 |
||
 |
January 25, 2013
Here is what you will find in this edition:
CLASSIFIEDS!
NEWS AROUND THE STATE
TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE
MEET THE FOLKS AT LIBERTY GAS
MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE
ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATIONS FOR SERVICE STATIONS
JOIN NJGCA ON FACEBOOK -- CLICK HERE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: GREETINGS & SAL-UTATIONS!
LOW VOLUME VEEDER-ROOT SYSTEM (ATG) NOTICE,
INSPECTION PROGRAM REPORT, MEMBER MEETING UPDATE BELOW COST SELLING MORONS Right off the bat this week I have an important message for any gasoline retailer that doesn’t typically keep a lot of product in his or her inventory. If you typically don’t keep you tanks topped off, and your tank inventory is less than 3,000 gallons, then this message is of vital importance to you! A limitation in the Veeder-Root or similar automatic tank gauge (ATG) inventory system may unintentionally cost you a fine from our friends at NJDEP. The reason has everything to do with tank volume. Over the last few years, a large number of retailers have made it a practice of keeping their premium tank volumes low. The reason for this is pretty plain: economic conditions have/continue to influence patrons’ buying habits and they’re bypassing the pricey stuff for cheaper fuel. What’s more, motorists are moving from larger, power-hungry vehicles to smaller cars with smaller engines, which typically don’t require premium fuel to properly operate. Unfortunately, while keeping your premium tanks low makes good sense in aligning your product-demand with your customers’ needs, it also triggers that aforementioned hiccup. In such a situation, the Veeder-Root (or similar ATG system) cannot properly execute a periodic leak detection test as required. In ordinary operation, a leak detection test is performed automatically by the system and the results are recorded for your compliance log. When the inventory level falls below that magic 3,000-gallon-ish mark, however, the test fails. The actual gallon threshold will vary depending on the size of your tank. As you know, the NJDEP requires you to perform a mandatory leak test every 30 days. It’s written into the regulations and is strictly enforced by NJDEP. Those of you who have attended previous NJDEP seminars know this! When NJDEP come to your shop to inspect your records and investigate if you’re in compliance, they will fine you for not having this test performed. As one member recently found out the hard way, the fine for not having this test performed is $10,000. However, there is hope to avoiding such a huge fine. You can either keep your inventory levels high so as to continually have adequate product on hand to run a leak test or you can have a special chip installed into your automatic tank gauge system to avoid a test failure. This special chip prompts the system to execute a Continuous Statistical Leak Detection – or what is more commonly known as a CSLD chip. The chip forces your ATG system to continually monitor for the vital information needed when you’d ordinarily execute your monthly test. When the tank is idle, it records the appropriate temperature and tank level information for the system’s database. When done daily, the information is complied so as to figure out the appropriate leak-rate over a four-week period. An added benefit of the chip is that the system is always running and crunching information so that there is no interruption of service at your station. That means you don’t have to shut down your operations to run a test. The NJGCA Member mentioned above didn’t have a CSLD chip installed in his inventory monitoring system and didn’t have enough product in his tanks to perform the routine 30 day leak test. NJDEP issued a delivery ban and will likely impose a very harsh fine. NJGCA helped remedy the situation and had the delivery ban removed only after he installed a CSLD chip and was cleared to resume operations. I know you’re reading this and thinking, “Great, something else I’m required to buy” and I know I would if I were in your shoes. There’s nothing worse than finding out that you have to lay out big funds to avoid even bigger fines. But once NJDEP shows up and finds you’re out of compliance, you’re guaranteed to get hit with a violation. And, as in the case of our Member, you can also be barred from any new deliveries. In such a case, doesn’t it make sense to do what you can to shield your business from these kinds of unnecessary fines? Thankfully for our Member, we were here to lend a hand and alleviate part of his predicament. We were able to get the ban removed from his tanks but will still likely face that $10,000 fine, but the point is to avoid the fine in the first place. With more of you keeping a low inventory in your premium tanks I am concerned that you too will run in to the same problem. Recently, Eric Blomgren, our Government Affairs Assistant, and I headed to Trenton to meet with MVC Administrator Ray Martinez. The meeting with Chief Martinez and I was long overdue, but schedules and commitments have kept us for meeting for quite some time. The topic, obviously, was the future of the state’s motor vehicle inspection program. As you know, I’ve been fighting since I arrived in January 2007 to move the Garden State from a hybrid CIF/PIF system to an all PIF inspection program. My goal has been to get the state out of the inspection business, close the central lanes, kick Parsons to the curb, move inspections to private shops, and give the state an opportunity to reap a return on the properties under the CIF locations. Last year we were hoping to finally see movement on this front, especially as the Parsons contract is set to expire this year and all kinds of logistics in publishing a request for proposal (RFP) would have to be fulfilled ahead of time. Unfortunately it seems my vision is on hold and it won’t happen this year. Though Chief Martinez understands the benefits of this approach (Martinez used to be the DMV Chief in NY State, which oversees and all-private inspection program), internal procedures and debates on policy continue in Trenton. What does that mean? It means that the vision is still in sight, but won’t happen for at least the next year. Chief Martinez tells me that it appears the present contract with Parsons will be extended for one year – and possibly two – in order to get the rest of the outstanding policy issues in line to move to a private system. Does that mean in two years we’ll have an all private inspection program? No. But I am convinced that this governor knows it is the right thing to do. I have to stay positive as the debate continues and will need your support to make it happen. A few weeks back, I mentioned that I was hoping to organize a series of regional member meetings throughout the state. My intent was to hold the first one in March. However, it now looks as though we’re going to have a single, state-wide meeting and invite all members to attend. I’m hoping to nail down a date soon, but that hinges on the schedule of our guest speaker: Chief Ray Martinez. Yes, I want the Chief to speak to our members and I want you to be there to hear what he has to say! When we finally get a date and location set, I also intend to have a larger program to discuss Right to Repair and our efforts on that front. For those members who own repair shops, you know full well how frustrating it can be to get access to essential vehicle information and data when making necessary repairs. You need that information in order to get your customers’ cars fixed and get them back on the road. You will recall that in October 2008, NJGCA led a successful campaign that saw Right to Repair passed in the General Assembly. We had bipartisan support and a lot of momentum s the bill headed to the State Senate. Unfortunately, the Legislative Session ended only a few months later before the Senate could call Committee hearings on the bill and we began the process over the following Session. Fast forward a few years and our zeal to see Right to Repair passed in New Jersey hasn’t waned. In fact, the recent passage of this law in Massachusetts in November has only reinvigorated our determination to see this consumer-friendly bill become law in the Garden State. Presently we’re working to amend the bill’s language to make it the strongest in the nation. Eric and I recently met with Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, the primary sponsor of Right to Repair in the General Assembly, to hammer out details and strategize how we can get it through both houses of the Legislature in Trenton. Stay tuned for more details, but you should keep this initiative on your radar screen. I must make mention of the high amount of calls I have received recently to report competitors selling below cost. Besides finding it hard to believe that there are dopes out there that will actually do this, I must caution you to make these complaints properly. I am eager to report these idiots to the authorities, however, I will not send out the good folks at Weights and Measures on any wild goose chases. It is important that you identify the location with the address. It is also important to record the below cost prices with the dates and times that you observed them. Pictures of price signs will be helpful. I will turn in these clowns faster than you can blink. Again the fact that gasoline demand is trending downward is prompting each of you to fight for a smaller piece of the pie, and desperation makes dumb people panic and forget that it is not about volume, but rather profit. Finally this week, we’d like to revisit some interesting legislation making the rounds in Trenton. On the Policy Patrol front, a bill that would amend portions of the Cigarette Tax Act to cut down on cigarette trafficking is gaining attention. The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Tony Bucco, would increase the fines for any business that tries to sell tobacco products without a license. The fines would jump from $250 to $1,000 for first offenses; from 500 to $5,000 for second offenses; and to $10,000 for each subsequent violation. A portion of the money derived from these fines would then be directed toward the state’s anti-smoking initiatives. On the Manure Pile we (sadly) revisit a previously mentioned piece of buffalo-fluff, a Joint Resolution that would recognize the first Sunday of May each year as “World Laughter Day”. Yes, we’ve reported on this before, but now the bill is getting a committee hearing in Trenton. In the bill’s statement, Senator Linda Greenstein (the sponsor) highlights “…a key purpose of this event is to promote peace and fellowship through laughter.” Sounds like a noble gesture, but a hollow one. We can’t help but wonder if a better way to promote peace and fellowship in the Great Garden State would be to tackle rampant property taxes, knock down needless bureaucracy, and do something meaningful to keep Trenton out of our lives. I know that would make me laugh everyday, and not just on the first Sunday of May.
Thanks for reading – See you next week!
Regards,
BUSINESS FOR SALE! If you'd like to list your business for sale, publish a location you're selling, or are seeking a business partner for your establishment, please contact NJGCA at 973-376-0066!
CLASSIFIEDS: FOR SALE & HELP WANTED! After running an ad in the Road Warrior over the last month, NJGCA was able to assist a member in selling his equipment! If you'd like to list equipment for sale, or have an open position you'd like to make other industry professionals aware of, please contact NJGCA at 973-376-0066 and let us help you get the word out!
NEWS AROUND THE STATE: THE NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW
01/24/2013:
Sandy relief bill set for vote in U.S. Senate on Monday After clearing the House of Representatives earlier this month, the United States Senate will hold a vote on the $50.5 billion emergency aid bill for victims of Hurricane Sandy on Monday. If approved without any amendments, the measure will finally free up federal funds for devastated communities in the Northeast. 01/24/2013: New Jersey adds 1,200 contractor registrations post Sandy As the Garden State continues to recover and rebuild after superstorm Sandy devastated much of the state, Trenton has issued more than 1,200 contractor registrations. Many contractors are coming out of state to address the need for home-improvement and repair work. With approximately 325,000 homes damaged or in need of rebuilding, some expect the influx of activity will help boost the state’s economy while also improving communities throughout New Jersey. Click above to read more. 01/23/2013: National union membership declines significantly in 2012 New figures released this week illustrated that union membership in America has declined to the lowest level since the 1930s. Those union workers hardest hit were among public sector unions that faced steep cut backs as local and state governments around the nation cut the total number of employees. Private sector union jobs also fell, signally that budget cuts and consumer spending continues to impact both sides of the economy. Click above to read the full article. 01/21/2013: State debt grows by smallest margin in 2012 Despite an increase in overall borrowing, the level of state debt grew by the smallest amount in 2012. Records indicate that the increase was the smallest seen in five years. New Jersey still carries the nations third-highest tax-supported debt per capita (behind Connecticut and Massachusetts) and the third-largest tax-supported debt overall (behind California and New York). The more moderate increase comes after the state’s debt doubled from 2002 to 2006, rising from $15.2 billion to $31.8 billion.
TRAINING CLASSES!!
EMISSION TECHNICIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM (ETEP) COURSE PLEASE NOTE: FUTURE DATES WILL BE ADDED UPON REQUEST AND ACCORDING TO DEMAND. CONTACT DEBBIE at 973-376-0066 or DEBBIE@NJGCA.ORG TO LET HER KNOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING A SPECIFIC CLASS. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO GAUGE YOUR NEEDS AND KEEP TRACK OF THOSE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE!!
MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE
TMP Energy Solutions We have had a number of NJGCA members successfully reduce their rate per kWh signing up through our energy saving program. We know it’s difficult to collect 12 months worth of previous electric bills to get an “accurate” analysis when comparing a variable rate to a fixed rate, but we now have another option available. This new solution is a power purchase option; the other program is still in full force and has saved members thousands of dollars. If you sign up for the power purchase option, you will be grouped with other NJGCA members until the minimum KW demand is acquired. By pooling the member’s usage together, you will be able to take advantage, as large energy users do, and receive a lower kWh rate. Each member will receive their own contract. Each member is responsible to sign and return the agreement the day it is received in order to secure the price for their group. Please do your due diligence, so when you receive the proposal and the agreement you will be able to make an intelligent decision. If by chance, you still want us to assess you bills, to give you a price to compare, we will require12 months of your most recent utility bills. There are no bills required, but we would still like to have one bill per meter on file to check account #’s, meter #’s service addresses and other pertinent information incase there is a problem. The term of the agreement is for 12 months. During this term period, you will have price protection against any energy price increases along with a low fixed kWh rate. If you are interested in becoming part of this power purchase option, please contact Greg Cannon at the NJGCA. Remember when you sign up your energy through the NJGCA Energy Program, TMP makes a considerable donation to the NJGCA Scholarship Fund through their proceeds. This has no affect on your rate, and costs you nothing out of pocket. We hope to help hundreds of NJGCA members reduce their utility costs by participating in this and our other cost reduction programs. Our purpose, in the endeavor, is to help NJGCA members lower their energy costs while supporting the NJGCA Scholarship Fund.
Contact GREG CANNON at 973-376-0066 or email Greg at greg@njgca.org. Mention that you are interested in saving money on your energy bills. NJGCA & TMP Energy Solutions will handle all the rest.
POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC
Promoting our agenda in Trenton is of utmost importance to NJGCA and our members.
To truly understand the importance of supporting our allies, consider our successes in Trenton:
We defeated BELOW COST SELLING We made history in getting FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL signed into law! We have built large support for RIGHT TO REPAIR and got it passed out of the Assembly We defended your small business against the false accusations of Attorney General Anne Milgram We gained wide support to move New Jersey to an all PIF Inspection System and close the CIF lanes ...and MUCH MORE!! In each instance, we achieved these goals with the help of our friends in the Legislature! If every member contributes just $100.00 we will be able to provide the help necessary to ensure victory for our allies.
PLEASE SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO: I understand that times are tough for all NJGCA members, but this is just as important as any battle we have fought in the past. We have made great progress in Trenton. I hope that you will answer the call.
THE MEMBER TOOL BOX
MEMBER SAVINGS PAGE |
|
 |
||
