Mentor Economic Development Director Ron Traub continues to wheel and deal for more improvements at the Great Lakes Mall.

He recently attended the International Council of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas and met with Simon Property Group’s leasing agent for Great Lakes Mall. They discussed both Mentor's strategies for attracting retail as well as Simon’s plan. Traub also met with several developers with centers in the city, as well as retailers.

Traub said Simon representatives have been bringing prospective tenants to the mall for several months and expect to continue to do so.

"While they didn’t share any specific names, we did discuss a strategy to overcome the negative perception of the Northeast Ohio marketplace," Traub said.

Negotiations are ongoing with existing mall tenants whose prime locations are sought by stores mall officials hope to bag.

Might we see an H&M? Forever21? Or personal favorites Banana Republic and J.Crew? Announcements are expected in 2012.

-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com