations are not only met but exceeded.”

The integration of Southern Legacy’s products with Thacker’s experience is designed to maintain the high standards of quality and affordability that both companies’ customers have come to expect. Together, the combined team will continue to prioritize customer satisfaction while leveraging Thacker’s resources to bring innovative solutions and expanded offerings to funeral homes throughout the region.

Duey Eversole, owner of Southern Legacy, says, “I’ve been working in the industry since 1988 and I am thrilled to continue serving funeral homes with the utmost care and compassion as we join forces with Thacker. This partnership marks an exciting chapter moving forward and we are proud to align with a company that shares our commitment to excellence.”

The new Bowling Green warehouse is set to open January 20, 2025, providing a convenient location to better meet the needs of our customers in Kentucky and surrounding states. This addition reflects Thacker’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports efficient distribution and superior service.

For over 85 years, Thacker Caskets has been a trusted partner for funeral homes, offering a diverse range of caskets crafted with care and precision. With the acquisition of Southern Legacy Casket and the expansion into Bowling Green, Thacker is poised to continue its legacy of excellence while embracing new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

About Thacker Caskets:

Founded in 1939, Thacker Caskets is the largest family-owned funeral supply company in the United States. With a focus on quality, affordability, and exceptional customer service, Thacker’s mission is to be the most trust funeral supplier by providing honest products, at an honest price, with honest service. To learn more, please visit thackercaskets.com