Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS). Cavco Industries (CVCO). Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI). MHInsider/MHVillage/Datacomp. They are among those organizations in manufactured housing that were asked to respond to the following question and answer (Q&A a.k.a.: chat) with left-leaning Bing’s AI powered Copilot. Some of those are shown in the email in Part III below, which provided this precise text linked here and as shown below. Sources in several of those organizations, deemed reliable, tell MHProNews that the message was received, and in some cases, what follows was in turn shared with others. Notice that left-leaning Bing’s AI powered Copilot said in part: “The article on MHProNews titled “Equity LifeStyle Properties Second Quarter Results: Claims of Strong Performance Examined via Lens of Potentially Mounting Legal & Reg Concerns as ELS Double Down on IR Statements” provides a critical analysis of Equity LifeStyle Properties’ (ELS) financial performance and the potential legal and regulatory issues they face1.” Copilot also said about MHProNews‘ report:
Analysis:
- Accuracy: The article appears to accurately represent information from ELS’s financial reports and public statements, while also providing a critical perspective on potential legal and regulatory issues.
- Contextual Relevance: It effectively contextualizes ELS’s performance and challenges within the manufactured housing industry, offering insights into the implications for industry professionals.
- Transparency: The article emphasizes the importance of transparency and comprehensive reporting, contrasting this with the perceived lack of critical coverage from MHInsider.
Conclusion:
The MHProNews article provides a thorough and critical examination of ELS’s financial performance and legal challenges, offering valuable insights for industry professionals. It underscores the need for transparency and comprehensive reporting in industry publications. …”
Copilot said more about the importance, accuracy and relevance of the article about ELS, see that in Part I below. Those items were sent to specific industry leaders for reaction (see that inquiry in Part III).
Part III of this article will thus include responses to this challenging analysis by Copilot and the related concerns to MHInsider’s article on zoning (see that in Part II) that came into MHProNews before midnight on 7.31.2024 received from MHI, MHARR, MHInsider, ELS, and others.
Part III will also address the timely topic raised yesterday in Part II about prior and remaining manufactured home street retailers.
Part I
Q&A by MHProNews and Bing’s Copilot
Conducted on 7.31.2024
You (MHProNews)
Look at this article linked here on MHInsider: https://mhinsider.com/broad-look-zoning/ Consider the importance of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 (a.k.a.: MHIA or 2000 Reform Law), particularly its enhanced preemption provision. Has MHInsider in that article, or any others articles, mentioned “enhanced preemption?” Isn’t that a significant oversight, if they are taking a supposedly broad look at zoning? Once you’ve responded to those questions, generate a critical analysis of why that should matter to manufactured housing industry professionals, and link your results.
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
I reviewed the article on MHInsider titled “A Broad Look at Zoning” and found no mention of the “enhanced preemption” provision of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 (MHIA). Additionally, a search of other articles on MHInsider did not reveal any references to “enhanced preemption”123.
Critical Analysis
The omission of “enhanced preemption” in discussions about zoning is a significant oversight for several reasons:
- Regulatory Impact: Enhanced preemption is a critical aspect of the MHIA, designed to override local zoning laws that unfairly discriminate against manufactured housing. By not mentioning this, MHInsider fails to inform industry professionals about a powerful tool that can be used to advocate for more equitable zoning practices.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Manufactured housing professionals rely on industry publications to stay informed about regulatory changes and advocacy opportunities. The absence of information on enhanced preemption means that these professionals might not be fully aware of their rights and the legal mechanisms available to them, potentially limiting their ability to challenge restrictive zoning laws.
- Market Perception: Accurate and comprehensive reporting is essential for maintaining trust and credibility. By omitting such a crucial element, MHInsider risks being perceived as biased or incomplete in its coverage, especially given its ownership by ELS, a major player in the industry. This could lead to skepticism about the reliability of the information provided.
- Strategic Planning: For developers and community owners, understanding the full scope of regulatory tools available is vital for strategic planning and decision-making. Enhanced preemption can significantly impact the feasibility and profitability of new developments, making its omission a potential disservice to readers.
- Legal and Compliance Risks: From a legal perspective, failing to disclose ownership and potential conflicts of interest, as well as not providing comprehensive information, could be seen as misleading. This might have implications for compliance with SEC regulations and other legal standards.
Conclusion
The lack of discussion on enhanced preemption in MHInsider articles is a notable gap that could have significant implications for industry professionals. It underscores the importance of transparency and comprehensive reporting in industry publications to ensure that readers are fully informed and able to make well-informed decisions.
If you have more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
Learn more
1 einpresswire.com 2 mhinsider.com 3 mhinsider.com
You [MHProNews]
Sent by you:
Useful. Next, consider this article on MHProNews, which per known data is the largest and most read trade media serving manufactured housing professionals: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/equity-lifestyle-properties-second-quarter-results-claims-of-strong-performance-examined-via-lens-of-potentially-mounting-legal-reg-concerns-as-els-double-down-on-ir-statemen/ Is that article an accurate representation of information from Equity LifeStyle Properties, and where relevant, the Manufactured Housing Institute and MHInsider? Link your results.
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
The article on MHProNews titled “Equity LifeStyle Properties Second Quarter Results: Claims of Strong Performance Examined via Lens of Potentially Mounting Legal & Reg Concerns as ELS Double Down on IR Statements” provides a critical analysis of Equity LifeStyle Properties’ (ELS) financial performance and the potential legal and regulatory issues they face1.
Key Points from the Article:
- Financial Performance: The article scrutinizes ELS’s claims of strong financial performance, questioning the sustainability and transparency of their reported results.
- Legal and Regulatory Concerns: It highlights ongoing legal challenges, including class action lawsuits alleging antitrust violations and price fixing, which could impact ELS’s operations and reputation.
- Industry Context: The article places ELS’s situation within the broader context of the manufactured housing industry, mentioning the role of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and the lack of critical coverage from MHInsider, which is owned by ELS.
Analysis:
- Accuracy: The article appears to accurately represent information from ELS’s financial reports and public statements, while also providing a critical perspective on potential legal and regulatory issues.
- Contextual Relevance: It effectively contextualizes ELS’s performance and challenges within the manufactured housing industry, offering insights into the implications for industry professionals.
- Transparency: The article emphasizes the importance of transparency and comprehensive reporting, contrasting this with the perceived lack of critical coverage from MHInsider.
Conclusion:
The MHProNews article provides a thorough and critical examination of ELS’s financial performance and legal challenges, offering valuable insights for industry professionals. It underscores the need for transparency and comprehensive reporting in industry publications.
If you have more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
Learn more
1 equitylifestyle.gcs-web.com 2 equitylifestyleproperties.com 3 marketbeat.com 4 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 5 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com— see less
You [MHProNews]
Sent by you:
Useful. Who in manufactured housing is routinely pressing the issue of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act (MHIA or 2000 Reform Law) and the importance of the potential for enforcing the enhanced preemption provision of that law? You mentioned that MHInsider doesn’t mention it. Does the Manufactured Housing Institute use the phrase “enhanced preemption” on their own website? If not, and based on the historic underperformance of manufactured housing in the 21st century compared to the production levels of the late 1990s, doesn’t it stand to reason that manufactured housing producers, retailers, transporters, installers, and service/parts providers are among those who are being artificially limited because of zoning barriers that are apparently not being legally challenged by the Manufactured Housing Institute, or Institute connected state associations? Provide links to your response and analysis.
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Advocacy for the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act (MHIA)
The Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) is one of the key organizations that consistently advocates for the enforcement of the MHIA, particularly its enhanced preemption provision1. MHARR has been vocal about the need for HUD to enforce federal preemption to overcome local zoning barriers that restrict the placement of manufactured homes.
MHInsider and MHI on Enhanced Preemption
As previously noted, MHInsider does not mention “enhanced preemption” in its articles234. Similarly, a review of the Manufactured Housing Institute’s (MHI) website does not reveal any references to “enhanced preemption”56. This omission is significant given the importance of this provision in addressing zoning challenges.
Analysis
Impact of Zoning Barriers
The lack of emphasis on enhanced preemption by MHI and its affiliated publications like MHInsider can have several implications:
- Artificial Market Constraints: Zoning barriers that are not legally challenged can artificially limit the growth and distribution of manufactured housing. This affects not only manufacturers but also retailers, transporters, installers, and service/parts providers who rely on a robust market for their business.
- Underperformance of the Industry: The manufactured housing industry has underperformed in the 21st century compared to the late 1990s. One contributing factor could be the lack of aggressive legal challenges to zoning barriers, which restrict the placement and acceptance of manufactured homes in many communities.
- Missed Opportunities for Advocacy: By not highlighting the importance of enhanced preemption, MHI may be missing opportunities to advocate for more favorable regulatory environments. This could help expand the market for manufactured homes and address the affordable housing crisis more effectively.
- Transparency and Trust: The absence of critical discussions about enhanced preemption and zoning barriers might lead to questions about the transparency and advocacy effectiveness of MHI. Industry professionals rely on trade organizations to represent their interests and provide comprehensive information.
Conclusion
The omission of enhanced preemption discussions by MHI and MHInsider is a significant oversight that could impact the manufactured housing industry’s growth and regulatory environment. Addressing zoning barriers through enhanced preemption is crucial for expanding the market and ensuring that manufactured housing can play a more significant role in providing affordable housing solutions.
If you have more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
1: Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform on Federal Preemption 2: MHInsider – A Broad Look at Zoning 3: MHInsider – Search Results 4: MHInsider – Articles 5: Manufactured Housing Institute 6: Manufactured Housing Institute – News
Learn more
1 manufacturedhousingassociationregulatoryreform.org 2 manufacturedhousing.org 3 bing.com 4 theledger.com 5 manufacturedhomelivingnews.com 6 bing.com 7 manufacturedhousing.org 8cmhi.org ##
MHProNews Notice: the PDF document sent to Bill Boor at Cavco Industries (CVCO), Patrick Waite with Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS), Mark Weiss, J.D., President and CEO of the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR), Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) CEO Lesli Gooch, and others involved in manufactured housing or researching manufactured housing for comments is linked here.
Part II From post on ELS owned MHVillage/MHInsider
MHProNews notes: spacing, punctuation and other errors in the text of the post shown below are in the original. The photo is omitted, but is as shown at the screen capture linked here and is part of the base image shown as the featured image for this report with analysis.
- Editor Picks
A Broad Look at Zoning
Key Points from the Article:
- Financial Performance: The article scrutinizes ELS’s claims of strong financial performance, questioning the sustainability and transparency of their reported results.
- Legal and Regulatory Concerns: It highlights ongoing legal challenges, including class action lawsuits alleging antitrust violations and price fixing, which could impact ELS’s operations and reputation.
- Industry Context: The article places ELS’s situation within the broader context of the manufactured housing industry, mentioning the role of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and the lack of critical coverage from MHInsider, which is owned by ELS.
Analysis:
- Accuracy: The article appears to accurately represent information from ELS’s financial reports and public statements, while also providing a critical perspective on potential legal and regulatory issues.
- Contextual Relevance: It effectively contextualizes ELS’s performance and challenges within the manufactured housing industry, offering insights into the implications for industry professionals.
- Transparency: The article emphasizes the importance of transparency and comprehensive reporting, contrasting this with the perceived lack of critical coverage from MHInsider.
Conclusion:
The MHProNews article provides a thorough and critical examination of ELS’s financial performance and legal challenges, offering valuable insights for industry professionals. It underscores the need for transparency and comprehensive reporting in industry publications. …”
5) MHProNews notes as a reminder for newcomers and longer-term readers here the following about Copilot. MHProNews has been doing tests with AI systems, primarily the Bing system since rebranded as Copilot since May of 2023. Third-parties rated Copilot as the best generally available to the public. MHProNews has noted before, confirmed by Copilot again above, that we have accurately quoted information from third-parties, including from Copilot. That said, MHProNews has noted that Bing itself has said that their system should be double checked, because at times it will err. MHProNews in several reports pointed out errors, and then published both the original error and Copilot’s correction when confronted with the error. Additionally, MHProNews has documented that Copilot is a product of left-leaning Microsoft owned Bing. William “Bill” Gates III is a co-founder of Microsoft, and Gates and the Gates Foundation have significant ties to Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, own stocks in Berkshire Hathaway (BRK), which has several direct ties to firms in the manufactured housing industry and who hold sway at MHI and several MHI-linked state associations.
6) The following is a follow up Q&A with Copilot about the above.
MHProNews sent the following communication to Manufactured Housing Institute corporate and staff leaders, the Institute’s outside attorney, media contact and MHARR’s Mark Weiss, J.D. and others. It said the following. Do an analysis of that inquiry. Is it a fair request for manufactured housing trade media to ask those involved to respond to those concerns? Is the Q&A with Copilot an accurate reflection of those parts of this chat that are shown? Any other responses or analysis you deem appropraite are welcome.from: L. A. Tony Kovach [For MHProNews.com] to: William “Bill” Boor @ Cavco Industries [Boor is MHI’s chairman} Lesli Gooch <lgooch@mfghome.org> [Gooch is MHI’s CEO] David Goch @wc-b.com [Goch is an outside attorney for MHI] Mark Weiss @ MHARR [Weiss is an attorney, President and CEO of MHARR} Patrick Waite @ Equity Lifestyle Properties (ELS) [Waite is on the MHI Executive Committee] molly.boyle@fpmgi.com [Boyle is MHI’s designated media contact] bcc: date: Jul 31, 2024, 10:04 AM subject: Request for comment on Copilot analysis of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Manufactured Housing Institute, and MHInsider related analysis Ladies and Gents, MHProNews plans to do a report in the near term that will include the following Q&A with Bing’s AI powered Copilot. See the attached below or at the link here: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/QA-by-MHProNews-and-Bings-Copilot-About-MHI-ELS-MHARR-MHInsider.pdf I think you all know the drill. Please email your remarks to my attention in reply to this message for our mutual accuracy and for our planned reporting. React or respond as you deem appropriate. I will also once again offer the opportunity for any of you to reply to any of the recent or prior reports, linked further below. Thank you. L. A. “Tony” Kovach for MHProNews PS there are some BCCs to industry pros and outsiders interested in manufactured housing.
Thank you for sharing this communication from MHProNews. Let’s break down the key points and analyze the situation:
- Request for Comment:
- MHProNews is requesting comments from various stakeholders, including Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) corporate and staff leaders, an outside attorney for MHI, and representatives from MHARR (Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform) and Equity Lifestyle Properties (ELS).
- The request is related to a Q&A with Bing’s AI-powered Copilot, which presumably discusses topics relevant to the manufactured housing industry.
- Fairness of the Request:
- The request appears fair and standard practice for trade media. Seeking input from industry leaders and experts ensures a balanced and comprehensive report.
- It allows stakeholders to provide their perspectives, clarify any inaccuracies, and address concerns raised in the Q&A.
- Accuracy of the Q&A:
- The communication mentions a Q&A with Bing’s Copilot. While I don’t have direct access to the content, I can analyze the Q&A based on the information provided.
- The Q&A seems to cover topics related to Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS), MHI, and MHInsider. It discusses issues like enhanced preemption, legal challenges, and transparency.
- Without the actual Q&A, I cannot verify its accuracy, but it appears to reflect relevant industry concerns.
- Additional Responses and Analysis:
- Stakeholders should take this opportunity to provide accurate information, address any misconceptions, and contribute to an informed discussion.
- Transparency and open dialogue benefit the industry as a whole, allowing for better understanding and collaboration.
In summary, MHProNews’ request is reasonable, and stakeholders’ responses will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the industry landscape. Transparency and dialogue are essential for addressing challenges and promoting positive change.
MHProNews’ parent company used to be a member of the Manufactured Housing Institute for some 7 years. While Richard “Dick” Jennison was their president and CEO, and when Thayer Long was at the helm at the Institute, responses from them used to be timely and routine. But as MHProNews was provided with certain tips that have been previously published, concerns were raised about Jennison, Lesli Gooch (then EVP, now their CEO), and their apparently misleading and arguably deceptive, paltering, and “Orwellian” communications methods and flawed performance at representing “all segments” of the industry as they claim. Similarly, Darren Krolewski at MHVillage/Datacomp/MHInsider used to respond in a timely fashion, as did others involved at ELS, Clayton Homes, 21st Mortgage Corporation, etc. but not so in recent years as the critiques and exposes of their business practices have ramped up on MHProNews and MHLivingNews. That has been documented via various articles, screen captures, and other evidence supplied via MHProNews and MHLivingNews. That said, it is approaching 5 PM ET on 7.31.2024. The email to the Institute, MHARR, and others named in the prior inquiry in this chat thread was sent at about 10:04 AM ET. Let’s presume for discussion’s sake that the Institute, its attorney Goch and Boyle fail once more to respond, and that MHVillage/MHInsider et al also fail to respond. What does that say about their willingness to be transparent? What does that say about willingness to be accountable for their behavior and actions? How would you analyze that in terms that would be meaningful to investors, industry professionals, affordable housing advocates, public officials, and others? Note that MHARR has responded.
9) There is an evidence-based case to be made that ELS, several Berkshire Hathaway linked brands, and others involved at MHI and/or an MHI state association affiliate are colluding in a semi-apparent scheme to consolidate the industry in an oligopoly style of monopolization. Attorney Samuel Strommen, while at Knudson Law, made a 17-page legal argument with over 130 footnotes (see linked items below). Strommen included references to MHInsider, as well as MHProNews. It is fair to say that MHInsider was viewed by Strommen as a mouthpiece for MHI and the consolidators. Meanwhile, MHProNews was viewed as a source that critically but accurately reflected the realities of why the manufactured housing industry is underperforming.
10) At MHI, there is an apparent “circle fest in a hot tub,” to borrow the colorful phrase used by award-winning CNN veteran journalist turned WMAL pundit Chris Plante. MHI passes out ‘awards’ for “excellence” to firms that may have a problematic record with consumers, with their own employees, etc. They appear to be acting in a way that Copilot previously called Orwellian. Copilot has said, see specifics linked below, that MHI and several MHI insider brands are apparently involved in misinformation and lies. If MHI has a defense to these allegations, they have not offered it publicly to MHProNews’ knowledge, and per prior Copilot searches.
The reason these facts and insights matter are many. Among them, it is arguably impacting the affordable housing crisis. As Cavco ironically said, the drag on the economy is some $2 trillion dollars a year. Since MHProNews has spotlighted that point by Cavco, Cavco ironically dropped that statement from their IR pitch. Are they worried about massive liability? If so, then are others in MHVille also similarly worried, which is why they don’t want to say anything that may only dig a deeper hole than the known evidence currently reflects?
To see this image below in a larger size, depending on your device,
click the image and follow the prompts.
This May 2024 Cavco Industries (CVCO) screen capture reflects that the prominent MHI member firm has for some reason removed this remark that the lack of affordable housing has about a $2 trillion-dollar economic drag on the U.S. economy. The remark itself was arguably accurate, as others have used that figure. So, did Cavco drop this due in part to MHProNews’ fact checks, analysis and reporting that may cause them to think it was problematic for their interests?
To see this image below in a larger size, depending on your device,
click the image and follow the prompts.
11) Real people are being harmed by these apparent problems by the millions. It shouldn’t matter to law enforcement that some of the largest corporate interests are behind the curtain invested in several of these arguably problematic MHI member firms.
To see this image below in a larger size, depending on your device,
click the image and follow the prompts.
12) ELS is hardly the only apparent culprit. See several of the reports linked further below in the Part IV of the MHMarkets report segment, as well as the articles linked above and below, or surf the site and use the search tool for relevant inquiries. MHI has been ducking accountability on this for years, as the items below documented and indicated.
13) This is pattern is arguably harmful to most segments of the industry, even if some of the industry’s insiders think this is somehow a shrewd move. But certainly, among the most harmed are street retailers and those parts of the industry connected to street retailing. See that in several points shown in Part II linked here and the reports linked above and below. MHProNews has been reporting on this vexing problem for years. Where are the rest of the industry’s trade media? Why are they routinely silent on this?
To see this image below in a larger size, depending on your device,
click the image and follow the prompts.
Where is the rest of the manufactured home industry’s so-called trade media in reporting on such substantial issues as the loss of the majority of the street retailer base? Clayton Homes itself has lost dozens of retail ‘stores’ since 2011, which obviously, in their case, was a strategic decision. Clayton certainly had the financial resources to do whatever they want, as Kevin Clayton said Warren Buffett personally conveyed to him. But the relevance and the ripple effects of that loss of retailers are many. For example, why is it a surprise if manufactured housing production has dropped so much since 2000 when the numbers of retailers have been decimated? Regarding independently owned communities, many were not prepared or equipped to deal with the ramifications of losing retailers that had traditionally kept their communities at or near capacity.
Per MHLivingNews, MHProNews and AI-powered Copilot. The data is based on official federal sources.
Table
YEAR | NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PRODUCTION |
---|---|
1995 | 344,930 |
1996 | 363,345 |
1997 | 353,686 |
1998 | 373,143 |
1999 | 348,075 |
2000 | 250,366 |
2001 | 193,120 |
2002 | 165,489 |
2003 | 130,815 |
2004 | 130,748 |
2005 | 146,881 |
2006 | 117,373 |
2007 | 95,752 |
2008 | 81,457 |
2009 | 49,683 |
2010 | 50,056 |
2011 | 51,618 |
2012 | 54,881 |
2013 | 60,228 |
2014 | 64,334 |
2015 | 70,544 |
2016 | 81,136 |
2017 | 92,902 |
2018 | 96,555 |
2019 | 94,615 |
2020 | 94,390 |
2021 | 105,772 |
2022 | 112,882 |
2023 | 89,169 |
To see this image below in a larger size, depending on your device,
click the image and follow the prompts.
14) It ought to be a scandal of historic proportions that MHI and their insider brands have apparently undermined their own industry, all for the sake of industry consolidation by their insiders. The top two brands that dominated manufactured housing before the 21st century once produced more manufactured homes as the entire industry did last year. The so-called ‘historian’ of the industry is a problematic phony who is arguably selling out the independent community operators he claims to care about. Just look at who is sponsoring events he is involved in, isn’t it often the consolidators? The history of the industry is there for anyone willing to do the research to find and report in an accurate and authentic way. If all of the trade publisher in MHVille did so, there could be an upheaval against MHI and/or many of their state association surrogates.
To see this image below in a larger size, depending on your device,
click the image and follow the prompts.
To see this image below in a larger size, depending on your device,
click the image and follow the prompts.
What some may not have considered is if there are “insiders” that means that others are “outsiders.” If someone is not an insider at MHI, then there ought to be concerns that membership at MHI is less about growing the business than it is about being a kind of protection racket that members may recognize puts them in line for selling out to what Marty Lavin called “the big boys” at MHI.
An independent told MHProNews that the way the system is currently operating “They think they own us.”
15) According to WordPress, the bulk of the above was drafted by: July 31, 2024 @ 18:26:36. So, before almost 6:30 PM ET, other than Copilot’s prompt response, no one for ELS, ELS owned MHInsider/MHVillage, or MHI responded; but Mark Weiss, J.D. at MHARR, who sent a message explaining how packed his day was, but that he would aim to provide a comment later in the day (i.e.: on 7.31.2024). True to his word, MHARR’s President and CEO Weiss sent the following to MHProNews which was received at Wednesday, July 31 at 11:38 PM. As noted, by contrast no one at ELS, ELS owned MHInsider/MHVillage, Cavco, or MHI responded.
Here are Weiss’ remarks.
16) Beyond the blows delivered to MHInsider and their allies and leaders at ELS, Cavco, MHI, et al, by Copilot and MHARR’s Weiss, it is worth noting that MHInsider failed to cite the research published by the influential Lincoln Institute and zoning law expert, Daniel R. Mandelker, J.D. His remarks are addressed in reports published by MHProNews in the item linked here and below. By accident or design, Mandelker observed that an organization was needed by manufactured housing to advocate and litigate. In his thesis, Mandelker cited Clayton Homes, but not MHI. Because zoning is a post-production issue, it should fall to MHI to litigate and advocate, as ex-MHI VP and MHARR founding president and CEO Danny Ghorbani observed. Ghorbani and MHARR have said that litigation is needed. Not just saying that it was needed, in 2019 MHARR offered to team up with an MHI state association affiliate. See MHARR’s statement linked below on that point. In essence, Mandelker acted as if MHI didn’t exist. Perhaps that is karma, as MHARR mentions MHI on several occasions, but MHI has scrubbed the public side of their website of mention of MHARR?
17) Much more could be said about zoning. How it disproportionately harms blacks and minorities, which MHI postured being the champion of, but when given the opportunity to help an actual Black family and Black Mayor Pro Tem who asked for MHI’s help, gave only lip service in return.
MHProNews has documented several cases of MHI failing to intervene in local zoning issues when asked.
18) MHProNews and MHLivingNews have carefully documented numerous concerns and opportunities. Research reports have been published by third-parties that were carefully analyzed. ELS owned and MHI ‘endorsed’ MHInsider did none of that, and despite Bill Boor’s posturing before Congress just over a year ago, what happened in the wake of his words in the way of substantive action? Nada. Zoning is a post-production issue. MHI claims to represent “all segments” of the industry, but they are failing on the zoning issue.
19) ELS announced that they had to disavow previous guidance as investigations were made public. Will ELS owned MHInsider correct their error-prone content and begin to issue the proper disclosures in the wake of these revelations?
Time will tell. But as thousands of now defunct retailers can tell you, MHI apparently failed to do what was needed after the MHIA was enacted. It isn’t a multiplicity of meaningless posturing and words that MHI, MHInsider, ELS, Cavco, Clayton Homes, et al need to do more of now. Rather, what is needed is concrete action and corrections of apparently misleading, and perhaps materially so, statements and behaviors.
20) Everyday is a new opportunity to change from what doesn’t work, or what works mainly in favor of a few consolidators, to a renewed vision that a few at MHI, and which MHARR, MHProNews, and MHLivingNews have consistently championed. What notorious MHI member Frank Rolfe ironically and apparently revealed is that even consolidators aren’t necessarily happy with what MHI has been doing.
21) MHProNews has consistently and persistently pressed these issues that MHI and several of their insiders have arguably attempted to duck. Ducking, head fakes, posturing, and smokescreens from MHInsider or others in the MHI-linked trade media orbit won’t change the reality that dozens of factories are gone that once provided affordable housing in far greater numbers in the past than is sadly true now. This has ripple impacts on consumers, who need affordable housing and are suffering from predatory behavior. That in turn generates negative publicity for the industry, which hurts the honest retailer, the honest community operator, the honest producers – those who are not trying to manipulate the system to their own selfish benefits.
22) The fact that MHI has memory holed even some of their own prior presidents and CEOs ought to be alarming and a cautionary tale. MHI once awarded periodic critic Lavin with one of their highest awards. If someone criticizes MHI, or fails to properly tow the party line, are the blackballed or worse? It would appear so.
23) A new day is dawning. The clarity of just how problematic the behavior of MHI insiders are for the industry as a whole ought to be increasingly obvious. MHARR has consistently and persistently shown where MHI failed, but it must be recalled that MHARR also worked with MHI to get the MHIA enacted into law. MHARR is pragmatic and goal-oriented. It has not been mentioned for some time that while Jennison was still president and CEO, there was a call for MHI and MHARR leaders to work out the obvious kinks. MHI’s leaders – that ironically named MHInsider champions – have charted a specific course.
As Weiss was quoted above: “Federal law, under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, overrides — i.e., preempts — conflicting state or local law. And federal law, as set forth in the Manufactured Housing improvement Act of 2000, specifically provides that state and/or local “requirements” that impair federal superintendence of the manufactured housing industry are preempted under the “broad” authority conferred on HUD by the Act.”
On paper, MHI seems to agree, but does nothing. That is why the terms paltering, posturing, and propaganda seem so appropriate.
While litigation against MHInsider/ELS, MHI and their “insider” members by public officials and/or private interests may be warranted and could produce a trove of useful insights and information, what is already known is sufficient. ELS owns MHInsider. as Copilot confirmed in Part I above. ELS is on the MHI board as Copilot also confirmed. If anything, a case can be made that Microsoft owned Copilot has a bias in favor of such insiders, because it is owned by an interest that has stocks in Berkshire Hathaway. As MHProNews has previously pointed out, and Copilot did not dispute, William “Bill” Gates III, the Gates Foundation, and Buffett have long and deep ties. Buffett and Clayton have obvious influence at MHI, as Doug Ryan boldly and publicly pointed out. Instead of working with MHARR to get enhanced preemption enforced, MHI is blatantly working with the competitors of the industry. You simply can’t make this story up, but reality is proving once again to be stranger than fiction.
24) MHProNews editorially does not speak for MHARR, or any other party, other than ourselves. We do however, accurately share the statements of views of others, and then carefully peel those back to see if they are consistent with subsequent behavior or not. There is an evidence-based argument to be made that MHI’s leaders are either psychotic, schizophrenic, stupid, or deviously clever – take your pick. We don’t think that they are stupid. If they have a mental illness, other evidence might mitigate that concern. Which leaves the notion that MHI is deliberately behaving in ways that limit the industry and benefit those insiders that believe that limiting the industry fosters consolidation. That may be strange thinking, but it is also supported by the evidence.
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25) Let’s be editorially clear. Consolidation does not have to be a dirty word. M&A’s doesn’t have to be per se evil. There is a right (legally and morally) and a wrong way (legally and morally) to do almost anything.
That said, when the consolidators are so busy stirring up muddy waters it simply can’t, or shouldn’t, be ignored. Creating negative news seems to be part and parcel of the M.O. That negative news harms the industry that they have said for some 20 years they would promote but have utterly failed to do.
26) Kevin Clayton said it. Their notion of a moat is a sort of club or weapon that can be used to disable competitors. Clayton cited Warren Buffett. The problem is, that at least on paper, DOJ’s current antitrust official says that they are looking at moats in their antitrust enforcement concerns.
27) There is always more to know. At least one more report will follow this which is planned that will focus on still more facts and insights from and about ELS. Stay tuned for that, which may be ready by next week.
That said, much that the above is sufficient to draw to a close to this segment of the report with this reminder from Copilot. In fairness, let’s note that Copilot has to be checked for potential errors. But one should keep in mind that innately, artificial intelligence and computers should yield a logical answer. When an error is pointed out to Copilot, in our published tests for over a year, Copilot has often confirmed the error and then made the logical corrections. An example of that is shown below, where Copilot began by praising the faux efforts, until they were pointed out to be posturing and paltering. One key is evidence and patterns of behavior and point out the failure to effectively push, or in the example above entirely fail to mention, a law that MHI was involved with MHARR in getting into law. See the dialogue from Copilot, which at this point stands publicly unchallenged by ELS, by ELS owned MHInsider, by Boor/Cavco, or MHI at this time, among others. See the statements by Copilot in Part I and the quoted remarks at the base of the following images.
28) What MHI (and their surrogates) are not doing is what is “crucial” says Copilot. “If MHI is genuinely committed to advancing the industry, consistency advocacy for existing laws should be a priority.” ELS owned MHInsider failed to even mention that existing law, the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 (MHIA or 2000 Reform Act) and its “enhanced preemption” provision. ELS considers NIMBYism and zoning restrictions to be to their benefit, it says so on their own slide. UMH’s leaders (the Landys) disputed that notion with evidence. Years before the Landy’s said so, MHLivingNews pointed out that bipartisan Minnesota researchers found that developing (or redeveloping) with manufactured homes were more cost effective than developing or redeveloping with multifamily housing. The advantages that manufactured housing has are being undermined by some of the very people that ought to be its champions. Strommen warned about it. James Schmitz and his colleagues have spoken openly about sabotage monopoly tactics. When MHI’s CEO Gooch had an opportunity to simply agree with Schmitz on an area of common ground, she instead attacked him, why?
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29) The California ADU effort is revealing what preemption could look like for Manufactured Housing, if it were enforced. MHProNews reported it clearly on that basis, while others in the MHI orbit did not. This too was missed by ELS owned MHInsider’s ‘zoning report’ shown in Part II above. Our MHLivingNews sister site did the math which showed that manufactured housing could skyrocket as a result of proper preemption enforcement, based on the ADU state-level preemption experience.
30) Investors that are trusting the insiders at MHI are arguably making a mistake. MHProNews has stated that there are publicly traded firms that are not engaging in the kinds of predatory and harmful-to-consumers and the industry tactics that so many of MHI’s insiders are. UMH, Legacy Housing (LEGH), and Nobility Homes are among those that per fact checks and Copilot have not engaged in the kinds of behaviors that caused antitrust and other litigation to blossom against several (not yet all) of the MHI insiders.
To learn more, see the corporate specific reports linked in Part IV today further below, or the linked reports above. The screen capture for the page from MHInsider that documents no mention or disclosures of their being owned by ELS and the conflicts of interest, with the potential legal/deceptive communications concerns that flow from that is linked here. If ELS, MHInsider, Cavco’s Boor, MHI or others respond as MHARR’s Mark Weiss did, MHProNews can use it in the planned follow up report. Stay tuned.
Part IV
Our Daily Business News on MHProNews stock market recap which features our business-daily at-a-glance update of over 2 dozen manufactured housing industry stocks.
NOTICE: following the TPG deal with CAPREIT, TPG has been added to our tracked stocks list below.
This segment of the Daily Business News on MHProNews is the recap of yesterday evening’s market report at the closing bell, so that investors can see-at-glance the type of topics may have influenced other investors. Our format includes our signature left (CNN Business) and right (Newsmax) ‘market moving’ headlines for a more balanced report.
The macro market moves graphics below provide context and comparisons for those invested in or tracking manufactured housing connected equities. Meaning, you can see ‘at a glance’ how manufactured housing connected firms do compared to other segments of the broader equities market.
- In minutes a day, readers can get a good sense of significant or major events while keeping up with the trends that may be impacting manufactured housing connected investing.
MHProNews note, bold emphasis added below.
Headlines from left-of-center CNN Business – 7.31.2024
- Instagram just permanently zapped some people’s photos
- Key takeaways from the latest Fed meeting
- Travelers wait to board their delayed flight at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Airlines has canceled and delayed hundreds of additional flights as problems from the outage caused by the Crowdstrike software update continue into a fifth day.
- Delta CEO lashes out at CrowdStrike: This cost us $500 million and they offered us nothing
- Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell announces that interest rates will remain unchanged during a news conference at the Federal Reserves’s William McChesney Martin building on June 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. Following the two-day Federal Open Markets Committee meeting Powell said the Fed has decided to keep their current rate range of 5.25-5.50 percent and signaled that it believes long-run rates will stay higher than previously indicated.
- Fed opts to hold interest rates steady — but a cut could be coming in September
- Bill Ackman, chief executive officer of Pershing Square Capital Management LP, speaks during an interview for an episode of “The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations” in New York, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.
- Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square USA withdraws US IPO
- Boeing 777 freighters and 777X under construction at its Washington state factory.
- Boeing names new CEO after losses more than triple
- IHOP, Denny’s join value menu wars to win back price-conscious consumers
- Boeing timeline: Inside the air giant’s turbulent journey in recent years
- Home finances
- What to do — and what not to do — now that the Fed is signaling lower rates
- StubHub tricks people with ‘bait-and-switch’ pricing scheme, DC attorney general alleges
- Ex-BBC presenter Huw Edwards pleads guilty to having indecent images of children
- Let them eat lobster! France spent over $500,000 on a state dinner for King Charles
- A major change is coming to Taco Bell drive-thrus
- Why Americans are snubbing McDonald’s and Starbucks
- Spirit Airlines, known for no-frills flying, will offer business-class seats
- Black journalists group faces member backlash over Trump speaking invitation
- It’s not the end of the world if the Fed doesn’t cut rates
- Starbucks sales tumble as customers reject high-priced coffee
- Norah O’Donnell to step down as anchor of ‘CBS Evening News’ for new role
- ‘Junk fees’ for school lunches can hit 60 cents for every dollar a parent spends, agency says
- Bill Ackman won’t raise anything close to what he planned for his hedge fund IPO
- Elon Musk said Tesla robotaxi skeptics should try ‘full self driving.’ A Wall Street analyst nearly crashed
- ChatGPT is getting chattier with ‘advanced voice mode’
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Headlines from right-of-center Newsmax – 7.31.2024
- Iran Orders Direct Retaliatory Strike on Israel
- Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered Iran to strike Israel directly in retaliation for the killing in Tehran of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, sources told The New York Times. [Full Story]
- Israel at War
- Netanyahu: ‘Will Exact Heavy Price’ for ‘Any Aggression Against Us’
- Iran Orders Direct Strike on Israel | video
- Body of Hezbollah Military Leader Found in Rubble
- US Urges Citizens to Avoid Traveling to Lebanon
- Oil Up on Fears of Escalating War in Middle East
- Blinken: US Not Involved in Killing of Hamas Leader
- Abbas Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Haniyeh Assassination
- Qatar, Egypt: Assassinations Damage Gaza Truce Hopes
- Israeli Wounded in Judea Terror Attack
- Israel Buoyant After Hamas Leader Killed in Iran
- Who Was Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh?
- West Bank Palestinians: Haniyeh Killing Won’t Affect Fight
- Newsmax TV
- Michael Waltz: Trump Shooter May Have Had Help
- Blaine Holt: ‘Israel Has Taken on a New Tack’ | video
- Marsha Blackburn: Stand With Israel v. Axis of Evil | video
- Joyce: ‘Outsourcing’ Doesn’t Absolve Secret Service | video
- Matt Schlapp: Trump-Harris Debate Would Be ‘Intergalactic’
- Laurel Lee: House Will Ensure ‘Accountability’
- Walid Phares: Israel’s Reach Shown in New Strikes | video
- James Lankford: Many Questions on Trump Shooting | video
- Mark Halperin: Gov. Shapiro Leads Veepstakes | video
- Bill O’Reilly: Too Soon to Clean House at Secret Service | video
- Newsfront
- New McLaughlin Poll: Trump Leads Kamala
- The new national survey ending July 29 shows former-President Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris 47% to 45%… [Full Story]
- 3 9/11 Suspects Agree to Plea Deal
- The man accused of plotting the Sept. 11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh [Full Story]
- Russian Prisoners Missing Amid Prisoner Swap Talk
- A lawyer for Paul Whelan, a U.S. Marine veteran jailed in Russia on [Full Story]
- Related
- Jailed UK National Moved to Unknown Location in Russia
- Hawaii Gov: $4 Billion Wildfire Settlement Coming
- Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday the parties in Lahaina wildfire [Full Story]
- Bright Newsmax Roars Ad Lights Up Times Square
- On Tuesday 3 Times Square featured Newsmax on its iconic digital [Full Story]
- Trump Questions Harris’ Identity Politics on Race
- Donald Trump challenged Kamala Harris’ identity politics on race [Full Story] | video
- Related
- Trump Fires Back at Black Journalist on ‘Rude’ Introduction
- Harris’ Stepdaughter’s SS Detail Arrests Man
- Secret Service agents assigned to Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of [Full Story]
- RealClear: Acting SS Director Denied Trump Security
- Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe had a direct role in [Full Story] | video
- Related
- FOIA Requests Tied to Trump Shooting Denied
- United Auto Workers Union Endorses Harris
- The United Auto Workers union on Wednesday voted to endorse Vice [Full Story]
- Silicon Valley Billionaires Pledge Support for Kamala
- More than 100 venture capitalists including entrepreneur Mark Cuban [Full Story]
- US Agrees to Arm F-16s for Ukraine
- The United States has agreed to outfit dozens of F-16 fighter jets [Full Story]
- Related
- Ukraine Receives First F-16 Fighter Jets to Bolster Defense
- Russia Begins 3rd Round of Tactical Nuclear Drills
- Cotton Targets Iranian Election Interference
- Tom Cotton, R-Ark., introduced the Unmasking Networks of Virtual [Full Story]
- Gold Climbs 1.2 Percent as Fed Hints at Early Rate Cut
- Gold prices extended gains Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chair [Full Story]
- S&P 500, Nasdaq Rise on Chip Rally, Fed Rate Cut Signal
- The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished higher Wednesday as chip stocks [Full Story]
- Trump Floats Axing Social Security Tax for Seniors
- Former President Donald Trump floated the idea of axing the tax that [Full Story]
- Fed’s Powell Says Disinflationary Factors Broadening
- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the overall [Full Story]
- Disney Eliminating 2 Percent of Jobs in Its TV Division
- Walt Disney is eliminating 140 jobs, or 2% of the staff, at Disney [Full Story]
- US Urges Citizens to Avoid Traveling to Lebanon
- The Biden administration on Tuesday urged U.S. citizens not to travel [Full Story]
- Maduro Under Pressure, Seeks Election Audit
- Venezuela’s President Nicols Maduro said he asked the country’s [Full Story]
- Related
- Fmr Green Beret Arrested for Failed ’20 Venezuela Coup
- Venezuelan Protesters Oppose Maduro Victory Claim
- Mexico Won’t Participate in OAS Meeting on Venezuela
- Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh Dead in Airstrike in Iran
- Hamas’ top political leader was killed Wednesday by a predawn [Full Story] | video
- Kari Lake Wins GOP Primary for Arizona Senate Race
- Kari Lake won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Arizona on [Full Story] | video
- Related
- Hamadeh Leads Masters in Arizona GOP House Primary
- Former PayPal Pres. Switches Parties, Backs GOP, Trump
- David Marcus, former president of PayPal and VP of Messaging Products [Full Story]
- Netanyahu: ‘Will Exact Heavy Price’ for ‘Any Aggression Against Us’
- Israel will respond forcefully to any attack on it, Prime Minister [Full Story]
- Fed Holds Rates Steady, Nods to Possible September Cut
- The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady Wednesday but opened [Full Story]
- Ban on Foreign Chip Part Exports to China Omits Allies
- President Joe Biden’s administration plans to unveil a new rule next [Full Story]
- Trump: Harris Disrespected Black Journalists
- Former President Donald Trump slammed Vice President Kamala Harris [Full Story]
- Appropriations Process Remains Messy in Congress
- Getting spending bills passed through Congress remains a Herculean [Full Story]
- US Suspends $95M in Aid to Georgia After Passage of Foreign Agent Law That Sparked Protests
- US Suspends $95M in Aid to Georgia After Passage of Foreign Agent Law That Sparked Protests
- The Biden administration on Wednesday suspended $95 million in U.S. [Full Story]
- GOP Ad: Harris’ Foreign Policy Dangerous
- A Republican PAC released a new video ad that labels Vice President [Full Story]
- Biden Calls for Bigger Penalties, More Controls to Fight US Fentanyl Crisis
- President Joe Biden called for larger penalties for drug smugglers [Full Story]
- Blinken: US Not Involved in Killing of Hamas Leader
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday the United States [Full Story]
- More Newsfront
- Finance
- Fed Holds Rates Steady, Nods to Possible September Cut
- The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady Wednesday but opened the door to reducing borrowing costs as soon as its next meeting in September as inflation continues coming into line with the U.S. central bank’s 2% target…. [Full Story]
- Related Stories
- Fed’s Powell Says Disinflationary Factors Broadening
- S&P 500, Nasdaq Rise on Chip Rally, Fed Rate Cut Signal
- Gold Climbs 1.2% as Fed’s Powell Hints at Early Rate Cut
- First Interest Rate Cut in 4 Years Likely on the Horizon
- Nvidia Shares Surge 13%, Lift Valuation a Record $330B
- Meta Second Quarter Earnings Pop 73%, Stock Rises 4%
- China Becoming a Peer Military Competitor on AI
- We Can Do Better on Student Loans Than Write-Offs
- More Finance
- Health
- Eating Processed Red Meat Raises Dementia Risk
- Skip the bacon and those holiday hot dogs: A new study finds eating processed red meats raises your odds for dementia. Overall, just two servings per week of processed red meat was linked to a 14% rise in dementia risk, compared to folks who ate less than three servings per…… [Full Story]
- What Your Pee Can Reveal About Your Health
- 1 in 3 US Adolescents Getting Mental Health Treatment
- Australia Launches Landmark Peanut Allergy Treatment
- Early Menopause May Increase Breast Cancer Risk
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