The Trust launches web-based portal and selects Threshold Group for investment manager research with Oregon and Southwest Washington focus
PORTLAND, Ore. and SEATTLE, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Meyer Memorial Trust (MMT) is entering the next phase of mission related investing with the announcement of Invest Oregon, an initiative to further align the foundation's mission and investment strategy. Invest Oregon will re-direct a portion of MMT's approximately $800 million corpus to investments in Oregon and Southwest Washington. MMT has selected Threshold Group, a Pacific Northwest-based investment advisory firm, as a partner in researching place-based investment opportunities with the greatest potential for social, environmental, and regional economic impact.
Regional economic development is central to the long-term goals of Invest Oregon. Threshold Group is currently conducting institutional investment due diligence that meets the Invest Oregon investment criteria and expects additional capital to follow as a result of MMT's leadership. Threshold's research focuses on both the financial risks/returns, as well as the associated social, environmental, and community impacts of these investments. Through this relationship, MMT and Threshold seek to build capacity among regionally focused investors by showcasing Oregon investments within and beyond the region.
"We want Invest Oregon to serve as a model for increasing the flow of investment capital to the Pacific Northwest. Threshold's expertise will help develop the infrastructure necessary to achieve this goal," stated Sayer Jones, MMT's Director of Finance and Mission Related Investing.
Initial investments through Invest Oregon were made in September 2013 when the Trustees of MMT committed to investments in the Portland Seed Fund and Ecotrust Forest Management. Investments through Invest Oregon are expected to range between $100,000 and $2,000,000, depending on the size and nature of the opportunity. Currently, Invest Oregon is focused on investment funds and other co-mingled vehicles, including venture capital and private equity, although MMT will consider investments across other asset classes that meet the program's goals. Invest Oregon dollars will not be used to invest directly in individual companies.
Eligible fund managers are encouraged to apply for Invest Oregon funding through a web-based portal: www.mmt.org/invest-oregon-phase-i. The platform was developed to provide an accessible way for fund managers across the state to connect with MMT and be considered for Invest Oregon funding.
"Meyer Memorial Trust is again demonstrating their commitment to Oregon and Southwest Washington by putting their money to work where they work. We're excited to collaborate on this unique investment model," said Craig Muska, Threshold Group's Director of Foundation Services.
About Meyer Memorial Trust
Meyer Memorial Trust was created by the late Fred G. Meyer, who built the chain of retail stores bearing his name throughout the Pacific Northwest. Since it began operating in 1982, MMT has provided nearly $636 million to the regional economy through the nonprofit sector, primarily in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. MMT has awarded funds in every one of Oregon's 36 counties and about 80% of cities, communities and unincorporated places in the state. As of August 2013, approximately 13.5% of MMT's corpus was directed to mission related investments.
About Threshold Group
Threshold Group is a family-owned wealth management firm with approximately 50 family clients in 35 states, with offices in Gig Harbor, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle. An early pioneer in mission-related investing industry, Threshold has more than 30% of its $2.5 billion in assets under management (AUM) allocated to mission related investments. Threshold provides investment guidance, financial planning, legacy planning and family office services for families and private foundations that require a comprehensive and personalized approach to wealth advisory services. Threshold Group is a Registered Investment Advisor. Data based on assets under management as of December 31, 2013.
Press Contacts:
Sayer Jones
Meyer Memorial Trust, Director of Finance and Mission Related Investing
503-228-5512
Email
Craig Muska
Threshold Group, Director of Foundation Services
206-748-3682
Email