A breath of fresh air passed from Washington, DC to the parts of the country tuned into manufactured housing related issues. HUD notified Congress on March 5th of the appointment of Pamela Beck Danner, JD, as the new Career Administrator for their Manufactured Housing Program. MHI sounded off publicly on March 6th with their welcome, as did colleagues, other association members and MHProNews.

On March 7th, MHARR sent out a welcome to Pam Danner that simultaneously protested to HUD the fact that she was appointed as a career, rather than a non-career administrator, per their understanding of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act (MHIA) of 2000.

Here are some of the-on-record comments shared about Pam Danner:

• “Being a past Administrator of the program makes Pamela well positioned to move us forward. Along with the rest of the industry, I welcome her back and look forward to working with her in the years to come.” – Nathan Smith, SSK Communities and Chairman of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI).
• “Ms. Danner will come to the table with a full plate of issues. Running her own law firm for the past two decades, her extensive industry background, and her prior HUD experience will enable Pamela to juggle and prioritize all of the pending matters before HUD. The selection of an excellent candidate to fill this important role is a major accomplishment for MHI and our members.” – MHI President and CEO Richard “Dick” Jennison.
• “Pam is a good lawyer who thoroughly knows the HUD manufactured housing program. I always enjoyed working with Pam and know the program will be in good hands. Congratulations and good luck to her.” – Bill Matchneer, former head of the manufactured housing program at HUD and recent CFPB official.
• “I’ve known Pamela for many years. She brings strong leadership skills and knowledge of the industry that is much needed at HUD right now.” – said Joe Stegmayer, Chairman and CEO of Cavco Industries of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Stegmayer also served as a previous Chairman for MHI.
• “From our past association, including your earlier tenure with HUD, and especially from working together to enact the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000, we know that you are thoroughly familiar, not only with the law and the federal program, but with the industry itself and its unique attributes…That said, in the interests of full disclosure and fairness to you, while MHARR is very pleased that you have been named to this position and we will do our utmost to work with you to advance the objectives of this unique program, the 2000 reform law mandates the appointment of the program administrator on a non-career basis.” – Danny D. Ghorbani, President and CEO Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR).

Whew! What a comparison between the simple, warm welcomes from MHI and others, to the 'Gee, welcome, we think you are qualified, but HUD should have made you a non-career administrator' message from Mr. Ghorbani.

Think that's an exaggeration?

Here is, word for word, including the use of all caps, the headline from one of Danny Ghorbani's email accounts. "MHARR WELCOMES NEW PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR — WILL CHALLENGE HUD CHANGE TO LAW."

As a writer, you just can't make this stuff up and think it would be believable.

Doesn't this underscore some of the concerns shared by a number of industry pros quoted in the report, MHARR's Mission “Improve Relations…”…?

Danny, thank you for once again making the point for us.

Simple Questions plus Off the Record on Pam Danner

We'll ask a simple set of questions. If you were Ms. Danner, which of these styles of messages would likely yield the more open door for an organization? The many warm messages from MHI members or colleagues? Or the greetings from MHARR's CEO?

Which would make you want to meet with the sender?

Shifting gears…

Off the record, there were a range of other messages, mostly along the lines of the following:

• Sorry, don't know (or barely know) the lady. Let us know more.
• Echoing the warm welcomes shared in the quoted messages above, to this completely enthusiastic quote;
• “This could be the best thing for the industry to take place in years!”

MHProNews sent Ms. Danner a welcome and congratulations message Thursday. Pam and I spoke briefly about pleasantries in DC last month and have seen each other from time to time at MHI events.

For those who remember the Manufactured Home Merchandiser Magazine, Pam used to pen a popular column called the Grassroots Report, which was a recap of some news from various state associations.

MH Experts and "Suits!" Boost YOU

When it comes to experts, you find more expert writers and attorneys – "suits!" – here than all other 'national' MH Industry publications combined. To grow, learn more, avoid land-mines, or defend your business or career, this is the online premier place that pros come for ideas and insights for their team.

We also bring the interviews you won't find elsewhere. Those interviews from industry leaders and seasoned veterans yield insights, inspiration and ideas that can advance your career or business. Please see the 18 featured articles for March, found on the home page, immediately after our ever-popular Daily Business News modules.

Business Building Events!

Tunica is shaping up well! 85 homes, over 100 exhibitors, mixers, networking, free educational panels, and seminars are all in tap. Click the Tunica Show link to learn more, or here to register online free.

MHI's Congress and Expo is also roaring ahead, up – per our sources – 10% over last year! Lots of details, here, or register online for the industry's largest information/educational/networking meeting of the year.

Those who go to such events, routinely are the ones who grow. Who says? See what other industry leaders say in the videos linked here.

Full house at the Louisville Show business building seminars.

Dominate YOUR Market

Speaking of business building, please check out this Cutting Edge of Marketing and Sales post to learn more, to earn more!

We hope to see you later this month in Tunica, we will be at booth #14H by the Seminar Room in the convention center's main hall. Please stop by to say hi. Our enthusiastic little guy and his lovely mom will be there. ##  (Image credit, Google Images)

L. A. 'Tony' Kovach
ManufacturedHomeLivingNews.com | MHProNews.com |
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