Many of our four-legged friends of the canine persuasion were out and about enjoying the April air on Saturday, April 9th for KLBJ’s Dog Day Afternoon. This event was held at the Triangle Courtyard from noon to 4 pm to benefit dog rescue groups. The rescue groups involved were: German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas, Chris’ Rescue Angels, Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Paws of Austin, Small Chance Rescue, Texas GSP Rescue, Weimaraner Rescue of Texas, and Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue. This event was enjoyed by dog lovers as well who attended to show their love and support. Activities included weinee dog races, doggie pools, and doggie agility training, with music being played in the background from the KLBJ Rock of Austin tent. There were also many fun vendors, like Dogdration, a peanut butter flavored snack water for dogs and Tomlinson’s Pet Stores handing out Frisbees! This was the second annual event for Dog Day Afternoon and Austin Subaru was able to be a proud sponsor!

“As dog lovers, Austin Subaru enjoys being part of as many activities as we can to help as many dogs as we can. Dog Day Afternoon was a great event to help many dog rescue groups and hopefully make a huge difference!” said Brent Baker, General Manager of Austin Subaru.

Roll out the red carpet for Austin Infiniti! If this were a Hollywood awards ceremony they would sweep every category. Thanks to the unparalleled Austin Infiniti staff, their dealership has risen to greatness. Austin Infiniti was presented the esteemed Infiniti Award of Excellence and then on top of that was also honored with the exalted Circle of Excellence.

The Infiniti Award of Excellence “recognizes a very select group of dealerships across the nation who meet the highest standards of customer satisfaction and sales achievements. This award recognizes those dealerships that embody the philosophy and vision of Infiniti – that is, to provide our customers with a premiere and uncompromising ownership experience through every aspect of the dealership organization.”

The Infiniti Circle of Excellence is then chosen from the select group of Award of Excellence winners and measured on: “facility condition, employee training certification, sales effectiveness and, most importantly, customer satisfaction.” Austin Infiniti is one of six Infiniti dealerships in the country to be recognized for such an achievement.

“We are ecstatic! This is a great honor and we have the BEST people making this a top facility. We are all proud to be part of the great select group like the Infiniti Circle of Excellence.” – Allen Clauss – Austin Infiniti, General Manager

The thrill of observing a play, a concert, or even a fashion show is a wonderful experience and frequent occurrence in our culture.

The mission of the Long Center, whose grand opening took place on March 28, 2008, is to bring the essential components of the quality of life, the performing arts, to our community. On March 26, 2011, the Long Center will be holding its Third Anniversary Party. Mercedes-Benz of Austin is proud to announce that it will be the title sponsor of this great event, starring Harry Connick, Jr. and Orchestra. This renaissance man entertainer who is both a Grammy and Emmy award winner, as well as a Tony nominated performer, undoubtedly will put on an amazing show.

“We are happy for this opportunity to show our appreciation for the Long Center, for all you do to enrich our lives!” – Harvey Dyer, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz of Austin

Get you tickets now at http://www.thelongcenter.org/harry_connick_jr.aspx

Alex Franco, a long-time radio talent in the Austin area and producer of the hit morning show “The JB and Sandy Show” and Austin Infiniti came up with a fun and interactive way to give one lucky Infiniti fan an iPad for Valentine’s Day this year. The rules were simple: write on Austin Infiniti’s Facebook page why you love your Infiniti or why you would love to own an Infiniti and post a photo of said Infiniti. Then Alex would pick his favorite and announce the winner on February 14th. Never did we imagine such a heartwarming story. Here is what Pam Mathers-Johnston, the iPad winner, posted: “I had a 2003 G-35. My daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I thought I needed a minivan I traded it in and have been sad ever since. Now I have a new G and just put custom rims on it! I LOVE MY G!!!!! I wont be getting rid of it anytime soon!!!” Alex, like many of us, was moved by the story of such sacrifice for a loved one and then with an obviously hopeful and joyous ending. So, when she came in to pick up her spoils, I had to ask here how her daughter was doing. “She is doing tremendous. I was in a state of panic when she was diagnosed. I thought we would have to be carrying around all of these supplies and that she might have trouble getting in and out.” She added that her daughter has been wanting an iPad for awhile, and that she is going to surprise her with this one for her 13th birthday that is coming up in March. This contest was a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Austin Infiniti and we are happy that the prize went to such a deserving winner. For updates on future giveaways, be sure to check out our Austin Infiniti Facebook page!

Options. We as humans like to know that we have options because it gives us the feeling of power, knowing that we are in control. Now at First Texas Honda, we are happy to give our service customers another option. When you bring your car in for service you now have the option of taking out a loaner bicycle. You will be given a nice, new road bike equipped with gears, a lock, a bell, a light, and a helmet of your size for your safety. While getting a good exercise on your loaner bike, feel free to grab a bite to eat, go shopping, or just enjoy the day in Austinite fashion. So, the next time you need to come in for service, remember to ask about our loaner bike program and experience a new and exciting option.

“With a number of coffee shops, book stores and many more exciting ventures around our location on Koenig Lane, we had the notion that loaner bikes are the perfect addition. Come drop off your car, and if you so wish take a break and ride around the surrounding neighborhood. Why not? It’s Austin! – Garrett Liming, First Texas Honda Service Director