An Annual Akins Event
Pro Athletes Visit Statham Elementary

Students at Statham Elementary school found out first-hand what it’s like to play side-by-side—and against—professional athletes.

Atlanta Falcons offensive linemen Todd McClure and Tyson Clabo, Atlanta Braves third base coach Brian Snitker, fomer Braves first base coach Glenn Hubbard and four baseball players recently signed to Major League Baseball teams made an appearance Friday at the school to challenge students to a friendly game of basketball.

The annual event, held by Akins Ford of Winder, has attracted professional athletes from various teams for the past 10 years.

Coming off the baseball field to partake in activities were Trey Martin and Daniel Lockhart of the Chicago Cubs and Brandon Jacobs and Nick Moore of the Boston Red Sox.

Akins Ford owner Brad Akins also participated, as well as three representatives from Mizuno, a major baseball equipment manufacturer. Chick-fil-A of Bethlehem owner Chris Owens also played, joined by his company’s famous "Eat More Chicken" cow mascot.

"I remember when I used to go watch the Astros play when I lived in Louisiana, and I was a big baseball fan growing up," McClure said. "Just to get a ball or an autograph from those guys—that meant the world to me. To see these kids smile and have fun is what it’s all about."

Despite their professional status, the athletes and coaches were unable to snap the students’ winning streak.

"They haven’t lost in a long time," Britt said. "These kids never get to see anything this before. The memories will last forever, so to be able to do this is awesome."

Article by Mitch Blomert
Barrow County News

Photos by Reneé
Truly Sweet Photography

______________________________________________________________________

Akins announces new Quick Lane Club
Club offers discounts, giveaways, and free maintenance services

This month, Akins will be rolling out its brand new Quick Lane Club, designed to reward members with benefits immediately after signing up, including a chance to win free oil changes for a year and season football tickets to Georgia Bulldogs home games.

While the giveaways alone are a reason to join, the Club primarily exists “to develop a quick and easy way to communicate specials to our most loyal customers,” said owner Brad Akins. “Loyal customers will want to join our club to have a quick and easy way to not miss out on our most exclusive offers for savings and monthly giveaways.”

And it’s easy to see that Akins loves its customers.

Upon signing up at the Quick Lane Club website, Club members automatically receive a Quick Lane oil change for $19.95, 20 percent discount. Benefits also include a free brake and 25-point inspection with every service visit, access to quarterly members-only events, and multiple opportunities to win $500 worth of car and truck accessories from the Wild Willie Custom Accessories Center.

Additionally, members will be entered into a monthly drawing for other prizes, including free oil changes for a year.

To sign up, head on over to www.akinsquicklaneclub.com. It only takes a couple minutes of your time, and the benefits are well worth it!

________________________________________________________________________

Act of Heroism

On July 12, 2010, Officer Darin J. Mitchem, son of Stanley W. Mitchem, an employee of Akins, along with Officer J. A. Bailey were dispatched to a residential fire on Stone Mountain Highway. Officers Mitchem and Bailey arrived on the scene before the Gwinnett County Fire Department. They observed heavy smoke and large flames coming from the home. The homeowner advised the Officers that her husband was still inside the house and was unable to escape the fire because he was disabled.

Officers Mitchem and Bailey had to quickly formulated an action plan because the flames were overtaking the home. A decision was made to enter the home to rescue the elderly man. They entered the home through the front door and had to use their flashlights to see through the dense black smoke. After locating the man Officer Mitchem wrapped the gentleman in a blanket and started carrying him to safety. Officer Bailey assisted him by grabing his belt and guided him backwards toward the open door. By the time the officers reached the porch it was on fire and the victim had to be taken to the yard to safety. Officers Mitchem and Bailey as well as the residents all made it out safely as the roof started to collapse.

As a result of their quick action both officers have received the following:

Certificate of Recognition
Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Service

Silver Medal of Valor
Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce

The 2011 Governor's Public Safety Award for "Act of Heroism"
Presented by Governor Nathan Deal

Darin J. Mitchem - Police Officer of the Year
Gwinnett County Police Department

Akins would like to recognise and say thank you to all of the men and women that serve and protect our communities everyday.

We have posted the complete version of the "2011 Governor Public Safety Awards" to the right, so you could read more extraordinary acts of bravery and valor.

 _______________________________________________________________________

2013 Dodge Dart
 

Fiat's quick patch job on the Chrysler Sebring/200 and Dodge Avenger could only go so far in making those cars marginal successes in the last year. The new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first evidence of what a full Chrysler-Fiat collaboration can produce, and it's an encouraging sign of things to come.

Back in the DaimlerChrysler and Cerberus days, would you ever have expected to find "Dodge" and "Alfa" mentioned in the same car magazine story?

The 2013 Dart rides on a modified Alfa Romeo Giulietta chassis with wider tracks. The Dodge is 1.5 inches wider overall than the Alfa, with a 3.7-inch-longer wheelbase, and it gets slightly flared wheel openings for the wider tracks. Because the Dart's "three-box" four-door sedan body replaces the Giulietta's four-door hatchback body, it's a full foot longer overall. Click here to continue.