MHAAC Frequently Asked Questions – Nov 7 2012 

How can the Manufactured Housing Association of Atlantic Canada help me in my business?

1. Work as a group to give our industry a strong voice against issues that affect our industry such as:
    - DOT issues concerning the transportation of our product
    - Building code issues that affect  the cost of our product and place our industry on an uneven playing field
    - LLC issues that can affect our rights as LLC owners
    - Offer MHC courses to establish a sense of professionalism in our industry
    - Offer our members an opportunity to voice their concerns on issues they feel are important to their business
2. Network with other manufacturers, Retailers, Land Lease Community Owners, Suppliers & Financial Institutions, Transporters
3. Public Education to promote the advantages of manufactured housing over alternatives
4. Solve Issues – Government, housing, transportation, Building Code
5. Help with issues/questions for your particular business

 What are your priorities?

1. Help our Manufactured Housing Industry become the first choice for housing in Atlantic Canada by growing its market share.
2. To be the voice of the industry in all sectors including housing, finance, building officials, government, and home builders associations.
3. To represent our members in a professional manner and to work on behalf of our members for the betterment of our industry.
4. To act as a liaison with Government departments and other associations on issues which affect our industry.
5. Ensure that manufactured housing interests and benefits are heard within the other associations affecting our industry.
6. Attract new members.

 I already belong to other associations/industry groups. Why should I join MHACC? What are the benefits?

1. We are a strong association with all manufacturers represented at the Board level – with common interests and common challenges.
2. Access to a wealth of information regarding manufactured housing.
3. If you are a stakeholder in this industry, there are many benefits such as access to training (MHC course).
4. To be part of the MHAAC group of high quality retailers, developers, trades and transporters, etc.
5. Networking
6. We are the “go-to” group for housing in Atlantic Canada.

 Who are your members?

1. Manufacturers
2. Manufactured housing builders / retailers
3. Financial institutions
4. Manufactured housing Land Lease Community owners & developers
5. Manufactured housing transporters
6. Manufactured housing suppliers
7. Trades
8. Owners, operators & staff participation
9. Foundation providers
10. Warranty Providers
11. Real Estate Agents

What are the opportunities to network with other members and make business contacts?

1. Fresh ideas, discuss issues affecting the industry and resolve them.
2. General Membership, Semi-Annual and Annual meetings.  Also, if there is a topic which needs to be discussed, by contacting our Executive Director, that topic can be added to our meeting agenda, with proper notification.
3. Sharing best practices.
4. Opportunity to share experiences and ideas with your peers and also to get to know the other stakeholders in your community.
5. We participate in Home Builders Association meetings (national and regional).
6. We provide equal opportunities for anyone to be involved at a Board level and/or committee meetings.

I have very little time to participate, so would I get enough out of my membership?

1. Opportunity to influence the decisions made on behalf of the industry.
2. Information on government changes/updates/programs as soon as they become available.
3. All our members who attend our meetings are busy, but having the ability to network with others, give faces to names, makes it easier to pick up a phone and speak to someone who may have the same issues/concerns.
4. Yes, we have guest speakers at our meeting that are pertinent to our industry.
5. Regular updates on specific industry related issues.

I like to have a say—can I be involved in the Association’s activities?

1. We value everyone’s input, and look forward to the participation of our members.
2. Working Groups exist on various aspects of the Association – members are welcome to join.  Working Groups are as follows:
        Growing the Association
        Access to Financing
        Government Relations
        Facts & Figures
        Educating the Public
3. All voices are not only welcome, they are heard, making feedback invaluable for all members.
4. We welcome you to join and be active.  MHAAC needs to encourage members to add to the growth and development of the association.
5. Attend the meetings.

Do you offer professional development or training—i.e. workshops or courses?

1. Current Course Available: MHC, Customer Service Workshop, 55+
2. Currently courses are available however the association is planning to offer more courses in the near future.

Can I “test-run” a membership, e.g., come to a function, before I make up my mind?

All potential members are welcome at our general meetings and find them to be a great “test-run” when considering a membership. Voting is limited to members only.  You are welcome to attend a meeting to acquaint yourself with the environment.  Contact our Executive Director for more information or to confirm your attendance:  Yvon Williams 1-888-341-3663 or ywilliams@mhaac.ca

How long do I have to sign up for?

Our membership dues are an annual fee (pro-rated).

What are some examples of the association’s past successes

1. Work with National association to get CLIP program in place
2. Input as it related to GST Housing Rebates
3. Developed standardized Landlord Consent form for lending institutions
4. Transportation MOU
5. Cargo securement

How does the association raise its funds?

Membership Dues & Industry Betterment Fees

Who could our members be?

Manufacturers, Retailers, Suppliers, Transporters, Land Lease Communities, Financial Providers, Warranty Providers, Insurance Providers, Lawyers, Real Estate Agents; and whoever else would like to support the Growth of the Manufactured Home Industry.