News and Tips from American Pride Automotive
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December 2009 |
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Greetings!
Welcome to our December newsletter. We hope you find these newsletters valuable, and we welcome your ideas on how we can make them better. If you have an article idea, a topic you'd like to see addressed or just general feedback, please reply to this email, or send a note to charlie@americanprideautomotive.com.
This month we have some tips to help take the stress out of your holiday driving, and we offer a story that we think demonstrates what Family Service Day is all about.
As always, thanks for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Charlie Marcotte
American Pride Automotive
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Tips for Low-Stress Holiday Driving
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We all know that holiday driving and travel can be extremely stressful and frustrating, no matter how good or bad the traffic. Here are a few tips we've discovered and learned from our customers and friends over the years,  that may come in handy if you, or someone you love is traveling.
- Bring music you love or books on CD/tape. Sing along with music you enjoy -- it's sure to help keep a smile on your face.
- Turn off the cell phone, or put it away unless absolutely necessary. One of the best ways to keep your overall stress level down in traffic is to minimize how many things your mind has to process.
- Bring a map -- you may not need or use it, but knowing it's there will be comforting if you need to take a detour.
- If you feel your stress level building, take several deep breaths, exhaling slowly and try not to worry about the things you cannot control (traffic, bad drivers around you, etc.)
- Bring snacks and water or juice so you aren't driving while you're hungry.
- Stop to smell the roses, take pictures and stretch your legs. Walk around for 2-3 minutes when you stop for gas or restroom breaks to get your body moving.
- Start the trip with a full take of gas, the right amount of air in the tires, clean windows and plenty of washer fluid.
- Take the scenic route -- if you start out planning to take the road less traveled, you'll already be in the mindset that you're not in a hurry.
- It's often said that life is about the journey, not the destination. Try to keep that in mind when traveling and enjoy the moments while you drive -- the company of your family, the scenery, the opportunity to spend time with people you don't get to see often, etc.
Most importantly, travel safe and enjoy the holidays!
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Second Family Service Day Helps Those in Need
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Our second Family Service Day, held at our Yorktown location, was a great success and we were able to help many area single-parent families. For this event we set up a coloring station for children so they had something to do while their parent's car was getting serviced.
We really enjoy giving back to the community and the November Family Service Day filled some particular needs, as it was right after the big Nor' Easter storm. As an example one visitor was Bobby Carter (pictured at right with his future step-son, Jah'kees), who brought his
fiancé's mother's car in for service. His future mother-in-law had flooding in her house during the storm, with water up to her knees in the kitchen. Bobby opened his home to his
fiancé, her son Jah'kees, and their mother, and offered to do what he could to get the family's car back into shape.
This is a perfect example of people helping others that goes beyond our Family Service Day. Bobby's story is touching, and we hear stories like his at each Family Service Day. Thanks to all who helped make this possible, particularly our employees who work hard to share some of their knowledge and expertise with those who need help. Our next Family Service Day will be in January at our Williamsburg location.
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Don't Forget to Ask About our Referral Program
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We have a great referral program for our customers -- Here's how it works: when you have your vehicle serviced at either American Pride Automotive location we'll give you a card that's good for $10 off a future service visit. But the card isn't for you -- it's for you to give to a friend, coworker, neighbor, etc.
Then, when they come in and present the card, we'll also send YOU a gift card good for $10 off your next service. It's a win-win for everyone -- you get to be a hero and give a discount to someone you care about, and in return you also save on your next visit! Be sure to ask about our referral program on your next visit.
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| If you are in the market for a used car or truck, take advantage of this coupon to save $200 off -- be sure to present the coupon before you start talking about price. |
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