<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001175535-18-000031.txt : 20180507
<SEC-HEADER>0001175535-18-000031.hdr.sgml : 20180507
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20180504174828
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001175535-18-000031
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	DEFA14A
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
FILED AS OF DATE:		20180507
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20180504
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20180507

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			Whitestone REIT
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001175535
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798]
		IRS NUMBER:				760594970
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			TX
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		DEFA14A
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-34855
		FILM NUMBER:		18809158

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		2600 SOUTH GESSNER
		STREET 2:		SUITE 500
		CITY:			HOUSTON
		STATE:			TX
		ZIP:			77063
		BUSINESS PHONE:		713-827-9595

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		2600 SOUTH GESSNER
		STREET 2:		SUITE 500
		CITY:			HOUSTON
		STATE:			TX
		ZIP:			77063

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	HARTMAN COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES REIT
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	20020613
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>DEFA14A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>defa14a2018-05.htm
<DESCRIPTION>DEFA14A
<TEXT>
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<div><a name="sF3E95F81A76942197B482D10CE094982"></a></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">WASHINGTON, DC 20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SCHEDULE 14A</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(RULE 14a-101)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Filed by the Registrant </font><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">&#253;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Filed by a Party other than the Registrant </font><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">&#168;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Check the appropriate box:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Preliminary Proxy Statement</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Definitive Proxy Statement</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">&#253;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Definitive Additional Materials</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:24px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:100%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Whitestone REIT</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">&#253;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">No fee required.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(l) and 0-11.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:24px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(1)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(2)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(3)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(4)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(5)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Total fee paid:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:24px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(1)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Amount previously paid:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(2)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(3)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Filing Party:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(4)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date Filed:</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The press release attached as Exhibit 1 hereto was announced by Whitestone REIT (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) on May 4, 2018.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Additional Information</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Whitestone REIT has filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the &#8220;Definitive Proxy Statement&#8221;) and form of associated </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">WHITE</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#8220;SEC&#8221;) in connection with the solicitation of proxies for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the &#8220;2018 Annual Meeting&#8221;). The Company, its trustees and its executive officers and Innisfree M&amp;A Incorporated on their behalf will be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Company shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of the Company&#8217;s trustees and executive officers and their ownership in the Company&#8217;s common shares and other securities is set forth in the Definitive Proxy Statement. Details concerning the nominees of the Company&#8217;s Board of Trustees for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting are included in the Definitive Proxy Statement. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC, INCLUDING THE COMPANY&#8217;S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ACCOMPANYING </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">WHITE</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;PROXY CARD, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders can obtain a copy of the Definitive Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC for no charge at the SEC&#8217;s website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge at the Company&#8217;s website at www.whitestonereit.com.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-left:4px;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">__________________________________________________________________________________________</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div>	</body>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>wsrproxyresponse.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 1
<TEXT>
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		<title>Exhibit</title>
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<div><a name="s152581fa6e1647889e2c0e91d3c8a06d"></a></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:right;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Exhibit 1</font></div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Whitestone Comments on ISS Recommendation</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;">Whitestone Urges Shareholders to Protect the Value of Their Investment </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;">by Voting &#8220;FOR&#8221; Each of Whitestone&#8217;s Highly Qualified Trustees on the WHITE Proxy Card Today</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Houston, May 04, 2018 - </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) (&#8220;Whitestone&#8221; or the &#8220;Company&#8221;) today issued the following statement in response to a report issued by Institutional Shareholder Services (&#8220;ISS&#8221;) in connection with the Company&#8217;s 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the &#8220;Annual Meeting&#8221;) to be held on May 17, 2018.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">We strongly believe that ISS has reached the wrong conclusion in failing to recommend that shareholders vote &#8220;FOR&#8221; all of Whitestone&#8217;s trustees. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Most importantly, Whitestone has delivered what our shareholders want and care most about: as ISS acknowledges, we have generated total shareholder returns (&#8220;TSR&#8221;) that are among the best in the publicly traded U.S. shopping center REIT sector. In 2017, we distributed more than $40 million in dividends and ranked #1 in TSR among the 17 U.S. Public Shopping Center REITs. Similarly, for the year ended December 2017, we achieved competitive TSR rankings of #2 of 16 over a three-year period, #5 of 15 over a five-year period, and #4 of 13 since our IPO, per S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:7pt">1</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Further, we believe ISS failed to recognize that KBS&#8217;s nominees lack the experience necessary to protect the interests of all shareholders. KBS has not articulated any plan or ideas that would be beneficial for Whitestone&#8217;s future or warrant the Board representation it is seeking. Neither of KBS&#8217;s nominees possesses retail real estate experience, is familiar with Whitestone&#8217;s target markets, or has ever operated or invested in retail real estate in Whitestone&#8217;s core markets in Texas and Arizona. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">In contrast, Whitestone&#8217;s Board of Trustees, which has been significantly refreshed with three new trustees added in 2017, is committed to enhancing shareholder value and ensuring the continued growth and success of the Company. The Company&#8217;s trustees have expertise in real estate, retail, operations, and finance. They also possess extensive experience in other key areas critical to Whitestone&#8217;s business and long-term success. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">In our view, voting for EITHER of KBS&#8217;s nominees puts the Company&#8217;s leadership, future and your investment at risk. Do not allow KBS to derail the Company&#8217;s strategic plan and threaten shareholder value.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">The Whitestone Board recommends that shareholders vote &#8220;FOR&#8221; ALL of the Company's highly qualified trustees - Nandita Berry, Jack Mahaffey and Jim Mastandrea - on the WHITE proxy card today.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Whitestone shareholders are reminded that their vote is extremely important, no matter how many shares they own. The Whitestone Board unanimously urges shareholders to protect the value of their investment by voting &#8220;FOR&#8221; ALL of Whitestone&#8217;s trustees on the </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">WHITE</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;proxy card and to discard any other proxy materials you may receive from KBS. If you have already returned a blue proxy card, you can change your vote by signing, dating and returning a </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">WHITE</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;proxy card TODAY. Only your latest dated proxy card will be counted.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:99.4140625%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:6%;"></td><td style="width:87%;"></td><td style="width:7%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:5px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">If you have any questions or require any assistance in voting your shares, </font></div><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">please call the Company&#8217;s proxy solicitor listed below:</font></div><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">INNISFREE M&amp;A INCORPORATED</font></div><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Toll-free at (888) 750-5834 (from the U.S. or Canada)</font></div><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">or</font></div><div style="text-align:center;padding-left:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(412) 232-3651 (from other locations) </font></div><div style="font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:8px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:8px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:8px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">About Whitestone REIT</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Whitestone is a community-centered retail 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&#8217;s optimal mix of national, regional and local tenants provide daily necessities, needed services and entertainment to the communities in which they are located. Whitestone's properties are primarily located in business-friendly Phoenix, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, which are among the fastest growing U.S. population centers with highly educated workforces, high household incomes and strong job growth. Visit </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;color:#0563c1;text-decoration:underline;">www.whitestonereit.com</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;for additional information.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Forward-Looking Statements</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#8220;Securities Act&#8221;) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#8220;Exchange Act&#8221;). The Company intends for all such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as applicable. Such information is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, as well as known and unknown risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Therefore, such statements are not intended to be a guarantee of our performance in future periods. Such forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the Company's use of forward-looking terminology, such as &#8220;may,&#8221; &#8220;will,&#8221; &#8220;plan,&#8221; &#8220;expect,&#8221; &#8220;intend,&#8221; &#8220;anticipate,&#8221; &#8220;believe,&#8221; &#8220;continue,&#8221; &#8220;goals&#8221; or similar words or phrases that are predictions of future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">The following are some of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results and its expectations to differ materially from those described in the Company's forward-looking statements: the Company's ability to meet its long-term goals, its assumptions regarding its earnings guidance, including its ability to execute effectively its acquisition and disposition strategy, to continue to execute its development pipeline on schedule and at the expected costs, and its ability to grow its NOI as expected, which could be impacted by a number of factors, including, among other things, its ability to continue to renew leases or re-let space on attractive terms and to otherwise address its leasing rollover; its ability to successfully identify, finance and consummate suitable acquisitions, and the impact of such acquisitions, including financing developments, capitalization rates and internal rate of return; the Company&#8217;s ability to reduce or otherwise effectively manage its general and administrative expenses, including in connection with the recent proposed nomination of trustees by a shareholder of the Company; the Company&#8217;s ability to fund from cash flows or otherwise distributions to its shareholders at current rates or at all; current adverse market and economic conditions; lease terminations or lease defaults; the impact of competition on the Company's efforts to renew existing leases; changes in the economies and other conditions of the specific markets in which the Company operates; economic, legislative and regulatory changes, including the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017; the success of the Company's real estate strategies and investment objectives; the Company's ability to continue to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and other factors detailed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (&#8220;SEC&#8221;) from time to time.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company cannot guarantee the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this press release, and the Company does not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><div></div><div><br></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Additional Information</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Whitestone REIT has filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A and form of associated </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">WHITE</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">proxy card with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for its 2018 Annual Meeting (the &#8220;Definitive Proxy Statement&#8221;). Whitestone REIT, its trustees and its executive officers and Innisfree M&amp;A Incorporated on their behalf will be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Company shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of the Company&#8217;s trustees and executive officers and their ownership in the Company&#8217;s common shares and other securities is set forth in the Definitive Proxy Statement. Details concerning the nominees of the Company&#8217;s Board of Trustees for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting are included in the Definitive Proxy Statement. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC, INCLUDING THE COMPANY&#8217;S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ACCOMPANYING </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">WHITE</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">PROXY CARD, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders can obtain a copy of the Definitive Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC for no charge at the SEC&#8217;s website at </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;color:#0563c1;text-decoration:underline;">www.sec.gov</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">. Copies will also be available at no charge at the Company&#8217;s website at </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;color:#0563c1;text-decoration:underline;">www.whitestonereit.com</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Whitestone REIT Contacts:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Investors Contact:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Kevin Reed, Director of Investor Relations</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Whitestone REIT</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(713) 435-2219</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">ir@whitestonereit.com</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Media Contact:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Andrew Siegel / Amy Feng / Dan Moore</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(212) 355-4449</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td style="width:31%;"></td><td style="width:69%;"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:6px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-left:12px;text-indent:-12px;font-size:8pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:5pt">1 </sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:8pt;">&#160;&#160;Total shareholder return is defined as share price change plus re-invested dividends.&#160; Peers include Acadia Realty Trust, Brixmor Property Group Inc., Cedar Realty Trust Inc., DDR Corp., Federal Re-alty Investment Trust, Kimco Realty Corp., Kite Realty Group Trust, Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, Regency Centers Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Properties of America, Inc., Saul Centers Inc., Urban Edge Properties, Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc., Weingarten Realty Investors, and Wheeler REIT Inc., excluding any such peer which was not a public company for the entirety of the applicable TSR period.</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div><br></div><div></div>	</body>
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