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1. e portfolio
Check out our work.
Featured Clients
Children’s Home Society
Ehlers Public Finance
Family Housing Fund
Friends of the Mississippi River
Live MSP (Minneapolis Saint Paul)
Minnesota Green Communities
Minnesotans for Impartial Courts

2. Children’s Home Society and Family Services
Organization Rebranding: Website and Logo

3. Ehlers Public Finance
Company Rebranding: Marketing Materials
Improving communities
through public finance
The story behind our symbol
ion ication,
The sigma ( ) symbol symbolizes the fact that we are equal to the sum of our parts. Each
sing
person counts at Ehlers. Everyone is encouraged to develop his or her talent. The result is
and t,
Hou
rtic mun
ent, men
a motivated and collaborative work culture that adds value to the communities we serve.
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The seal that surrounds the sigma symbolizes trust—the only basis for enduring relation-
evel ic Dev
anni
ce
Pa
en
ships. From our start in 1955, our word has been our bond. We’re dedicated to providing
suan
and agem
l Pl
Red om
independent financial advice without any conflicting interests.
ncia
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Deb
EHLERS First we understand
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE your point-of-view.
Then we expand your horizons.
EHLERS
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE

4. Ehlers Public Finance
Company Rebranding: Marketing Materials
We know where you’re coming from. In fact, three-quarters of our
Financial Advisors have prior experience in elective office or government
work. You can depend on Ehlers to provide financial advice that is
aligned with the interests of your community. We can see things your
Our word is our bond. way because we’re on your side.
First we understand
your point-of-view. Gain objective financial advice.
Ehlers has been providing objective financial advice to leaders in Midwestern com-
munities since 1955. We have the experience, knowledge and skills to navigate the
maze of financial options. Our goal is to expand your horizons and achieve practical
solutions at the lowest cost to taxpayers. Our interests are aligned with yours.
Ehlers exclusively for public sector clients and we will not work for developers or
bond brokers, ensuring that you avoid even a perception of any conflict of interest.
However, we work amicably with all stakeholders to serve the public good. Our
Then we expand your horizons. allegiance is with the communities we serve.
Leaders call us to provide debt issuance and financial planning services. We also provide
services to spur economic development and rerevitalize neighborhoods. Success with
these financial endeavors requires public understanding and support. Clients use our
development and communications services to augment their internal staff.
Ehlers consistently ranks as one of the top financial advisory firms in number of sales
in the Midwest and in the top three nationwide. Our Financial Advisors drive more
than 400,000 miles a year to serve our clients. Our success is the result of established
long-term relationships and hard work.
Our founder, Robert L. Ehlers, Sr., grew up in Montana, Bob Ehlers sold the company to his employees in 1985,
a state where your word is your bond. After receiving his but his legacy continues. He liked to say, “ We don’t do
law degree and moving to Minnesota, Bob recognized deals. We build communities.” Helping a community build
the conflict of interest when broker-dealers represent both a new water system or school building brought him great
EHLERS
the buyer and the issuer in the sale of a municipal bond satisfaction. Bob never wavered from his commitment to
issue. He founded Ehlers in 1955 to align interests and to wearing the white hat.
help communities better plan for growth.
LEADERS IN PUBLIC FINANCE
We listen to your vision. We see ways to get it done.
Our word is our bond.
Gain objective financial advice. Improve your community.
Ehlers has been providing objective financial advice to leaders in Midwestern com- We work with counties, cities, suburbs, townships, school districts and other govern-
munities since 1955. We have the experience, knowledge and skills to navigate the mental units to build better communities. We help you plan for and finance new city
maze of financial options. Our goal is to expand your horizons and achieve practical halls, county jails and schools, sewage and water treatment systems, along with new
solutions at the lowest cost to taxpayers. Our interests are aligned with yours. roadways and street reconstruction projects—to align with master plans to develop,
redevelop and economically renew communities. Four service lines
Ehlers exclusively for public sector clients and we will not work for developers or
bond brokers, ensuring that you avoid even a perception of any conflict of interest. Through all of the complexity it’s a pleasure to see the results. These tangible Debt Issuance Services Financial Planning
Planning, issuance and management of debt is an on-going Budgeting should not be “paycheck to paycheck.” Long-range
However, we work amicably with all stakeholders to serve the public good. Our additions improve the quality of the day and strengthen the fabric of community.
process. The issuance of debt requires an ongoing stream financial planning makes the annual budgeting process less
allegiance is with the communities we serve.
of tasks—evaluating options for upcoming projects; looking painful and enables policy makers to focus on big picture
Leaders call us to provide debt issuance and financial planning services. We also provide Extend your capabilities. to the future for balance in capital investment and revenue
demands; responding to legislative change; understanding
questions related to tax rates, utility feeds, and debt to cash
ratios. Rating agencies are increasingly emphasizing the need
services to spur economic development and rerevitalize neighborhoods. Success with
Ehlers helps communities make plans and decisions without the hassle, worries and market conditions in financial markets; planning for for specific policies and regular review by elected officials.
these financial endeavors requires public understanding and support. Clients use our
wasted time. To help you design customized solutions that achieve financial goals we refinancing; and bringing issues to market. Ehlers can help guide you through the process.
development and communications services to augment their internal staff.
track State and Federal regulations, cross-pollinate knowledge, leverage our experi- We help structure bond issues, navigate the rating agency
Ehlers consistently ranks as one of the top financial advisory firms in number of sales ence, and tap into our long-term relationships with other public finance professionals. Management, Communication, and Public
process, produce the official statement, assist the bond
Participation
in the Midwest and in the top three nationwide. Our Financial Advisors drive more Each Ehlers Financial Advisor is a financial and community expert, backed by a team attorney with the resolution for the sale, take competitive
The success of financial endeavors often requires public
than 400,000 miles a year to serve our clients. Our success is the result of established of specialists. Our Financial Advisors walk their talk. With over fifty years of success, bids for the sale, and coordinate all of the closing details.
understanding and support. Open houses, newsletters, and
long-term relationships and hard work. we’ve earned our reputation as leaders in public finance. hearings are key factors in informing the citizens. Better-
Ecomonic Development, Redevelopment,
informed citizens are more likely to pass referenda and
and Housing
support elected officials at elections. Ehlers augments your
There are multiple steps in thoughtful tax base growth,
staff to manage communication and public participation.
creating new employment opportunities, revitalizing
Our founder, Robert L. Ehlers, Sr., grew up in Montana, Bob Ehlers sold the company to his employees in 1985, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetue scing elit, sed adiam nonummy euis- neighborhoods and providing housing, including:
a state where your word is your bond. After receiving his but his legacy continues. He liked to say, “ We don’t do mod tincidunt laoreet dolore magna aliquam etio erat volutpat. Ut wisi sienim ad 1) Attracting and vetting developer experience;
law degree and moving to Minnesota, Bob recognized deals. We build communities.” Helping a community build minim veniam, quis volupat posim nobis no. 2) Navigating the regu-latory restrictions associated
the conflict of interest when broker-dealers represent both a new water system or school building brought him great Adiam nonummy euismod tincidunt laoreet dolore magna aliquam etio erat ersb with subsidies; 3) Analyzing developers’ pro-formas
the buyer and the issuer in the sale of a municipal bond satisfaction. Bob never wavered from his commitment to volutpat. Ut wisi sienim ad minim veniam, quis nosotrud placerat facer posim
issue. He founded Ehlers in 1955 to align interests and to wearing the white hat. and reaching a development agreement; 4) Testing the
nobis. Nonummy suirmod tincienut lorattet ngrans laquanm etio rientsd guirow
help communities better plan for growth. theiwoet. Ut wisi sienim ad minim veniam, quis ad minim posim siluta esse nobis.
success of a project through a look-back provision.
Ut wisi sienim ad minim veniam, quis volupat posim nobis no. Ehlers can help with each step.

5. Ehlers Public Finance
Company Rebranding: Brand Guidelines
The Customized Solution Icon 4.4
Acceptable usage
A. Full color reproduction B. Transparent color C. Transparent black D. Cropped as a background
Brand Guidelines
Always use a white background when reproducing the Customized Solutions Icon.
A., B., and C. (shown above) are the only three acceptable reproductions of the The Customized Solutions Icon:
Customized Solutions Icon. For all print and electronic applications, the Custom-
1. When used in its entirety, (not cropped) must be used in the color sequencing
ized Solutions Icon must be reproduced from reproduction-quality art or from
pattern with the “green fin” up and curving clockwise as shown.
high resolution digital files.
2. Must always be reproduced on a white background.
Adhering to the following color reproduction guidelines will help in creating a 3. Should be reproduced in full or transparent color whenever possible. However,
consistent image and maintain the visual impact of the Customized Solutions Icon. the Customized Solution Icon can be reproduced in a transparent black/gray tint.
It should never be reproduced in a non-transparent dark black/gray.
4. Can be cropped and used as a background for other graphic elements or type.
(as shown in example D, above)
5. May be used with or without the Customized Solutions Totem.
(see pages 4.5 – 4.6)
Ehlers Brand Guidelines

6. Minnesota Green Communities
Website and Marketing Materials
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Architect LHB
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MINNESOTA GREEN COMMUNITIES Project Description Ripley Gardens is the redevelopment of the former Ripley
Maternity Hospital in the Harrison Neighborhood of
This initiative is designed to foster the creation of affordable, healthier, 0$ WR Minneapolis. The development includes the restoration of
8W ZLVL HQLP DG PLQLP YHQLDP HUVTXLV three historic buildings and the addition of three new buildings
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Project Financing
Minnesota Green
Communities $78,000
SXWDWH YHOLW HVVH FRQVHTXDW HWXHU DGLSLVFLQJ ODRUHHW GRORUH PDJQD The site is listed on both the National and Local Registers
Limited Partner Equity,
of Historic Places in recognition of its important place in the
Learn more DOLTXDP VHFWHWXHU DGLSLVFLQJ ODRUHHW LIHTC $5,091,851
“ Long-term affordability for our housing stock is an important issue and green history of both women and medicine. In 1886, Dr. Martha
HUDW YROXWSDW /RUHP LSVXP GRORU VLW Ripley, one of the few female physicians at that time, decided
First Mortgage $2,730,000
building strategies can help us keep operating and maintenance costs down and DPHW FRQVHFWHWXHU DGLSLVFLQJ ODRUHHW to address the exceptionally high mortality rate for women in
City of Minneapolis
(CPED-CDBG, HOME,
create healthier indoor environmnets for families.” GRORUH PDJQD DOLTXDP HUV VHFWHWXHU
childbirth by founding a women-operated maternity hospital. AHTF, Seed) $1,145,000
From the beginning, she insisted on welcoming everyone who Historic Rehab Tax Credits
MN GREEN eNEWS HERE ²0LFKDHO .UDXVH .DQGLRKL 'HYHORSPHQW 3DUWQHUV DGLSLVFLQJ ODRUHHW HUDW HOLW SXWDWH YHOWLOH came to its doors, regardless of financial means, marital sta- (HTC) $1,067,149
HUVUHZJR YROXWSDW tus, age, or ethnicity. The Maternity Hospital closed in 1956 Pending HTC Adjustment $50,000
/RUHP LSVXP GRORU VLW DPHW FRQ and the property was transformed into Queen Care Nursing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) $600,000
VHFWHWXHU DGLSLVFLQJ ODRUHHW GRORUH 8W ZLVL HQLP DG PLQLP YHQLDP TXLV Home, which operated until 2000. The site was vacant until Hennepin County AHIF $550,000
PDJQD DOLTXDP VHFWHWXHU DGLVF 0LQQHVRWD *UHHQ RPPXQLWLHV LV D VWDWHZLGH FROODERUDWLRQ RI WKH *UHDWHU QRVWUXG 'XLV DXWHP YHO FRQVHFWHWXHU Ripley Gardens opened in October 2007. Hennepin County ERF $542,600
Minnesota Housing $478,000
LQJ ODRUHHW HUDW YROXWSDW $GLSLVFLQJ 0LQQHVRWD +RXVLQJ )XQG WKH )DPLO +RXVLQJ )XQG DQG (QWHUSULVH DOLTXDP GRORU LQ YXO SXWDWH YHOLW HVVH The plans for the site were developed with extensive participa-
Met Council—LCDA $450,000
7KH 1DWLRQDO *UHHQ RPPXQLWLHV LQLWLDWLYH LV D ¿YHHDU FRPPLWPHQW E tion by the Harrison Neighborhood Association, which has
ODRUHHW GRORUH PDJQD DOLTXDP VXP YXOHLRV FRQVHTXDW Aeon Gap Loan $318,898
(QWHUSULVH WR EXLOG PRUH WKDQ KHDOWK HI¿FLHQW KRPHV IRU ORZLQFRPH become a strong supporter of the project.
Neighborhood
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REGISTER NOW The Ripley Gardens development incorporates a wide range of Revitalization Program $300,000
A Green Advantage
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sustainable design elements, including:
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/LQN WR WKH 1DWLRQDO *UHHQ RPPXQLWLHV 6LWH KHUH /($51 025( America’s Treasures Grant $295,000
Foundation/Other $235,128
General Partner Deferred
Developer Fee $149,841
of green space. Investment Account Interest $107,922
‹ 0LQQHVRWD *UHHQ RPPXQWLHV - Family Housing Fund $100,000
portation with direct service to downtown Minneapolis and Historic Preservation Grants $65,000
the western suburbs. Private Donations $62,043
Hennepin County Lead Grant $42,000
solar heating. CPED—Non-profit Admin $30,000
Hennepin County TOD $10,000
Total Project Financing $14,498,432
three rain gardens.
surfaces and reduces heat island effect.
www.mngreencommunities.org
A collaboration of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, the Family Housing Fund, and Enterprise