The guy behind the Trader Joe's campaign
Our blog BFF CelinaBean has an interview with Bruce Roter, the organizer of the We Want Trader Joe's in the Capital District group. Here's a clip:
CB: There are a lot of causes out there to get involved in. Why Trader Joe's?
BR: I see it as a need, perhaps it was a personal need, but I just love shopping at Trader Joe's. And much to my delight, I've been joined by hundreds of other residents of the capital region who share that passion.
But to dispel any notion that this is what I do ever single moment of the day, that's not the case at all. I do have a real career and my real avocation is that of a composer. I compose orchestral music. I've written music which emulates the Middle East peace process, which celebrates first responders, so I'd like to think that I'm multi-dimensional....I've been commissioned by orchestras around the country including right here at home by the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
CB: So when did this Trader Joe's thing start for you?
BR: It began this past summer in mid-August when I was in the park talking to a friend. I was toying with starting a little club like this, and when I mentioned Trader Joe's there was this wonderful reaction on this friend's face. I knew that instantly that there were other kindred spirits in the Capital Region who would also be interested in this campaign.
And I seem to have simply given voice to all these other hundreds of other people including many professionals from our region. I've been emailed by doctors, lawyers, architects, business people, politicians, homemakers. The people who are part of this campaign really run the gamut of the fabric of this society in the Capital District.
As we recently found out, there's quite a clamor to bring a TJ's here.
photo: CelinaBean
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Comments
Seriously, Trader Joe's isn't even in the same LEAGUE as Wegman's. And those guys want to come. How about we look west?
... said Glenn McGee on Mar 31, 2008 at 11:46 PM | link
My husband and I are fans of Trader Joe's. My husband likes their fresh chicken, OJ, coffee and puddings.
As for me, it is a little bit more complex than the love of Trader Joes puddings. The people at Trader Joe are nice and helpful (at least they try); mostly importantly, they seem to be happy working there. For some strange reason it makes me feel like I am contributing to a good cause while buying quality food. When I shop at Wegman, I feel like I am just buying from another corporation
... said B on Apr 9, 2008 at 6:59 PM | link