The 2026-2027 application window closed. Updates on the 2027-2028 class will be posted in Fall 2026.
This 12-month cohort equips you to become an advocate for our industry and a transformative leader in your company.
The Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) is the leadership training program in the hearth and barbecue industry. You’ll learn together as a cohort from respected leaders and, over the course of 12 months, learn the skills to advocate for our industry at all levels of government. In addition, through a combination of in-person and virtual events, you’ll develop the skillset to be a defining leader for the rest of your career.
“The Government Affairs Leadership Academy was literally life-changing for me. I never realized how much of a voice I can have for our industry—and it connected me to all kinds of leaders who I’ve been able to learn from.”
—Grant Falco (CEO, Falco’s Spokane)
Throughout the cohort, you’ll learn how government works at the local—and national—level and discover how to use that knowledge to advocate for your business and our industry as well.
Every month you’ll participate in a cohort call that includes learning about government affairs and also leadership in general (from some of the most prominent leaders in our indsutry).
“We’ve all heard the expression, ‘You only go around once in life.’ Over the past 15 years, I have had ample opportunities to attend the GALA, but I never took it seriously until last year. I was a bit concerned about the entire process, and it was a bit overwhelming, the prospect of meeting one-on-one with Senators, Congressmen, and their staff. That fact is, it was not the least bit difficult and it was far from one-on-one! After two days of intense training (intense in a good way), our guide (affectionately known as our “Sherpa”) guided us through the halls of the Congress. My business benefitted greatly from the GALA and we are better prepared as a result to meet any challenge head-on!”
—Chris Neufeld (Vice President of Blaze King)
“This was a very good experience. It helped build confidence to do the same on the local government level.”
—Joe Burns (President of Hearthstone Stoves)
“The GALA Summit was absolutely one of the best seminars I have ever attended. The amount of information and the hands-on communications training gave me the knowledge and skill to handle myself in fast-moving situations that can often be very stressful and emotional when faced with wild accusations. I can now confidently engage the press, regulatory bodies, or local air districts. I consider GALA imperative for anyone who is going to spend their career managing a business in the hearth industry.”
—Shannon Reyna (Pacific Northwest Sales Representative)
Strong Industry Representation Yields Results The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) brought together members from across the country for its 2026 Congressional Fly-In on
June 2026 HPBA members recently received updates on key technical, regulatory, and legislative developments affecting the hearth industry through two educational webinars held this month. The Codes
June 2026 The HPBA Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) develops the next generation of industry leaders by helping participants understand how government decisions affect the
June 2026 The HPBA Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) develops the next generation of industry leaders by helping participants understand how government decisions affect the
