California Manufactured Housing Institute Names 2008 Award Recipients

    RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA, December 25, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Russ Williamson, Division Manager for Skyline Homes, San Jacinto, has been selected by a committee of former recipients to receive the highest honor awarded by CMHI - the Jack E. Wells Memorial Award.

After attending Ohio University, Russ migrated from Ohio to California in 1971. He began his career in manufactured housing in 1972 when he joined Redman Homes. Russ feels fortunate to have started his industry tenure with Redman Homes because at that time, they were one of the few organizations within our industry to offer an extensive training program which he credits as a major building block in his business career.

Russ' extensive background ranges from the plant floor to a Corporate Director of Sales. He has been the Division Manager for Skyline Homes, San Jacinto, California for the past 14 years. He has also worked for Fuqua and Fleetwood. During his 36 years of industry service, Russ' job assignments have helped in the development and promotion of manufactured housing in the Western United States, Pacific Northwest and the great Southwest.

Active throughout his career in state associations, Mr. Williamson has been the recipient of many awards. He recently was recognized for his efforts as Chairman of the California Manufactured Housing Institute from 2005 - 2007.

Married to Janis Williamson, an interior decorator and former boutique owner, they have two successful children and seven beautiful grandchildren. Their son Jeff is a computer scientist/executive in the San Diego area and Jodi, their daughter, is a recognized teacher in the Riverside County school system.

Mr. Williamson is the 59th industry leader to receive this significant recognition for his contributions to the industry.

Gordon Collins, retired, will be presented with CMHI's Richard R. Percival Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the manufactured housing industry.

For over 50 years, Mr. Collins has been an active promoter of the manufactured housing industry both in the U.S. and in Canada. He served as a key leader of product development and national sales manager for manufactured housing and as a successful retailer.

Gordon began his career in 1946 working for a supplier. In 1955 he joined the Air Force and served 4 years including deployment to Korea. Following his service, he joined Vagabond Coach Co. in Michigan where he worked in sales until he relocated to Southern California and joined Fleetwood homes in their Sales and Marketing department. "I was instrumental with the company becoming active in industry trade associations, and many of the products developed under my responsibility are still offered today," says Collins.

In 1974, Mr. Collins opened one of the most successful retail mobile home sales operations in San Diego County, Friendly Mobile Homes. His commitment to "service after the sale" set him apart from other retailers at that time.

Mr. Collins has always maintained a high level of activity with, and support for, local, national and Canadian industry associations. He received the coveted Jack E. Wells Memorial Award in 1971 from the Trailer Coach Association (reorganized as CMHI). In 2008, Gordon was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana. Mr. Collins may have retired from active involvement in the industry in 1990; however he still travels the U.S. and Canada as an ambassador for our industry.

About California Manufactured Housing

The California Manufactured Housing Institute is the non-profit professional and trade association representing the factory constructed housing industry in California. For more information, please contact Jess Maxcy at 909-987-2599.

Source: California Manufactured Housing Institute
Website: http://www.cmhi.org

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