Business and profit building education has always been one of the many benefits of membership in state and national associations. When we say that an association exists to protect and promote the industry, that's true. One of the ways those goals are accomplished is precisely through educational workshops, seminars, symposiums and events tailored for manufactured housing owners, managers and professionals.
This year, at the 2012 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show, thanks to the support and vision of the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation executives, Chairman Ron Thomas, Sr and with support from Dennis Hill at Show Ways Unlimited, we arranged a series of 'business building' seminars. Top professionals from coast to coast were presenting facts as part of our business-building forums.
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.
In addition, the MMHF extended invitations to MHI Chairman and Cavco/Fleetwood CEO Joe Stegmayer and MHARR Chairman and Sunshine Homes CEO John Bostick. While Mr. Bostick was unable to attend due to a conflict, Mr. Stegmayer attended and spoke in positive terms about both national organizations. Joe further emphasized the importance of state associations, as being the place where 'all politics is local' intersects between Industry members and their Congressional and U.S. Senate representatives.
Dick Ernst, who moderated a finance forum on manufactured housing lending, insightfully commented on the wide array of financing options that are available today. This is an important message, as so many are under the mistaken notion that there is a 'lack' of third party lending options for fee simple or personal property (home only/chattel) lending.
My team and I routinely heard from manufacturers, exhibitors and attendees that the overall tone from those at the event was positive. Not many think we are 'out of the woods' yet. But clearly well over a thousand industry professionals (actually, over 1500 pros came this year to the Show!) who came to Louisville believe that we can help guide our destiny and can shape our future.
Having the timely, useful and positive information is part of that mix!
Part of our mission at MHProNews.com from the beginning has been to support associations and to support Industry professionals through articles, news and more recently through live business building workshops, seminars and discussions. Having now topped 90,000 visitors in December 2011, averaging some 700,000 page views monthly and with over 2 million 'hits' monthly, you and thousands of others are finding daily value right here.
Those numbers continue to grow. Our growth can be your growth too.
The combination of online information and live information and events is powerful. An industry leader told me and others at the end of the Show that we can't wait for printed material any more. Events move too quickly. We need the speed of the Internet to get news and information out fast to Industry members.
Just as we learned the ABCs or 1-2-3s in school not by listening or reciting it once, but going over and over the same material many times, new information typically must be heard more than once to be effective. That's why advertisers don’t just run an ad once! They repeat the ad until enough customers 'get it.'
Bob Thieman, CAE and executive director for the Illinois Manufactured Housing Association is the most recent person to share a kind word in recommending via LinkedIn our work in manufactured housing:
Details of the Recommendation: "Tony and his company are leading the way for manufactured housing to enter the 21st century. He and his staff have put together remarkable educational programs and marketing that are ahead of the time and benefit the industry greatly."
I thank Bob and dozens of others who have been so kind to recommend our work, and want to particularly note that 'our work' is much more than Tony. MHProNews has 5 others besides myself involved in the day-by-day work, plus the many who graciously volunteer their skills at submitting helpful articles in their areas of expertise every month.
The vision from day one was to have a platform that brought good people together so that the Industry could grow as a result. As another state executive director has said:
"Tony really is pulling the MH industry together with thoughtful comments; suggestions; ideas on key topics that need addressing at the local, state, regional and national level. I applaud the work that you are doing…as the network grows, & grows & grows. You are an inspiration, with timely ideas and follow-through. Keep up the great work!" ~ Mary McBrady, Executive Director, MMHA Mass Manufactured Housing Assn.
All industry's and professions have and need trade media. We are pleased to be your choice – the Industry's run away first choice – in trade publishing for factory built housing. But it is vital to remember that we are ALL part of this effort! When you read, when you write a column that shares your knowledge or insight, then we all benefit.
We can all win.
In 2011, I was very pleased to be a part of seminars, trade show events and symposiums in various parts of the U.S.. MHI, 3 state associations and 3 trade shows (8 presentations in all) invited me to be a part of their 'moving ahead' business growth mix. Certainly, there are a number of others who are well qualified to bring their expertise to bear for the benefit of the Industry's members. This is what happened at Louisville!
That is a formula for Industry success! Your skills and experiences, that of others who share their time and talent here, blended together at live events or through online trade media. Everyone involved wins.
Needless to say, we tip our hats and thank all of those advertisers and sponsors who make this business building platform possible.
Working together with forward looking Industry professionals, let's make 2012 the year of the great Industry turn-around. Knowledge and information freely shared – Education – within our ranks as professionals is part of the key. # #
post by
L. A. “Tony” Kovach, MHM
www.MHProNews.com
www.MHMarketingSalesManagement.com or www.MHMSM.com
Innovation – Information – Inspiration for Industry Professionals
Office – 815-270-0500
latonyk@gmail.com or tony@mhmsm.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
