Tri-State Tax Institute Prepares for 67th Annual Event
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., September 16, 2025 — For over six decades, the Tri-State Tax Institute has provided professional development and continuing education specifically designed for tax professionals, accountants, attorneys, bankers, and other financial experts.
This fall, the 67th annual Tri-State Tax Institute returns to The Highlands Event Center on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
In keeping with the Institute’s long tradition of excellence, this year’s program features nationally recognized speakers and timely topics addressing the latest developments in tax, law, and financial planning. Highlights include:
- Federal Tax Update – presented by Ernst & Young
- Business Exit Planning – presented by Capital Group
- Market Overview – presented by Tracey Manzi
- The Duty to Inform, The Benefits of Delaware Trust Law, and Silent Trusts – presented by Richard W. Nenno
- Ethics – presented by Melinda Garvin
Tri-State Tax Institute Chairperson, Steve Waters, notes:
“This year’s event continues our tradition of bringing together outstanding experts to share insights on the most pressing issues in our field. Beyond the educational content, the Institute provides a valuable opportunity for networking and professional connections across disciplines. We’re grateful to West Liberty University, the WLU Foundation, and our sponsors for their ongoing support.”
Continuing Education credits are available for accountants, lawyers, insurance professionals, financial planning professionals, and tax professionals. New for this year, IRS continuing education credits will be available for Enrolled Agents.
Registration before September 24, 2025, is $185 for an individual or $170 for team members. (Participants receive a team discount when three or more people from the same organization register together.) Registration rates increase to $200 and $185, respectively, after September 24.
Proceeds from the Tri-State Tax Institute support scholarships for West Liberty University students majoring in Accounting or Financial Planning.
The 67th Tri-State Tax Institute is sponsored by: Main Street Bank; WesBanco; Herndon, Morton, Herndon & Yaeger Law Offices; Riverbridge Wealth Management of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., and Commonwealth Financial Services.
The full agenda and registration details are available at: westliberty.edu/tristatetax/
The stated mission of the West Liberty University Foundation, as adopted by the Board of Directors, is as follows: “The West Liberty University Foundation raises, invests, and stewards private funds to strengthen West Liberty University and to increase opportunity for students of all backgrounds to pursue higher learning.”
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
The new platform allows individuals with disabilities to enjoy Hilltopper baseball with greater ease and comfort. In addition to increasing accessibility, the project serves as a trial site for CONSOL Innovations’ new composite decking product, which is being developed to incorporate coal waste in its formulation — a promising step forward in sustainable materials development.
John Craig (1972)
Gregory T. Lawrence, Esq. (1994) is a partner at the international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, working from offices in Baltimore, D.C., and New York. A former WLU Student Body President and wrestling team captain, Greg also teaches Securities Regulations at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
James Mull (2016) is President & CEO of The Mull Group, an international manufacturing and real estate company headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia. Founded in 1961 by his grandfather, The Mull Group has grown to encompass heavy steel mill equipment manufacturing, commercial real estate, and galvanized steel production.
Mike Sherman (2000) is Of Counsel in the Structured Credit practice at Paul Hastings LLP in Washington, D.C. His legal practice focuses on complex structured financings and securitizations across various asset classes, which has included first of its kind securitizations for Sotheby’s Financial Services and DSD Renewables.
The Blangor, Bunch, Hudson, and Spinner Scholarship was founded in 2022 by lifelong friends and Steubenville High School graduates John Blangor, Bryan Bunch, Neal Hudson, and Clifton Spinner. Their strong bond, which began in childhood, carried through their time as student-athletes at Steubenville High School and later at West Liberty University. Their collective passion for giving back—especially to students from their hometown—led them to establish this scholarship, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent Steubenville graduates from pursuing higher education at WLU.
Similarly, the Jessica ’03 and Kenith ‘02 Britt Scholarship was established in 2022 to support future West Liberty University Education majors. Jessica (Barr) Britt, a 2003 WLU graduate from Moundsville, WV, and Kenith Britt, a 2002 graduate, both earned degrees in Elementary Education and shared a passion for the arts, participating in Hilltop Players productions. The couple met in Kelly Theatre, married in 2003, and have since dedicated their careers to Catholic education.
