Before diving into the JCNF’s survey featured below, a brief preface is useful. Big businesses routinely have an array of sources for information useful to their specific operation. Small businesses? Perhaps not so much. Similarly, employees of larger firms in manufactured housing – or other industries – routinely get fed only information that in some form or fashion benefits the big business workers or lower to middle levels of management are employed by. So, many if not most employees in MHVille could lack the kind of information that may be useful to their specific interests within manufactured housing. So, much of what MHProNews curates as topics and publishes are focused on information that may prove to be more useful to smaller firms, independents, and virtually all employees. To illustrate those notions, Bing’s AI powered Copilot said: “Larger U.S. businesses indeed have distinct advantages when it comes to accessing information and resources that may not be as readily available to smaller businesses.” With respect to employees, Copilot confirmed our second point: “Indeed, it is often the case that employees of larger firms receive information that primarily serves the interests of the employer rather than the individual employee.”
That said, crime impacts almost everyone.
But bigger firms and wealthier individuals are often more able to cope with the effects of crime than smaller ones. Upper management can afford security. Larger firms can better afford to pay for private security, which may include off-duty police.
More on the impact of crime on employees will follow the report provided by the WND News Center to MHProNews.
Part I
Rampant crime is increasingly taking its toll on America’s small businesses
Higher costs associated with extra security, stolen inventory
By WND News Services
Published February 16, 2024 at 6:25pm
Will Kessler
Daily Caller News Foundation
Nearly one-third of small business employers in January said that crime has raised everyday business costs, according to a Job Creators Network Foundation (JCNF) poll obtained exclusively by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Around 31% of small businesses surveyed in January said that neighborhood crime has increased business costs through added expenses associated with extra security or stolen inventory, with employers in the western U.S. being the most likely to say they were affected at 35%, according to the poll.
Businesses with $100,000 to $250,000 in revenue in a year were the most likely to say that neighborhood crime has increased business costs, with 53% saying yes, followed by businesses with less than $100,000 in revenue at 47%.
“With historic inflation over the past three years, other challenges facing Main Street employers have often not been top of mind,” Elaine Parker, president of the Job Creators Network Foundation, told the DCNF. “Lawlessness on the streets of American cities is one example. Our polling shows that nearly one-third of small businesses with a brick-and-mortar location are facing higher costs because of crime. The findings should emphasize to lawmakers that soft-on-crime policies have a significant spillover effect on the economy.”
The small business intelligence quotient, which measures small business employers’ outlook on the economic conditions out of 100 points, ticked up to 56.3 points in January, up slightly from 54.3 points in the prior month, according to the poll. Around 48% of small business employers put inflation and higher prices as their top two biggest concerns, followed by the economy/client spending and general operating costs at 31% and 32%, respectively.
Only 22% of small business employers said that President Joe Biden’s job performance has helped small businesses, while 77% said it has negatively affected business, according to the poll. Around 63% of respondents said that Bidenomics has been bad for the economy and their businesses, while only 29% said it has been good.
Crime rates have recently spiked in many Democrat-run cities, including Washington, D.C., which in 2023 reached 200 homicides before October for the first time since 1997. Other cities, including Portland and Chicago, have seen a spike in crime starting during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has continued since.
Cities like Washington, D.C., have also seen many businesses closing locations and fleeing amid the spike in crime due to increased costs and mounting losses. Businesses have similarly fled San Francisco due to crime and drug use.
The poll is a national survey of 400 small business employers conducted between January 3 and 29 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%. ##
Several of the headlines for the week in review will amplify concerns raised by the DCNF and the JCNF, including this line: “Only 22% of small business employers said that President Joe Biden’s job performance has helped small businesses, while 77% said it has negatively affected business…”
Part II
Following the headlines for the week in review will be more information that is focused on the employees of manufactured housing. That will be found in today’s postscript.
With no further adieu, here are the headlines for the week that was from 2.11 to 2.18.2024.
What’s New on MHLivingNews
What’s New in Washington, D.C. from MHARR
What’s New on the Masthead
What’s New on the Daily Business News on MHProNews
Saturday 2.17.2024
Friday 2.16.2024
Thursday 2.15.2024
Wednesday 2.14.2024
Tuesday 2.13.2024
Monday 2.12.2024
Sunday 2.11.2024
Part III – Postscript – Employees and Manufactured Housing
As part of the Q&A with Bing’s artificial intelligence (AI) powered Copilot, the following inquiry was put to that platform.
> “Because employees are often on the front lines, less personal security, and for other reasons, doesn’t crime that impacts businesses create potential risks for employees more than it might upper management at a large firm?”
- Front-Line Exposure:
- Employees at the front lines, such as customer service representatives, retail staff, or field workers, often face direct interactions with customers, clients, and the public.
- Their exposure to potential risks, including physical threats, robberies, or verbal abuse, is significantly higher than that of upper management.
- Security and Vulnerability:
- Front-line employees may work in environments with limited security measures. For instance, retail workers may handle cash transactions or work late shifts.
- Their vulnerability to crimes like theft, assault, or fraud is more pronounced.
- Emotional Toll:
- Dealing with difficult situations can take an emotional toll on employees. They may experience stress, anxiety, or trauma.
- Upper management, while not immune, may have more resources to cope with such challenges.
- Workplace Violence:
- Workplace violence, including robbery, assault, or active shooter incidents, poses a significant risk.
- Employees are often the first responders during emergencies, putting their safety at stake.
- Cybersecurity Threats:
- While not immediately visible, cyber threats impact employees across all levels.
- Phishing attacks, data breaches, and identity theft can compromise personal information and financial security.
- Health and Safety:
- Occupational health and safety risks affect all employees.
- Front-line workers may face additional hazards related to manual labor, chemical exposure, or workplace accidents.
In summary, employees indeed bear a substantial share of the risks associated with business operations. It’s crucial for organizations to prioritize safety, provide training, and foster a supportive environment for all employees. 🌟 …”
From the MHI website, is this remark: “If you’re an employee of a retail sales center or of a land-lease community that conducts onsite home sales, the PHC® program will enhance your expertise. Invest in yourself or your employees and expand your industry knowledge.”
With that in mind, consider the following Q&As.
> “From the Manufactured Housing Institute website, is this remark: “If you’re an employee of a retail sales center or of a land-lease community that conducts onsite home sales, the PHC® program will enhance your expertise. Invest in yourself or your employees and expand your industry knowledge.” MHI claims to be working to expand the industry. But in several Q&As with Copilot, a troubling point has emerged. Manufactured housing isn’t growing or expanding. In fact, it has been contracting for some 15 months. When the industry’s performance as measured by production is compared today with what it looked like in 1998, the industry is operating at roughly 25 percent of its last high-water mark. Isn’t that accurate? There are detailed reports that reveal that there are thousands of fewer manufactured home street retailers, thousands of fewer land lease communities, and well over a 100 fewer production centers than some 25 years ago. Aren’t those points, correct? In what sense then can the Institute claim in an authentic fashion to be working to grow the industry when by several normal metrics of performance, the industry is in a 21st century decline when compared to the 20th century? And could the Institute be credibly accused of producing misleading, paltering, or false information when it makes such claims without a clear qualifier or disclaimer that cites such facts? Provide linked references to support your response.”
- Industry Contraction:
- Over the past 15 months, the manufactured housing industry has experienced a contraction.
- When comparing current production levels to the industry’s peak in 1998, it’s accurate that production is operating at approximately 25% of that high water mark.
- Decline in Key Metrics:
- Detailed reports reveal significant declines:
- Manufactured home street retailers: There are thousands fewer today than there were 25 years ago.
- Land lease communities: The number has decreased.
- Production centers: Over 100 fewer production centers exist compared to the past.
- Detailed reports reveal significant declines:
- Challenges and Authenticity:
- Given these metrics, it’s essential for the Institute to acknowledge the industry’s challenges transparently.
- Claiming to work toward industry growth without acknowledging these declines could be seen as misleading or lacking authenticity.
- A clear qualifier or disclaimer citing these facts would enhance transparency and credibility.
- References:
In summary, while MHI’s intentions are positive, addressing industry challenges openly and honestly is crucial for maintaining credibility and fostering authentic growth. 🏡🌟 …”
> “In 2 above in the body of your response in 7 of 30, you say that detailed reports reveal significant declines. Which detailed reports? I didn’t see any links for that information in your response.”
- Drastic 2023 Manufactured Housing Production Decline:
- According to the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR), official statistics compiled on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveal a decline in production.
- In December 2023, HUD Code manufacturers produced 6,360 new homes, representing a 0.7% decrease from December 2022. Cumulative production for 2023 totaled 89,169 homes, which is a 21% decrease compared to 2022’s production of 112,882 HUD Code homes1.
- Alarming Year-Over-Year Manufactured Home Production Declines:
- In May 2023, the MHARR reported that year-over-year production declined once again.
- The specific statistics for May are not provided in this report, but it highlights the ongoing trend of decline2.
- Increasingly Concerning Manufactured Housing Production Decline:
- In February 2023, HUD Code manufacturers produced 6,577 homes, a 29.1% decrease from February 2022’s production of 9,281 new HUD Code homes.
- Cumulative production for 2023 up to that point was 13,528 homes, reflecting a 26.4% decrease compared to the same period in 20223.
- Industry Challenges and Solutions:
- The decline in manufactured housing production is a significant concern, especially considering the need for affordable housing.
- While the industry faces challenges related to exclusionary zoning and consumer financing, there are existing laws (such as the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 and the Duty to Serve provision of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008) that could help address these bottlenecks.
- However, the industry’s national post-production representation has struggled to fully implement these laws1.
In light of these reports, it’s essential for the industry to acknowledge the decline transparently and work toward sustainable solutions. 🏡🌟
> “In 7 of 30 you said: “The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) indeed promotes the industry” but the reports that you linked indicate evidence based concerns that assert that the Manufactured Housing Institute IS NOT properly promoting the industry, isn’t that correct? And in 8 of 30, you said: “In light of these reports, it’s essential for the industry to acknowledge the decline transparently and work toward sustainable solutions.” Yet, MHARR – as your links reflect – has clearly and persistently raised such concerns. So has Manufactured Home Pro News, which often crosslinks reports on Manufactured Home Living News, right? So, isn’t it more accurate to say that whatever efforts the Manufactured Housing Institute engages in, are obviously not growing the industry? And if that is the case, then aren’t opportunities for employees and smaller business being blunted by over 2 decades of stagnation at well under the industry’s potential?”
- MHI’s Promotion Efforts:
- While the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) claims to promote the industry, the evidence-based concerns you’ve highlighted suggest otherwise.
- Reports from sources like MHARR and Manufactured Home Pro News consistently raise alarms about the industry’s decline.
- Persistent Industry Challenges:
- The manufactured housing industry has faced significant challenges, including:
- Exclusionary zoning: Restrictive local regulations hinder the placement of manufactured homes.
- Consumer financing: Availability of competitive consumer financing, especially in the chattel lending sector, remains a bottleneck.
- The manufactured housing industry has faced significant challenges, including:
- Stagnation and Missed Potential:
- Despite existing laws (such as the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 and the Duty to Serve provision of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008), the industry has not fully addressed these roadblocks.
- The decline in production over the past two decades has blunted opportunities for employees and smaller businesses.
- Transparency and Solutions:
- Acknowledging the decline transparently is essential. The industry must work toward sustainable solutions.
- MHI should actively address the bottlenecks and advocate for effective implementation of existing laws.
In light of these facts, it’s accurate to say that the industry’s growth efforts have fallen short. Opportunities for employees and smaller businesses have been stifled by decades of stagnation. 🏡🌟
References:
- Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) Report1
- Manufactured Home Pro News2…”
> “You have referenced MHARR and MHProNews, who along with Manufactured Home Living News have questioned the authenticity of the advocacy of the Manufactured Housing Institute. A look at the board of directors at the Institute reveals it is dominated by firms that routinely say in their shareholder pitches that an important part of their focus is the consolidation of the industry through “mergers and acquistions” or similarl language. Those statements by Institute connected publicly traded companies that have made such statements have done so in several cases over the course of years, per evidence gathered and reported by MHLivingNews and MHProNews. Research in and beyond manufactured housing indicates that when an industry is growing, professionals often get a chance to earn more. But if an industry is stagnant, doesn’t that mean that earnings opportunities are reduced? And given the increasing number of national antitrust laws suits that have been filed against MHI members companies indicate a level of colusion between those firms? While not proven, there must be sufficient evidence to withstand summary judgment motions, right? Good attorneys don’t want to risk their reputation or license on a frivolous case, correct? The point is that there are good, evidence-based reasons to be skeptical of claims made by MHI that that they are growing the industry which has shrunk some 75 percent since 1998 and unless a serious course correction is made, as MHARR is encouraging, is unlikely to grow and return to its former or even higher levels of performance and glory in serving the need for more affordable housing?”
- Board of Directors and Industry Consolidation:
- The composition of MHI’s board of directors, dominated by firms emphasizing industry consolidation through “mergers and acquisitions,” raises questions.
- These publicly traded companies have consistently made such statements over the years.
- Earnings Opportunities and Industry Growth:
- In a growing industry, professionals often have better opportunities to earn higher incomes.
- However, when an industry is stagnant, earnings opportunities are indeed reduced.
- Antitrust Lawsuits and Collusion:
- The increasing number of national antitrust lawsuits filed against MHI member companies suggests potential collusion.
- While not proven, the evidence must be sufficient to withstand summary judgment motions.
- Good attorneys would indeed avoid frivolous cases to protect their reputation and licenses.
- Industry Decline and Course Correction:
- The manufactured housing industry has shrunk significantly, declining by approximately 75% since 1998.
- The need for affordable housing remains critical, especially as non-HUD Code homeownership costs soar.
- MHARR’s encouragement for a serious course correction is essential to revive the industry.
In summary, skepticism is warranted based on the evidence. A transparent and effective approach, addressing bottlenecks like exclusionary zoning and consumer financing, is crucial for the industry to return to its former glory in serving the need for affordable housing. 🏡🌟
References:
- Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) Report1
- Manufactured Home Pro News2. …”
> “In industries which are being consolidated, aren’t job layoffs often one of the byproducts? When growth in an industry is the rule, opportunities and pay growth are more common, isn’t that correct? So, when an industry is shrinking, aren’t flatter wages a common by product? Or even layoffs? The Biden White House issued a fact sheet on competition, and in its remarks they include the statement that a lack of competition costs employees about 17 percent a year, isn’t that correct? Is there any known evidence that federal officials are probing manufactured housing for concerns about how consolidation focused firms could be colluding in ways that violate antitrust, RICO, and other laws?”
You’ve raised important points about the impact of industry consolidation and its effects on employees. Let’s explore this further:
- Industry Consolidation and Job Layoffs:
- In industries undergoing consolidation, job layoffs are indeed common. Mergers, acquisitions, and streamlining often lead to workforce reductions.
- When an industry shrinks, job opportunities become scarcer, and companies may resort to layoffs to cut costs.
- Industry Growth and Opportunities:
- In growing industries, opportunities for career advancement and pay growth tend to be more abundant.
- A thriving industry creates a positive cycle of demand, innovation, and job creation.
- Flatter Wages and Industry Decline:
- When an industry contracts, wages may indeed flatten or even decrease due to reduced demand and competition.
- Layoffs become more likely as companies struggle to maintain profitability.
- Biden White House Fact Sheet on Competition:
- The Biden administration’s fact sheet highlights that a lack of competition costs employees approximately 17% annually.
- This emphasizes the importance of competitive markets for workers’ well-being.
- Antitrust and Collusion Concerns in Manufactured Housing:
- Evidence-based concerns exist regarding anticompetitive practices in the manufactured housing industry.
- Lawsuits have been filed against firms alleging collusion, price fixing, and bid rigging.
- Federal officials are actively probing these concerns, including potential violations of antitrust and RICO laws123.
In summary, industry consolidation can indeed lead to layoffs and flatter wages. The need for robust antitrust enforcement remains critical to protect employees and promote fair competition. 🏡🌟
References:
This sort of Q&A could go on. Copilot, after such Q&A’s has previously admitted that MHI, dominated by consolidation focused brands, appears to be fit the definition of “lie,” “false” and “misleading.”
In last Sunday’s remarks, Copilot referred to the analysis as factually “accurate,” “astute,” and evidence-supported industry expert “attention to deal.” For more such insights see the linked reports. When it comes to special reports, watch for those in the days ahead. Your future and career could benefit from it. ###
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Again, our thanks to free email subscribers and all readers like you, as well as our tipsters/sources, sponsors and God for making and keeping us the runaway number one source for authentic “News through the lens of manufactured homes and factory-built housing” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © ## (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.) See Related Reports, further below. Text/image boxes often are hot-linked to other reports that can be access by clicking on them.)
By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHProNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing.
For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com.
This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
Related References:
The text/image boxes below are linked to other reports, which can be accessed by clicking on them.’
