President’s Letter
Ron Dunlap. VAMMHA President

As you can see from the “Production and Shipment” chart at the beginning of this newsletter, Virginia, and all other states, is considerably down in both the production and shipment of manufactured homes. This downturn affects every facet of the industry and all of the people involved in the industry.

It also affects VAMMHA. Like you, our revenues are considerably down. This is affecting us in one way that is different from the rest of the industry. Virginia is one of only two states that allow corporate contributions to state PAC Funds. This causes two things to happen; 1) it is easy for us to raise PAC Funds since we don’t have to have personal contributions from our members and 2) it creates some very expensive races for Delegates and Senators in Virginia.

Over the years VAMMHA has had a separate budget category for PAC Contribution – a designated amount of our income was contributed directly to VAMMHA-PAC. With the reduction of general income, the contributions to VAMMHA-PAC are therefore reduced also.

This is an election year in Virginia. All 100 seats of the House of Delegates and 40 Senate seats are up grabs. But prior to the election, there are primary’s within the two parties that have to be dealt with. I currently have more than 75 requests for PAC contribution on my desk (minimum donation is $250+) and the election is 5 months away. Even with the recent, successful Annual Golf Tournament that raises additional PAC funds, we are way down in the amount of money that we have to contribute to those incumbents and candidates that support affordable housing and this industry in Virginia.

The end result is that we may loose some of our stature and productivity that we have built up with the General Assemblyover the years. We still have friends that we can count on, but we need to continue to make new ones!

2007 CONVENTION - JULY 24TH thru 27TH

Charles Whately, Chairman

Magic is in the air, from the opening, Chairman’s Reception, through out this year’s chain of events.

The Virginia Manufactured Housing Board, will also be holding their meeting at the same time, and will be joining in on our activities. This will give you an opportunity to speak to Curtis McIver, and all of the members of that Board. This year we were very fortunate, in being able to contract, Curtis Zimmerman as speaker for our Seminar. Curtis has spoken at many Colleges, Universities, Fortune 500 companies, Government agencies, and our troops. Following Curtis we will conduct our Annual Business Meeting and elect our Board of Directors. If you have not already done so, there are 4 levels of sponsorships still available thru the VAMMHA Office. Just give them a call for further information.

You will have time to lie on the beach, jump in the ocean, enjoy your favorite sports, discuss business, or just relax.

The following day we will have, The Ted Morris Memorial Fishing Tournament, and our Annual Golf Tournament. In the evening we will enjoy a Reception, Seafood Buffet Dinner and Awards.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Make reservations now. See you at the Wyndham Resort Hotel.