LANCASTER, PA — High Real Estate Group, a prominent real estate owner, operator, and developer based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, recently announced its transition of ownership to High Foundation. This move follows the 2022 transfer of High Industries, marking another milestone in the company’s history.
The shift in ownership structure reflects the vision of S. Dale High, the patriarch of the High family businesses. The move is in line with The High Philosophy, a three-generation principle that emphasizes trust and innovation. It aims to fulfill a larger purpose beyond self-interests, striving to create a better world through business operations.
High Real Estate Group boasts a diverse and expanding portfolio spanning industrial, office, residential, retail, and hotel properties. Under the new structure, dividends from these real estate holdings will be directed to High Foundation, amplifying the organization’s capacity for community impact.
The High Foundation, led by its Board of Trustees and Executive Director Robin Stauffer, will invest these dividends in the Lancaster community and other localities where High employees reside. The investments will foster collaboration, support innovative ideas, and fund initiatives that drive social and environmental impact.
The transfer of ownership to High Foundation is expected to carry forward Dale High’s legacy, bolstering the company’s long-term commitment to community stewardship. It underscores the belief that companies should exist to benefit the community, a vision that has guided the growth of High Properties into High Real Estate Group.
The High family businesses have long been recognized for their innovative approach to ownership and commitment to community service. The transition of ownership to High Foundation represents a continuation of this tradition, providing an innovative model for other companies to follow.
In a statement, S. Dale High said, “We are on this earth for a purpose that is larger than our own self-interests and we must strive to make the world a better place.” As High Real Estate Group aligns with this sentiment, it is poised to make a significant contribution to the communities it serves, setting a precedent for corporate responsibility and community engagement.
High Foundation Amplifies Community Investment with New Structure
High Foundation has invested over $30 million in initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering more dynamic, inclusive communities. The Foundation’s four-decade legacy of impact extends across diverse areas, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and social enterprise in Lancaster County and beyond.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Robin Stauffer, High Foundation works closely with key community partners. In anticipation of further growth and collaboration opportunities, the Foundation has fortified its governance structure. It has expanded its Board of Trustees and established Committees to ensure smooth operations and strategic planning.
The new organizational structure is designed to facilitate future growth, with the High family guaranteeing sufficient reserves to sustain financial resilience for years to come. This restructuring will enable the Foundation to manage the expansion resulting from the recent transition of High Real Estate Group and High Industries to High Foundation ownership.
Robin Stauffer hailed the transition as a significant gift from Dale High to his employees and their communities. “This new structure amplifies the already substantial impact High Foundation has had and empowers the Foundation for even greater impact,” said Stauffer. This move is set to propel the Foundation’s mission further, multiplying its positive influence on the communities it serves.
High Companies Directs Dividends to Community Investment
High companies, a family-owned conglomerate based in Lancaster since 1931, has been instrumental in shaping and revitalizing North America’s infrastructure. Under Dale High’s stewardship since 1963, the company has championed an ethos of prioritizing people, community, and socially responsible business. Today, High companies operates 11 businesses across six states, employing nearly 2,000 individuals.
The company is poised for continued growth under its existing leadership structure, including Boards of Directors, CEO Mike Shirk, the High Executive Committee, and various leadership teams. High companies will maintain its robust financial standing, enabling strategic investments to fuel future growth. The company’s guiding principles, encapsulated in The High Philosophy of Building Trustworthy Relationships and Being Innovative Leaders, will continue to shape its corporate culture and values.
In a significant shift, dividends from High Real Estate Group and High Industries Inc. will now be directed to High Foundation, which will invest these funds directly into the communities where the companies operate. This move amplifies the already substantial social impact of High companies’ operations and underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“Over the years, we’ve heavily invested in the successful growth of High Real Estate Group. Every project we undertake directly benefits the community,” said Mike Shirk, CEO of High companies. “This ownership transition allows our communities to also benefit from increased investment through High Foundation, marking our ultimate commitment to impactful and lasting social responsibility. This bold and unique move is made possible through Dale High’s vision and dedication.”
Dale High’s announcement about this extraordinary gift to the community can be found on the High Foundation’s website.
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