Marquette Real Estate Group

Marquette Real Estate Group is comprised of three operating companies focused on different aspects of commercial real estate.  The group started as United Properties in 1916 and has grown to include NorthMarq and RJM Construction.

For more information on each company, visit

• Rjmconstruction.com
• Uproperties.com
• NorthMarq.com

Throughout its history, the companies have had a strong involvement in the community. During its early years, investment in arts and cultural organizations was an important company value. The companies have expanded their focus areas to include affordable housing and disadvantage youth. As a general rule, the Community Giving Committee of Marquette Real Estate Group prefers to fund the operations of a non-profit organization rather than special events.

In addition, the companies encourage employees to volunteer their time and talents, offering an additional day of paid time off to allow employees to volunteer. Employees can also request up to $1,000 annual for organizations where they also contribute. Through its parent company, Marquette Real Estate Group, United Properties and its sister companies contribute to three key focus areas – arts and culture, disadvantaged youth and affordable housing.

Key partner organizations include:

• Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities: In addition to a five-year capital commitment, this organization receives in-kind support of maintenance and engineering from NorthMarq, also owned by Marquette Real Estate Group. A number of company leaders have served on this board over the last ten years, including Boyd Stofer, Chairman/CEO of Marquette Real Estate Group. The companies also support the Club’s summer camp in Mound, holding a work day every year in the spring to help the club get ready to provide a great camp experience to more than 600 kids each summer

   

• General operating grants to nonprofit organizations where a UP employee is actively donating their time and talent;/li> Support of select community and industry projects, programs and charitable events; An annual workplace giving campaign for employees;, and
• A comprehensive college scholarship/internship program for a graduate of North High School in Minneapolis

           

• Bridging: This Twin Cities-based non-profit helps low-income or homeless people furnish their household, specifically focused on providing a bed to each family member. Since 1999, MREG has supported this organization with cash and volunteer contributions.

• Normandale Community College: In addition to have an employee serve on the board of directors, MREG has provided funding for the college’s scholarship program.

• North High School Scholarship program: Since 2004, MREG has funded one incoming college student leaving North High School in Minneapolis. Three students have received the scholarship, which combines scholarship funding with work experience.

• Twins Community Foundation: In keeping with our desire to support disadvantaged youth, MREG has supported the Twins Community Foundation since 2002. Tickets are distributed through youth-focused organizations. The Foundation also provides funding for improvements to baseball fields in blighted areas of the Twin Cities. 

• The Caring Tree: Started by a local commercial real estate association, The Caring Tree collects school supplies, back packs and funding for disadvantage youth before and during the school year. Employees of MREG are encouraged to create a backpack full of supplies for one child per year, while the company provides direct operational funding.

Business Division Community Support

The businesses of the three Marquette Real Estate Group’s operating companies also select local non-profit organizations or events to support annually.  Besides fund raising golf tournaments, examples of the events that the businesses support are the “Opus Cup,” an annual hockey game that raises money for Hope of the City; and Gilda’s Club annual fashion show fundraiser.

Workplace Giving Campaign

Each fall, MREG employees are invited to join other Pohlad companies to support an annual community-giving campaign, which benefits five federated funds supporting social, health, environment, arts and culture, and social change organizations. As part of the campaign, company employees create a week of fundraising activities (e.g., jean day, bake sale) to market the campaign.