SECURING GAS DISPENSERS AGAINST CREDIT CARD SKIMMERS &
SECURING CREDIT CARD MACHINES IN YOUR REPAIR SHOPS & STORES
NJGCA OPPOSITION TO ADDITIONAL TOBACCO RESTRICTIONS IN TRENTON
PHILLY TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS LEADS TO 50% DECLINE IN BEVERAGE SALES
REMINDERS: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SUMMIT ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 8TH AND ati ONE-DAY WORKSHOP ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18TH

 
In the past year there have been several times when we have investigated the use of a special security tape for gas station owners to place on their pumps as a security measure. This tape allows you to see if your pumps were opened by an unauthorized person in an effort to place a skimmer on your credit card readers. The use of this security tape requires a regular inspection of your pumps (suggested to be done once every 24 hours). Although this is a good standard practice, there is nothing in State law that requires you to do so.
 
However, earlier this week a bill was introduced and discussed in the Assembly Finance and Insurance Committee, which will require gas station owners to perform daily inspections on their pumps and keep a log of such inspection, AND perform similar inspections on the credit card POS equipment in their shops and stores. Although the bill requires inspections, the definition of “inspection” is rather vague.  Will inspection of the security tape I just mentioned suffice?  Or does “inspection” require you to actually open up the pumps and check that a device has not been added to your credit card reader? What happens if you inspect the POS equipment in your shop but aren’t able to detect a breach? As I said, the legislation is vague and does not specify. Although this has the potential to be legislation that we could support, this ambiguity prompted me to testify in opposition. Thankfully, the bill’s sponsor is very agreeable to hearing our concerns and addressing them. The issue of credit card skimming is growing larger every day and our ultimate goal is to make sure that the burden of any liability in a security breach is not placed on YOU, the retailer.  I’ll keep you updated as our negotiations progress.
 
At the same time I was testifying at this committee, Eric was submitting our opposition to two tobacco-related pieces of legislation that will be harmful to those of you with convenience stores.  The legislation that would be most harmful proposes a complete ban on the sale of any flavored e-cigarettes / vaping products.  I know that many of you enjoy greater margins on the sale of e-cigarettes than on traditional tobacco, so it is important that we block this proposal. 
 
There was another piece of legislation that would ban all coupons, sales, rebates and promotions on all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping. I know how slim the profit margins are, and when you accept coupons and offer manufacturer rebates, it is a helpful way to attract customers in your door, without any cost to you. NYC has recently enacted a similar ban, and we fear that New Jersey might not be far behind. Of course we opposed this legislation and will keep you updated on what happens.
 
Speaking of neighboring cities and states that do stupid things that eventually end up in NJ, Philadelphia recently enacted a 1.5-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks.  The tax doubles the price of 2-liter bottles and 12-pack cans of soda.  After only being in effect for 6 weeks, some retailers, such as Brown’s Super Stores, which operates 12 ShopRite and Fresh Grocer supermarkets, have reported beverage sales are down 50% and total revenue fell 15%, as consumers drive outside of the city to find cheaper prices. Canada Dry Delaware Valley, which distributes more than 20% of all soft drinks on the Philadelphia market, such as Ginger Ale, Sunkist, A&W Root Beer, Arizona Iced Tea and Vita Coco, said business fell 45% in the first 5 weeks of 2017 vs. 2016, and that business will decline by at least 1/3 over the course of the year, leading to 35 layoffs by March.  Clearly, this policy is affecting all levels of the economy – consumers, producers, and retailers big and small.  We cannot allow this type of tax into New Jersey and will be on the front lines of opposition whenever it is considered.  There are several legislators in Trenton who openly support such a tax.

Finally, two reminders from last week's Road Warrior:
A couple weeks ago, I received a call from Governor Christie's Office inviting NJGCA to participate as a partner in the Governor’s Employment Opportunity Summit. This event will discuss and explore new, innovative ways to enhance employment opportunities and implement neutral hiring practices for NJ citizens with criminal records. Along with NJGCA, groups such as NJBIA, NJ Chamber of Commerce, NJ Restaurant Association and Koch Industries will be participating in the day’s events, and NJGCA is honored to have been asked.  I, unfortunately, will be in Washington DC with Eric for a couple days that week, so Jacy will be attending in my place. 
 
This program is about giving people second chances in employment, whether they have been through substance abuse and rehabilitation or have been convicted of a crime, sentenced to a punishment, and rehabilitated.  In my 23 years in the business, I hired numerous people who needed a second chance. There were success stories, and on one occassion it didn’t work out, strictly because the person being considered was simply unable to perform the job duties as expected.
 
I suspect many of you may be interested in this event because you know how difficult it is to find people willing to do the job. If you are willing to give someone a second chance, this is an appropriate forum for you to attend. Employers and employees both win, and this is about giving second chances to people who have truly demonstrated dedication and earned it.
 
The event is THIS WEEK... 10:00 AM – Noon on Wednesday, March 8^th at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton.  It is FREE to attend. Click HERE for the postcard created by the Governor’s Office to publicize the event. You can also call Jacy with any questions. She will be there on the 8^th, and I hope that many of my members decide to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about a new program to prepare people to enter the workforce. Remember, NJGCA is one of only a handful of groups selected to participate and NJGCA members are the best in our industry.  Let’s represent them well!
 
Next, I want share a seminar that Automotive Training Institute is offering on March 18^th in Atlantic City. The one-day Owners Workshop will ignite your passion again, re- energize your business, and increase your profits by 3% - 5%!  Topics range from increasing parts and labor margins, customer service initiatives, staffing in today’s environment, marketing and increasing car count, and succession planning.  The day includes a wonderful lunch, coffee and breakfast refreshments, and an open forum to answer your questions and concerns!  Click HERE for an informational flyer and more details on pricing and how to register. **Special Rates for NJGCA Members**

Thanks for reading -- See you all next week!

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director