The Midwest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association was recognized as the 2026 Affiliate of the Year for its leadership, engagement, and impact within the industry.
The award was presented on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the HPBExpo26 Ultimate Awards Show in New Orleans, and is the highest honor given to an HPBA affiliate.
Each year, HPBA presents the award to the affiliate that exemplifies strong leadership and meaningful support for its members and its region. It recognizes an affiliate that performs strongly across a range of areas, from outreach and advocacy to broader support for the industry.
Its tagline sums it up best: Advocate. Educate. Connect.
Pictured (left to right): Jill McClure, John Forshaw, Brad Sullivan, Joan Nutting, Erica Geil, Nathan Lammers, Brandon Gayler, Jake Hunter, Steve Brammer, Kris Richardson.
Advocacy That Gets Results
Advocacy is at the center of what Midwest HPBA does, and the organization has an excellent record. It’s active in supporting fuel choice legislation, helping to ensure homeowners and businesses can use natural gas and propane, rather than being forced into all-electric construction.
This work has produced significant results. Fuel choice legislation has been enacted in Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri, and the laws prevent cities, counties, and municipalities from restricting the use of natural gas.
But the work is not finished. In Illinois, several proposals to ban the use of natural gas in new construction have surfaced in cities like Chicago, as well as at the state level.
Along with the Clean Energy Choice Coalition, Midwest HPBA is pushing back on these efforts to protect energy choice for residents and businesses in the state.
It’s also monitoring a Missouri Mechanical License bill that would impact companies designing, installing, maintaining, and servicing hearth appliances. It’s working with the sponsoring legislators to make sure the bill does not harm members or their businesses.
Every year, Midwest HPBA sponsors members to participate in the HPBA Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA), the 12-month leadership training program for the hearth and barbecue industry. The affiliate’s GALA graduates span the region, including Geil herself, Drew Herendeen of Hearth & Home Design Center, John Bassemier of Bassemier’s Fireplace & Patio, and Ken Belding of Empire Comfort Systems.
A Focus on Education
Midwest HPBA runs programs designed for people who are working in hearth businesses. Its two-day annual meeting is a training and networking event. Attendees earn continuing education units toward NFI or CSIA recertification, and the event also features hands-on training, a sponsor showcase, and a barbecue cookout.
The H.O.T. Academy is built for service technicians and installers. It focuses on installation techniques that improve safety and reduce callbacks.
It also offers members free live webinars throughout the year on sales and marketing, technical topics, service, and installation.
The Numbers Behind the Award
Two figures from the award announcement stood out, reflecting Midwest HPBA’s commitment to its members.
First, roughly 95 percent of members renewed their membership year over year. Second, 54 percent of the affiliate’s members made the trip to HPBExpo. Both are signs that members of the organization see real value in staying engaged.
An Affiliate Worth Celebrating
“Each of these award winners reflects the kind of leadership our industry depends on. They invest in their people, stay committed to doing the work well, and contribute to something larger than themselves,” said HPBA President & CEO Jill McClure.
That same spirit is reflected in what Midwest HPBA has built across its region: a practical toolkit, a unified voice, and a community that shows up for one another.
The HPBA is proud to recognize Midwest HPBA as the 2026 Affiliate of the Year.