On June 17th the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association announced a petition campaign in an effort to bring Trader Joe's to the Lake Highlands Town Center.

Local businesses and homeowner organizations got behind the initiative with impressive results.

Following just three weeks of gathering signatures, the final tally is in. The effort netted an impressive 5,513 signatures.

"It's really amazing to see the Lake Highlands community in action," said LHAIA president, Scott Wynne.

"The volunteers that came out to support this effort deserve all the credit."

"To gather over 5,500 signatures in three weeks will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows at Trader Joe's. At least, we sure hope that's the case."

Between the petition drive and the LHTC is the perfect place for Trader Joe's Facebook page, which currently has 2,259 "likes" and over 400 comments, the grassroots campaign leaves little doubt that Trader Joe's is wanted and needed in the LH community.

Later today copies of the petition, along with a print out of all the comments from the Facebook page (all 80+ pages worth) will be mailed to the CEO, CFO and head of real estate at Trader Joe's.

Included in the packages will be copies of the LH loves Trader Joe's video which was produced by long-time Lake Highlands residents Cindy and Scott Causey, who own and operate LH Media Center.

Like everyone involved in the campaign, the Causeys donated their time and video equipment to the cause.

"We are thrilled to have had the chance to be involved in this campaign," said Scott.

"It was a lot of fun to see the community rally behind the petition drive, and we sure hope everyone likes the video."

Speaking for Lake Highlands Today, we'll keep thinking outside the big box – and we hope you'll do the same.

Of course we'll keep you updated on feedback from Trader Joe's, as well as any other updates on the Lake Highlands Town Center.