MHI Chairman Joe Stegmayer Honored with 2011 Jack E. Wells Memorial Award

On Thursday, March 15th, MHI Chairman Joseph “Joe” Stegmayer was presented with the California Manufactured Housing Institute’s (CMHI’s) prestigious Jack E. Wells Memorial Award during CMHI’s annual awards dinner. The Jack E. Wells Memorial Award was first presented in 1950. Jack Wells, through his company, co-sponsored the J. E. Wells Company, Inc. Annual Award. Jack Wells was twice the President of The Trailer Coach Association (TCA). Following his death in 1971, the Board of Directors of TCA decided that the award would then be known as the Jack E. Wells Memorial Award. It is presented to a person who has demonstrated long-term outstanding services to the association and the manufactured housing industry. The recipient is selected by a committee of past recipients for steadfast commitment and productive leadership on behalf of the industry.

Joe Stegmayer becomes the 62nd recipient of this revered award. Joe is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cavco Industries, Inc. headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The company is one of the largest in the systems built construction industry with 15 manufacturing plants in nine states. It produces a diverse product line of factory built homes, vacation cabins and commercial buildings. In 2009, the company acquired the operations of Fleetwood Homes of Riverside, California. Fleetwood, which has produced and sold more than 1.3 million homes since its inception 60 years ago, operates as a subsidiary of Cavco. Last year the company acquired the assets of Dallas, Texas based Palm Harbor Homes. Joe joined Cavco in 2000 and has extensive experience in the housing industry. Previously he was President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Clayton Homes, Inc. Prior to entering the housing business, Joe was executive vice president and a director of a multi-billion dollar global steel manufacturing company.

Stabenow Amendment to Extend the ENERGY STAR Tax Credit for Manufactured and Modular Homes Defeated in the Senate

On Tuesday night, the proposed Stabenow amendment to the Senate’s surface transportation reauthorization legislation (S. 1813) that would renew the Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit (I.R.C. 45L) was defeated in the Senate. The Stabenow amendment deadlocked at 49-49. A total of 60 ayes were needed for the measure to pass. Click here to view the vote count.

The opposition was lead by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) who wanted many of the renewable and clean energy incentives sunsetted. Proponents of the tax incentives will now have to revise their legislative approach to extend the tax credits beyond 2011. MHI is committed to working with lawmakers, including Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Finance Chairman Max Baucus of Montana and Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, to find an alternative to extend the New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit for manufactured and modular homes.

Specifically, the Stabenow amendment would have extended the new energy efficient homes tax credit, the efficient existing homes tax credit, the efficient appliances tax credit, the renewable energy production tax credit, and the offshore wind investment tax credit. The New Energy Efficient Home Credit (I.R.C. 45L) for manufacturers who build energy efficient homes expired on December 31, 2011.

Manufacturers who build ENERGY STAR homes were eligible to receive a $1,000 tax credit while modular home builders were eligible to receive a $2,000 tax credit by exceeding the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by 50 percent.

If your Senator voted in favor of the measure please contact him/her to personally thank them for their support. MHI is urging members to continue to lobby their Representatives to act to extend the New Energy Efficiency Home Tax Credit beyond 2011.

Contact information for Senate and House offices are available at:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm and

http://www.manufacturedhousing.org/government_affairs/find_congress.asp

CFPB Issues SAFE Act Exam Procedures

On March 12th, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued examination procedures for individuals regulated under the SAFE Act. The CFPB assumed jurisdiction over the SAFE Act on July 21, 2011 which was one of more than a dozen existing regulations the Bureau inherited from other federal agencies as outlined in the Dodd-Frank Act. The examination procedures identify the background and requirements of the SAFE Act and the SAFE Act regulation concerning federal registration. Click here to view the examination procedures.

RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum Board of Directors Announces New President and COO

On March 14th, the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum’s board of directors announced it selected industry-veteran Darryl Searer as president and chief operating officer (COO).

Searer of Ultra-Fab Products, Inc, and Hall of Fame member (Class of 2008) is former treasurer & Hall board member. Chairman of the Board Bill Garpow said, “More than 50-years experience in the industry and his years of devotion to the RV/MH Hall of Fame makes Searer an ideal candidate to bring the Hall of Fame out of its financial crisis and lead it into the future. We were especially pleased that Searer only agreed to accept the appointment on a non-compensated, voluntary basis.

The RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum also announced that it has restructured its financial obligations with its secured investors and is now on a path to long-term stability, thanks primarily to the generosity of the family of longtime benefactor Boots Ingram (deceased).

Enjoy 18 Beautiful Holes of Golf During the 8th Annual Oliver Technologies, Inc. Golf Open on April 10th During the Congress & Expo

We are pleased to announce that Oliver Technologies, Inc. has graciously offered to sponsor a golf tournament to raise funds on behalf of the MHI-PAC Administrative Fund. The tournament is a great place to broaden your networking contacts and to expand your business by providing an unparalleled opportunity to discuss past and future business prospects in a relaxed atmosphere. Golfers have a chance to win $10,000 cash in the Hole-in-One competition.

Promising plenty of challenges for novice and seasoned golfers alike, the 8th Annual Oliver Technologies, Inc. Golf Open is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Complimentary transportation will be provided to registered golfers. Prizes are awarded to the top teams and boxed lunches are provided to all golfers. The tournament is limited to the first 80 paid players. Click here for registration material or email rbevington@mfghome.org.