The Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) is now the HPBA Leaders Academy (HLA).
Starting with the first class of participants in 2008, GALA participants learned together as a cohort from respected leaders and developed the skills to advocate for the industry at all levels of government. Through a combination of in-person and virtual events, participants also developed leadership skills that can support them throughout their careers.
The Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) is now the HPBA Leaders Academy (HLA), proudly supported by ICC Chimney.
As part of the HLA program, participants will learn about public policy issues in the hearth, barbecue, and patio industry and meet with their legislators on Capitol Hill during the HPBA Congressional Fly-In.
“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)
The decisions made by lawmakers and regulators can have a direct impact on your business. That’s why industry advocacy matters.
HPBA works year-round to track emerging issues, represent the interests of the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living industries, and make sure our industry’s voice is heard where important decisions are made.
HPBA members meet with their legislators during the annual Congressional Fly-In.
“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)
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