July 24, 2020
Messages from THA
The TN State of Emergency, related to the ongoing pandemic, extended to August 29, 2020 .
THA is located in Wilson County, which is currently under a face mask mandate until at least August 3rd.
Urgent Announcement!
The THA Annual Member's Meeting & 65th Anniversary Celebration, re-scheduled for October 18 - 20, 2020, has been postponed until June 27 - 29, 2021.
Your THA Board of Directors has voted to err on the side of caution and safety, for all involved in this very special gathering.

Today (July 24th), THA staff held discussions with our event service providers, venue, speakers and entertainment artist. All parties mutually agreed, with the continued uncertainties and confusion caused by various state-wide COVID-19 mitigation orders, along with the continued rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases, we could not successfully bring together our large group for a fall event.

If you have already made room reservations with the hotel, you will need to call them directly to cancel your October reservation, @ 800 DOLLYWOOD.  

Beginning next week, Rhonda will be reaching out to all sponsors and early paid attendee registrations, to start the refund process or the rolling of funds to the 2021 event.

Please review the below linked announcement, relative to annual elections of THA leadership.
State of Tennessee Launches “Face It” Ad Campaign
to Promote Masks to Fight COVID-19
On Thursday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the State will launch a public service announcement campaign that urges all Tennesseans to fight against the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask. The ad campaign, titled “ Face It. Masks Fight COVID-19 ”, will run on broadcast and cable television, digital, social media, print, and billboards statewide.

“Wearing a face covering when in public is a simple but effective way for us to each do our part and help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Gov. Lee. “I wear a mask every day at the office, when Maria and I are out in public and especially when I visit my 87 year old mother. It’s a personal choice for Tennesseans, but it’s one that could very well save lives and allow our economy to get fully back on track.”
The campaign will officially launch Friday, July 24.
POLLS ARE OPEN!!
Early voting in Tennessee :

Polls opened on July 17th.
Polls close on Saturday, August 1st.

*

Primary Day: Thursday, August 6th.



TENNESSEE HOUSING MARKET AT A GLANCE

In 2019, Tennesseans saw continued pressures on housing affordability in both the rental and owner markets. Growing demand for housing pushed the housing prices and rents higher across Tennessee. 
SALES & USE TAX NOTICE!!!
New Filing Threshold for Out-of-State Dealers
Currently, out-of-state dealers with no physical presence in Tennessee who make $500,000 or more in sales to Tennessee customers must register and collect Tennessee sales and use tax. The $500,000 threshold includes all retail sales made by the out-of-state dealer, including exempt sales, but does not include sales for resale.

Beginning October 1, 2020 , the sales threshold will be established at $100,000. Out-of-state dealers with no physical presence in Tennessee who make $100,000 or more in sales to Tennessee customers will be required to register and collect Tennessee sales and use tax.
TENNESSEE TAXPAYER ACCESS POINT (TNTAP)

The TNTAP application allows you to create and manage your account, file and pay your taxes online, pay a tax debit bill, register a new business and more.

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FORMS

You can find forms relevant to conducting business with the TN Department of Revenue BELOW.
$35.3M Expansion Announced for Pikeville, TN
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner Bob Rolfe of the Department of Economic and Community Development announced last Thursday, that Aviagen will invest $35.3 million to expand in Pikeville, with a new state-of-the-art feed mill, a key part of the company’s larger expansion plans in the area.

Aviagen plans to create up to 36 new jobs as part of the expansion, which will include a new feed mill to accommodate the company’s growth.

Aviagen is a global poultry genetics company that supplies broiler breeding stock to customers in more than 100 countries under the Arbor Acres®, Indian River® and Ross® brands, which are among the most recognized and respected names in the industry. The company currently employs 714 Tennesseans across multiple locations in the state including the Upper Cumberland region.
Final Rule Amending Official Interpretations for Regulation Z ...
CFPB Logo
The  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has announced it is issuing a final rule amending the official interpretations for Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). The Bureau is required to calculate annually, the dollar amounts for several provisions in Regulation Z.

This final rule reviews the dollar amounts for provisions implementing TILA and amendments to TILA, including under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act), the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA), and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act). 

These adjustments are applicable January 1, 2021, consistent with relevant statutory or regulatory provisions. You can access the notice HERE .
Hours of Service (HOS) - Drivers Final Rule

While we reported on this final rule in June , several questions have arisen in the last few weeks, relative to the hours of service regulations ... so we are re-posting this notice, for clarification.

On Jun 1, 2020, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revised the hours of service (HOS) regulations to provide greater flexibility for drivers subject to those rules without adversely affecting safety. Motor carriers are required to comply with the new HOS regulations starting on September 29, 2020, not before .


What is Changing? :

  1. Short-haul Exception: Expands the short-haul exception to 150 air-miles and allows a 14-hour work shift to take place as part of the exception.
  2. Adverse Driving Conditions Exception: Expands the driving window during adverse driving conditions by up to an additional 2 hours.
  3. 30-Minute Break Requirement: Requires a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.
  4. Sleeper Berth Provision: Modifies the sleeper berth exception to allow a driver to meet the 10-hour minimum off-duty requirement by spending at least 7, rather than at least 8 hours of that period in the berth and a minimum off-duty period of at least 2 hours spent inside or outside of the berth, provided the two periods total at least 10 hours, and that neither qualifying period counts against the 14-hour driving window.
2020 CENSUS

As reported earlier in the week, only 61.5% of Tennesseans have completed the 2020 Census . The census brings critical federal resources back to Tennessee communities to support services we all use. Make sure your family is accounted for by completing the Census!
HUD's OFFICE OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING PROGRAMS (OMHP) - Front Page
OMHP MISSION : The mission of the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs is to execute responsible regulation and solutions-oriented oversight and monitoring to protect consumers and preserve and promote the affordability, quality, durability, and safety of manufactured homes nationwide. 
TN Surveillance Data - COVID-19
As of 2:00 pm, Tuesday:

Total Tests: 1,214,383
Cases: 79,754
Recovered: 45,974
Hospitalizations: 3,712
Deaths: 847
The TN COVID-19 Public Information # is 877/857-2945 or 833/556-2476.
Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday.


Governor Lee Press Conference Highlights
(Thursday - 07/23/20)
During Governor Lee's press conference surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the following updates were provided:
  • The announcement of a $150 million grant fund targeted at assisting nonprofit organizations providing services that are directly related to COVID-19. The eligible expenses may date back to the inception of the State of Emergency order, on March 1, and the grant will cover eligible expenses through November, when the State of Emergency order expires. Applications to participate in the grant fund will become available on August 1 on the Tennessee Department of Human Services' website. (Read the entire press release linked in an article below.)
  • An additional $115 million will be distributed to local governments to offset costs incurred from their response to pandemic. Eligible expenses include: medical expenses, public health expenses, payroll expenses related to COVID-19, public health compliance expenses, other reasonably necessary expenses incurred in response to the COVID-19 health emergency. (Read the entire press release linked in an article below.)
  • The Department of Revenue remains steadfast in their efforts to distribute payment to over 33,000 Tennessee businesses through the $200 million Tennessee Business Relief Program. All eligible businesses have been contacted regarding their eligibility, but a substantial number have not responded. The Governor encouraged those eligible businesses to ensure their information is current with the Department of Revenue. Go to TN's External Revenue Portal, TNTAP, for more information.
  • The Department of Education is awaiting CDC guidance around school reopening. They expect to receive CDC guidance before the weekend. Additionally, the Department of Education and Department of Health indicated their plan to announce their guidance for schools to safely return to an in-class setting on Tuesday, July 28.
"The Importance of Reopening America's Schools this Fall"
The CDC posted interesting data on their website yesterday (07/23/2020).
Parents struggling to make educational decisions for their children, may find this information helpful, or at least informative.
‌
The Financial Stimulus Accountability Group Announced $150 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to Tennessee Non-profits .

On Tuesday (07/21), Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced $150 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds will be made available to Tennessee non-profits to assist their ongoing efforts to address the ongoing health and economic impacts of COVID-19.
More Coronavirus Relief Funds Headed to Local Tennessee Governments

On Monday (07/20), Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced an additional $115 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds will be made available to local governments, to offset costs incurred from responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 RESOURCES

By Member request , THA will continue to maintain a resource section on our Website , for an extended period of time.
‌
MH leadership on the national level!
You asked to see their faces!
Dr. Lesli Gooch
Chief Executive Officer, MHI
Mark Bowersox
President, MHI
MHI and Skyline Champion Join President Trump to Address Eliminating Regulatory Barriers

Skyline Champion President/CEO and MHI Board Member Mark Yost, along with MHI CEO Lesli Gooch, joined an exclusive group at the White House last week where President Trump spoke about the Administration’s efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity by eliminating regulatory barriers. As the only representatives from the manufactured housing industry in attendance, MHI and its members are working closely with the Administration to prioritize manufactured housing as a critical un-subsidized affordable housing option.
 
Skyline Champion, the largest publicly traded factory-built housing company in the country, was invited by the Administration last June to display two fully furnished, HUD Code manufactured homes on the National Mall. Skyline Champion leaders have also participated in roundtable discussions with HUD Secretary Carson, to carry out President Trump’s Executive Order directing federal agencies to work together to facilitate the production of affordable housing and alleviate regulatory barriers at the federal, state, and local levels. Yost testified before the Senate Banking Committee last November and, as a result of his testimony, Congress passed legislation to support the inclusion of manufactured homes in state and local community development planning.
 
Through the advocacy of MHI and its members, this Administration has comprehensively reviewed HUD’s policies and regulations over manufactured housing and HUD has proposed the first extensive changes to the HUD Code in nearly a decade. The HUD Code has not been so broadly or substantially updated in years. Proposed changes include new standards for attached garages, carports, decks, and accessory buildings.
 
Further, at the direction of the Administration, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Administration have continued their efforts to improve access to financing for manufactured housing.
 
During the COVID pandemic, the Administration acted quickly to resolve supply chain challenges by issuing its first-ever, industry-wide Alternative Construction letter allowing manufacturers to provide homes throughout the crisis. 
 
MHI commends President Trump for taking the necessary steps to create a better regulatory environment for American businesses. The reversal of burdensome over-regulation to support our national infrastructure will help ensure affordable housing is available in rural communities and across the country where it is most needed.
OUTSIDE the BOX
A Solution to the Affordable Housing Crisis

Webinar - Registration Available

July 30, 2020 - 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm EST
Sponsored by Credit Human & Clayton Homes
Presented by: Eugene Landy , UMH Properties, Inc.
and Aaron Potter , UMH Properties, Inc.  


This webinar aims to inform and educate those in the industry about the current housing market, and how manufactured housing is prime to take advantage of such situations. Manufactured housing is affordable workforce housing that stands ready to supply the needed housing for Americans. During the presentation, the secondary resale market for manufactured homes will also be addressed. This critical market is a wealth generator and a determinant of housing demand. The session will conclude with an interview by Eugene Landy, founder and Chairman of UMH Properties.



The webinar cost is $25 per person.
Online registration closes Tuesday, July 28.

SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming MHI Webinars

August 6, 2020
Managing Your Online Reputation
Sponsored by MH Reviews and Rent Manager

August 18, 2020
Not Your Grandmother’s Manufactured Home
and Why it Shouldn’t Be!
Sponsored by Hunt Real Estate Capital and
Skyline Champion

August 27, 2020
Service and Emotional Support Animals:
The ADA vs. The Fair Housing Act
Sponsored by Sun Communities

September 10, 2020
Developing Land-Lease MH Communities
for the Future
Sponsored by Hunt Real Estate Capital and Skyline Champion

September 22, 2020
Education Makes a Good
Community Manager Great
Sponsored by Credit Human



The Future of Housing Today



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

  • Thursday, August 13, 2020, 2 PM ET - Leveraging Innovation - Paul Barretto
NEW TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING?

ManufacturedHomes.com offers a glossary of terms, used by the industry.
5
5 Critical Elements of a
Winning Growth Strategy

Success After COVID-19
(Webinar #3 in the series.)

If you missed this earlier webinar,
view it for free now!
5
Embracing Technology for
Success After COVID-19
(Webinar #2 in the series.)

If you missed this earlier webinar,
view it for free now!
5
5 Actionable Strategies for
Success After COVID-19
(Webinar #1 in the series.)

If you missed this earlier webinar,
view it for free now!
The THA 2020 Political Action Committee (PAC) Campaign is in full swing!
We have received $22,265 towards our $35,000 Goal. 63.6%!
The THA-PAC is accepting contributions!

Thank you for your consideration!
  
  • As the campaign season for November elections is in full swing here in Tennessee, your political contribution of funds is critical to our industry's state success. 

  • Access to our legislative members is key, as was just proven by THAs successful passing of much needed changes to our transportation law.

  • Please support the THA-PAC, to allow THA's continuance of educating key lawmakers on the importance of our industry, while also providing general counsel in ways of promoting manufactured homes as a viable option for addressing the affordable housing crisis.
Tennessee accepts corporate, personal and LLC contributions. Your contribution is critical! 
SALES TAX HOLIDAYS
For 2020 only, the Tennessee General Assembly has approved two separate sales tax holiday weekends. During these weekends, certain goods may be purchased tax free. 
The first tax-free holiday weekend focuses on clothing and other back-to-school items .

It begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31 and ends Sunday, August 2 at 11:59 p.m.

During this time, clothing, school supplies, and computers and other qualifying electronic devices may be purchased tax-free. Certain price restrictions apply.

Exempt items sold online are also eligible. Items must be purchased for personal use, not for business or trade.
The second tax-free holiday weekend focuses on restaurant sales .

It begins at 12:01 a.m. on August 7 and ends Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m.

During this time, the retail sale of food and drink by restaurants and limited service restaurants, as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 57-4-102, is exempt from sales tax.
SAVE THE DATE!
January 20 - 22, 2021
For more information, contact Show Coordinator Dennis J. Hill at (770) 587-3350
Installer/Retailer
Initial Licensing & Continuing Ed
UPDATE: The initial licensing testing agent (Morris & McDaniel) which contracts through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance to oversee/proctor new license examinations, has notified the Association they have completed security protocols for online manufactured housing license examinations, which have now also cleared the final legal channels. This information and process is being loaded to a secure portal and will be tested to ensure compliance tools are active and appropriate. This will take the better part of this weekend and most of next week.

The testing company will notify the Association by week's end or the beginning of the following week (July 31 - August 4th time frame ), to advise THA on the testing process.

Currently, THA has approximately 30 individuals or businesses which have completed the 15 hour retailer/installer initial licensing education and are ready to test for a new business license. THA will notify eligible testers on proper protocol, and provide access to the secure testing portal, as soon as the information becomes available.

Take the next 7 - 10 days to review your previously provided industry material (educational narrated modules, laws, rules and regulations), in order to ready yourself for the upcoming state examination.