Tom Mears to Assume the Role of Chairman of The Holland, Inc.

VANCOUVER, Wash., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Holland, Inc., parent company of Burgerville, today announced that its president and CEO, Tom Mears, will be assuming the role of chairman of The Holland, and Jeff Harvey, current chief operating officer, will be assuming the title and responsibility of president and CEO of Burgerville.

"The timing is right for me to pass the torch. I will still be actively involved with the company. This gives me an excellent opportunity to connect more with the communities that Burgerville serves and expand our contribution to thriving local communities as a responsible, sustainable business," said Tom Mears, chairman for The Holland. "I believe at this time I can accomplish more and have more of an impact serving the community in a different role. I am extremely confident that Jeff Harvey will be able to continue Burgerville's success into the future."

Jeff Harvey takes the reins of Burgerville as it leaves its second record breaking year for sales with double-digit growth. The 39 Burgerville restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest have become synonymous with fresh, locally produced food that mirrors the region's values. All restaurants and the corporate headquarters purchase wind power credits equal to 100 percent of their energy use. The chain is also piloting a recycling and composting program, recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel, providing exceptional employee health benefits and developing and sustaining strong partnerships with local farmers for many of the ingredients.

"Tom Mears has been a great leader and an excellent mentor preparing me for this transition," said Harvey. "Under the leadership of the chief operating team that has been put in place, Burgerville will continue to serve guests in the same high standards it always has. Since 2004, I have worked closely with Tom, gearing up the company to take bold steps to become a stronger player in the quick-service restaurant industry and become a significant influence in serving our communities and doing business responsibly."

Tom Mears will use his position as chairman to devote more time to developing alliances and partnerships in the community by sharing Burgerville's innovative and sustainable business practices. Harvey's promotion creates new positions within Burgerville organization for individuals to develop their leadership and progress within the company. This is the first time in the company's history that a non-family member will be at the helm of this historically family-run business.

Jeff Harvey's previous position of chief operating officer will be filled by a chief operating team. The chief operating team includes: Kyle Dean, chief financial officer, Tara Wefers, chief development officer, and Janice Williams, chief talent officer. The trio will be functioning together to oversee the operations of the company.

About Burgerville

Burgerville, a chain of 39 quick service restaurants located throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, serves guests fresh, great tasting food and from a mission of "serve with love." Burgerville's values extend beyond locally grown berries and Walla Walla onions, cage-free eggs and all-natural beef. At Burgerville, the commitment to values of fresh, local and sustainable is about helping people and communities thrive. The innovative company, established in 1961, is redefining industry norms by providing affordable health care for hourly employees and their dependents, purchasing wind power equal to their total energy use, converting used trans fat free cooking oil to biodiesel and implementing comprehensive waste recycling. For more information about Burgerville, please visit http://www.burgerville.com.

The Holland, Inc.

CONTACT: Jackie Flaten of McGrath-Power Public Relations, +1-408-727-0351
jackief@mcgrathpower.com , for The Holland, Inc.

Web site: http://www.burgerville.com/