First, a programming note on the rapidly approaching Standing Room Only Business Building Seminar Series on March 28, the afternoon before the industry’s largest trade show – the Tunica Manufactured Housing Show. Dennis Hill’s latest brochure, updates on Tunica are linked here.
Next, For the Record…
Odds are, you are here because you want growth, more honest business, more ethical profits, believe these are attainable, and are willing to consider a viewpoint other than someone’s ‘party line’ to achieve those goals.
While we don’t claim to speak on this blog for anyone other than ourselves, we routinely share concepts shaped by the inputs of a range of industry professionals. Meaning, we don’t operate in a vacuum, bubble, or ivory tower.
We work day-by-day with front-line operations in retail, communities, production, lending, and others in manufactured housing via our consulting and business development services.
So, while we’re known for being #1 in manufactured housing trade publishing, we make most of our revenue by helping professionals like you grow your business. That also means we’re not held hostage to those who might try to use ad dollars to undermine the MH “Industry’s News, Tips and Views Pros Can Use.“ ©
When the Masthead publishes any editorial column, we routinely provide references and cite facts. We realize that our credibility is built one story, one post at a time. We’re happy to field thoughtful questions and to provide responses, which may be private and/or public.
An MHI member asked us to publish MHARR’s budget, as an Apples to Apples comparison to MHI’s previously published budget. See that suggestion/request below – and the comparisons, as requested.
- Comparing MHI and MHARR, “Apples to Apples”
Tony,
“OFF RECORD
It is all about perception. If you are going to single one organization, out you will be perceived with typical media bias. I strongly suggest that you present the same info on MHARR as you have done on MHI. Another point in consideration is the current economy of each organization could be different from a few years ago. I believe comparing apples to apples will product more of an impact. Who remembers what you printed about MHARR a few years ago. I don’t, do you remember the specifics? Probably not.”
Typos are in the original, and by “product,” it clearly means ‘produce’ “more of an impact.”
The MHI member’s message above, and another prior to this one quoted above, was a request that makes good sense. So, we’re happy to be fair and balanced on this, or any other matter. We want to be responsive to all perspectives, as much as is practically possible (given time or other constraints).
Let me stress anew, that MHI is routinely given an opportunity to express themselves.
As background, let’s note that I explained to the quoted writer/MHI member above in the first message exchange that we had already published the MHARR budget on a prior occasion.
Keep in mind that MHI claims to (from MHI website, Supplier’s Division page):
“MHI is the only national organization representing all segments of manufactured housing industry.”
Compare that to what MHARR states as their focus (from their recent emailed news release).
“MHARR is a Washington, D.C.-based national trade association representing the views and interests of independent producers of federally-regulated manufactured housing.”
Here’s where some of our industry colleagues who publish opinion columns miss the factual boat on MHARR. MHARR does not, and never has to date, claimed to be all things to all segments of the industry. By contrast, MHI does make that claim.
So, when MHARR is tackling an issue that goes beyond the immediate interests of a member producer of HUD Code homes, they are going over-and-above their mission.
That said, here are both the info published about Richard A. “Dick” Jennison and the SVP for Government Affairs (lobbyist) at MHI and one about Danny Ghorbani and M. Mark Weiss at MHARR from the same year, each one following the other.
Compare MHI and MHARR Expenses
As was noted in the 400-word executive summary, linked here, MHI gets about 6-7 times the budget that MHARR does. Our reporting was accurate.
Ask yourself and answer the following. Among the national associations, MHI alone claims to represent all aspects of manufactured housing.
Did they meet their publicly promised goal of passing Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing in the 2015-2016 Congressional session? Note that as recently as this past weekend, our operation has supported that effort, but let’s be candid – they’ve clearly failed to hit that objective.
MHI claims to ‘have clout,’ at doing precisely what in Washington, D.C.? Has MHI been able to get Pam Danner to budge at HUD over the on-site completion rule? Did MHI get DOE to modify their proposals? Why has an award-winning MHI retailer come out in support of MHARR’s positions, rather than MHI’s?
Believe me, I get it that members of a club – one that does offer useful networking – don’t want to see their club questioned.
But which is more important to the industry, or even to MHI members? To have ‘a feel good moment,’ or to actually accomplish something in Washington, D.C. that could yield billions more in profits for the industry? To me, this is a no-brainer. Or as a popular speaker, writer, and active association pro has said:
“There’s nothing mean or villainous about stating the truth.
In fact, most appreciate it when you do.”
– Kurt Kelley, JD, manufactured housing industry veteran, financial services provider.
All things considered (pardon the NPR pun), who is doing what for the industry – and at what cost/benefit – at the national association level, MHI or MHARR?
“We Provide, You Decide.” ©
Other Timely Items…
For the latest, and most popular and comprehensive industry news, see the Daily Business News.
For MHI award-winning retailer, Doug Gorman’s take on what MHI’s position should be on Pam Danner, please see that column by Gorman, linked here. ##
(Image credits are as shown above.)
