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The Reporter
May - June 2025
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“Focus on being productive instead of busy!”
-- Tim Ferriss --
| | THA Members Toast To 70 Years! | | |
THA Members and special guests gathered June 8 - 10, 2025, at the HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge, for the Annual Member's Meeting and to celebrate 70 years as an Association. This was a meeting to remember!
Attendees enjoyed a Sunday Mystery Cash Golf Tournament, an outdoor Welcome Reception with Dinner under the Big Tent, along with a jam-packed Monday morning Educational Session featuring CEO Bill Boor of CAVCO Industries, CEO Tim Larson of Champion Homes, and CEO Kevin Clayton of Clayton Homes. Other speakers included C & I Assistant Commissioner Mike Bell, Attorney Scott Simpson of Simpson, McMahan, Glick & Burford, and lobbyists Beth Winstead and Caroline Simmons of McMahan Winstead & Richardson. There was also an opportunity to listen to the manufacturer CEOs in a panel-style conversation, as well as four industry member financial partners discussing the financial climate today and moving forward.
Monday night was SO FUN! Members enjoyed a Celebration Reception, 70th Anniversary Dinner, a five-tier anniversary cake for dessert and toasted the 'Power of the Past' members, while charging the 'Force of the Future' members to now make their mark! Band Wilder ended our evening with fabulous music!
We closed out the event on Tuesday morning with THA's traditional Member's Business Meeting and elections of Officers and Directors! Congratulations to our event drawing winner, John Roche'! John wins a free event registration and two nights lodging to our 2026 Annual Member's Meeting!
Please visit our THAAnnualMeeting.com website to view the GALLERY photos and download copies of your favorites!
| | The Manufacturer's Panel discussion was so informative! Each of our three in-state brand CEOs addressed the membership, individually, and then came together to discuss their perspective and thoughts on the positive direction our industry is headed in the future. | | L/R: Facilitator and speaker Attorney Scott Simpson of Simpson, McMahan, Glick & Burford; CEO Bill Boor of CAVCO Industries; CEO Tim Larson of Champion Homes; and CEO Kevin Clayton of Clayton Homes. | | (L/R: ED Marla McAfee; THA President Owen Robertson; THA Secretary Matt Belcher; Treasurer Paula Reeves; Vice-President Rhyn Brogden) | | | | | |
Attendees at this year's Annual Meeting and 70th Anniversary Celebration received a special commemorative book of pictures! Very fitting to go along with this year's theme....'Power of the Past - Force of the Future'.
Such fun for all of us to take a walk down memory lane! Some of the photos were very old and in black and white! The fashions and cars and homes are all there for us to reflect upon, as are the special people that built the road we travel along today.
Special thanks to THA Executive Administrator, Rhonda Sevier for her work in getting this keepsake designed and produced!
| | 70th Anniversary Industry Video | |
2025 Most Beautiful Home Award Winners
| | Customers Scott and DeeDee Ginder (Oneida, TN) and Jana Ewy (Dandridge, TN) both won $2,500 for their entries in the 2025 Most Beautiful Home Contest! Watch their interviews and see their homes on this short video! | | Secretary Carson's Former Chief of Staff Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of HUD | | |
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Andrew Hughes as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Secretary Scott Turner.
Hughes previously served as HUD Chief of Staff under the leadership of then-Secretary Ben Carson, and most recently served as Chief of Staff under HUD Secretary Scott Turner. As Chief of Staff, he worked closely with the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) on updating the HUD Code standards and holding the first HUD Innovative Housing Showcase on the National Mall.
| | MHCC Addresses Standards for Multi-Story Manufactured Homes | | |
On Tuesday, June 24, the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC) met to discuss proposed standards and requirements for multi-story manufactured homes, specifically requirements for multi-story manufactured homes with upper floors built without a permanent chassis.
The industry is a strong advocate for removing the permanent chassis requirement — a change that would foster innovation by allowing a wider variety of manufactured home designs.
Tennessee's Director of Manufactured and Modular Housing, Jimmy Hightower, is a current member of the MHCC and participated in this meeting.
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HUD's Innovative Housing Showcase
"The American Home is the American Dream"
Returns to the National Mall
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Secretary Scott Turner announced the return of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Innovative Housing Showcase to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from September 6th – 10th.
This year’s showcase will highlight history-defining events in housing, the pride of achieving the American Dream of homeownership, and the future of housing innovation, in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
The annual public event raises awareness of innovative and affordable housing designs and technologies that have the potential to increase housing supply, reduce barriers to construction, and build for stability while reducing housing expenses for owners and renters. Interactive exhibits will include full-sized prototype homes and innovative building technologies.
In addition to the exhibits, visitors will have the chance to attend expert-led discussions, workshops and live demonstrations that address defining moments in the history of housing, as well as affordability and resilience in the future of housing. This is a family-friendly event, open to the public. More than 5,000 people, including policymakers, housing industry representatives, media, and the public, are expected to attend.
| | Upcoming National Meetings | | TN Rules & Regulations Hearing - July 9th | | |
The Department of Commerce & Insurance has scheduled a Rulemaking hearing on July 9th to hear comments for proposed changes to 0780-02-04.
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The Manufactured Housing Section (the “Section”) has combined Chapter 0780-02-05 (Installation of Manufactured Homes), and Chapter 0780-02-08 (Used Factory Manufactured Homes), into Chapter 0780-02-04 (New Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles), to be renamed “Manufactured Housing”. The Section believes this will be more convenient and provide more clarity to have all rules related to manufactured homes in one chapter. Rules will be rearranged for clarity after the combining of the three current chapters.
- Rules that were an unnecessary restatement of statutory language have been removed.
- All rules concerning park trailers and recreational vehicles have been removed.
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July 4th Travelers in Tennessee
Won’t be Delayed by Construction
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TDOT/NASHVILLE [06/26/2025] –
Road construction won’t slow motorists across Tennessee over the July 4 holiday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes from noon on Thursday, July 3, through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.
AAA predicts record travel in Tennessee this year, with 1.5 million Tennesseans hitting the road, a 1.8% increase over last year.
“With so many people driving on and around the 4th of July, we want to do all we can to ensure they reach their destinations safely and without necessary delays,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We are suspending lane closures during this busy holiday travel time. Be mindful that our HELP Trucks will be on patrol and drivers must obey the law by moving over and slowing down for all emergency vehicles on the side of the road.”
Motorists will still encounter some long-term lane closures on construction projects. While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on-site in zones, and reduced speed limits in work zones will still be in effect. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums.
Get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras from your desktop or mobile device at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for statewide travel information. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
| | 2026 Most Beautiful Home Awards | | 2026 Educational Scholarships | | |
Up to four (4) Scholarships will be awarded in 2026 through the Factory-Built Home Industry. Stay tuned for more information to be posted in the Fall of 2025 on THA's Scholarship Page (https://tnmha.org/scholarship)
- Two (2) $2,500 Scholarships will be available for trade school (certification program) students.
- Two (2) $5,000 Scholarships will be available for degree program students.
- Qualifying students must be pursuing a certification or degree which supports the construction industry.
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2026 THA Annual Member’s Meeting
June 7 - 9, 2026
Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort
1210 Dollywood Resorts Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
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Congratulations to our 2025 THA Annual Meeting Event drawing winner, John Roche'!
John wins a free event registration and two nights lodging to our 2026 Annual Member's Meeting!
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Thank You To Our
2024 - 2025 THA Officers & Directors
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Welcome Your Elected
2025 - 2026 THA Officers & Directors
| | As elected on June 10, 2025, during the THA Member's Annual Meeting, the following is your new 2025 - 2026 Board of Directors, taking office on July 1st: | | |
Executive Committee Members
- President Rhyn Brogden, HouseSmart Construction
- Vice-President Matt Belcher, Clayton Homebuilding Group
- Secretary Paula Reeves, Land Home Financial Services, Inc.
- Treasurer Bobby Campbell, Champion Homes
- Immediate Past President Owen Robertson, UFP Distribution, LLC (ByLaws)
Board Members
'At Large' Director & MHI Delegate - James McGee, Deer Valley Homebuilders, Inc.
'At Large' Director - Michael Johnson, 21st Mortgage
Builder/Developer - Marty Mansfield, CMH Appalachia
Community Director - Tom Roche', Lewisdale Grove & Jackson Grove Communities
Community Director - Kenneth McPherson, Yes! Communities
Installer/Transporter - Charlie Morgan, HouseSmart Construction
Insurance/Finance Director - Mark Byers, Cascade Financial
Insurance/Finance Director - Rob Peterson, Common Sense Lending
Manufacturer Director - Stephen Cole - Champion Homes
Manufacturer Director - Wade Wells, Cavco
Retailer Director - Tammy Collett, CMH Retail - Columbia
Retailer Director - Tupper Baker, Baker Housing
Service/Supplier - Sean Norem, LP Building Solutions
Service/Supplier - Trey Moyer, Blevins, Inc.
Regional Directors
East TN Regional Director - Steve Trent, Preferred Choice Homes
Middle TN Regional Director - Barry Noffsinger, Credit Human
Mid-West TN Regional Director - Scott Oliver, Oliver Technologies
Northeast Regional Director - Corey Barnes, CMH Homes, Inc. Training
West TN Regional Director - Betty Davis, CMH Retail - Lexington
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As elected, the 24 Board composition is as follows:
- 06 Manufacturers (4 brands)
- 05 Finance (5 brands)
- 04 Retailers (2 independent, 2 corporate)
- 04 Service/Suppliers (4 brands)
- 02 Community/Parks (1 independent, 1 corporate)
- 02 Installer/Transporters (1 division)
- 01 Corporate Trainer
| | 2025 THA-PAC Campaign - In Full Swing | | |
Annually, we encourage our members to support Tennessee's legislative efforts, by contributing to the Political Action Committee campaign. Click on the Donate Button [right] to make an online contribution or you may choose to download a contribution form.
The 2025 Campaign has a goal of $65,000. We appreciate everyone who worked with the association in 2024 to build the PAC in an effort to support and educate legislators. This is a critical component to our mission of preserving and increasing affordable, attainable housing in Tennessee.
Find the PAC webpage here!
| | | Websites and Social Media Accounts | | |
THA Association Website: https://tnmha.org/
Go to THA’s main website for the latest industry news, show dates, legislative action items, licensing educational news, scholarship information, member listings, PAC updates and so much more! There is no log in or password needed for this site!
THA Educational Website: https://education.tnmha.org/
This is the direct link to the educational platform where courses are available for initial licensing/certification and continuing education! Please check the Association website (tnmha.org) throughout the year for special announcements, field updates, and yearend deadlines. You must have a log in and password for your educational account, but not the Association website.
THA Annual Meeting Website: https://thaannualmeeting.com/
This annual meeting website has been established for the purpose of collecting and posting annual notices and ongoing developments for future member meetings or special events. The main website will link to this site and save space on the member’s ‘business tool’ website to allow for more member photos of those special events!
THA Consumer Website: https://www.tennesseemanufacturedhomes.com/
This is a consumer-facing website which allows consumers to tour homes and send messages directly to THA members for home quotes, community inquiries, inquire about financing or reach one of our service/suppliers. You must be a THA member to have your business listed on this site.
| | Follow us on social media! | | |
Did you see the THA Member Tool Kit emails
in May and June?
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Download the graphics and videos from your e-mails!
If you missed them, go back and search the dates or the subject lines with these titles...
May dated 5/09/2025 -
"Your Dream Home Awaits"
June dated 6/10/2025 -
(Yes, same subject title! Different videos and graphic.)
"Your Dream Home Awaits"
| | Pretty Home? Let Us Film It! | | |
The production team at ManufacturedHomes.com is always looking for installed manufactured and modular homes that will represent the industry in our state. If any of our THA members have recently set a home and the landscaping is now complete, drop a picture of the exterior to Rick@manufacturedhomes.com
| | Use these links to make changes or additions to your TennesseeManufacturedHomes.com listing. | | 2025 Tennessee MH Education | | |
The educational portal opened on January 3rd and will close on December 5, 2025.
Pick your course. Pay online. Access Online.
Print your certificate of completion right from your dashboard!
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2025 Initial Licensing
Opened 01/03/2025
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2025 Continuing Education
Opened 01/03/2025
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Installation Basics Training
Remains Open
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Discounts are available for THA member companies ONLY!
Members were e-mailed their discount code on January 3rd at 1:02 pm, CST.
(If you cannot locate your code, email Office@tnmha.org
for your member discount coupon, prior to purchase!)
| | Community Owners and Managers Education | |
Accredited Community Manager (ACM) - Designation -
The ACM curriculum is a two-part course for owners and managers of manufactured home communities. Topics include management and resident policies, community maintenance, leasing and sales techniques, marketing communities, taxes, insurance, financial management, business planning, physical asset management, and federal and fair housing laws.
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Professional Housing Consultant (PHC)
- Designation -
The PHC curriculum is a comprehensive study of manufactured housing for retail salespeople. Topics include retailer responsibilities, land-home and personal property financing, fair housing, and selling skills.
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