According to the MHI/NCC event website on this date: “MHI’s goal is to ensure all individuals on site—attendees, staff and venue personnel—remain healthy, safe and comfortable throughout the event. We are monitoring area COVID-19 status and working in partnership with the team at the Marriott and local authorities.” Really? In fairness, significant detail was provided on Covid19 and related. But there is not one word on this date that warns about rising and dangerous crime. Yet CBS local news and other local media are specifically warning about rising dangerous crime on the Magnificent Mile. The Mag Mile is where the MHI/NCC event is being held.
This report and analysis will provide herein:
- The health and safety page warnings, which does not include an mention of crime and the risk of crime in increasingly violent Chicago, where there is per other media reporting an expectation of fewer cops on the beat when the event is scheduled to occur.
- A video from local news sources that spotlight the crime rise in Chicago.
- Per CBS on October 20, 2021: “CHICAGO (CBS)— Chicago Police have issued a formal warning after continued robberies on and around the city’s Magnificent Mile, at a time when stores continue to leave while others fight to stay in business after big pandemic hits.”
- “CBS 2’s Tara Molina reports that retail leaders say the problem is so bad, that new business is hesitant to move in. That hesitation stems not only from the continued retail theft and robbery issue here, and across the city, but the perception that the city isn’t a safe place to be right now.”
- The content of the MHI/NCC meeting agenda on this date. Their claims will be contrasted against recent reports involving evidence that debunks MHI’s speaker claims, or casts those presentations in a different and unfavorable light.
- Additional linked information and resources.
Facts and evidence matter. MHProNews reported early into the 2020 declared ‘pandemic’ that an increasingly ‘head I win, tails you lose’ economy was ahead for independents. That projection has proven to be accurate.
MHProNews also shed light on why these meetings are important to MHI and their dominating brands. Set the meeting agenda entirely aside. What matters most to many is the opportunity to meet with independents who may be coaxed into selling to one of MHI’s dominating brands.
That has since proven accurate based upon claims by Flagship Communities, which includes in its leadership former MHI Chairman Nathan Smith. Other MHI member companies have said similar.
Indeed, try to find a report by MHProNews and/or MHLivingNews that has been proven to be inaccurate in recent years? Our track record for accurate presentation of facts, related evidence, accurately quoted statements, and providing possible contrary views (eg: showing MHI’s claims below, and then showing the counter-evidence) makes us stand alone in the industry’s trade media. Like the reports or not, the facts, evidence, and track record speaks for themselves.
Let’s oversimplify before proceeding.
A) MHI, and/or their NCC division, can’t have it both ways. If they are effective – they’ve used the phrase, “Got Clout?” – then why have they been unable to get pro-manufactured housing existing laws fully implemented?
B) The MHI/NCC meeting agenda items below often relate to those laws that they have been unable for some 13 and 21 years to get implemented. Why pay to attend a “prop” meeting where they make claims about issues that they admit are still outstanding? Restated, they are self-contradictory.
C) Items linked below their agenda will demonstrate what is arguably their authentic agenda. That agenda? Consolidation of the industry into the hands of their dominating brands. Everything else is a mix of true, half-true, or untrue comments and claims that are part of the “deception and misdirection” needed to cover their authentic agenda of consolidation. Evidence for that from two firms connected with their former chairmen will follow.
That said, this report will show the following.
- CBS News local video about rising crime and danger in the very part of the city that the meeting is being held.
- The MHI/NCC health and safety content on this date (10.21.2021). There is no apparent mention of the word “crime.” There is no mention of apparent risk of robbery, assault, theft, injury, or death by murder in a city where there have been ‘record’ increase in crime in the last year.
- “The number of shootings and homicides in 2021 continues to outpace 2020’s rates, new crime data released by the CPD on Friday shows, as Chicago has now seen 2,726 shootings and 616 homicidesthrough the first nine months of the year.” That’s per WTTW on Oct 1, 2021.
- “In the last week alone, there have been 39 reports of sexual assault in the city, according to Chicago police. Since the beginning of 2021, there have been 1,024 reported sexual assaults, a large increase from the 840 reported through this date in 2020.” Jul 12, 2021, per NBC Chicago.
- MHI NCC meeting agenda.
- Reports that challenge MHI’s claims
- Reminder that MHI and their corporate leaders and outside attorneys have repeatedly ducked debate of the evidence based allegations against them.
Magnificent Mile: More Trouble For Area That Was Once A Crown Jewel Of American Retail
Quoting from the MHI NCC Meeting Page Info, under Health & Safety Tab
Health and Safety
MHI’s goal is to ensure all individuals on site—attendees, staff and venue personnel—remain healthy, safe and comfortable throughout the event. We are monitoring area COVID-19 status and working in partnership with the team at the Marriott and local authorities. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recommendations on how to protect yourself against COVID-19 and review the current health and safety protocols in Chicago.
Please note: Registrations for the 2021 event are on a first come first serve basis. Should the event require additional social distancing and a need to place a capacity on the program, MHI reserves the right to cancel event registrations in the order of which they were received.
MHI is committed to the health and safety of all attendees. NCC Fall Leadership Forum attendees agree to abide by and engage in certain safe and healthy conduct while attending the event. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing a mask at all times in public areas, social distancing, where appropriate, and not attending the event if you are ill or have been recently exposed to COVID-19. Please note that current guidelines in Chicago require the use of masks in indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. More information on Chicago guidelines can be found online.
As a reminder, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please do not attend the 2021 NCC Fall Leadership Forum.
- Fever
- Temperature over 100.4 F
- Loss of taste or smell
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Venue and Accommodations
Our host venue, the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile, maintains its Commitment to Cleanliness, which provides in-depth details on how the hotel plans to facilitate a healthy, safe and secure environment on site for all participants.
Travel and Transportation
We are staying up to date on all travel guidelines, considerations and restrictions from national and local authorities. Please click here to see current travel restrictions/requirements by state. If flying, please note that masks/facial coverings are required within the Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports.
See what action TSA is taking in response to COVID-19.
See what major U.S. airlines are doing by visiting their websites:
For COVID-19 pandemic resources, visit the CDC website.
For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to events@mfghome.org. ##
So, note that there is no warning apparent there about crime or the dangers of contemporary Chicago. Keep our motto in mind: “We Provide, You Decide.” ©
Next is MHI NCC Agenda/Schedule, per their website. This will be followed by evidence that will shed light on these statements and claims. Linked items in brackets are from MHProNews that reflect on the questionable MHI claims.
Event Schedule
Schedule as of October 20, 2021, subject to change. Events will be held in Central Time and will be not be recorded.
| Monday, November 8 | |
| 4:30 PM | Registration Desk Opens |
| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Welcome Reception |
| Tuesday, November 9 | |
| 7:45 AM | Registration Desk Opens |
| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM | Welcome and How Manufactured Housing is Central to the Administration’s Plans to Address the Affordable Housing Shortage Speaker: Lopa Kolluri, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Housing/Federal Housing Administration at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentPresident Biden and Congress have declared that manufactured housing is a top priority as they seek to address the country’s affordable housing shortage. Manufactured Housing has been discussed at Congressional hearings and is top of mind for policymakers as they look to expand financing options and reduce zoning and financing barriers to this affordable homeownership option. Hear from the Administration, including specific actions it is taking to boost the supply of manufactured housing. [MHProNews Note: HUD Sec Fudge said something that contradicts this MHI Claim: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/hud-sec-marcia-fudge-zoning-manufactured-homes-until-we-start-to-address-this-we-are-going-to-continue-to-be-perpetually-in-this-kind-of-situation-news-analys] |
| 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Keynote Address Speaker: Steven Schaub, President and CEO, YES Communities [ Yes! Communities & MHI “Tricks of the Trade.” https://www.manufacturedhomelivingnews.com/tricks-of-the-trade-manufactured-housing-institute-award-winner-yes-communities-threatened-disabled-grandmother-current-on-lot-rent-with-eviction-local-attorney-c] |
| 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Networking Break |
| 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Overcoming Zoning Challenges to Successfully Build Communities Speakers: Sam Landy, President, UMH Properties, Inc.; NCC Division Vice-Chairman Bill Raffoul, Director, Capital Investements, Sun Communities, Inc. Manufactured homes serve many housing needs in a wide range of communities, but zoning and land planning ordinances often hinder its availability. Hear planning and development techniques from industry experts who are successfully navigating these unique challenges. [MHProNews Note: If MHI knew how to overcome zoning challenges then why is there even a session needed to discuss this topic? It is obviously self-contradictory. Additionally, MHI’s own statements to HUD indicate that zoning challenges are a problem. Two useful reports: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/ghorbani-nails-zoning-answers-to-how-and-who/ and https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/masthead/hud-has-failedmanufactured-housing-manufactured-housing-institute-cavco-exec-hits-hud-failure-to-enforce-manufactured-housing-improvement-act-enhanced-preemption/ are two examples.] |
| 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Today’s Landscape for Financing MHCs Speakers: Owen Breheny, Managing Director, Lument; James Bologno, Managing Member, Woodstone Consultants, LLC; Matt Herskowitz, Vice President, Wells Fargo; Nick Miller, Freddie Mac A robust market for financing manufactured housing communities (MHCs) is critical as the industry seeks to elevate attainable homeownership. In the last decade we have seen increased financing options for MHCs, including through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Hear about current financing trends and opportunities for MHCs as well as emerging rules that could impact your financing strategy. [MHProNews Notes: call any commercial lender for manufactured housing or visit their website to learn this information, without paying a meeting fee or travel costs. Additionally: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/masthead/pimple-on-an-elephants-ass-shell-game-l-a-tony-kovach-manufactured-housing-institute-manufactured-housing-assoc-for-regulatory-refo/] |
| 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM | Networking Lunch [MHProNews Note: These are the events where the powers that be behind MHI/NCC – i.e. the consolidators – seek to make deals with attendees. But deals can be made without travel and without the ‘pressures’ that arguably exist at such events.] |
| 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | National Legal Trends to Watch Moderator: Patrick Revere, Marketing Content Specialist, MHVillage / Datacomp Panelists: Jody Gabel, Partner, Lutz, Bobo & Telfair P.A.; James Milano, Member, Weiner Brodsky Kider PC; John Pentecost, Shareholder & Managing Partner, Hart King Rent control. Emotional support and service animals. Fair housing complaints. Resident protections. Do you know what is happening at the local, state, and federal level that could impact you? These industry attorneys take a deep dive into trends in legislation and regulators that are impacting land-lease communities. [MHProNews Note: It is self-evidently often MHI member firms that are causing the drive for rent control and resident protections. This is like the arsonist giving a lecture on arson related issues. See: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/masthead/tangled-web-deception-and-misdirection-havenpark-capital-havenpark-communities-fannie-mae-manufactured-housing-institute-displaced-inc-mhaction-w/ ] |
| 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Networking Break [MHProNews Note: These are the events where the powers that be behind MHI/NCC – i.e. the consolidators – seek to make deals with attendees. But deals can be made without travel and without the ‘pressures’ that arguably exist at such events.] |
| 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Rental Assistance for Communities Speaker: Jennifer Schwartz, Director of Tax and Housing Advocacy, National Council of State Housing Agencies (Virtual presentation) Learn how states are implementing their rental assistance programs and how residents and community owners can access these funds. [MHProNews Note: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/expose-new-manufactured-housing-institute-letter-documents-rental-housing-promo-apparently-at-odds-with-mhis-claimed-mission-exposes-mhi-board-members-staff-to-legal-issues-exc ] |
| 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM | Advancing Manufactured Housing Issues in Washington Speaker: Dr. Lesli Gooch, CEO, Manufactured Housing InstituteThe demand for increasing the affordable housing supply has reached a fever pitch in Washington, as the President and Congress seek to expand the American Dream of homeownership and promote fair housing opportunities for all. It is a time of opportunity for the industry and MHI is conveying the importance and benefits of manufactured housing communities as policymakers seek ways the federal government can support the production of more affordable housing across the country. Get an update on the recent actions MHI has taken on behalf of the industry and how MHI is ensuring the industry is well-positioned to be part of federal considerations abut addressing our nation’s housing challenges. |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Networking Reception [MHProNews Note: These are the events where the powers that be behind MHI/NCC – i.e. the consolidators – seek to make deals with attendees. But deals can be made without travel and without the ‘pressures’ that arguably exist at such events.] |
| Wednesday, November 10 | |
| 7:45 AM | Registration Desk Opens |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast [MHProNews Note: These are the events where the powers that be behind MHI/NCC – i.e. the consolidators – seek to make deals with attendees. But deals can be made without travel and without the ‘pressures’ that arguably exist at such events.] |
| 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Managing Resident Relations During a Time of Crisis Speaker: Jim Ayotte, Executive Director, Florida, MHAWhether it’s a health pandemic, a natural disaster or inclement weather, community owners and operators are on the front lines working to serve their residents quickly, effectively and safely. From recovery and cleanup operations to assisting residents, community operators are the first point of contact for their residents. Learn best practices and approaches that are successful for keeping residents informed about the latest developments and actions your community is taking to help them recover. [MHProNews note: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/masthead/not-rocket-science-after-flak-fmha-ayotte-attack-exposes-tim-williams-21st-kevin-clayton-joe-stegmayer-cavco-manufactured-housing-institute-mhi-ridiculous/ ] |
| 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Networking Break [MHProNews Note: These are the events where the powers that be behind MHI/NCC – i.e. the consolidators – seek to make deals with attendees. But deals can be made without travel and without the ‘pressures’ that arguably exist at such events.] |
| 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Using Data to Tell Your Story to the Media Speaker: Megan Booth, Senior Vice President of Policy, Manufactured Housing Institute; Molly Boyle, CEO & Executive Producer, Front Porch Media Group International Land-lease communities play a vital role in providing affordable housing throughout the country, but bad actors and negative media coverage have created a narrative that has the potential to undermine your business and homeowner equity. MHI’s Senior Vice President of Policy Megan Booth will discuss the research and tools MHI has developed to help members. Then, join media expert Molly Bolly, CEO of Front Porch Media, to learn how to utilize these resources to tell your story to create a positive perception of land-lease communities among the media. [MHProNews note: this one is almost laugh out loud outrageously self-contradictory. IF MHI were doing their job, then why would there be any need for telling the industry’s story to the media? See reports like those linked: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/we-need-a-national-campaign-now-wv-housing-institute-wvhi-leaders-said-to-manufactured-housing-institute-mhi-celebrate-defeat-of-anti-mh-zoning-initiative-too-plus-manufactur/ ] |
Additional Links to Reports That Shed Different Light on MHI Speakers and Claims
More Crime Reports by Local Media
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No doubt, some will attend. For those who do, extreme caution is warranted. Who says? Local news reports, citizens, public officials, including the police.
Ask yourself, why did MHI fail to mention this in their meeting pitch? Who do they care about?
Several of the major community operators that are consolidators have their offices in the Chicago metro or are a short flight or drive to Chicago. Independents that can’t be dissuaded from selling to an MHI NCC member brand can find a safer way that paying to go to what is arguably their Chicago industry propaganda and consolidation fest.
Summary and Conclusion
We at MHProNews have finished 12 years and are now into the start of our 13th year of publishing. Our aim has always been to promote ethical industry growth that should and could be robust. MHI can’t deny that the industry is operating at only a fraction of the 1998 high. Since then, good laws have been passed that were supposed to foster growth. MHI claims that they are working to implement those laws. They admit that those laws are not implemented. In short, MHI can’t have it both ways. The case has be made that MHI leaders are working for consolidation, and all else is window dressing. MHI’s repeated unwillingness to address those concerns publicly speaks volumes.
Here at MHProNews, and on our sister MHLivingNews sister site, as well as in more planned outreaches to mainstream media and public officials, we will continue to tackle those forces that are the apparent root issues that harm industry independents, consumers, taxpayers and most groups save the consolidators. With God’s help, one step at a time, will move the needle ahead. Stay tuned for what’s next.
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Stay tuned for more of what is ‘behind the curtains’ as well as what is obvious and in your face reporting that are not found anywhere else in MHVille. It is all here, which may explain why this is the runaway largest and most-read source for authentic manufactured home “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.
