This year the Continental Automotive Group has started an employee recognition program called the “Top Gun Awards.” The Top Gun Award is designed as an avenue for CAG to recognize, with appreciation and gratitude, dedicated and loyal employees who contribute to its’ success.

“We wanted to start an employee recognition program for some time,” says Will Hardeman, owner of CAG. “We want our employees to know that their efforts don’t go unnoticed.”

Each of the 6 locations: Austin Infiniti, Austin Subaru, First Texas Honda, Mercedes-Benz of Austin, Continental Collision, and Wholesale Parts Direct, select an employee (non-manager) from each department to win this award each year. The Top Gun Awards will be given out each year at the annual company appreciation dinners.

This year our inaugural 34 winners will each receive their name on a Top Gun Award Plaque, a trophy, and an iPad2!

Alfredo Ruiz – Austin Infiniti
Chris Jackson – Austin Infiniti
Chris Wanken – First Texas Honda
Clint Craven – Austin Subaru
Craig Sager – First Texas Honda
Daryl Meaux – Information Technology
Forrest Laxton – Austin Subaru
Glenda Shaw – Austin Subaru
Greg Clayton – Wholesale Parts Direct
Isidoro Rodriguez – Continental Collision
Jacki Blancas – Wholesale Parts Direct
Jackie Romero – Mercedes-Benz of Austin
Jason Youngblood – Macho Marketing
Jessie Rodriguez – Mercedes-Benz of Austin
Joe Mills – First Texas Honda
Joel McColl – Austin Subaru
John Burke – Wholesale Parts Direct
Jose Torres – Wholesale Parts Direct
Julie Jackson – First Texas Honda
Larry Williams – Austin Infiniti
Marco Garza – Wholesale Parts Direct
Matthew Bender – Continental Collision
Michael Bakiris – Mercedes-Benz of Austin
Mike Brooks – Continental Collision
Ricardo Reyes – Austin Subaru
Shannon Burnham – Austin Subaru
Shannon Tursam – Mercedes-Benz of Austin
Steve Donovan – Austin Infiniti
Thomas Pardo – First Texas Honda
Tim Terry – Mercedes-Benz of Austin
Tony Anthony – Austin Infiniti
Victoria Seidenberger – Austin Infiniti
Wade Wells – Mercedes-Benz of Austin
Wylane Clark – First Texas Honda

Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. That blood can only come from a volunteer donor, a person like you who makes the choice to donate.

· Did you know that 1 in 7 people entering a hospital needs blood and one pint of your own donated blood can save up to three lives.

· Did you know that Children being treated for cancer, premature infants and children having heart surgery need blood and platelets from donors of all types, especially type O.

· Did you know that 17 percent of non-donors cite “never thought about it” as the main reason for not giving, while 15 percent say they’re too busy.

· Did you know that the #1 reason blood donors say they give is because they “want to help others.”

Your contribution is important! Help change a person’s life. We will be holding blood drives at each of our locations. The Schedule is as follows:

-Wednesday, September 21st: Austin Subaru (11:30-1:30)
-Wednesday, October 12th: First Texas Honda (11:30-1:30)
-Wednesday, October 19th: Mercedes-Benz of Austin (11:30-1:30)
-Friday, October 21st: Austin Infiniti (11:30-1:30)

Macho Marketing will be coming around and scheduling appointments at each location ahead of time, but if you would like to call us at 512-381-6693, ext 5293 from your work phone, or email macho at cagaustin dot com.

Just ask for Suzette and we will be happy to fit you in. Or you can visit The Blood Center of Central Texas site: http://www.inyourhands.org/ Also, just as a reminder, we will be giving out 10 tickets per each donation made for the annual Christmas party drawing with the huge prizes. Thank you for making a difference in our community!

The Congress Avenue Mile is coming up on May 21, and once again Mercedes-Benz of Austin is an official sponsor of this year’s event. The Congress Avenue Mile consists of several mile-long heats and benefits the Runtex Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the fitness of our community, state and country.

Also, anyone who breaks the world record for the mile at this year’s event will be rewarded with the keys to a brand-new 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan! So lace up your running shoes and get training!

For more information and to register, visit congressavenuemile.com.

Continental Automotive Group takes pride in the fact that we are a local family-owned company that is able to contribute to the Austin community. CAG is partnering with another local family-owned business: Triple S Petroleum, has been in business since the 1920s and operates Signature Austin convenience stores (different from Signature Fuels). CAG is now offering Signature Austin discount cards to our customers, good for 5 cents off every gallon you purchase at participating Signature Austin locations. Effective April 1st, when you purchase a vehicle at one of our four dealerships, you will automatically receive a card valid for one year. You must present the card to the cashier prior to paying inside in order to receive the discount.

CAG Employees can purchase these gas cards for personal use at our cost. For more information, contact Macho Marketing – 512-381-6693.