Spotlight on Fowler - Fowler Holding Company

Fow l e r A u t o G ro u p
October—December 2011
Vo l u m e 6 , I s s u e 4
Spotlight on Fowler
Inside this issue:
Employee Showcase:
Diane Demster!
2
You’re Appreciated!
2
Jonathan Fowler:
Interview with
“Automotive News”!
3
Announcements!
4
New Hires
4
Fowler is Going
GREEN!
6
Eco-Friendly NYE
Resolutions
6
Snack-Smart!
7
Salesperson of the
Month
7
Vinaigrette Salad
Dressing Recipe
7
Fowler Award to
Honor Children’s Arts
Education
8
Eat This Meal & Lose
Weight
8
How to Recognize
Teen Dating Abuse
9
5 Cocktail Tips for the
Calorie-Conscious
8
F ROM THE CEO’ S D ESK ...
First, let us recognize Rick Burgess
and the many years he worked as
General Manager at Fowler
Toyota. We would also like to
recognize Jeff Spears’ promotion
to General Manager and welcome
him to Fowler Toyota.
I would like to take this
opportunity to thank each and
every employee for a very
successful 2011! There were
many records set and many large
percentage increases in our
business. John Walter and the
entire finance team set all-time
records in Vehicle Service
Contracts, Aftermarket Sales and
the #1 Chevy dealer in the state
of Colorado for two years
running. Fowler VW was also #1
in car sales in the state of
Oklahoma last year!
Mike Fowler, Owner & CEO
in Profit per Unit. Way to go
F&I team! Richard Altdoerffer
and his Parts and Service team
set an all-time record in gross
profit as well. Jeff Spears and
his Used Car Team had the
largest
percentage
sales
increase in history. Way to go!
2012 is already starting off the
same way, and it looks like we
will have many more records to
come.
Many thanks to everyone. I
appreciate all that you do, and
have done, for this organization
and I look forward to 2012
being a very successful year for
all.
I
would
also
like
to
congratulate Century for being
Oklahoma Prosperity Project
This is an election year and voting is just around the corner! The election this
year could have a far-reaching impact on Oklahoma jobs and our organization’s
success and prosperity. For information regarding all Presidential and Legislative
candidates, registration deadlines and Election Days, as well as any other
information regarding the election, visit http://okprosperity.com!
Page 2
SPOTLIGHT ON FOWLER
Introducing... Diane Demster
I really like the employees that I work
with,” she said.
Diane & her husband, Jon
Meet Diane Demster! Diane just
celebrated her 20th anniversary with
Fowler Toyota last August, where she
is the Warranty Administrator! She
processes warranty claims for the
Service Department and reconciles
warranty receivables. She also works
directly with the Service Manager,
Service Advisors and Technicians to
ensure proper procedures are
followed in documenting and filing
warranty claims.
“I enjoy the challenges of claim
processing and working with people.
Diane was born in Norman, Oklahoma,
and she has lived around here her
whole life. She graduated from Noble
High School. Now, she is happily
married to her husband Jon. They have
been married for 11 years and have 3
children together: Dylan, 18, Candace,
21, and Rachel, 18.
Diane is a huge hockey fan. Her favorite
team is the Detroit Red Wings. She also
loves to scuba dive. She values her
family and her relationship with God
more than anything else. When asked
to give advice to her fellow employees,
Diane said,
“Regardless of where you start, always
do your best at what you do. Take pride
in your work and opportunities will
come your way.”
Diane also loves being outdoors. She
has a Jack Russell Terrier named Jackson that
loves to go on walks. She enjoys watching
football and hockey, and she is an OU fan and
loves watching the Sooners and spending time
with her family. She would love to hop on a
plane to beautiful California to spend time
driving along the coast and just relaxing.
Favorite Move: Minority Report
What did you want to be when you were a
kid? I was really interested in dancing. I was in
ballet for a number of years and was on the
cheerleading and dance squad.
If you could meet any historical figure, who
would it be? Ronald Reagan
Define success: I like to set myself an objective
sometimes daily or weekly of things I need to
get accomplished. Completing warranty claims
with minimal errors and keeping the claim
receivables below 30 days of aging.
We are so thankful for the 20 years Diane has
given to Toyota. She is wonderful employee.
You’re Appreciated!!
We would like to take this opportunity to show our gratitude to the
following employees for their dedication to Fowler throughout the years.
The following represent anniversaries from Sept—Dec 2011.
Five Years
Ten Years
Thomas Ricicki, Century
William Daggett, Century
Rob Newcomb, Toyota
Randall Blaine, Century
Zach Mitton, Century
Jeanie Forrest, Honda
Page 3
V OLUME 6, ISSUE 4
Jonathan Fowler—an Interview in “Automotive News”!
Jonathan Fowler says his musical talents
as a bluegrass guitarist didn't get him
past open-mic night. But Fowler's passion
for music is helping make a name for his
family's new Volkswagen dealership in
Norman, Okla.
Less than two years after opening in a
shuttered Mitsubishi facility, Fowler
Volkswagen makes the most of a shoestring marketing budget by leveraging
Fowler's connections in the local music
community. In the hip college town,
home of the University of Oklahoma, the
dealership's support of the burgeoning
arts scene resonates with consumers.
"We learned very quickly: If you connect
with your consumer on an emotional
level in the areas they want to be
connected with and don't try to sell them
a car while doing it, they'll remember you
when it's time to come and buy a car,"
says Fowler, the store's 29-year-old
general manager. "We really try and just
keep our name out there in the areas
where our customers are going to be on
their Saturday and Friday nights."
One notable effort is the Norman Music
Festival, a free indie music event that
attracted 50,000 people and 180 bands in
2011. Fowler helped found the event in
2008 and talked managers of his family's
Toyota and Honda dealerships into
becoming headline sponsors.
The Volkswagen store has become a
major sponsor since its 2010 opening.
Fowler VW constructed elaborate ramps
in a children's play area and distributed
1,500 VW-model Hot Wheels affixed to
cards promoting a service discount. "We
had a lot of [the cards] come back in,"
Fowler says.
In 2011, Fowler VW tied its display to
Passat, Jetta and Beetle models with
special-edition Fender audio systems.
Fowler just finished his favorite
promotion.
For the second year, the dealership
produced a Christmas album featuring
local bands playing original music. For
$3,500, Fowler VW teams with a local
label to make 1,000 vinyl records, which
are given away. People must attend a
launch party or visit the dealership or
another designated business to pick up
the record.
But the dealership doesn't try to convert
the music fans into immediate
customers. They don't have to fill out a
form or share personal information.
Instead, Fowler has instructed his staff
to engage them in conversation: How
did they hear about the record? What
do they know about the bands?
That soft approach appears to be
working.
"I know for a fact that people who have
encountered us through this record
specifically have bought cars from us,"
Fowler says. "There's a loyalty in these
people who like the things we do. They
make an effort to do business with us."
Other arts-minded promotions include:
-- Sponsorship of a monthly arts walk
event. The dealership gives out cookies in
the shape of a VW bus. During the
February walk, Fowler VW sets up a "kiss
cam" in the back of a 1977 Vanagon.
-- That same Vanagon also is home to the
VDub Sessions, a video concert series. The
recordings, more than 40 so far featuring
local artists and touring national acts, are
posted on Fowler VW's YouTube channel.
Fowler's approach was honed working at
the other stores in the Fowler Auto Group.
His grandfather, Bill Fowler, started selling
Buicks in the 1950s and eventually purchased a Toyota store in 1973. Bill Fowler,
now 80, still comes to work every day,
though Mike Fowler, Bill's son and Jonathan's father, handles day-to-day leadership of the five-store group.
Jonathan Fowler remembers sweeping
floors in the service department as young
as age 5. He drove the parts trucks when
he turned 16. But he wasn't sure he
wanted to stay in the family business.
Continued on Page 5
Page 4
SPOTLIGHT ON FOWLER
Announcements!!!
* Carrie Gannon, Office Manager at Century, had a baby! Congratulations!
* Congrats to Jeff Spears, the new General Manager at Fowler Toyota!
* David Williams is a new hire, and the new Internet Manager at Volkswagen! Congrats!
* Best wishes to Dirk Ness and Tonya Bousquet (both from Toyota) got married on December 28, 2011!
* Let’s hear it for William Avila at Volkswagen! He was the TOP SALESPERSON for Fowler for all of 2011!!
*Robert Lackey won the Volkswagen Vow Award (4th place) at the National VW Customer Service Challenge in Florida!
*Jonathan Fowler was named Dealer Representative for Area 4F and will be on the South Central
Region Dealer Council to serve a 3 years term! Congrats!
VW Has partnered with Norman Arts Council to create the Fowler Arts in Education Award! Read more on page 8!
* Fowler Volkswagen was #1 in Car Sales in the state of Oklahoma!
*Century has been the #1 Chevy dealer in the state of Colorado for two years running!!!
* Lawrence Lasenberry, Salesperson at Honda, welcomed a baby girl on November 13, 2011. Congrats!
Herschell Altstatt passed away on January 8, 2012. He was a Dealer Trade Driver for Fowler I-240 and had
been with the company for years. Please keep his loved-ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Welcome New Hires!
CENTURY
I-240 CHRYSLER, JEEP, DODGE
VOLKSWAGEN
Alberto Aiello, Lube Tech
Lawrence Baker, Detail
Brad Brown, Parts Driver
Tracey Catts, Internal Service Advisor
Lelan Kartes, Lube Tech
Jeffery Rush, Lube Tech
Brad Townsend, Parts Driver
Jeffrey Turner, Salesperson
Priscilla Franzen, Internet Sales
Brandon Roberts, Lot Tech
Ryan Snyder, Service Porter
Joseph Argier, F&I Contractor
Adam Bowers, Lube Service Advisor
Edward Gazvoda, Salesperson
Benjamin Mandez, Lot Tech
Keith Smith, Used Car Sales Manager
Rick Fortner, Service Manager
Robert Brents, Lube Tech
Jeff Lang, Service Advisor
Heather Cable, Receptionist
Bryan McMahan, Sales Associate
Traci Madden, Receptionist
Rommel Barrot, Lube Tech
Donald Graham, Sales Associate
Michael Cox, Lube Tech
David Williams, E-Commerce Director
Noe Montoya, Dales Associate
Stephanie Stout, Service Advisor
Mark Paxton, Service Tech
Benjamin James, Sales Associate
Ben Murdaugh, Porter
Cecilia Mendoza, Sales Associate
Fabian Quezada, Sales Associate
Williams Shatswell, Service Tech
David Vega Frias, Service Tech Trainee
Jesse Joslin, Lube Tech
HONDA
Austin Andrews, Service Porter
Conor Schafstall, Service Porter
Eddie Sanchez, Lot Porter
Kourtney Rankin, Receptionist
Robert Dowd, Service Porter
Cody Thornton, Service Porter
TOYOTA
Sherry Zhang, Café
Stevonna Johnson, Service BDC Associate
JerichoRose Turmel, Receptionist
Heaven Manning, Receptionist
Coletta Webster, Rental Clerk
Kaysha Sandlin, Café
Jeremy Hale, Sales Associate
Melroy Lopez, Service Tech
Page 5
V O LU M E 6 , I S S U E 4
CONTINUED: Jonathan Fowler’s Interview with “Automotive News”!
The store's Twitter feed has 477 followers, compared with 98 for
Fowler Toyota and 36 for Fowler Honda.
And business is taking off. In 2010, Fowler VW averaged monthly
sales of 52 new and used vehicles. In 2011, that jumped to 72 a
month. The store was profitable in 2011 after a small loss -- much
smaller than budgeted -- in 2010, Fowler says.
An art walk event in February featured the “kiss
cam” that promoted the dealership.
His love for music beckoned. But Fowler says he soon
realized that "my passion far exceeded my talent." Not really
sure what he wanted to do, he came back to the family
business. Within six months, he knew he wanted to make it
his career.
By 2009, the family was looking for a store for Fowler to run.
At the same time Volkswagen decided to add a second point
in metro Oklahoma City. With VW's reputation for fun
marketing, it felt like a good fit, Fowler says.
After opening in May 2010, Fowler had free reign over the
store's $20,000 monthly marketing budget. He directed most
of the money toward grass-roots events such as the music
festival -- a $5,000 sponsorship for each Fowler store.
He also created the VDub Club, a keychain card offering
discounts at 30 local businesses. Almost 3,000 cards have
been distributed so far.
"We have to find ways to get our name in front of people
that just don't cost a lot of money but that also have some
kind of benefit or emotional attachment," he says. "Norman
is a very big shop local community."
Fowler VW's marketing budget now runs up to $55,000 a
month, but Fowler is still looking for the most bang for his
buck. After realizing a huge percentage of his service
customers had their radios tuned to National Public Radio, he
switched a large chunk of his radio budget to the local NPR
station.
He's also puts a lot of emphasis on the dealership's Twitter
feed and Facebook page. Social media activity spikes during
event sponsorships.
Shared Learning's
He also gives credit to things he has learned from family
members. For example, he uses the finance and insurance
practices honed by his father at other Fowler stores.
"Everything we do in this store is because of something I learned
that I liked or that I didn't like at one of our other stores," he
says. "The marketing is a great example of something I didn't like
at our other stores."
Those sister stores typically advertised on TV and radio and didn't
have much online presence. Now they're learning from the
Volkswagen store's experiments.
Says Fowler: "That's starting to change because of what they've
seen this store able to accomplish."
Jonathan Fowler
Title: General manager, Fowler Volkswagen
Where: Norman, Okla.
Monthly sales: 72 new and used in 2011, up from 52 in 2010
Notable: Reached profitability in 2011 after opening in May 2010
Coming up: Fowler plans to build a new dealership for an
estimated $3.5 million in 2013 or later
Family business: Part of Fowler Auto Group, a 5-store group
founded by Jonathan's grandfather, Bill Fowler, in 1973.
Music fan: Fowler's background as a bluegrass guitarist and
music junkie fuels the VW store's marketing and social media
strategies.
Guten tag! Customers like this greeting from Waldi Pitchlynn,
Fowler VW's Germany-born receptionist and family friend.
Page 6
Fowler is going
GREEN!
We have started recycling at Fowler Holding Company. In the kitchen break room, we have
a recycling box for any plastic bottles, cans, and cups. We also have a toter polycart
located in the shred room for paper and newspapers only. We have had much success in
recycling and in the effort of making Fowler a "green company".
We will be moving forward in making our dealerships "green" locations as well!
Here are just a few quick facts about how recycling can help our environment:

Recycling one ton of paper saves between 15-17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and nearly
half-a-year's worth of electricity for the average household in the United States.

The making of paper products from recycled paper generates nearly 74% less pollution and
uses 50% less water than making paper products from raw materials.

Plastic products made from recycled plastic need 88% less energy to make than plastic
products made from oil.

In less than 60 days, an aluminum can can be recycled and back on store shelves.

Recycling 1 ton of aluminum cans conserves the equivalent of 1,665 gallons of gasoline.
Here are some potential Earth kind changes you could make in 2012!
1.
Start a compost
2.
Buy more organic veggies and fruits; eat
in-season foods.
3.
Buy local, support your farmer’s market
4.
Start a garden
5.
Go vegetarian, vegan, or simply cut back
on your meat consumption by doing
something like “Meatless Mondays”.
10. Always bring your own reusable bags
while shopping. Create a plan so you
don’t leave them behind when you
need them.
11. Make your own super safe household cleaners
19. Walk or ride a bike whenever possible
20. Purchase a rain barrel for your yard to
conserve water
21. Landscape your yard so it’s critter
friendly
12. Learn to sew
22. Rescue an animal from a shelter or the
streets
13. Use cloth instead of paper towels
and napkins.
23. Volunteer for a good cause
14. Wash your clothes in cold water
24. Make a craft once a month with items
you would usually throw away
6.
Donate items you no longer use
7.
Upcycle shabby items in your home into
something “new”
15. Line dry laundry
8.
Use a reusable coffee cup
16. Carpool
9.
No bottled water! Keep a reusable water
bottle with you instead.
17. Consolidate errands so you only
need to venture out once
18. Use recycled paper and print on
both sides.
25. Buy only organic clothing such as soy,
hemp or organic cotton
26. Thrift secondhand goods
27. Turn off energy sucking devices when
not in use.
Source: Soul-flower
Grab a Healthy Snack and Go!
Page 7
Dieting is a hard feat for most who try it, especially when hunger strikes
mid-morning or late afternoon between meals. However, by having
proportioned snack options available to grab and eat on the run, you can
control your hunger and your waistline at the same time.
Here are some great snack options that are all roughly 100 calories:
Yogurt. Many popular brands come in snack sizes that are 80 to 110 calories per serving. This healthy snack is full of protein, which helps you
stay fuller longer. It is also packed with calcium and comes in many
sweet tooth-satisfying flavors.
Popcorn. This snack is available in 100-calorie individual servings, and will provide you a bountiful amount of
whole grains.
Microwave Soup. There are so many varieties of canned soup that are only 100 calories per serving and will
provide a full serving of vegetables. Make sure to select the low sodium variety.
Applesauce. Opting for a single serving of this sweet treat provides a full serving of fruit at roughly only 50
to 100 calories.
100-Calorie Pack Snacks. In the mood for cookies, chips or crackers? Many popular brands now offer their
products in individual 100-calorie serving sizes. This way, you won’t eat too much of your favorites, but will
still satisfy your cravings.
Yogurt Smoothies. This drinkable snack satisfies a need for something sweet and provides your body with
calcium and protein.
Popsicles. Though these snacks do not offer any nutritional value, they come in a variety of flavors and may
deter you from overindulging with treats that are higher in calories and fat.
String Cheese. Opt for an individually wrapped piece of string cheese to get your fill of protein and calcium
at less than 100 calories per serving.
Fruits and Veggies. Nothing beats an apple, banana or cup of carrots. Fruits and vegetables offer a multitude of nutritional benefits and lots of fiber to keep you fuller longer.
To avoid eating a snack that will wreak havoc on your diet, keep these healthy options stock piled in your
desk at work and pantry at home.
They make wise “snack sense” and will satisfy you at any time of the day!
Salesperson of the Month
October 2011
William Avila, VW
November 2011
William Avila, VW
December 2011
Brent Baus, Toyota
Salesperson, please see your GM/GSM for sales criteria.
Salad is a healthy choice,
but most dressings are
loaded with calories – try
this delicious dressing as a
light alternative.
1 bulb garlic, separated and
peeled
½ cup water
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
¼ tsp. honey
1 tbsp. virgin olive oil
¼ tsp. black pepper
Place the garlic cloves in a small
saucepan and pour water to cover
them. Bring water to a boil, then
reduce heat and simmer until garlic
is tender (about 15 minutes). Reduce the liquid to two tablespoons
and increase the heat for three
minutes. Pour the contents into a
small sieve over a bowl, and with a
wooden spoon mash the garlic
through the sieve into the bowl.
Whisk the vinegar into the garlic
mixture; incorporate the oil, honey
and pepper. Yields 4 servings at 33
calories per serving.
Source: National Heart, Lung &
Blood Institute
Page 8
Fowler Arts Education Award to Honor Extraordinary
Efforts in Children’s Arts Education
The Norman Arts Council and Fowler
Volkswagen of Norman have partnered to
establish an annual award honoring
extraordinary efforts in arts education.
The mural, located on Interstate 35, will
showcase Norman’s ever-growing
commitment to children’s arts
education.
The Fowler Arts Education Award will be
presented to an individual who has given
back to the Norman community through
educating children about the arts—music,
theatre, art or other creative disciplines.
The NAC will announce the award winner at
their annual ONE Event on March 31, 2012.
Jonathan Fowler, General Manager for
Fowler Volkswagen, said new winners
will be added to the mural each year.
“The Norman Arts Council is very thankful
to Fowler Volkswagen for their sponsorship
of this award. The NAC firmly believes in
the importance of arts education and we
are thrilled to be able to recognize those in
our community who go above and beyond
in this area,” NAC Executive Director Erinn
Gavaghan said.
The award winner’s portrait will be included
on a mural painted by artist Scott Charles
Henderson on the Fowler Volkswagen
building.
“This mural will be a continuous thumbs
up to educators who are making a
tremendous impact on our community
and an advertisement to the thousands
of people who drive by every day that
Norman is an incredible place to work,
live, raise a family and enjoy the arts,”
Fowler said.
Nominations were due by January 31,
2012. Each year, nominations will be
made available online at
www.tinyurl.com/
FowlerArtsEducationAward. The award
will be given to someone who has gone
above and beyond in children’s arts
education.
By Norman Arts Council, 1-18-2012
Founder Bill Fowler, CEO, Mike Fowler and Fowler
VW General Manager, Jonathan Fowler. The
south side of the Fowler building will feature a
mural of local arts educators who win the annual
Fowler Arts Education Award presented by Fowler
VW and Norman Arts Council.
For more information on the Fowler Arts
Education Award, the Norman Arts Council,
or the ONE Event, call 405-360-1162.
Eating This Meal Can Help You Lose Weight!
You may have heard that breakfast is the most
important meal of the day, but do you eat breakfast
every morning? If not, you are missing out on serious benefits. Eating a healthy breakfast helps your
strength, endurance, concentration, mood and
problem-solving abilities during the day. Plus,
eating breakfast can actually help you maintain
weight, because it helps control snacking and
binge eating during the day.
Even when pressed for time, something good in the
morning is better than nothing. Here are some ideas:
 A smoothie with low-fat yogurt and fruit
 A hard-boiled egg and fresh fruit
 A whole wheat bagel, toast or English muffin with
peanut butter
 Oatmeal with fruit mixed in
 High-fiber cereal with milk and an apple or orange
Leftovers from dinner
To save time, prepare breakfast the night before when
you make your lunch for the work day, or bring your
breakfast to work and prepare it there.
Source: MHBT Newsletter
Page 9
Blueberry-Orange French Toast
This unique breakfast recipe is a great source of
protein, fruit, dairy and whole grains.
½ cup egg substitute
¼ cup evaporated skim milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices whole wheat bread
Vegetable oil spray
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
¼ cup orange juice concentrate
Source: www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.
Yield: 4 servings. Per serving: 215 calories, 3g total fat,
1g saturated fat, 40g carbohydrates, 273mg sodium.
Stir the blueberries and orange juice together in a
saucepan and heat gently. Combine the egg
substitute, milk and vanilla. Heat a large skillet and
coat with vegetable cooking spray. Dip bread into
egg mixture and cook until brown on each side,
turning once. Once all French toast is done, divide
among four plates and top with sauce.
Source4Women Online Seminars
Source4Women offers online seminars covering the health care topics that are
women, at no additional cost to you.
important to
Promoting Healthy Relationships: How to
Recognize and Prevent Teen Dating Abuse
Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD
February 7, 11:30 a.m. CT
Nearly 1 in 3 teens who are dating admit they have experienced some of the most serious forms of dating violence and
abuse, including threats and physical or sexual harm. However, research shows that parents are talking to their children about dating abuse far less than other risky behaviors like drugs or alcohol. Participants will learn to recognize the
warning signs of teen dating abuse, and will get information about the many prevention and intervention resources
available. We will also explore the steps that interested adults can take to address the problem, equipping them to educate others in their own communities and help save lives.
To register for an upcoming Source4Women online seminar, visit
www.source4women.com and click on ‘online seminars.’ All seminars
are recorded and archived for viewing after the live seminar date.
Source: UnitedHealthcare
FOWLER AUTO GROUP
2721 NW 36th Ave. Suite 100
Norman, OK 73072
Phone: 405-573-9909
Fax: 405-447-1704
Email: [email protected]
People are the lifeblood of Fowler.
5 COCTAIL TIPS FOR THE CALORIE-CONSCIOUS
Indulge with care
Here are five tips to help you sip
wisely — and responsibly:
When you're trying to slim down — or
working on staying at a healthy weight
— you know to pass on that over-thetop dessert.
But, what about what's in your glass?
Your choice of beverages — especially if
you choose to drink alcohol — could be
sabotaging your weight-loss efforts.
Beverages can be a major source of
hidden calories — which can add up
quickly. This chart shows the average
number of calories in popular drinks.
1. Master moderation. Drinking too
much is never wise or healthy — no
matter the calories. For women,
moderate drinking means no more
than one drink per day. For men, it's
no more than two drinks per day.
2. Opt for light mixers. Choose low
or no-calorie options, such as a diet
beverage or tonic.
3. Don't go hungry. If you drink on
an empty stomach, your system will
absorb the alcohol faster. A healthful
snack or small meal ahead of time
can help you keep this in check. And,
may help you avoid overeating, as
well.
Drink
Serving Size
Approx. Calories
Regular beer
12 ounces
150
Red wine
5 ounces
125
Dry white wine
5 ounces
120
Light beer
12 ounces
100
Gin, rum, vodka, whiskey
1.5 ounces
95
Champagne
4 ounces
85
By Melanie R. Polk, M.M.Sc., R.D., F.A.D.A.
4. Skip the frothy specialties.
Sweetened or creamy mixed drinks
tend to be high in calories. For
example, an 8-ounce piña colada
might pack more than 400 calories.
Lighter options include:

An 8-ounce bloody mary: 140
calories
 A 6-ounce screwdriver: 130 calories
 A 3-ounce whiskey sour: 122
calories
5. Slow thyself. Choose a drink
you're likely to sip, not guzzle. And,
once you've finished it, switch to
water or club soda. If you're out
with others, focus on the conversation and company. They're caloriefree!
Be smart — be safe
Talk with your doctor if you have
questions about alcohol use — or
have difficulty only drinking in
moderation.
Remember: Don't drink if you're
pregnant. And, never drink and
drive. Have a designated driver take
you home safely. See "Thank a
designated driver!"