Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/72467
OMHA Strategic Vision Complete with Transfer ofMH Community Licensing to theMH Commission Over ten years ago, under then OMHA Pres- ident Dan Rolfes, theOhioManufacturedHomes Association (OMHA) Board of Directors out- lined a Strategic Vision and Plan to consolidate all industry regulation under a yet to be formed Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission (OMHC) The unprecedented completion of such a vi- sion passed the Ohio General Assembly on May 23, 2012 and was signed by Governor Kasich. As part of the Governor's Mid-Term Budget legislation, legislative language transfers all MH Community licensing and regulation to OMHC. Under the compromise crafted,OMHC will have the authority to write the Rules, license and oth- erwise regulate MH communities; as well as de- termineMHCommunity fees previously under the jurisdiction of local and state Departments of Health. The Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission (OMHC) is governed by a 9-member body of which six members by law must be MH industry members recommended/nominated by OMHA. Since the Commission formation in 2004, all reg- ulation of new and used home installations, li- censing of MH Dealers, MH Consumer com- plaints and now the licensing and regulation of MH Communities (effective December 1, 2012) fall under the Ohio MH Commission. The MH Commission is a stand-alone state agency with full powers to regulate, write rules, levy fees, fines, conduct all inspections and enforcement actions and any and all actions otherwise granted any state agency. This effort accomplished in less than 8 years is unprecedented for our industry anywhere in the country. While some may not always agree with Commission policies, theMHindustry has estab- lished strong credibility to responsibly self-regu- late and balance the interests of consumer protection, business efficiency and homeowner affordability. OMHA as well as our appointees over the last 8 years to the MH Commission de- serve the gratitude of current and future genera- tions of MH industry businesses and MH homeowners in Ohio for demonstrating the abil- ity of our industry to self-regulate responsibly, and protect consumers while preserving the af- fordability of manufactured homes in Ohio. The consolidation ofMHregulations will serve the industry in unforeseen ways for decades to come. This vision of industry regulation consoli- dation has always been achieved in a bi-partisan political manner with the support of MH con- sumer interests including AMHRO, all govern- ment regulator associations, the Ohio Dept. of Health and other interested parties. OMHA Executive Vice President, Tim Williams said, "The license fees may be lowered by as much as 20% under current draft fee schedules subject toOMHC's continued review. Regulation for affordablemanufactured home ownership inOhio MHcommunities will be reasonable and balanced while maintaining homeowner safety and afford- ability. The full benefits of this historical effort will be seen in the comingmonths and years.Our OMHA Board of Directors is to be congratulated for exhibiting the leadership to achieve the vision of regulatory oversight for all aspects within the OhioMH industry. We'd also like to thank our state legislators and Governors of both political parties who through the years overwhelmingly supported responsible MH industry regulations, cost effectiveness, consumer protections, and MH home affordability." Customizing your manufacturedhome is as easy as 1-2-3 with "the original" R-COTEC Skirting, Steps, & Chimney Housing! • R-COTEC's insulation value is R-5 and can be increased. Panels are a higher EPS density, 1-1/8" thick and surface coated in a variety of brick, stone and stucco colors. Panel sizes are 24", 30", 36", and 48" high by 48" wide. When installed according to manufacturers' instruc- tions, each panel is supported in steel framing. • An R-COTEC skirting installation will not only reduce your utility costs, but also keep your crawl space dry and clean and frozen water pipes become non-existent. • Provides frost protection for shallow foundation systems. • Blow out resistant. R-COTEC Skirting remained in- tact from thehigh winds of hurricaneKatrina - where theroof and siding was blown off from thehouse. • R-COTEC Skirting system has been installed in homes in every state for over 16 years. • TheR-COTEC Skirting packageis complete. All you have to supply is necessary screws to attach to home and installation labor. • R-COTEC SKIRTING - many times imitated - never duplicated. Lakewood, NY 14750 • 716-763-1825 • 1-800-854-7657 • e-mail: rcoprods@netsync.net • Website: www.rcoproducts.com No. 9 on Get It Quick Page JULY 2012 13 THE JOURNAL 3 2 1