Madison Marquette Launches First Online Network for Tenants

Creates LinkedIn Group to Facilitate Knowledge Sharing and Support

WASHINGTON, DC (May 18, 2009) – Madison Marquette announced today the launch of an online community for retail tenants in the company’s national portfolio of nearly 100 properties.  The first-of-its-kind community brings tenants together with each other and with Madison Marquette’s in-house experts in retail operations.

“Our success relies on the success of our tenants and this new online community will be a great resource to centralize and maximize our support services for them,” said Kurt Ivey, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications of Madison Marquette.

The community leverages the LinkedIn platform which has over 35 million registered users and is considered the leading social network for professionals.  The group, The Madison Marquette Retailer Network (http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1855224 ), features expert support in all areas of retailing, including store design, merchandising, human resources, marketing and accounting.

“We are primarily focused on local tenants and chains that do not have franchise support services,” said Mr. Ivey.  Tenants will be able to post questions and share their experiences and best practices.  Madison Marquette’s team of in-house experts and consultants will guide discussions and provide their own insights and best practices as well as posting relevant articles and research from external sources.

Madison Marquette’s property portfolio includes over 18 million square feet of retail real estate primarily along the east and west coasts.  Any tenant in the company’s portfolio, including properties leased and managed on behalf of clients, will have access to the group.  Once a tenant signs up to participate, they are eligible to continue participation regardless of future changes in center ownership or management. 

“Our new online tenant community is a tremendous resource for current tenants and is a great offering for prospective tenants and prospective leasing and management clients,” said Mr. Ivey.  “The properties that survive these tough economic times will be those that devise creative ways to help their tenants succeed.”

About Madison Marquette
Madison Marquette is a Washington, D.C.-based investor, developer and operator of retail and retail mixed-use real estate throughout the United States. The company specializes in creating unique retail destinations that respond best to consumer preferences. With regional offices in Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, New York, Charlotte, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Diego, Madison Marquette seeks investment opportunities in growing markets. The company maintains a sophisticated in-house operating capability and oversees 18 million square feet of retail real estate. This diverse national portfolio includes many properties that Madison Marquette manages and leases on behalf of third-party owners. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.madisonmarquette.com.