ATLANTA - Belk, Inc. today announced that it has renewed its partnership with Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker through 2013. As part of the two-year agreement, Belk will continue to serve as the presenting sponsor of one of Atlanta's most popular holiday traditions, a role the company has held since 2008.

"Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker is a cherished tradition for both the Atlanta arts community and families throughout the region and we're pleased to continue our support as presenting sponsor," said Dave Penrod, chairman of the Belk, Inc. Southern Division based in Atlanta.

As presenting sponsor of Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker, Belk promotes the event in its Atlanta-area stores and encourages support of Atlanta Ballet and Nutcracker through its participation in the ballet's holiday community appearances. Additionally, Atlanta Ballet has supported numerous Belk events in Atlanta this year, including the Little Black Dress event hosted by Belk and the Junior League of Atlanta.

"Belk has a strong community presence in Atlanta and our mutual focus on families and the holidays is a natural fit. Our relationship with Belk continues to grow stronger each season, and we look forward to working with Belk for two additional seasons," said Arthur Jacobus, executive director of the Atlanta Ballet. "It is always an honor for us when a company known for dedication to quality and service to the community chooses to support the Atlanta Ballet."

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker runs December 8 through December 24 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. For tickets and further information, visit www.atlantaballet.com/Nutcracker.

About Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com) is the nation's largest privately owned mainline department store company with 303 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership. Its belk.com Web site offers a wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home. To connect with Belk via Facebook, Twitter, blog, mobile phone text messages or by email, go to: Belk Get Connected.

Modern. Southern. Style.
Belk seeks to satisfy the modern Southern lifestyle like no one else, so that our customers get the fashion they desire and the value they deserve. Our vision is for the modern Southern woman to count on Belk first - for her, for her family, for life.

About Atlanta Ballet
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 82 years, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. The Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Contact:
Allison Winters - (404) 604-2495
awinters@hopebeckham.com