Nordstrom plans to join Ridgedale

Center in 2011

Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc., a leading fashion specialty retailer, announced it has signed a letter of intent with General Growth Properties, Inc. to open a new Nordstrom store at Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka. The new, two-level Nordstrom will be approximately 172,000 square feet and is scheduled to open fall 2011.

“We’ve been in the Twin Cities area since 1992 and have been fortunate to have great customer support at our Mall of America store,” said Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom. “We have long wanted to expand our presence here and are thrilled that this opportunity at Ridgedale presented itself.”

“Nordstrom solidifies Ridgedale Center as one of the Midwest’s top shopping destinations. This is a great opportunity to continue providing an unparalleled line-up of retail for the Twin Cities shopper. Our vision of ‘People creating special places and experiences’ complements Nordstrom’s commitment to outstanding merchandise and superior customer service,” said Bob Michaels, president and chief operating officer of General Growth Properties, Inc.

The Nordstrom at Ridgedale Center will be the retailer’s second store in Minnesota. Nordstrom at Mall of America opened in 1992, and Nordstrom also operates a Rack at Mall of America.

Ridgedale Center is the strongest regional shopping center on the west side of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The two-level, super regional center is home to more than 120 top specialty retailers and now, with Nordstrom, four department stores.

For more on Ridgedale Center, please visit www.ridgedalecenter.com.

Roxane T. Gehle recognized as a by Raymond James

Roxane T. Gehle, a Certified Financial Planner practioner and financial advisor at the Minneapolis office of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., has been named a “Rising Star” in recognition of her personal accomplishments in 2007. Reserved for those who have been with the firm for at least two full fiscal-year periods, this award recognizes advisors who have achieved exceptional growth in personal production.

Gehle who joined Raymond James in 2001, has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She provides a highly individualized and objective approach to the management of her clients’ financial needs.

For additional information, please contact Roxane T. Gehle at 952 471-8809.

Edina Realty’s trees and toys event collects gifts for local charities

Edina Realty’s Minnetonka office spread cheer this holiday season by collecting toys for Toys for Tots during the company’s 19th annual Trees and Toys event this past Saturday, Dec. 1.

The event offered Edina Realty agents an opportunity to thank their clients with a gift of an evergreen tree, wreath, centerpiece, or miniature living tree. In turn, clients were encouraged to donate a toy to a local charity for underprivileged children in the community. Many of the participating offices also hosted an open house featuring holiday goodies and pictures with Santa.

“We were pleased to once again sponsor this holiday event,” said Jennifer Cutter, Minnetonka office manager. “It is a great way for us to support a local charity, thank our customers and host a family event all at the same time.”

Combined, 44 offices throughout Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Fargo, North Dakota gave away more than 2,200 evergreen trees and 6,000 wreaths, centerpieces and miniature living trees.

Additional charities that received donations from this year’s Trees and Toys event include Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities, Toys for Joy, Woodbury Christian Cupboard, Operation H.E.L.P., Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women, Merrick Community Services, Santa Anonymous and more.