United Properties

Founded in 1916, United Properties (UP) has been a significant investor, service provider and developer of commercial real estate in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest. (For more information visit the UP website at www.uproperties.com)

Throughout its history, the company has had a strong involvement in the community. During its early years, investment in arts and cultural organizations was an important company value.

Today, the Boys and Girls Club (B & G) of the Twin Cities is an important beneficiary of United Properties community involvement. UP’s President Boyd Stofer is a long-time B&G board member. UP professionals actively use their real estate knowledge to help B&G improve facility operating efficiency and reduce expenses. And B&G receives the largest corporate contribution made by UP’s.

Other UP community involvement includes:

• 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

Corporate Giving: During 2005, general operating grants were provided to organizations that serve underprivileged youth or provide healthcare services in the Twin Cities metro area. Support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina was also approved. Ten other nonprofits received almost $100,000 in operating grants.

Event Sponsorships and Project Grants: Each year, UP sponsors business education events that share company expertise with Twin Cities’ business leaders.

Workplace Giving Campaign: Each fall UP employees are invited to support the 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. Participation in the 2005 campaign increased, and employee contributions increased more than 100% from the prior year.

Business Division Community Support

UP business divisions make a small number of contributions or sponsor local nonprofit organization events each year. 2005 recipients include: Hockey Docs Golf Tournament, Park Nicollet Foundation; and Hope for the City.

Employee Volunteers

UP employees participate in several company or industry- sponsored volunteer activities throughout the year. Within UP, a significant employee volunteer project is part of the company’s annual education week. In 2005, 90 employees spent a day landscaping and repairing cabins and buildings at a Boys and Girls Club summer camp.