INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR

Elliot Fabri Modern Day Innovator

Eagerly accepting new challenges with a calm and cool confidence is a trademark of this year's recipient of the MHI Industry Person of the Year award. He is well known as a leader, visionary and pioneer, and respected in the manufactured housing industry for his "out-of-the-box" thinking. His risks have become the industry's reward. Elliot Fabri, president of New Era Building Systems Inc. is being honored for his numerous contributions during his 30-year involvement in the industry.

Fabri has made great strides in helping to open new markets for manufactured housing. "Elliot is truly one of the visionaries of this industry. As far as I know he's never faced an obstacle that he didn't view as a dare, he takes pride in being an innovator, and he continually pushes the envelope in terms of his company's designs and his expectations for the industry," said Eric Alexander, director of the national communities council and land use activities for the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI).Fabri believes that, "the industry needs to spread its wings. There are a lot of niches in the marketplace that can be filled. By thinking outside-the-box, things that didn't seem possible before can become reality. As manufactured homes continue to evolve aesthetically and become compatible with urban neighborhoods, the negatives about manufactured housing will fade away."

Steve Hullibarger, president of The Home Team, a consulting firm to manufactured home community developers, who has worked extensively with Fabri said, "If we can find a way to serve alternative markets, I believe we could see a dramatic increase in shipments. Elliot contributes heavily to the difficult projects that are opening doors to new markets. When asked to participate in one of these projects, his immediate response is often 'let's go for it.' In the quest for opening new markets, we can be confident that Elliot will be helping to lead the way."

Facing Challenges and Overcoming Hurdles

Even after being faced with a family tragedy during the last year, Fabri continued to build on his commitment to the manufactured housing industry. Fabri has made numerous contributions to the manufactured housing industry in areas such as home design and technology.

Fabri was one of the leaders for the MHI Urban Design Demonstration Project. New Era Building Systems, Inc. provided two-story HUD Code homes for the sites in Louisville, Ky. and Wilkinsburg, Penn.

Describing Fabri's determination, Alexander noted, "He made the most difficult lot in the whole group-the 21' wide Louisville lot-look like a cakewalk. I think most other people would have backed away from trying to use the lot. On the initial lot inspection he just laughed, shook his head, and said 'Well, if we can do it here we'll prove we can do it anywhere.'" As Fabri reflects on the project he recalled, "There were many obstacles in designing the two-story manufactured home and dealing with regulations, but in the end it was well worth the effort." He added, "We need to take the lessons we have learned from the Urban Design Demonstration Project and set out to expand manufactured housing to the urban environments."

In 1999, New Era built the award-winning HUD "NextGen" home, designed by Steven Winter Associates Inc. The goal of the project was to improve housing across the nation by providing builders with the latest information on innovative materials, processes and systems. Fabri has also been a key innovator for technical advancement in HUD-Code homes. With such innovations as a fully integrated chassis system and two-story homes, he has led the way.

Fabri also developed Dream Makers, a computerized pricing and computer assisted design software program. He was the first to develop a computer program that allows retailers to fully customize homes. Fabri said, "This program has helped professionalize the sale of manufactured homes and gives customers more options." Fabri also created a "Partners in Progress" initiative, whereby retailers may become equity investors in the manufacturing facility.

Bringing New Ideas to the Table

Fabri has been a very active member of MHI and has served on the Manufacturers Division Board of Governors, the MHI Board of Directors and as chair of the MHI Site Development Committee. "Elliot is known for being innovative and open-minded. He brings to the Site Development Committee new perspectives on what can be accomplished in the factory and he is exciting to work with." said Don Westphal, president of Donald Westphal and Associates.

He is also an active member in every state where his homes are shipped. "Elliot is always willing to help with legislative issues and plant tours," said Mary Gaiski, executive vice president, Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association. Gaiski describes Fabri as, "an outside-the-box-type manufacturer, who is always working to open new markets." He was instrumental in the passage of legislation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that assured that a more "industry friendly" agency retained oversight responsibility for manufactured housing.

A Role Model of Excellence

Fabri's genuine interest in the future of the industry is apparent to all who know him. On a personal note, Alexander said of Fabri, "He's one of the folks who inspired me and made me truly passionate about manufactured housing very early on in my career. I'm never around him long without learning something new. I am often in awe of him." As evidence of his leadership and vision, Fabri has won several prestigious awards over the past few years for New Era's innovations in manufactured home design and technology, including: MHI's 2000 Best Home Design award, Automated Builder's Consortium Don O. Carlson Award and the HUD Innovation in housing award for use of HUD Code products.

Fabri's contributions have led him to be this year's Industry Person of the Year.

COMMUNITIES

DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

With the goal of providing cost effective and affordable factory-built, site-delivered housing in fee-simple and land-lease communities, The Myers Group has earned the "Developer of the Year" award. The Myers Group prides itself on superior customer service and its After-Purchase Customer-Care program. At the time of move-in, buyers receive a personalized welcome letter and are then instructed to report any problems with the home, site or community. Residents receive a response within 24 hours. The Myers Group handles all phases of manufactured housing development, from research and acquisition to planning and development. The company is currently developing 14 manufactured housing subdivisions, totaling 2705 lots, in Oregon, California, Arizona and Texas. The Myers Group is committed to providing top-notch service in all aspects of manufactured housing.

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
Clayton Homes, Inc.

Clayton Homes has remained a stalwart of the manufactured housing industry. In a year with more than 70 plant closings in the industry, Clayton Homes opened its 20th plant and achieved profitability in this plant and all its others, while maintaining the lowest service cost in the industry and implementing the industry's most rigid, quality-oriented production management system. Clayton has enhanced the industry's reputation by providing over 150 homes for disaster relief for Los Alamos fire victims. The company's chief executive officer has served as a board member of the Manufactured Housing Research Alliance and committee chairman for a task force that helped launch Homestore.com. In addition, Clayton Homes has contributed more than $30,000 to the MHI-PAC in 2000, as well as donating over $1.5 million to other charities throughout the year.

NATIONAL LENDER OF THE YEAR
Chase Manufactured Housing

Chase has a reputation for providing quality service. In a period of uncertainty for the industry, Chase has consistently provided stable lending, standing by its commitment to the industry. In addition, Chase had developed a formal complaint tracking system to help take customer service to a higher level. In 2000, Chase became active as a correspondent/broker investor for many other manufactured housing lenders. Overall, Chase has continued to increase its reputation for reliability and, in return, has become a lender of choice for many.

REGIONAL LENDER OF THE YEAR
Triad Financial Services

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., with branch offices in Bourbonnais, Ill.; Houston, Texas; and Eagan, Minn., Triad Financial Services has been providing retail financing of manufactured homes for over 40 years, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest. In 2000, Triad originated loans in 20 states and achieved a loan volume in excess of $130 million. Triad has demonstrated strong growth over the past several years while providing low-cost financing for the industry. The company's ongoing strategy is to focus on providing excellent service to the manufactured home industry.

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Donald C. Westphal

The manufactured housing industry has greatly benefited from Westphal's architectural design skills. In 2000, Westphal worked with others to utilize a more attractive, less expensive foundation wrap for homes. He has designed 30 new land-lease communities in eight states and has contributed articles to industry publications. Westphal has taken an active role in MHI committees, task forces and meetings by participating in the Suppliers Division Board of Governors and MHI Board of Directors as well as various other committees. He has been involved with the manufactured housing industry for more than 15 years and has provided valuable services to
its advancement.

MANUFACTURED HOUSING COMMUNITY OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
Chateau Communities, Inc.

As one of the largest community operators in the manufactured housing industry, Chateau Communities Inc. recognizes its responsibility to resident satisfaction and industry reputation. This commitment has resulted in the company's investment in customer service support systems including resident surveys, community manager training and technological innovations that allow managers to focus on their residents. Chateau encourages its managers to participate in MHEI's ACM program to enhance their managerial skills. Chateau Communities is clearly committed to excellence.

STATE ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Joe Kelly

As executive vice president of the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association, Joe Kelly is viewed by his peers as a "true association profession with a manner and character that is exemplary." His tireless efforts to develop and push favorable legislation have greatly benefited the manufactured housing industry. Kelly is credited with developing a model zoning bill in Iowa and advancing the MHEC/MHI Model Zoning Bill through the Commerce and Economic Development Task Force of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). For 19 years, Kelly also serves as the lobbyist for the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association. Kelly is a member of MHI's Government Affairs Committee, a board member of the industry's federal PAC, and was recently appointed by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to the Governor's Housing Task Force. His proven track record of getting needed legislation passed by the Iowa state legislature, shows his commitment to the manufactured housing industry. Setting an example for all, Joe Kelly is a national leader in the industry.

LAND-LEASE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR-UNDER 150 SITES
        EAST COAST REGION
           Hillcrest

Hillcrest, located on 125 acres of woodlands in Uncasville, Conn., is an ideal living environment for adults 55 and over. Encouraging residents to get involved and stay active, the community's 7,000-square-foot recreation center hosts organized events for residents and contains an indoor heated swimming pool; billiards room; large deck overlooking a pond; walking paths; and a conference and meeting room. The one-floor detached homes are set on quarter-acre sites and range in price from $100,000-$150,000. Hillcrest assists homebuyers in choosing from six basic floor plans with decks, covered entryways, vaulted ceilings, spacious closets, and bright and cheerful bathrooms. Residents can also choose from a variety of customization packages. Sales consultants work with prospective homeowners to design their homes to include items such as extra-wide doorways, skylights, two-car garages, workshops, three-season rooms, hardwood floors, lowered counters and fireplaces. Homes range in size from 1,040 to 1,700 square feet.

       EAST CENTRAL REGION
          Pine Lakes

Pine trees, maple trees and many other hardwood species in Lapeer, Mich., border the Pine Lakes community. Providing residents with a comfortable and affordable living environment is a goal of the Pine Lakes community. Homes range in price from $60,000 to over $100,000 and from 1,144 to 2,305 square feet in size. Many of the homes have fully enclosed garages, custom-built sunrooms, vinyl decks, covered porches and much more. All homes are required to have a 5/12 minimum roof pitch, shingled roofs, vinyl lapped siding and brick or stone enhancements. They also requie either a brick foundation or matching horizontal vinyl to the ground, and a dormer on the entry side. The community amenities include three large private lakes in a country setting and a 5,000-square-foot town hall and community center where such events as card games, trips to local areas, holiday parties and residential gatherings are organized. In addition, the community center houses a game room, library, business center, internet learning center, high-tech exercise center, banquet facility and video entertainment. In order to provide residents with all of life's necessities, Pine Lake residents can take advantage of convenient services such as home delivery of groceries, dry cleaning pick-up, prescription delivery, lawn care and snow removal for a small additional service fee.

      WEST COAST REGION
          Sea Oaks

Located in Los Osos, Calif, Sea Oaks is just two miles from Morro Bay and Morro State Park on the scenic Pacific Ocean. Residents of this 55-and-older community enjoy a resort lifestyle by taking advantage of the following amenities: clubhouse, heated swimming pool, whirlpool spa, barbecue and picnic area, billiard room, walking and bike trails, game room, horseshoe pits, and laundry facilities. Residents enjoy participating in community organizations such as the line dancing club, crafts club and the reading group. The Sea Oaks community is close to several golf courses, performing arts theaters and beaches, with resort attractions such as Santa Barbara and Monterey within driving distance of the community. The average price of homes is $90,000 with an average monthly lease of $360. The lease includes clubhouse use, trash pickup and water.

LAND-LEASE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR-OVER 150 SITES
        EAST COAST REGION
            The Heritage

The Heritage in North Fort Myers, Fla., is just 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and the pristine beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The community was named one of the 100 best places to retire by Where to Retire magazine. In this retirement community, homes are situated on spacious, fully landscaped homesites, some of which overlook the clubhouse, the golf course or one of nine sparkling lakes. The clubhouse features an outside patio overlooking a large heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi; library; exercise, billiards and card rooms; and a spacious main hall with a stage for dances, meetings, variety shows, dinners, bingo and crafts. Other recreational amenities include a nine-hole executive golf course, two lighted tennis courts, shuffleboard and horseshoes. The community's award-winning homes feature state-of-the-art designs. Site rental fees include lawn mowing and unlimited use of all recreational facilities and amenities.

  EAST CENTRAL REGION
            Marshall's Crossing

A peaceful countryside and lush landscape is the setting for Marshall's Crossing, located in Montrose, Mich. Marshall's Crossing offers an all-inclusive lifestyle including unlimited use of community services and amenities, lawn care, snow removal and garbage pickup, inside/outside water and sewer, basic cable television with optional premium upgrades, and large sodded yard with a landscaping starter package. Standard features include central air, sheds and decks. Home sizes range from 1,188 to 2,206 square feet. Residents enjoy a 5,000-square-foot resort-style community clubhouse with heated swimming pool, sundeck, roller-hockey and basketball courts, playground, library, and state-of-the-art fitness center. In addition to large common areas, miles of walking trails and picnic areas are available.

  WEST CENTRAL REGION
            Chateau at Onion Creek

Located in Austin, Texas, Chateau at Onion Creek features large cul-de-sac sites and greenbelts nestled in a country setting. The beautifully landscaped entrance of the community is gated with a secure entry. The homes in Onion Creek are all vinyl-sided with shingled-roofs and include a vinyl-sided 8-by-10-foot shed to match the home. A two-car concrete driveway, with an option for a two-car garage, and sidewalk is also installed for each home. Each home is designed with large wooden decks with wood skirting on all entrances of the home. Amenities include a community barbeque/park area, playgrounds and a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse that includes a fitness center, kitchen and a large community social room that overlooks a beautiful cascading swimming pool and large deck.

WEST COAST REGION
            Plantation on the Lake

Plantation on The Lake is a community for residents 55-and-older. Located among the scenic mountain views in Calimesa, Calif., this 170 acre, 509-site community hosts a park-like setting with gorgeous flower gardens and breathtaking views of the mountains. New home prices range from $69,000 to $125,000. The spacious lots average 5,000 square feet. All homes feature two-car garages and are virtually indistinguishable from site-built homes. This community provides its residents with a number of amenities including: clubhouse, recreation center, four lakes, two heating swimming pools, two Jacuzzis, exercise room, library, craft center, kiln room, restaurant-quality kitchen, picnic and barbecue area, vineyard, fruit tree orchard, billiard room and RV storage. Residents can participate in more than ten community organizations, including ladies' aerobics, social clubs and craft groups. The community also sponsors other activities such as organized trips to museums and theaters.

BEST NEW LAND-LEASE COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED STATES
White Oaks Crossing

Located in Oak Grove, Mo., White Oaks Crossing is a community that runs through a 365-acre nature area, complete with white-tailed deer and deep blue fishing ponds. The centerpiece of the community is the 15,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse, which contains two fireplaces, a 52" TV with surround sound, private library, billiards room, fitness center, two kitchens for parties, a complete entertainment center and a 2,400-square-foot pool with whirlpool. A grand veranda encircles the clubhouse and offers wicker chairs, sofas and chaises to watch the sunset over White Oaks Crossing and its beautiful pristine lakes. Homes are available from 1,100 to 2,560 square feet. The homes feature porches, rambling rear decks, garages, concrete drives and sidewalks. Luxury interior features include central air provided by ultra-efficient heat pumps, island kitchens with eat-in areas, cathedral ceilings, skylights, sun rooms, deluxe whirlpool spas, wood-burning fireplaces, practical utility rooms and walk-in closets.

BEST LAND-LEASE COMMUNITY UPGRADE/REDEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED STATES
Cannery Village

Located in Newport Beach, Calif., Cannery Village is a 34-space
community located in a prime area of the marina section of Newport Beach. The 30-year-old property was 50 percent occupied with rental homes that were themselves 20 to 30 years old. Amenities consisted only of a very small swimming pool and a laundry room that had been closed down. In 1999, Carlsberg Management purchased Cannery Village and started upgrading the property. The rental homes were sold and the park was razed and completely renovated. New utility lines were installed including sewer and water systems, electrical and gas lines. Colored, stamped concrete streets were incorporated into the community. A new Jacuzzi along with a central courtyard and restroom/shower facilities enhance the community. Most importantly, 34 two-story homes in three different styles can now be seen in Cannery Village. Today, the property is a highly popular residential community in one of the most desireable neighborhoods.

BEST NEW MANUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISION IN THE UNITED STATES
Ellicott Springs

Ellicott Springs is a 2,000-acre master-planned family community located approximately 15 miles east of Colorado Springs, Colo. Ellicott Springs combines country charm and a small-town lifestyle with a location that is convenient to employment opportunities, shopping, and cultural and recreational amenities. On-site recreational opportunities include a children's play area and basketball court. Picnic tables, barbecue pits and a larger play set are being installed. Biking and hiking trails are also in the plans. The average manufactured home in the community sells for $90,000 to $120,000 and includes land, landscaping, carport and storage building, central underground utilities. Homes average 1,500 square feet with at least three bedrooms and two baths. Each homebuyer receives a landscaping and irrigation package. This new subdivision provides residents with everything that comparable site-built communities offer.

RETAILERS

RETAILER OF THE YEAR
        EAST COAST REGION
            Owl Homes

Owl Homes, of Allegany, N.Y., began selling manufactured homes, in 1968 with a commitment to fair prices and reliable service. Today, Owl Homes' solid reputation continues to satisfy customers and their retail centers show it. With a highly visible site, the retail outlet is professionally landscaped featuring 25 homes to fit any lifestyle or budget, including multi-section, single section and modular homes. The display allows homebuyers to see virtually all the options that are available to them. With a professional sales staff and service team, Owl Homes provides customers with a "home town" approach of personalized, one-on-one service in every aspect of their new home purchase.

        EAST CENTRAL REGION
            Community Sales, Inc. at Westbrook

Community Sales at Westbrook, Macomb, Mich., has developed an inviting environment for the new manufactured home customer of today. The standards of excellence have been established for this beautiful upscale development's sales center, featuring custom built signage, lighting and a beautiful brick entry. Situated in a peaceful country setting, the Westbrook sales center offers everything a homeowner could want. Five fully furnished and professionally decorated homes highlight covered porches, garages, hot tubs, decks, wrap around decks and much more. The center if professionally landscaped and the model homes are set up in a residential setting. At Westbrook, the sales staff is committed to focusing on customer needs and building a positive environment for today and the future.

        WEST CENTRAL REGION
            Home-Mart Inc.

Once again, Home-Mart is recognized for the company's superior commitment to customers. With a premier sales center located in the four-state area that includes Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas, Home-Mart has a long history of open doors and posted prices, which has established the company reputation as being "the preeminent 'customer friendly' place to shop." Located on more than five acres, models are lighted, furnished, skirted and decorated to show the comforts of home. Home-Mart has continued to enhance its recognition for quality through an extensive marketing program and a commitment to promoting a positive environment in the community.

        WEST COAST
            Busbee's Manufactured Home Sales

Located in Glendale, Ariz., approximately 10 miles from Phoenix, Busbee's occupies 4.5 acres in a predominantly commercial business corridor. The sales center displays approximately 11 different model homes in a residential streestscape, intended to duplicate a site-built subdivision model home development. All models are either skirted or landscaped to equate ground setting and are fully furnished. Tent cards are displayed in all models to show potential buyers the availability of comprehensive, after-the-sale services and current financing opportunities. Busbee's goal is to achieve 100 percent customer satisfaction.

© 2002 by Manufactured Housing Institute. All rights reserved.