GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

This 12-month cohort equips you to become an advocate for our industry and a transformative leader in your company.

Become an Industry Leader

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 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 all kinds of leaders who I’ve been able to learn from.”

—Grant Falco (CEO, Falco’s Spokane)

Become a Leader in Our Industry

12-Month Cohort

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).

GALA Highlights

  • Get connected with leaders in our industry from all over North America.
  • Learn to create messages that are clear, compelling, and persuasive.
  • Understand how to connect with legislators and advocate for your business.
  • Participate in leadership discussions with executives from some of the largest companies in our industry.

GALA 2026-2027
Application dates to be announced

Make a Difference for Your Business—and Our Industry

“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 GAA, 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 GAA 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 GAA 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 GAA imperative for anyone who is going to spend their career managing a business in the hearth industry.”

—Shannon Reyna (Pacific Northwest Sales Representative)

Mark Miller (GAA Grad) with Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota's 7th District
Tim Reed & Grant Falco (GAA Grads) With Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon

Stories From Government Affairs Graduates