Tuesday, April 30, 2013

From the desk of Bob Smith...
I've retired four times in my working life, most recently as Director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. People often say, “Bob, can't you keep a job?” Yes, I really can. It seems doors keep opening whenever there's a lull in the action. Could it be divine intervention?

One of the things I have contracted from my wife Billie is her passion for keeping the community where we live sparkling and clean. Billie heads up a non-profit group called Operation TLC (Tidy-up Lawrence County). The group is currently involved in three clean-ups a year. Most recently 75 volunteers showed up and proceeded to pick up 260 bags of litter along the roads and highways in eastern Lawrence County. It was a huge effort by a group of people with the same passion. The volunteers also provide flowers at designated locations as the seasons change. Operation TLC has also endorsed the county effort of removing dilapidated and vacant homes primarily along Rockwood Avenue in Chesapeake.

Eastern Lawrence County is following a strong example being set by the city right across the river. Huntington appears to on the right track with recent efforts to get rid of trash and junk in people's yards and on front porches. The city is also attempting to join the national America in Bloom effort. Three cheers for Huntington.

I wholeheartedly believe in comebacks. They stir emotions and get people moving in the right direction. Education is the key. We can accomplish much more than we could ever imagine.

By the way, I'm really enjoying my fifth career as commercial spokesman for Advantage Toyota. I strongly endorse an active life style. Figures show that retirement is not good for your health.

Friday, April 26, 2013

LIKE if you are at the Stagecoach Festival.

Not at Stagecoach Festival—no problem, we still have love for you. Festival goers are getting ready to meet the 2014 4Runner, and so should you.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

LIKE if you think that these are smart!  Introducing TOYOTA i-ROAD Personal Mobility Vehicle    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScsDvRYyitc

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

  Toyota is so excited about Stagecoach this weekend that they are giving six lucky winners a signed guitar from Dierks Bentley. Click here for details on how to enter. 

https://www.facebook.com/AdvantageToyotaScion?ref=ts&fref=ts

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

You think the Toyota you want will cost X. The reality is it might cost Y. We can help you find out on this Tip Tuesday.

http://bit.ly/Y2QBDv

Monday, April 22, 2013




Leave the city behind and get back to nature. Get inspired by the 2013 RAV4 to go places. Happy Earth Day!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Did you know that it's #FLORALFRIDAY?!   Remember this awesome commercial?

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Throwdown Thursday!! Tag someone in the comments who you think you could beat in a race with your Toyota or Scion!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

We’re happy to announce that Toyota has reached 5 million hybrid vehicle sales worldwide. Thank you for making it possible!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

As good looking on the inside as it is on the outside. The Avalon makes Ward's Automotive Group 10 Best Interiors list for 2013. http://bit.ly/14pY0pG

Monday, April 15, 2013

From the desk of Bob Smith...
I've often heard it said, “The best thing you can ever give anyone is the gift of yourself.” People through the ages have set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd because of their true and willing thoughts for others. The unbelievable generosity of those who have contributed physically and monetarily to Remar Orphanage in Nicaragua is a case in point. Advantage Toyota has chosen Remar and Lamb's Gate Market as one of their support partners. In times of emergency, men, women and even children forget about themselves and take on the task of getting a job done.

My old pal and regular dentist for many years Dr. Leo Fleckinstein was honored recently in the Huntington paper, receiving the Herald Dispatch Community Service Award. I liked one of his quotes upon learning he had received the special recognition. He said, “If you do anything like this and you want the recognition of it, you're not doing it in good faith. I did it because I like dentistry.” The good doctor received the award for his endless hours of volunteer work with Ebenezer Medical Outreach.

Our country and our local community have long been known for these kinds of good deeds. It's what makes the Tri-State area such a good place to live, work and play. For those of you who have not caught onto the goodness of giving yourself, it's never too late. The cautionary tale is this and it comes from the book of Proverbs 27:2: “Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth---a stranger, not your own lips.” Back in my youth, such a long time ago, I remember ‘Hot Dogging’ during a softball game after catching a long fly ball. I immediately slammed head first into the outfield fence and received numerous cuts and bruises. The moral of the story is this. Doing good deeds and accomplishing great feats is admirable, but sometimes eating humble pie is the dish of the day if the proper attitude is absent. I'm sure you're well aware that character is who you are when no one else is watching.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Thursday, April 11, 2013

It's Throwback Thursday!!

Years of taking the rugged roads. The first Land Cruiser sold in the U.S. in Sept. 1958.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013


Roll down your windows, play some tunes and go for a ride. Just because.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Parents, make sure your new drivers arrive safe and in style by signing the Toyota Mutual Driving Agreement. Join us and Teen Vogue to take the safe driving pledge with your teen.

http://teenv.ge/10z1ZbA

Monday, April 8, 2013

“Lighten your load,” encourages Matt Smith, Service Manager for Advantage Toyota.

Never exceed your car’s roof load specifications or weight limits. You can find them in your vehicle owner’s manual. Check the weight limitation of your roof rack as well. Typically the range is from 150 to 200 pounds. That’s the equivalent of eighteen 8-foot 2 x 4s or three sheets of 3/4-inch plywood. If you have to deliver a heavy load from the home or garden center, consider having it delivered. It will save wear and tear on you as well as your car.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Who's going to see Jurassic Park in 3D?! Keep an eye out for the JP Toyota Prius!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

From the desk of Bob Smith...
What a pleasant surprise!!! My wife Billie and I just paid our first visit to Lamb's Gate Market in the heart of downtown Huntington. This has to be one of the city's best kept secrets. You will be thoroughly captivated by what you see inside this beautifully appointed boutique. So as you are passing along the 9th Street Plaza, take a peek inside. Upon entering the shop you will be immediately greeted by a pleasant and very knowledgeable sales staff.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Lamb's Gate Market, it was born out of the desire to help an orphanage in Nicaragua. It is a fair trade, nonprofit gift store. Fair trade provides a just wage for artisans and farmers in developing countries so that they may not only provide for their families but also improve their community's development. My wife and I were struck by the variety of products, the ambiance, the quality of workmanship and the very reasonable pricing. You will find everything from pottery and baskets to jewelry and an abundance of home accessories. And, oh yes, they have mouthwatering Nicaraguan coffee as well.

Laurie Reasons is President of Lamb's Gate Market, Inc. She says “The children of Remar have benefited so much from the support of the hundreds of volunteers from the Huntington area who have visited the orphanage. Thanks to your support, Remar is more than an orphanage----it is a home and a refuge.”

My association with Advantage Toyota has doubled the pleasure for me, personally. From now through April 30th simply “Like” our Facebook pages and Advantage Toyota will donate $1 for each “Like” to the Remar Orphanage. The money raised will help provide vocational instruction, English lessons and medical care for the children at Remar and will even provide repairs for the orphanage facilities. So now you know the path. The rest is up to you. Make a bee-line to Lamb's Gate Market and make a difference in the lives of others.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

It's wallpaper Wednesday! Download your free Toyota wallpaper for your computer right here. http://bit.ly/YTdvSj

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

What physical trait did all these people have in common: King Henry VIII, William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and Lucille Ball?

Monday, April 1, 2013

We're celebrating owners this month with the Toyota 400 for 400 online instant win promotion! Enter daily for your chance to win one of 400 prizes leading up to the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup™ Series Race on April 27. ENTER NOW AT: http://bit.ly/10sOyda