Merchants Auto

Heritage United Way’s 2008 Campaign Kick-off and Day of Caring: Wednesday, September 10^th beginning at 7:30am at Merchantsauto.com Stadium

(Manchester)- Heritage United Way is looking to hit a home run again this year with their annual campaign!  We invite everyone to stop by and join in on the fun as we “kick-off” this year’s campaign on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 7:30am at Merchantsauto.com Stadium.  The emcee for the event is Mike Murphy, radio broadcaster and the voice of the NH Fisher Cats.

Following the Community Kick-off, the annual United Way Day of Caring will take place at numerous sites in the eighteen communities Heritage United Way serves.  Day of Caring is an event that engages hundreds of volunteers in a day of community service.  Last year, volunteers completed a multitude of service projects throughout Southern New Hampshire, a telling reminder of how we can all LIVE UNITED and be a part of the change when we come together to help others.

At the Kick-off event, this year’s Campaign Chair, Dr. Steven Paris, Medical Director at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester, will announce the 2008 campaign goal. Through his leadership, millions of dollars in United Way contributions will be invested in the areas of critical need in our community.  By targeting these resources, we will assist close to fifty programs in addressing the underlying causes of problems and creating a better life for all.

Heritage United Way is also teaming up, once again, with one of their most valued and long-time supporters, Merchants Automotive Group, to provide this year’s campaign incentive Grand Prize.  Donors who pledge $156 ($3/week) or more per year will have the opportunity to win a 2007 Hyundai Sonata GL!  In addition, donors at this level will also receive coupons from Merchants, good for $500 off of a vehicle and 15% off of service (parts and labor). 

Donors who pledge $52 ($1/week) or more per year have the chance to win a half-season ticket package courtesy of the NH Fisher Cats.  Both winners will be announced at the annual Campaign Celebration event on March 4, 2009 at the Radisson Hotel/Center of NH.

Speakers and invited guests include The Honorable Governor of the State of New Hampshire, John Lynch; The Honorable Mayor of the City of Manchester, Frank Guinta; Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Heritage United Way; Dr. Steven Paris, Medical Director at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester and Chair of the 2008 Heritage United Way Campaign; Dr. Paul LeBlanc, Southern New Hampshire University President and Cathy Duffy, CEO, Girls, Inc. of New Hampshire.

“Our annual Kick-off is an opportunity to, not only thank our Day of Caring volunteers, but get them excited for their day of service and to get the community excited about the 2008 campaign,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Heritage United Way.  “It’s also a visible symbol of the kind of support Heritage United Way is fortunate to receive from the community year after year.” 

Heritage United Way engages over 11,000 donors and volunteers in giving back to the community every year.  Since 1938, Heritage United Way has invested over $90 million dollars into local communities and is committed to improving the lives of individuals and families by supporting programs in the areas of Education and Lifelong Learning, Health and Wellness and Housing and Economic Self-Sufficiency.

25^th Annual Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive Sets Goal of 1,200 Donors:  2-day Drive to be held August 26 & 27

 
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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Manchester, NH – Stephen Singer, President of Merchants Automotive Group and Chairman of the Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive Committee, is pleased to announce a partnership with FairPoint Communications.  A leading provider in modern communications technology to residential and business customers, FairPoint Communications has signed on as the exclusive presenting sponsor of the state’s largest blood drive. 

 “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. 

For more information, please contact:
Shannon K. Sullivan- Director, Marketing & Communications
603.625.6939, ext. 19
shannon.sullivan@heritageunitedway.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2008

HERITAGE UNITED WAY TO HOLD CAMPAIGN CELEBRATION

(Manchester)- Heritage United Way will hold their Celebration Event on Wednesday evening, March 5, 2008 at the Center of NH/Radisson Hotel.  At the event, the results of the 2007 annual campaign will be announced by the campaign Chair, Pamela Diamantis; and those volunteers, companies and donors who helped to make the campaign an overwhelming success will be recognized.  

Speakers and invited guests include The Honorable Governor of the State of New Hampshire, John Lynch, and The Honorable Mayor of the City of Manchester, Frank Guinta.  The event will be emceed by Kevin Skarupa, meteorologist at WMUR-TV 9, and will feature a performance by the Southern New Hampshire University Chorus with special guest Michelle Strout.

Merchants Automotive Group, a valued and long-time supporter of Heritage United Way, has once again donated the 2007 campaign incentive Grand Prize.  Donors who pledged $156 or more per year will have the opportunity to win a FREE six-month lease on a 2007 Mustang GT Convertible with the winner to be selected at the Celebration Event.  Merchants also donated a FREE six-month lease on a SUV that was given away at the Campaign Kick-off Event in September.  

Donors who pledged $52 or more per year will have the chance to win the second of two half-season ticket packages courtesy of the NH Fisher Cats with the winner also selected at the Celebration event.

Hooksett, NH – Merchants Automotive Group recently received notification that the company will receive a “Best of Business” award form the New Hampshire Business Review in both the Auto Fleet and Auto Dealership categories.

The award will be presented to Merchants during the first annual New Hampshire Business Review Best of Business (BOB) Awards on March 19 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“This award notification is spectacular! Not only because of it’s ‘best of’ accolade, but because our company was selected by our peers and loyal customers through a readership poll. Our dealership prides itself on being the best we can be, the Singer Family would have it no other way,” commented Stephen Singer, President of Merchants Automotive Group. “Thank you to all who cast their vote in our favor and for the overall support in this new competition.”

In partnership with Quirk Automotive Group, the New Hampshire Business Review BOB Award recipients are named by a readers’ poll. NH Business Review readers, selecting those they believe are the best companies to do business with in the Granite State, cast over 1,000 ballots in the poll’s inaugural year.

For information about the event, or to purchase tickets, please contact Trisha Baker Schmitt at 624-1442, extension 125. Tickets are $10.

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.

	24th Annual Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive Radisson Hotel Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 10 AM - 6 PM
	In order to help perpetuate the loving memory of Gail Singer, the American Red Cross, in conjunction with the Singer Family, WZID, The Manchester Monarchs, The NH Fisher Cats, The Manchester Wolves, The Fight to Educate and the SEE Science Center, has coordinated the 24th Annual Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive. This year we are proud to announce that the blood drive will be held on Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 at the Raddison Hotel-Expo Center located on Elm Street in downtown Manchester. In order to better accommodate our donors, we have initiated online registration at www.bloodpartners.org/singermemorial, which will help us process donors in a more timely fashion. As an additional bonus there will be free parking in the hotel garage. The doors will be open from 10am until 6pm.
	As a small token of our gratitude for your donation and to help ensure that the Lone Ranger has plenty of partners in his pursuit of making the world a better place, every donor will receive a free “Passport to Manchester” package that includes: two free tickets to the Manchester Monarchs two free tickets to the NH Fisher Cats two free tickets to the ManchesterWolves two free tickets the Fight to Educate event two free tickets to the SEE Science Center
	As an added bonus, there will be a very special door prize of a 2 day romantic autumn getaway at the fabulous Harbor Breeze Inn on Cape Cod! Other fantastic incentives include the balloon art of Mo the Clown, caricature artists, tons of food and of course a customized Lone Ranger tee shirt. In more ways than one, donating blood this year will be a very rewarding experience! Please note that if you have given blood on or before July 5, 2007, you are eligible for this blood drive.
	On behalf of the entire Singer Family, The American Red Cross, WZID, The Manchester Monarchs, The NH Fisher Cats, The Manchester Wolves, The Fight to Educate, SEE Science Center and our other sponsors, we would like to thank you for your anticipated donation, which will help save lives in our community. Your participation will make you a true American Hero!

Manchester, NH - Monday, December 18, 2006 the Merchantsauto.com Stadium sign was lifted to its 44-foot high location in Manchester, overlooking Interstate 293 and the Fisher Cats’ home field. The newest addition to Manchester’s skyline, the sign is one of the largest in New Hampshire weighing almost three tons and measuring 67 feet at its widest point.
“It’s very exciting to share this day in Manchester’s history with the community,” said Stephen Singer, president of Merchants Automotive Group. “My family and I have watched this city grow over the years, and we’re delighted to be part of the newest development. I see the sign and the ballpark as a symbol of the city’s progress through the years.” Merchants Automotive Group, who partnered with the Fisher Cats in early 2006, aligned with Hooksett-based company, Sign Gallery, who designed, constructed and installed the Merchantsauto.com Stadium sign. Other local professionals were called upon to assist with special engineering considerations. After traveling from Hooksett on a 98 foot-long truck in a police-escorted motorcade, the sign now sits in one of the most visible locations in the city. “We are happy to put the finishing touches on Merchantsauto.com Stadium, the home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats,” said Fisher Cats owner, Art Solomon. “This sign signifies the great partnership the Fisher Cats have established with Merchants Automotive Group. We look forward to Opening Day 2007; this sign is just one of the many highlights our fans will see at the ballpark this coming season.” New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2007 Season Tickets and Mini-Plans are on sale now. For information, visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005. The 2007 season opens on Thursday, April 5 when the Fisher Cats host the New Britain Rock Cats at MerchantsAuto.com Stadium.