It is Monday afternoon as I draft this blog post and three topics are ‘hot’ on Industry people’s minds. In no particular order of importance, the first is what direction will the leadership change be at MHI. The second is about the Industry turn-around plan known as the MH Alliance/Phoenix Project. The third is a growing interest to the Louisville MH Show in 2012.
MHI and Related
The bulk of the reported activity on the MHI leadership change is focused on the list ‘in play’ by 10 people not yet published by us. Sources want anonymity, which we always respect. Even naming some of the names could indirectly reveal the source, thus our over-abundance of caution.
That said, the word still is that by the end of the month of October, MHI’s board leaders want at least an interim replacement lined up. The preference is to select a person who can become a permanent replacement to Thayer Long who is reportedly leaving to work for another non-MH association.
One of the published names has provided mixed signals, according to various sources. This we should read as possible interest, but there are personal items to navigate before ‘getting to yes.’ That said, there are a number of sources who say ‘that candidate is not happening.’
A related key question beyond ‘who’ is ‘what and how?’ As one observer commented to MHProNews, will this be a “Thayer II” style-consensus builder? Or will the replacement be someone with an agenda to target a set of desired results and shake things up in an effort to move the Industry boldly ahead?
When asked the above question, another top industry figure replied, ‘we need both.’ We can’t afford to alienate a faction of the Industry, which is already shaky. Nor can we afford to accept the status quo, which has been a recipe for a steady decline that will likely accelerate once Dodd-Frank rule-making goes into effect.
Another common concern relates to the question, does MHI have the necessary resources to accomplish its mission?
Yet another concern is that multiple esources tell MHProNews that another MHI staffer is said to be considered leaving.
Still More MHI related
Unrest among some NCC members is one reason why discussion of a National State of the Asset Class III (NSAC 3) meeting this winter is in play. There may be some interest in holding such a meeting at/during the Louisville MH Show. With many seminars designed for MH community owners – as well as retailers – plus the most product and services under one roof, turn out is expected to grow from last year’s 970 total attendees, plus exhibitors. That could allow for a related meeting of potentially hundreds of small to mid-sized MHC owners to see first hand what the NCC is about and why those small-to-mid sized owners would want to be involved.
That will be explored in the days ahead.
Industry Turn Around effort, MH Alliance
The numbers participating and requesting the GoToMeetings (small group webinars) briefings and discussions on the MH Alliance continues to grow. An article updating the issue is available here. One point that should be emphasized is that discussion for a turn-around effort is growing, and there is a level of frustration among some that more is not being done. As one seasoned leader commented, “Tony, the MH Alliance is the only serious effort that is even being discussed.”
Louisville 2012.
The homes, exhibits and seminars for Louisville’s 2012 Show are an item of growing interest. With PMHA canceling their show for 2012, retailers, community owners, vendors and suppliers from the Mid-Atlantic states are inquiring, along with more people from last year’s well attended event.
The fact is that Louisville and Tunica were the best attended events in 2011 that will return, overshadowing attendance at MHI’s Congress and the Tulsa Show. That said, organizers for the Tulsa Show have made a bold move to an early March date that should significantly grow attendance.
There is little doubt that the Big Four events for 2012 will be (by date) Louisville, Tulsa, Tunica, and MHI’s Congress. What could be a major win for all concerned would be for more collaboration among regional states to rally around their closest Manufactured Home trade show venue, that and/or teaming up with MHI or the NCC could create even more momentum for the shows organizers, exhibitors and attendees.
The energy at Louisville was high last year, and that interest and energy are building even earlier this year. Some manufacturers are bringing more inventory than last year, another good sign. Numerous factors already noted make Louisville a magnet for those who want to start 2012 off right. More information is available at these two links below.
www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/featured-articles/1848-louisville-manufactured-housing-show-2012-
http://www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/component/banners/click/81
I look forward to sharing a report from the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association’s Power Conference in the days ahead! The link below will tell you about part of what you missed, until it comes to a location and meeting near you!
www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/component/content/article/1840
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L. A. ‘Tony’ Kovach
MHMSM.com – MHProNews.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
