Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/755715
DECEMBER 2016 12 THE JOURNAL As you will know by the time this article reaches you, Mr. Jim Visser, publisher of The Journal of Manufactured Housing has decided to retire and cease publication of The Journal. While Jim's re- tirement is well-earned and well-deserved after decades of hard work and immeasurable contribu- tions to the manufactured housing industry – as recognized by his induction into the RV-MH Hall of Fame in 2007 – the end of The Journal will be a major loss for the industry and everyone con- nected with it. As the last national print-based manufactured housing industry trade journal (as distinguished from newsletters and internet-based publications that continue to serve the industry and those with an interest in manufactured housing), the loss of The Journal will mark the end of an era – and, sadly, yet another step in what appears to be a growing trend toward the ultimate disappearance of print-based journalism, with even bastions of the "mainstream media" facing significant difficul- ties. While trade publications using other formats do – and have done – an admirable job in keeping in- dustry members and other stakeholders well-in- formed and up-to-date, the print media, at least for those of us of a certain age, still holds a special place. The printed word, and a publication that readers can hold in their hands, allows those of us with a message for a targeted (or broader) audi- ence, to present and explain sometimes complex issues in a level of detail that can be more chal- lenging in other media formats. That is not to say it cannot be done, but there are differences in the nature of these formats which must be respected. The Journal, for decades, has been an ideal platform for a column like the "MHARR View- point." These columns have allowed MHARR to explore, expose and explain – in detail -- regula- tory and other issues of interest to the manufac- tured housing industry and especially its smaller businesses, providing facts and accurate informa- tion that are simply not available from any other source. Indeed, while MHARR has – and has had – what is arguably the industry's most exten- sive contact list, developed over the course of decades, to disseminate its opinions and publica- tions, The Journal has consistently provided the means to reach-out even farther, bringing peo- ple, businesses, organizations and decision-mak- ers the type of information and insights they would never be able to obtain otherwise, either within or outside of the manufactured housing industry. As such, The Journal and Jim Visser have performed a vital service for the industry and all those con- nected with it – helping to advance fair and rea- sonable regulation for the industry and its consumers, while helping to protect, defend and preserve the vital role of manufactured housing in providing all Americans with the opportunity to own a safe, decent and affordable home. For all of this, MHARR, its members and the entire industry (as well as consumers), owe Mr. Visser and all those who have participated in the publication of The Journal (including, most espe- cially, Ms. Shelia Stiner), an enormous debt of gratitude. Their dedication and hard work have seen the industry through both good times and bad with an unwavering, positive message that today's manufactured housing offers the largest number of Americans the best opportunity to achieve the American Dream of home ownership in a home that meets the highest standards of quality and safety. And, even more to his credit, Jim has always upheld the most important qualities of professional journalism – qualities that recent disclosures show are rapidly disappearing in the "mainstream media" – the qualities of independence and true objectiv- ity, and a willingness to tackle the tough issues in a straightforward way. That, in itself, speaks vol- umes, not only about the man's professionalism, but his strength of character and courage. So, we at MHARR who have been privileged to work with The Journal for so many years, wish Jim all the best as he moves on to new endeavors and new experiences, and thank him for his many contributions to the industry, for his leadership and encouragement, but most of all for his friend- ship. Both The Journal – and Jim as its steward and publisher -- will be sorely missed. As Danny Ghorbani, the former president and CEO of MHARR, who worked with Jim Visser and The Journal over the course of the past four decades recently said, "Jim Visser and The Journal of Manufactured Housing have been a gift to our in- dustry -- and the consumers who rely on afford- able manufactured homes -- that can never be replaced. His integrity and stalwart support of the industry, its people and its businesses have set a standard and legacy of excellence that will stand as a model for those who follow." As for the "MHARR Viewpoint," the most complete, factual and accurate source of informa- tion concerning the industry in the nation's capi- tal, life will go on. By the end of 2016, the Association will assess the various options – in- cluding self-distribution -- that exist to continue publishing the "MHARR Viewpoint," and will settle on the best vehicle to move forward in 2017 and beyond, disseminating information and MHARR's perspective on current and impending industry matters that are not available from any other source. Once those decisions have been made, MHARR will issue an appropriate an- nouncement to the industry and consumers. But for now, for one last time in The Journal, we will say, in MHARR's view, it has been an in- credibly rewarding experience to work with Jim and all the fine people at The Journal, and we humbly thank them and wish them all the best for the future. Mark Weiss is President & CEO of the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform. MHARR is a Washington, DC-based national trade association representing the views and interests of independent pro- ducers of federally-regulated manufactured housing. Mark can be reached at 202-783-4087. Thanks and Appreciation MHARR VIEWPOINT BY MARK WEISS T J