Whitestone REIT Chairman and CEO Awarded the 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Transformational CEO Award for the Gulf Coast Texas Region

HOUSTON, June 19, 2017 -- Whitestone REIT (NYSE:WSR) (“Whitestone” or the “Company”) today announced that Chairman and CEO Jim Mastandrea has been awarded the 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Gulf Coast Texas Region in the Transformational CEO category.

For 31 years, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award has celebrated entrepreneurs across the world who have demonstrated excellent achievement in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

"I am deeply honored to accept this award, and proud to be recognized for the entrepreneurial spirit that Whitestone brings to our local communities,” said Mr. Mastandrea. “Whitestone is focused on developing and operating neighborhood and community shopping centers in fast growing cities in business-friendly states to create value for our shareholders and other stakeholders. Consistent with our E-commerce resistant business model, we remain committed to leasing our properties to entrepreneurs in order to provide unique retail and local service offerings, drive growth for local businesses, and meet the day-to-day needs of families."

Mr. Mastandrea added, "We are proud that Whitestone anticipated and prepared for today’s rapidly evolving retail environment, uniquely positioning the Company for growth and value-creation. As such, this award is a tribute to everyone at Whitestone, including the board of trustees, the management team and the hard-working employees of the Company, who have been instrumental in developing and executing our successful E-commerce resistant business model."

About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in over 145 cities and more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About Whitestone REIT
Whitestone REIT (NYSE:WSR) is a community-centered retail real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that acquires, owns, manages, develops and redevelops high quality “E-commerce resistant” neighborhood, community and lifestyle retail centers principally located in the largest, fastest-growing and most affluent markets in the Sunbelt. Whitestone’s optimal mix of national, regional and local tenants provides daily necessities, needed services and entertainment to the respective communities which are not readily available online.  Visit www.whitestonereit.com for additional information.

Whitestone REIT Contact:
David K. Holeman
Chief Financial Officer
Investor Relations: (713) 435-2219
[email protected]