by Dennis Jones

Recently the National Modular Housing Council co-sponsored a day-long symposium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to help promote and demonstrate the use of off-site modular construction in the rebuilding efforts for the Gulf Coast. Over 475 participants toured model homes, visited the exhibits of over 25 manufacturers, and attended educational programs conducted by industry professionals with years of experience.

From the beginning of the first morning session through the closing seminar in the afternoon, you couldn’t help but notice the intensity surrounding the conference, and that the need for quality, permanent housing is paramount in getting this region back on its feet quickly. The enthusiastic and business-like manner of the participants made it clear that the interest in our industry is real. The feeling perhaps was summed up best by one of many public officials addressing the attendees, Leland Speed Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, who said that given the magnitude of the devastation, “. . . stick-building is not even an option.” But he also made another, perhaps more important, point, when he said about the rebuilding, “This needs to be done right.”

The message is loud and clear: modular housing has to play an integral role in rebuilding cities, towns, and neighborhoods across the region. Working together in step with its housing industry partners, the modular industry has the chance to do something great. Severe local material shortages and a displaced workforce will make it difficult for anything other than site-delivered homes a feasible choice. Our ability to produce homes in a timelier manner at reduced costs and greater quality is needed now more than ever.

The National Modular Housing Council and its partners are planning another conference for Louisiana builders, developers, real estate professionals and public officials for late January 2006. This is an opportunity to grow the industry and demonstrate our capabilities of delivering quality homes. But let’s not lose sight of the true mission of helping rebuild communities that have lost everything, and making sure that we take the time to do this right.

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