A Message From THA
THA Sponsored Transportation Bill Passes -
Heads to the Governor next, for Signature!
SB 1775, Senate Vote: 31-0
HB 2201, House Vote: 90 - 0
Effective Date October 1, 2020
1. Modification to holiday restriction of home transports .
  • Manufactured home transports currently have a more restrictive holiday movement schedule than any other commodity. THA submitted a statutory reference change to allow our industry to become more in harmony with other commodity shipments.
  • This statutory change will open up four (4) shipping weekends for the industry, where movement is currently restricted: Martin Luther King Day (Jan); President’s Day (Feb); Columbus Day (Oct); Veterans Day (Nov).

2. Regulatory Technical Correction
  • In 2019, a section referencing annual blanket trip permits, added a statutory reference which inadvertently reduced MH’s permitting of up to 120’ length on annual permits, down to 90’ length. The state agreed there was an error in reference, and currently waives the standing rule, until this technical correction can be implemented.

3. Transportable Width Modification
  • Allowance of a trip permit to grant movements of 18’ wide homes, in and through Tennessee.


As a note , THA sponsored legislation last session which modified the standard MH transportable height restriction from 15' 6", to 16'. These statutory changes and allowances will allow the industry to continue growing and exploring more home designs, to meet future market demands of our customers.


BIG THANKS to the Tennessee Department of Safety and the Tennessee Department of Transportation, for working on this bill with THA staff and our lobbying team, over the last 10 months!

Thank you to our bill sponsors, Senator Becky Massey (District 6 - Knoxville) and Representative Rick Tillis (District 92 - Lewisburg) , for getting this Bill through all of the various committee hearings and up for floor votes!
The 111th TN General Assembly Closes
After extensive deliberation, the legislature passed a balanced budget early this morning. The 111th Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned sine die. (Friday, June 19, 2020)

As this is an election year, legislators will be headed back to their districts to ready themselves for a long summer of campaigning, as we approach primaries and the November elections. If you are not registered to vote, GO HERE .
Small Business Administration (SBA) Offering Virtual Hours
The SBA is hosting virtual office hours for Tennessee business owners. If you have questions regarding PPP, EIDL or Tornado Disaster loans, please visit HERE , for more information.
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Main Street Lending Program Expanded to Support Small, Medium Businesses

The Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) has expanded its Main Street Lending Program to ensure more small and medium-sized businesses have access to critical financial support. The Fed expects the Main Street Lending Program to be open for lender registration soon. Once registered, lenders will be able to begin making Main Street loans immediately.

The Main Street Business Lending Program was established in April to provide increased liquidity to the economy—specifically for businesses and state governments impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This expansion enhances support for small and mid-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the coronavirus crisis by:
  • Lowering the minimum loan size for certain loans to $250,000 from $500,000;
  • Increasing the maximum loan size for all facilities;
  • Increasing the term of each loan option to five years, from four years;
  • Extending the repayment period for all loans by delaying principal payments for two years, rather than one; and
  • Raising the Reserve Bank's participation to 95% for all loans.

MHI has been working closely with the Department of Treasury and the Administration to ensure that COVID-19 relief efforts serve the manufactured housing industry. MHI, in conjunction with other leading housing associations, continues to advocate to the Small Business Administration and Treasury for improvements and modifications to the Payroll Protection Program to increase accessibility for our members.
HUD Secretary Carson, FHFA Director Calabria Testify Before Senate Banking Committee

Last Tuesday, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mark Calabria testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs to discuss the federal response to the housing challenges posed by the COVID-19 national emergency, ongoing efforts to address the nation’s affordable housing shortage and maintaining a sound housing finance system. As part of the hearing, Senators McSally (R-AZ) and Scott (R-SC) have requested that Secretary Carson respond in writing to questions about specific actions that HUD can take to support manufactured housing, including: making FHA’s financing programs work for manufactured housing; enforcing HUD’s preemption authority and working to combat local policies that zone out manufactured housing; keeping the HUD Code current; and elevating the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs so manufactured housing is a part of the national affordable housing dialogue.

As the nation emerges from the pandemic, more than ever before families will be looking for safe, affordable housing that allows them their own space, free of shared-walls and cramped quarters. Ensuring these vulnerable families have access to homeownership opportunities with manufactured housing has never been more important, and MHI will continue to work with Congress, the Administration, and HUD to accomplish the changes needed to support manufactured housing. 
State and Local Barriers to Manufactured Housing
Discussed During House Subcommittee Hearing

Addressing state and local barriers to the siting of manufactured housing was discussed during a virtual hearing last week before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the challenges which have impacted tenants and landlords in the wake of COVID-19, and steps Congress is taking to address these concerns.

Members of the Subcommittee focused on the shortage of affordable housing in the nation, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential solutions for addressing this shortage as the economy begins to recover. During an exchange with Representative John Rose (R-TN) about supporting housing affordability in rural communities, witness Jenny Schuetz, Fellow at The Brookings Institution, emphasized that manufactured housing is a particularly effective approach to providing more affordable housing, but noted that state and local regulations have hindered this affordable home ownership option. A top priority for MHI is working with Congress and the Administration to help alleviate state and local impediments to manufactured housing. Through meetings, conference calls and letters, MHI has strongly urged HUD to enforce its preemption authority and work to combat local policies that zone out manufactured housing.

MHI continues to work as a part of a coalition of national housing industry trade groups to advocate for rental assistance for residents and financial mitigation measures for property managers—including manufactured home community owners. In advance of this hearing, the coalition sent a letter to the Committee calling on Congress to tie eviction moratorium protections to those renters impacted by COVID-19, create an emergency rental assistance program for those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, establish a Federal Reserve credit facility for mortgage servicers, and ensure multifamily businesses have access to government support programs.

The State’s Economic Recovery Group Enlists
Flagship Tennessee Brands to Get More Masks
in Hands of Tennessee Residents
Announced: June 17, 2020
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s  Economic Recovery Group  (ERG) has developed the TN Strong Mask Movement, partnering with more than 30 flagship brands to distribute close to 300,000 free or low-cost cloth face coverings, at a projected value of more than $3 million, across the state. Now, residents can stay safe while wearing brands synonymous with Tennessee from the worlds of sports, education, and business.

“Tennesseans have stepped up to do their part and keep their neighbors safe throughout this health crisis,” said Mark Ezell, Director of the Economic Recovery Group. “The more we can encourage masks and make them fun, the better we can mitigate the spread of the COVID-19. These businesses are the heart and soul of Tennessee, and we’re grateful to them for helping our citizens stay healthy and have a little fun sporting their favorite brands while they’re at it.”

The CDC recently released  new guidance for public events and gatherings , strongly encouraging wearing masks to lower the risk of exposure and reduce the spread of COVID-19. As Tennessee safely continues to reopen the economy and residents and travelers alike move about the state, masks have become an important health accessory.

“We are so appreciative of Governor Lee and Commissioner Ezell to include the Nashville Predators in promoting the use of masks so SMASHVILLE can continue to open in the safest possible manner,” Nashville Predators President/CEO Sean Henry said. “By creating SMASHVILLE Strong and Predator-themed masks, we can all show our passion for the Preds while reinforcing the use of face coverings as we work to re-launch the economy and local businesses.”

Each business will distribute branded cloth face coverings at little to no cost across their own channels or with the help of the State of Tennessee, which could include employees, fans or nonprofit partnerships. Companies can visit TN Strong Mask Movement  for additional information. The general public can also visit the link above to order a TN Strong branded mask.
Participating brands include:

  • Amazon
  • Austin Peay State University
  • Belmont University (courtesy Dickens Family)
  • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation
  • Bridgestone
  • Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Chevrolet
  • East Tennessee State University
  • FedEx Express
  • Cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville of Sevier County
  • Gibson Brands
  • Graceland
  • Jack Daniel’s
  • Lipscomb University (courtesy Ezell Foundation)
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Nashville Predators
  • Nashville SC (courtesy Ingram Charities, distributed in partnership with United Way of Greater Nashville)
  • Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.
  • SomethingInked
  • Tennessee Bankers Association
  • Tennessee Farm Bureau Health Plans
  • Tennessee Tech University
  • Tennessee Titans
  • Tractor Supply Company
  • TriStar Health
  • Union University
  • University of Memphis
  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville (courtesy The Boyd Foundation)
  • Unum Group
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Volkswagen Chattanooga


More companies will be signing up!
COVID-19 RESOURCES

BY MEMBER REQUEST, THA WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A
RESOURCE SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE , FOR AN EXTENDED TIME
MH Manufacturers & Communities!
Tennessee's Economic Recovery Group is inviting Tennessee employers with 250+ employees, to request pop-up testing events.

Our larger MH communities may also qualify for this opportunity.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
To further meet the needs of small businesses, t he Small Business Administration has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19.

To learn more about the program, please visit HERE.
Tennessee Business Relief Program
The Tennessee Business Relief Program will direct $200 million in federal relief funds through the Department of Revenue to offset damages and keep these pillars of our community in place.
Crash Preventability Determination Program Changes to SMS

Motor carriers participating in FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) will see their Safety Measurement System (SMS) information change within 60 days after the Agency’s determinations. FMCSA will continue to list all crashes on the SMS Website. However, crashes determined to be Not Preventable through the CPDP will appear in a separate table titled “Reviewed - Not Preventable Crashes.” In addition, crashes found to be Not Preventable by the CPDP will not be included in the carrier's Crash Indicator Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) measure and percentile.

Crashes determined to be Preventable and Undecided will be included in the display on SMS with notations that read, “Reviewed - Preventable: FMCSA reviewed this crash and determined that it was Preventable” or “Reviewed - Undecided: FMCSA reviewed this crash and could not make a preventability determination based on the evidence provided.” These crashes will be included in the Crash Indicator BASIC measures and percentiles. Crashes reviewed as part of the Agency’s previous demonstration program continue to be listed and continue to be included in the Crash Indicator BASIC.

For more information, please visit the Crash Preventability Determination Program page . The website includes a detailed submitter guide explaining how to submit Requests for Data Review in DataQs, an eligibility guide for the 16 crash types, frequently asked questions, and more.

FMCSA Updates SMS Website


  • Complete SMS results are available to enforcement users and motor carriers that are logged into the SMS. Logged-in enforcement users can view all carrier safety data, while logged-in motor carriers can only view their own data. If you are a motor carrier and do not have login credentials, please click here for more information on how to obtain your PIN.


Manufactured Homes
Weathering the Storm


' Manufactured Housing Tech: Improving Business Operations Through Digital Practices ' Webinar

June 30, 2020 from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST
MHI Webinars are a great way to learn from other members of the manufactured housing industry, all from the comfort of your own home or office. Our webinar series continues on June 30 with Manufactured Housing Tech.

Utilizing basic business technology isn’t new, but the ability to connect with residents and drive digital adoption from end-to-end is a strategic advantage that many manufactured housing communities have yet to adopt. It’s no longer enough to offer digital technologies as an option for on-site staff and residents, you must actively drive your users to adopt new systems to experience comprehensive operational benefits and value. This webinar will touch on the many ways you can implement and leverage digital platforms—those you’re already using, as well as new technology resources—to attract and retain quality residents and staff.

In this session, we’ll touch on the many ways you can implement and leverage digital platforms—those you’re already using, as well as new technology resources—to attract and retain quality residents and staff. We’ll cover:

·      Digital Payment Adoption
·      Incorporating technology into an all-encompassing software solution

Presented by:
Brandon Mears , Zego, Mike Niebauer , Rent Manager,
Tony Shriner , iamGIS and Jonathan Tuttle , Revenue Ascend


The webinar cost is $25 per person.
RETAIL SALES
COVID-19 Recovery
How to Emerge & Thrive
Free Webinar Series
6 Easy Ways To Boost Sales in 2020

Powered/Sponsored by: ManufacturedHomes.com
As a nation and an industry, we are currently facing tough economic hardships.
When the recovery comes -- and it will come --
will you and your business be ready to emerge and thrive?

Remaining Upcoming Scheduled Topics

  • Thursday, July 2, 2020, 2 PM ET - Retaining, Recruiting, & Developing Talent - Paul Barretto

  • Thursday, July 16, 2020, 2 PM ET - Effective Sales Management - John Ace Underwood

  • Thursday, July 30, 2020, 2 PM ET - Engaging With Your State Association - Rick Robinson

  • Thursday, August 13, 2020, 2 PM ET - Leveraging Innovation - Paul Barretto


Here is a link to one of the previous webinar sessions (aired June 4th) - Listen for free.
Have you listed your available rental properties on this consumer search site?

This is a 'housing search engine' like no other, where it is free to list or search for housing. This site offers thousands of detailed, up-to-date listings of apartments and homes for rent throughout Tennessee.

Plus, the site specializes in helping people with special challenges, from affordability to disabilities to emergency housing.

Consumers can search by city, county, or ZIP code to find current listings in their area.

Consumers may also call 1-877/428-8844  for bi-lingual, one-on-one assistance finding the right listing to meet their needs and budget.

THA's Annual Meeting and 65th
Anniversary Celebration
October 18 - 20, 2020
Installer/Retailer Initial Licensing & Continuing Ed