United Methodist Pension and Health Agency Announces Relocation

For Immediate Release
September 21, 2007

Contact: M. Colette Nies, Managing Director, Communications
(847) 866-4296 or cnies@gbophb.org

Evanston, IL-The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church (General Board) has announced its intention to relocate to the Village of Glenview, IL.

Although the General Board has had a long presence in Evanston, the decision to relocate follows an extensive examination of the long-term suitability and potential for growth on existing General Board properties, as well as a thorough exploration of properties in the Chicagoland area and northwest suburban corridor.

The identified site is a 25-acre parcel fronting on Chestnut Street and bordered by the METRA rail tracks on the west, Tall Trees residential development on the east, and north of Lake Street. Proximity to mass transportation and access to restaurants and other amenities were important considerations, along with the desire for a natural setting conducive to healthy living. The Glenview site meets the General Board’s short- and long-term program and stewardship requirements, while providing room for future expansion and development.

The property is currently under contract. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2008, once all approvals are received, with expected occupancy approximately 18 months later.

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About the General Board

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits is a not-for-profit administrative agency of The United Methodist Church, responsible for the general supervision and administration of the retirement, health and welfare benefit plans, programs and funds for more than 74,000 clergy and lay employees of the Church.

With more than $16 billion in assets under management, the General Board is the largest faith-based pension fund in the United States and ranks among the top 100 pension funds in the country. As a socially responsible investor, the General Board is actively involved in shareholder advocacy, proxy voting, portfolio screening and community investing.