Another Successful HPBA Tom Pugh Government Affairs Academy

Thirteen members of the hearth industry from across North America representing retail, service, and manufacturing segments traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in HPBA’s 2018 Tom Pugh Government Affairs Academy (GAA) held on July 16th – 19th. We welcomed members from the following Affiliates and organizations: Mid-Atlantic HPBA, Southeast HPBA, Midwest HPBA, North Central HPBA, Rocky Mountain HPBA, Northwest HPBA, MidStates HPBA, Oregon HPBA, and a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild.

Attendees engaged in intensive media and issue training during the week and then put their new skills to work in a day of 40 meetings with Senators, Representatives, and their staffs on Capitol Hill. During these meeting, GAA attendees advocated for the hearth industry on a variety of issues, including S.1857 (legislation that would extend the effective date of Step 2 of EPA’s NSPS) and sought to establish meaningful relationships with their elected officials. To stay apprised of future advocacy opportunities, how to get involved with the next HPBA Government Affairs Academy in 2020, and other advocacy efforts, please contact Erica Geil at egeil@midwesthpba.org.