We were taken by surprise to hear that Gub Mix is retiring as Executive Director of the Idaho, Nevada and Utah Manufactured Housing Associations later this year.  Gub began his career in business 54 years ago with 10 years in broadcasting followed by 10 years in the automobile industry.  For the last 34 years Gub has devoted his energies and ideas to improving manufactured housing, both on a regional and national level.  Few have been as influential and unselfish as Gub Mix.  His mission to improve the quality of our products, the image of our industry and the professionalism of our people is unmatched.  He will educate and inform anyone who will listen about the benefits of factory-built housing, and his outspoken views on how we must change the methods in which we do business are always delivered with pin-point accuracy.  Gub is vocal, opinionated, honest and outspoken --- characteristics we can use a lot more of these days.  But above all else, Gub is a smart man who has a deep understanding of our industry --- its pitfalls and promises --- its missteps and opportunities.  He has continued to learn and grow with the industry and that trait above all others has made him a leader and visionary. Benjamin Franklin said it best --- “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” 
 
Gub Mix has had a profound affect on all of us and he will be sorely missed. 
 
It is amazing how unlucky our industry is.  While it looked like we would be the saviors wearing white hats when we quickly geared up to provide 18,000 much needed immediate housing units for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi once again we end up with a black eye.  FEMA and local governments deserve the direct blame for this monumental blunder, but it all seems to come down to “trailer ghettos” and “not in my backyard” when the use of manufactured housing is mentioned as a source of possible housing alternatives and as an example of governmental waste.  Regardless of which cable TV news channel you watch it’s basically the same story.  Millions (or billions) of dollars have been “wasted” on “trailers” and “mobile homes” that continue to sit in storage while those in charge argue of their usefulness, placement, durability and safety, yet we continue to pay $200+ a night each for hotel rooms and cruise ship accommodations for the hurricane victims.  Who cares if they’re temporarily placed in flood plains?  Is this a housing crisis or is it Sun City East we’re building here?  I searched the internet for related stories and this link is just one example of how this issue is being viewed.  MHI has wasted no time responding to the negative media reports.  Among their numerous responses is a great letter from Chris Stinebert of MHI to the New York Times.  To read his letter, click here.
 
Are you wondering whether Champion Enterprises is serious about the future of modular housing?  Just a few weeks after announcing a 44% increase in sales and a 67% increase in income, this article appeared on www.thestreet.com. To read the article, Click here.
 
Tomorrow is Industry Day at the Salem Manufactured Home Show from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with an industry reception following from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the main Jackman-Long Building.  Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm is Employee Appreciation Night where industry employees can see the homes they build.  The 2006 Employee Night is sponsored by Palm Harbor Homes.  Thursday through Sunday the show is open to the public.  You can view the largest selection of today’s manufactured homes all in one location and network with other industry professionals at the same time.  Twenty-two homes are on display along with a variety of exhibitor booths showcasing accessories and ancillary services that benefit our consumers.
 
Don’t forget to attend the National Congress & Expo for Manufactured and Modular Housing April 18-20 in Las Vegas.  I have attended every Congress since 1992 and they are worth all the effort and expense it takes to participate.  Great speakers --- interesting workshops --- the ultimate networking opportunity.  Go to www.manufacturedhousing.org for information and registration.
 

Greg Harmon - President
Commonwealth Real Estate Services
E-mail: greg@cwres.com
Telephone 503.244.2300 Ext. 101