I am extremely honored and pleased to be writing to you as your newly elected 2008 National Modular Housing Council Chair. My entire career has been dedicated to advancing the interests of the modular housing industry, improving how we do business, and enhancing the customer experience. As my predecessors before me have stated, we have come a long way but have many opportunities and challenges still in front of us.

I do believe several recent activities initiated at the 2007 Annual Meeting in Hilton Head will continue to demonstrate how the National Modular Housing Council can effectuate change on industry issues, which then will lead to a positive impact within the marketplace.

First, the elevation of the National Modular Housing Council to a separate division within the overall umbrella organization of MHI firmly established a strong bond between varying market segments, united by a common goal of doing what is best for the modular housing industry. Modular housing is no longer a regional industry, and needs a national voice with a strong connection with state associations in order to harmonize policies and issues. It important also that we maintain a robust and positive connection with other market sectors. One way to improve our own businesses is by working collectively to improve industry practices.

Secondly, the NMHC is well prepared to tackle and resolve issues. The NMHC is creating a taskforce to look at the area of on-frame modulars, and to examine closely any issues surrounding them. Also, by the end of the year, the NMHC will have a new section added to its website that will provide background on key modular issues, and present the NMHC’s guidance and perspective on each one. The NMHC website receives almost a half a million hits a year, and is one of the key resources for industry members, consumers, media, and even regulators and elected officials.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, the NMHC has a dedicated leadership team in place to help guide the activities of the association and the industry to new heights. In addition to myself as Chair, Ramon Sanchez-Vinas, Professional Building Systems of North Carolina, was elected Vice-Chair. Also elected to the newly created NMHC Board of Governors were industry leaders Dennis Jones, R-Anell Housing Group; Woody Bell, Palm Harbor Homes; and Jeff Wick; Wick Building Systems. Thayer Long continues to serve as the key staff person overseeing day-to-day operations of the NMHC, serving as industry spokesperson and advocate, and implementing the NMHC programs and activities. All are extremely committed to seeing the success of not only the NMHC, but the success of the modular housing industry.

Despite challenges many of us are facing in our businesses and current housing market, there are many reasons to remain optimistic. Modular construction has a bright future. The advantages we bring to the builder, developer, and consumer are numerous. We must continue to be aggressive in how we market ourselves, and be willing to take chances and sometimes, change our thinking. I am proud of what the industry has accomplished, I am excited about our possibilities, and I look forward to serving as the 2008 National Modular Housing Council Chair.

Please contact me with any thoughts or comments you have at rlyons@pennlyon.com.

Sincerely,

Roger Lyons
Penn Lyon Homes