Merchants Auto

Hooksett, NH-During the "Catch it...if you can" promotion for FedEx, NASCAR fans are invited to visit Merchants Auto on Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. to see the #11 FedEx car. 

Fans will have the opportunity to pose for photos, meet racing experts, ask questions and buy NASCAR-related souvenirs.  The Schwan's Ice Cream Truck will also be on hand. 

"Many of our customers are NASCAR fans so we jumped at the chance to have the FedEx car on display for all to see.  We hope people will swing by during their lunch break or bring the kids by for a fun afternoon up close and personal with FedEX and NASCAR," said Chris Duggan, general sales manager for Merchants Auto. 

Merchants Auto is located at 1278 Hooksett Road in Hooksett. 

Merchants Automotive Group is a Singer family company including Merchants Auto, Merchants Leasing, Merchants Short Term Solutions, as well as Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts.  For more information about Merchants, or the Singer Family?s companywide community service efforts, please visit merchantsauto.com or call 1-800-AUTO-999.

Hooksett, NH- Merchant Short Term Solutions, a division of Merchants Automotive Group located in Hooksett, has donated the use of two 15-passenger and one 10-passenger van to the Miss New Hampshire 2009 Pageant. 

Merchants has supported the Miss NH organization for over two decades, "We are so grateful to Merchants for being such a long supporter of our scholarship program," commented Jen Blanchard, a representative for the Miss NH organization. 

Miss NH will use two of the three passenger vans to transport 26 contestants during Pageant Week, April 27-May 3.  The third van will transport judges, many of which are from out of state.  Competing girls are from cities and towns all over New Hampshire and some attend school out-of-state.  All are competing for over $89,000 in scholarship money. 

Merchants Short Term Solutions offers its customers long-term rental and short-term leasing solutions nationwide. Merchants specializes in multi-passenger vans and also leases a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks, vans, law enforcement vehicles, handicap-equipped vehicles and more. Merchants Short Term Solutions is part of Hooksett based Merchants Automotive Group and a Singer Family Company which includes Merchants Leasing, Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts. For more information about Merchants Short Term Solutions, visit the company's website at www.merchantleasing.com/shortterm.cfm.

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Presenting sponsor, FairPoint Communications, and the Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive Committee have announced dates for the 25^th Annual Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive.  Scheduled for Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27, the blood drive has set a 1,200-donor goal. The drive will be held at the Radisson Expo Center at 700 Elm Street in Manchester from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

"With the current critical need for blood here in our region, our blood drive is in the position to help save lives," said Stephen Singer, President of Merchants Automotive Group and Chairman of the blood drive committee. "The community pulled together last year with a record-breaking 1,020 registered donors.  I think 1,200 is an aggressive, but fair and achievable goal for us this year," he added.

"Through strategic charitable giving, FairPoint supports local events and organizations that improve the lives of individuals and improves the strength and vitality of our community," said Chip Underhill, market manager for FairPoint Communication.  "This partnership with Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive is a way for FairPoint and our employees to be actively involved in the community we serve."

Blood collection in the summer months is typically low making the end of August an ideal time to hold a "super drive." Advance appointments are not required but are recommended to help save donors? time and can be done by logging onto bloodpartners.org/singermemorial or calling 625-1951. 

New this year, those interested in registered for the National Marrow Donor Program can register for free during the drive.  Interested people must be 18-60 years of age and will be asked to fill out paperwork and have their cheek swabbed.  

All registered donors will receive a commemorative t-shirt, free refreshments and a thank you back including ticket vouchers and gift certificates from area businesses, including the NH Fisher Cats, the Manchester Monarchs, the Manchester Wolves, he Manchester Mill Rats, the SEE Science Center, the Fight to Educate, Legends Golf, Friendly?s Ice Cream, Jacques Florist, Bellman?s Jewelers and more. 

There will also be door prizes, entertainment, air conditioning and free parking in the Radisson garage.  All donors will be registered for a chance to win a one-year Porsche lease from International Cars, Ltd. as part of an American Red Cross promotion.

CORPORATE CHALLENGE NOTE:

Wednesday, August 27 is reserved for the Corporate Challenge.  Area businesses, non-profits, organizations and teams are encouraged to register in advance as a group. The first 15 groups of 15 or more people will receive a free suite night at MerchantsAuto.com Stadium for a NH Fisher Cats game in 2009.  Corporate Challenge teams should register with Stephen Singer by calling 669-4100. 

The Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive is an American Red Cross event.  Anyone over 17 years of age, healthy and weighing at least 110 pounds is considered eligible to donate.  Donors must have their blood donor card or a photo ID with them.  For more information about donating blood, please call 800-462-9400 to speak to an on-duty nurse. 

As the 8^th largest incumbent wireline company in the United States, FairPoint Communications is a leading provider of a full range of communications services to residential and business customers including: local and long distance voice, data, Internet, television and broadband.  With over 4,000 employees, many of whom are located in northern New England, FairPoint is committed to making a significant contribution to the communities it serves.  FairPoint is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FRP. Learn more at www.fairpoint.com.

Headquartered at 1278 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, Merchants Automotive Group is a Singer family company including Merchants Auto, Merchants Leasing, Merchants Van & Truck, as well as Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts.  For more information about Merchants, or the Singer Family?s companywide community service efforts, please visit merchantsauto.com or call 1-800-AUTO-999.

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"We have watched the Gail Singer drive grow significantly over the years, working with a presenting sponsor was the next logical step,? commented Stephen Singer.  "I was thrilled when FairPoint Communications stepped up to the plate.  The company?s commitment to the community is certainly impressive and greatly appreciated."

"Through strategic charitable giving, FairPoint supports local organizations that improve the lives of individuals and enhance the strength and vitality of our community," said Chip Underhill, Marketing Manager, FairPoint Communications. "This partnership with the Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive is a terrific way for FairPoint and our employees to be actively involved in the community we serve."

The 2008 drive, subsequently the 25^th annual event, is slated for August 26^th and 27^th at the Radisson Inn Expo Center on Elm Street in Manchester.  Day one is open to the public and welcomes donors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Day two, also from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., is reserved for the Corporate Challenge, urging local businesses, organizations and teams to donate blood together as a team in light of a healthy and cause-worthy competition.  Individual donors who cannot attend the drive on the 26^th are welcome to make an appointment for the 27^th. 

Advance appointments are welcome.  To make yours, please visit bloodpartners.org/singermemorial or call 625-1951.  Walk-ins are always welcome and will be processed as quickly as possible. 

The Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive is an air-conditioned event offering free parking, entertainment and a variety of free refreshments.  Each donor will also receive a thank you bag including vouchers to a variety of local sport events, sporting facilities, family activities and more.  A variety of door prizes will also be awarded.  Additionally, all donors will be entered to win a 1-year lease of a Porsche, thanks to International Cars, Ltd.

An American Red Cross event, anyone over 17 years of age, healthy and weighing at least 110 pounds is considered eligible to donate.  Donors must have their blood donor card or a photo ID with them.  For more information about donating blood, please call 800-462-9400 to speak to an on-duty nurse. 

FairPoint Communications, Inc. is an industry leading provider of communications services to communities across the country. Today, FairPoint owns and operates 32 local exchange companies in 18 states offering advanced communications with a personal touch including local and long distance voice, data, Internet, television and broadband services. FairPoint is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FRP. Learn more at www.fairpoint.com.

Headquartered at 1278 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, Merchants Automotive Group is a Singer family company including Merchants Auto, Merchants Leasing, Merchants Van & Truck, as well as Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts.  For more information about Merchants, or the Singer Family?s companywide community service efforts, please visit merchantsauto.com or call 1-800-AUTO-999.