April 26, 2000, Arlington, VA -- Members of the manufactured housing industry gathered at an awards luncheon today to recognize individuals and companies for their vision, their dedication and extraordinary achievements. The National Industry Awards, presented during the National Manufactured Housing Congress, recognize the highest achievers from all sectors of the manufactured housing industry - communities, retailers, suppliers, lenders, manufacturers, developers and state associations.

"We are extremely proud of the accomplishments made by these industry leaders. The National Industry Awards program is a recognition of their commitment and contributions to the manufactured housing industry. They are an inspiration and role model of excellence," said Chris Stinebert, president of MHI.

The winners of the "Community of the Year" and "Retailer of the Year" categories submit entries that are judged by an independent panel of professionals made up of representatives from the planning, community development, lending, realtor and homebuilding professions. Awards are given in four regional areas of the country.

The "Community of the Year" entries were judged based on a written statement supplied by the entrant, community aesthetics, marketing materials, site plan of the community, community and industry involvement, and the lease and covenants. The independent panel of judges agreed that the following communities stood out above the others in their region.

LAND-LEASE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS, UNDER 150 SITES
Region I (East Coast) - The Gables located in Fishkill, N.Y.
Region II (East Central) - Riverview Crossing located in Harrison, Ohio
Region III (West Central) - Chateau Communities - The Homestead located in McAllen, Texas
Region IV (West Coast) - Water Gardens located in Maple Valley, Wash.

LAND-LEASE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS, OVER 150 SITES
Region I (East Coast) - Baywood located in Long Neck, Del.
Region II (East Central) - The Lakes located in Kimball, Mich.
Region III (West Central) - Casa Village located in Billings, Mont.
Region IV (West Coast) - Kloshe Illahee located in Federal Way, Wash.

Additionally, several awards are given in special categories. These categories include the "Best New Land-Lease Community in the United States," the "Best Land-Lease Community Upgrade/Redevelopment in the United States," the "Best New Manufactured Home Subdivision in the United States," and the "Best Established Manufactured Home Subdivision in the United States." The award winners for 2000 are:
Best New Land-Lease Community in the United States
Baywood located in Long Neck, Del.


Best Land-Lease Community Upgrade/Redevelopment in the United States
Pequot Terrace located in Pequot Lakes, Minn.


Best New Manufactured Home Subdivision in the United States
Twin Peaks Estates located in Tucson, Ariz.


Best Established Manufactured Home Subdivision in the United States
Window Rock East located in Tucson, Ariz.

The "Retailer of the Year" award entries were judged based on an entry statement, management philosophy, retail center aesthetics, and marketing materials. The independent panel of judges selected the following retailers to win the national awards.

RETAIL OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Region I (East Coast) - Signature Homes by New Dimensions Homes, Inc. A subsidiary of Oakwood Homes Corp. located in Long Neck, Delaware
Region II (East Central) - Holiday Homes Inc. located in Hillsboro, Ohio
Region III (West Central) - Home-Mart Inc. located in Tulsa, Okla.
Region IV (West Coast)- Peter’s Manufactured Homes located in Post Falls, Idaho

DESIGN AWARDS
The following awards recognize excellence and encourage innovation in manufactured home design. An independent panel of architects and building professionals from the Washington, D.C. area judged the entries.
Best Design - Production Home
NextGen House by New Era Building Systems, Inc., Strattanville, Penn.

Best Design for Concept House - Over 1,200 square feet
Fall Creek Concept House, Fall Creek Housing Corporation, Elkhart, Ind.

Best Design for Concept House - Under 1,200 square feet
Champion Enterprises’ Single Special, Champion Enterprises, Inc., Auburn Hills, Mich.

NATIONAL AWARDS

Every year industry leaders vote for the individuals and companies that are considered the best in their class. This year’s winners have shown great leadership and commitment to the industry over the last year. These award winners have been chosen by their peers to be honored with the prestigious 2000 manufactured housing industry awards.


State Association Executive of the Year -
Mary Gaiski, Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association, New Cumberland, Penn.

Supplier Person of the Year -
Terrence O’Connor, Senco Products, Cincinnati, Ohio

Developer of the Year -
Modular Lifestyles, Inc., Roseville, Calif.

Manufactured Home Community Operator of the Year -
Kris Jensen, Jensen’s, Inc., Southington, Conn.

Regional Lender of the Year -
Washington Mutual Bank, Seattle, Wash.

Lending Institution of the Year -
Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio

Manufacturer of the Year -
Clayton Homes, Inc., Maryville, Tenn.

Industry Person of the Year -
William Lear, Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., Riverside, Calif.

Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s industry awards. Each of them earned their special distinction by practicing professional integrity and demonstrating high standards. For information about entering the 2001 National Awards competition, call Ann Parman at 703-558-0400 or send an e-mail to ann@mfghome.org.