MINNEAPOLIS – (Dec. 3, 2004) – Marquette Financial Companies, a privately held financial services company, has promoted Margaret Murphy from senior credit officer to chief credit officer and head of commercial finance, it was announced today.

In addition to her current responsibilities overseeing the underwriting and approval process for large loans across the Marquette organization, Murphy will assume leadership for the commercial finance asset-based lending and factoring businesses. In her newly expanded role, the company presidents of Marquette Commercial Finance, Marquette Business Credit, Itasca Business Credit and Marquette Funding will report to her.

“Since Margaret’s return to Marquette in May, she has worked closely with our commercial finance businesses, providing leadership for a variety of common strategic, competitive and marketing issues,” said Bert Colianni, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “By bringing the CEOs of these businesses together in a common group, they can share best practices, further develop client bases and collaborate on strategic growth opportunities.” Additionally, the new structure provides a platform for continued acquisition and growth of new, related businesses, Colianni noted.

Murphy has extensive experience in banking. In her previous 11-year tenure with Marquette Banks, she held senior positions in corporate marketing and credit administration. She also worked two years for United Health Group where she managed marketing and development of the patient web site. Murphy holds a master’s of business administration in finance from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in economics from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul.

About Marquette Financial Companies
Marquette Business Credit is part of Marquette Financial Companies, a $1.2 billion diversified financial services holding company comprised of specialty financial service businesses. Marquette Financial Companies is part of the Carl Pohlad family's diverse business holdings, which also include significant interests in the beverage industry, real estate, and ownership in Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins.

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