Last month, a giant leap forward was made at the 2004 Summer Meeting we created the National Modular Housing Council (NMHC). The creation of the NMHC was important for two reasons. In addition to being recognized and represented on a higher level, now, through the strong network of the family of state associations coupled with the NMHC office in Washington, DC, the modular housing industry has a truly national voice.

The modular industry cannot and will not remain a regional phenomenon. The modular industry has experienced double digit growth over the past few years, especially in the Southeast, Midwest, and Colorado. As the industry grows, the NMHC can provide the vision to help direct that growth. As the industry expands, the NMHC will have the national presence to adequately represent the industry not only within the states, but also on a national platform. One of the first goals of the NMHC will be to unify this voice and carry the modular industry onto the national stage.

The NMHC is already well positioned to do this. For years the NMHC members have encouraged uniformity in the sales and use tax treatment of modular homes, stressed the importance of maintaining and protecting the quality and integrity of the industry, either through legislation or regulation, and provided a forum for the industry to share experiences, and work through differences. The NMHC is getting more involved with the national code bodies to represent the unique needs of factory-built construction, and is on the road to successfully working with the federal government in resolving the divisible load issue.

Overall, I am excited about the energy and progress the National Modular Housing Council will continue to bring to this industry, and look forward to seeing the NMHC propel the industry onward and upward.

I welcome your thoughts and comments. I can be reached at dennisj@r-anell.com .

Dennis Jones
Chair, National Modular Housing Council
President, R-Anell Housing Group, LLC