KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 17, 2016 — William D. Johnston, Chairman of the Greenleaf Companies today announced that with regret, but grateful appreciation for tremendous service, he accepted the retirement of Ronald A. Elenbaas the President and CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group.

Slightly less than eight years ago in the beginning of a very deep and prolonged recession my dear friend, Ron Elenbaas, accepted my plea and stepped into the role of CEO of our struggling hospitality company. During the past eight years Ron's leadership transformed Greenleaf Hospitality Group into a tremendously successful company that rose to the top in customer and guest satisfaction within the Carlson brand of hotel product while simultaneously achieving the highest benchmark results of workplace satisfaction standards. During Ron's tenure he executed a fifteen million dollar renovation of our properties and created the financial discipline within the company to deliver consistent 20% earnings growth.

While we will miss Ron's physical presence at our company we remain confident that the business and workplace culture that he created at Greenleaf Hospitality Group is valued by all of our Greenleaf Hospitality Group team members who are committed to preserving and perpetuating the culture of excellence that he established and led.