Shinholser is a candidate for mayor of Athens-Clarke County.

Brandon Shinholser
P.O. Box 7093
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 363-0242
brandon@brandon2010.com

January 29, 2009

Open Letter to President Doug Rauch
Trader Joe's Specialty Grocery Stores
PO Box 5049
Monrovia, CA 91017

Dear Mr. Rauch:

I am a candidate for Mayor of Athens, GA, but this is not my only reason for writing this letter; Instead, I am writing to you today on behalf of the entirety of the citizens of Athens. There has been positive speculation regarding the possibility of bringing a Trader Joe’s to our hometown. In recent months, there have been groups of individuals popping up all over Facebook. Some of those groups totaled as many as 1, 500 local members.  Local businesses, as well as individual patrons, are circulating petitions to show their support for making your company a part of our community. If there is any place that needs a Trader Joe's, any place that is ready for a Trader Joe's, any place that should have a Trader Joe's-it is Athens, Georgia.

Your presence in Athens would mean more than “just another grocery store.”  For one, the people of Athens would consider Trader Joe's a clear winner in their community, because you provide a variety of quality foods at a consistently low price. Secondly, Athens is a city that, like many others in the nation, has a solid moral obligation to recruit business during these recovering times to improve upon and build a stronger community and deliver jobs to its people.

Because of the speculation and rumors, I would like to let you know that your business would be highly appreciated in our community. On behalf of the citizens of Athens-Clarke County, I would like you to clarify, if
possible, any plans you might have for expansion into the Athens market. It would be my distinct privilege to bring good news on this front to the people of our community.  Please write back at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Brandon Shinholser