Community service at the heart of the 2026 SPRI annual meeting

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Roofing professionals assemble nearly 700 snack packs for Tucson-area students. 

Community service continues to define the culture of the roofing industry and members of the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) demonstrated that commitment during this year’s annual meeting! Held February 13–15, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, this meeting brought leading manufacturers and suppliers of single ply roofing systems together with the purpose of advancing technical standards, research and education across the commercial roofing industry. 

For the second consecutive year, the service project was sponsored by Tyelus, a strategic process architect firm that helps construction and manufacturing companies align people, process and technology to build scalable and sustainable growth. In partnership with JustServe, a national nonprofit that connects volunteers with meaningful community opportunities, SPRI organized a hands-on event assembling food care packages for children in a local school within the Marana Unified School District. 

Lynsey Hull and Ashley Thompsen of Tyelus worked alongside Joel and Calli Stanley of Anchor Products, a leading manufacturer of engineered roof attachment systems and components for commercial roofing, to coordinate the effort. Their collaboration ensured the project was organized and efficient while creating an experience that was impactful not only for the children it served but also for the SPRI members who participatedin assembling the food packs. 

JustServe’s model makes volunteer engagement simple and accessible for associations and industry groups, allowing participants to focus on the purpose behind the project. During the event, SPRI members assembled nearly 700 packs filled with quick meals, snack bars, fruit and other nutritious items. These packs will be distributed to children facing food insecurity in the Marana Unified School District, helping bridge meal gaps outside regular school hours. 

Calli Stanley shared during the event that showing up for the communities that host industry meetings is an important part of leadership. The spirit of teamwork and generosity was evident as members worked side by side, reinforcing the roofing industry’s strong culture of service. She emphasized why Tyelus continues to support the initiative:  

Community giving is not an add-on to what we do; it is a responsibility. When our industry gathers, we have an opportunity to leave a positive mark beyond business. Supporting projects like this allows us to invest directly in the communities that support us. When I heard that our donation would cover the kids for the rest of the school year plus some extra it was truly amazing to me. 

The service project was a powerful reminder that while innovation, education and advocacy are central to SPRI’s mission, giving back remains equally important. By combining collaboration with compassion, SPRI members once again proved that roofing is about more than roofing, it is about people.