September 25, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

INSPECTION UPDATES & A NEW ‘SOFT-DRINK’ TAX: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

As you know, earlier this year NJGCA was involved in a heated exchange with Parsons and MVC over financing the new inspection equipment.  It is now a few months later and those who signed up for the program are just beginning to get the first equipment shipments.

Unfortunately, some of the first units received by our members were missing nuts and bolts, and in one instance, SGS admitted there was a manufacturing error on the cart assembly.  Additional parts were sent out and SGS has contacted the cart manufacturer to avoid future manufacturing issues, but you should be aware that problems have been reported.  Please note that it takes roughly four or five hours to put it all together.  If you have any problems doing so, you should call the SGS Help Desk at 1-888-665-2009.

For PIFs who purchased OBD equipment only, SGS has begun to hold training seminars throughout the state.  This will be the only training for OBD only users, and each shop is permitted to send one representative to the seminar.  To find out the nearest seminar location and reserve a seat, again, call the SGS Help Desk at 1-888-665-2009.

The state has chosen a number of locations for beta-testing the equipment; three of which are NJGCA members.  The testing will commence in late-October through mid-November.  All PIFs should receive their equipment by November, but don’t expect a full program-kick off until December.

Please remember that you are required to have an unencumbered internet line for the new program and that SGS will not charge you for maintenance until after you have processed the first inspection on your new equipment.  NJMVC has advised their new MVC manual will be linked on their website and NJGCA will have a direct link to it on our website as soon as it becomes available.

This is still an ongoing process.  Of the nearly 1,400 PIF locations in New Jersey, roughly 1,079 of them ordered new equipment, with only 700 gas benches being sold.  That means that there are plenty of opportunities for issues to crop up.  Please let us know if problems occur and we will be sure to update you with any new information as it becomes available.

As you know, the healthcare reform debate rages on in Washington.  As we’ve stated before, small business owners have a unique (and important) role in shaping that discussion; we encourage YOU to get involved.

Even as the pundits endlessly babble, it is important to note that the means of paying for any reform may materialize in a number of unintended ways.  The most recent example of this has been the proposed tax on sweetened beverages such as sodas and soft-drinks.

The idea behind this measure is that people who drink sugary and sweetened beverages are more likely to over-consume calories and be overweight.  By extension, those individuals put a larger strain on our healthcare system than folks who watch what they eat and stay in shape.  To encourage people to not consume these beverages and live a healthier lifestyle, Congress is proposing this tax as a deterrent from purchasing these products.  Those who continue to buy them will pay a tax which will then go on to fund any nationalize healthcare plan or subsidize costs.  At this time, no one is suggesting that diet beverages be taxed, though some advocates insist this is also necessary.

Proponents say that it is important to not only induce behavioral change and avoid calorie-laden drinks, but also to fund notable causes like healthcare reform. They point to cigarette taxes imposed over the last decade as a success story for the government to emulate, while ignoring the affects those taxes have had on manufacturers and business owners.

NJGCA agrees that healthcare reform is needed, but we have stated in the past that a nationalized system would only create more problems than it solves.  However, to ask consumers to subsidize such a program through new taxes is not only harmful to consumers but will place a burden on you.

Regardless of what your stance may be on smoking, proponents have ignored the simple fact that consuming beverages IS NOT the same thing as using a tobacco product.  Put another way, no one NEEDS to smoke to stay alive; but everyone DOES need to eat and drink to derive sustenance.  Any tax on staple-products like soda is a regressive tax which will only hurt families and individuals who enjoy these beverages.  Asking middle-income families to shoulder an additional burden during this difficult economy is simply un-needed.

And then of course there is the lingering question that remains unanswered: If the goal is to tax un-healthy beverages as a means of reducing consumption for the benefit of the publics’ health, then what will prevent government from eventually taxing other foods such as hamburgers, potato chips or chocolates later?  Will this create a slippery slope that leads to a slew of new taxes aimed at subsidizing healthcare?

And what about the small business owner?  Our members operate convenience stores and soda vending machines.  If this tax is imposed, soft-drink sales will dwindle and only harm their establishments.  Furthermore, it puts an additional burden on the small business owner to collect ANOTHER tax and send it off to government coffers.

NJGCA has joined a coalition of other concerned organization called “Americans Against Food Taxes”.  This coalition will fight to keep these ridiculous taxes from being enacted.  You can view the coalition web site by clicking HERE

During the recent Presidential campaign, then-Senator Obama stated: “In an economy like this, the last thing we should be doing is raising taxes on the middle class.”  We couldn’t agree more.  Washington is over-reaching here; and that is why NJGCA is opposing any additional burden on consumers or the business community.

Earlier this week, NJGCA sent out an Events & Announcements e-newsletter asking you to take our online survey.  To read it, just click HERE

If you haven’t done so already, please follow the directions and take the survey.  For those members who do not check their email regularly, we also sent out faxes in hopes of getting a response.  We cannot run this Association without YOUR input; take a few minutes and let us know what you think about the issues we present.

Last week we told you about the NJGCA PAC and the need to help those elected officials who help us.  I cannot adequately express how very important it is to not only contribute to the PAC, but do all we can to help our friends get re-elected.  Please take a look below to read up on the NJGCA PAC and what YOU can do to help us find success in Trenton.

Thanks for reading.  See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR...

ATTENTION SERVICE STATIONS: SAVE ON FILL CAP STENCILS
•Save money on Fill Cap Stencils with this great offer from E.O. Habhegger, Inc!

POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC
•Participate in the NJGCA PAC today and help us keep our Agenda rolling in Trenton!

PIF CLASSES UPDATE
•Take your inspector Refresher Course with NJGCA!  Dates and times below!

BUSINESS TOOLS: Great Savings for NJGCA Members!
•Want to SAVE MORE money on your business expenses?  Take advantage of our MBPs!

BUSINESS TOOLS: EXTEL COMMUNICATIONS
•Get telecommunications solutions at GREAT SAVINGS!

NJ GREEN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR COUNCIL
•Take advantage of this program and get recognized for your "green" credentials!

NEWS AROUND THE STATE
•Technology: Manufacturers seek to make electric cars louder to improve safety
•Report: NJ ranks fourth in number of people moving out of state
•Industry Association urges passage of Pass 'Right to Repair' Act
•Congress explores ‘soda tax’ to fund healthcare, curb obesity

 ON THE NJGCA HOMEPAGE                                                           

MEMBER SAVINGS PAGE
Check out all of our MBPs and Programs designed to SAVE YOU MONEY!

HELPFUL LINKS
Looking for something? Take a look at our list of useful links!

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
Find all our communications and search for old e-newsletters. Take a look!

NEWS AROUND THE STATE ARCHIVE
Need to catch up on events?  Want to see what's going on?  Find out here!

 KNOW YOUR TERRITORY MANAGER!                                           

Henry Darden: Territory Manager for Middlesex, Union, Part of Essex (Southern Half)
Cell: 908-247-2992
Email: henry@njgca.org

Jack Leli: Territory Manager for Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem
Cell: 732-995-1637
Email: jack@njgca.org

Bob Quirk: Territory Manager for Bergen, Hudson, Part of Essex (Northern Half)
Cell: 201-214-8836
E-mail: bob@njgca.org

Frank Stewart: Territory Manager for Morris, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Passaic
Cell: 973-234-7403
Email: frank@njgca.org
 
Don Stohrer: Territory Manager for Monmouth, Mercer, Somerset
Cell: 732-539-2955
Email: don@njgca.org
ATTENTION SERVICE STATIONS: SAVE ON FILL CAP STENCILS

NJGCA has worked out an agreement with E.O. Habhegger, Inc to provide universal fill-cap stencils at a reduced price for all Members.

This month long special will last through September. 

The stencils are offered in plastic and durable steel; both are re-useable.

Product Name                List Price                     September Sale Price for NJGCA Members   
RM-Template-P                $87.50                                               $78.75
RM-Template-S                $120.00                                             $108.00

Additionally, E.O. Habhegger also has fill pipe tags available that can be purchased to be placed around the fill ports for additional protection. These run only about $10.00, per tag.

If anyone would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Patrick Coan at 215.313.7358 to place an order. 

For any additional questions or concerns, please call Debbie Hill.
 
POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC

Ensuring our friends in the legislature are re-elected and advocating for our agenda in Trenton are of utmost importance to the agenda of NJGCA.

It is for this reason that your Association has established the NJGCA PAC.

For too long, the weight of funding our Political Action Committee, the arm of the Association responsible for political donations, has rested upon the shoulders of a few.  This is not fair to them, and it is not fair to many of you who are relying on the benefits of good legislation being passed in Trenton.

To truly understand the importance of fundraising for our allies, let’s look back upon the overwhelming successes of the last year:

NJGCA successfully lobbied against BELOW COST SELLING. If approved, BELOW COST SELLING would have cost each of you thousands of dollars and put many of you out of businesses.  NJGCA leaned on some of our friends in the Assembly and literally had the bill pulled off the floor on the day it was scheduled to be voted on.  Our friends in the Legislature helped us get this accomplished.

NJGCA made history and led the charge to pass the most comprehensive protection of franchisees in decades with FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL legislation.  FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL passed only because NJGCA and dealers throughout the state were able to lean on several friends in the Assembly and the Senate.

NJGCA has been rallying support for RIGHT TO REPAIR over the last two years among key legislators.  This would end the practice of car manufacturers denying you the codes necessary to complete the repairs you make on your customers cars.  Every state has tried to pass RIGHT TO REPAIR and no state has even been able to get the legislation out of committee.   Because of our friends in the Legislature, NJGCA has been successful in getting this bill passed by the Assembly and now awaits a vote in the Senate.

I am asking some of you as individuals to make a contribution and attend a fundraising event sponsored by one of our friends in the Assembly.

However, we will not be able to host events for all of our friends, so the NJGCA PAC will have to make contributions.  You will be receiving letters soon from the NJGCA PAC asking you to make contributions. 

If every member contributes just $100.00 we will be able to provide the help necessary to ensure victory for our allies.

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.

PIF CLASSES UPDATE

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has recently sent out a VID message to all Private Inspection Stations in state. 

All currently licensed Inspectors must complete an Inspector refresher course and pass a general knowledge exam with a grade of 80% or better to remain in the program.  If any test-taker answers 11 questions wrong, they will automatically fail.  A hands-on test for licensed Inspectors will not be required.

Inspectors will have until December 31, 2009 to take and pass the test.

Current Licensed Emission Inspectors only need the “Re-Fresher Course” and the “Written Exam”.  New Emission Inspectors will be given a “Hands On” test separately at your place of employment by the State of New Jersey. 

NJGCA will be offering refresher courses at the following two locations.  Classes will take place over five evenings and one afternoon:

Bob's Precision Auto Repair
1264 Hwy 35 South
Middletown, NJ 07748
October: 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, and 22

NJGCA Members Cost - $349.00  
Non-Members Cost - $489.00

Manuals are included in the prices above and payment is due upon registration.  All classes are 6:45 pm to 10:00 pm; the “Written Exam” will be given on the last day at 12:00pm at NJGCA Headquarters in Springfield, NJ

If you are interested, please contact our office to enroll in a class.
 
Please contact Debbie Hill at 973-376-0066 with any questions.


BUSINESS TOOLS: Great Savings for NJGCA Members!

In a difficult economy, EVERYONE wants to SAVE as much as possible! 

Luckily NJGCA has just what you need to save you a bundle!!

Take a look at the list below for some of our MBP products and services – And start saving TODAY!

•Garage Liability Insurance: Get great coverage and earn a dividend for qualified location.  Also offering your employees discounts insurance products (home, auto, etc).
•Worker's Compensation Coverage: Save 5-15% upfront AND year end dividends!
•Blue Cross/Blue Shield: Get excellent health insurance coverage at Association rates! Customize your healthcare and save even more!
•Credit Card Processing: Reduce your costs by 15-30% today!  And best of all, you probably don't have to move or change processors!
•Commercial and Personal lending specialists
•Equipment and Acquisition Financing
•Collection Agency Services at discounted rates
•Credit Restoration Services
•Phone Service 20-30% lower than Verizon or AT&T
•Computer and Office Supplies
•Industry Specific Business Consulting
•Environmental Remediation, Testing and Consulting
•Pump and Tank Contractors to stay in state compliance
•Service Station Supply Contractors, include Bulk Oil
•Automotive Tools, Scanners, Shop Equipment, Lifts at great prices
•Coin Operated Air/Vacuum Machines - Installed Completely Free

AND BEST OF ALL:  AN ADVOCATE IN TRENTON FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS AND LIVELIHOOD FOR $1.23 A DAY!
 
All Quotes are FREE - BUT ONLY NJGCA MEMBERS can partake in the Savings.

Call Phil Apruzzi at 973-376-0066 to get quotes on all these MBP services and start saving today!!

BUSINESS TOOLS: EXTEL COMMUNICATIONS

EXTEL Communications is a full service telecommunications company with headquarters in North Haledon, NJ.  As the largest New Jersey Authorized Dealer for Toshiba digital and IP (Internet Protocol) telephone systems, EXTEL offers state of the art telephone and voice mail systems. In addition, they provide voice, data and fiber optic cabling for businesses. EXTEL offers free telephone bill analysis and cost saving recommendations. Why not take advantage of their free evaluation service. 

You have nothing to lose and some much to save on your bottom line.

NJGCA Members are eligible to receive significant savings on phone and internet service.  Contact EXTEL at 1-800-27-EXTEL or visit our website: www.extelecommunications.com

NJ GREEN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR COUNCIL

NJGCA is participating in the NJ Green Automotive Repair Council along with AAA-NJ, the NJ Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJCAR), and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.  
 
The council's mission is to encourage NJ automotive repair facilities to adopt environmentally responsible business practices. 

Through a certification program for dealership and independent automotive repair facilities, the council will also establish “green” repair standards.  Those who are reviewed and qualify will receive certification.  Stickers will also be given to those facilities to illustrate their participation in the program.

If you would like to participate in the program and fill out an application, please contact Debbie Hill at 973-376-0066.  An application fee and annual review fee are applicable.  
 
More facts about the program are available www.njgreenautorepair.org 
NEWS AROUND THE STATE

9/24/2009:
Technology: Manufacturers seek to make electric cars louder to improve safety
Automakers are exploring ways to make the electric vehicles, known for their quiet operation, ‘louder’ to protect pedestrians who may not notice them approaching.  With a number of electric cars expected to hit the market in the next few years, manufacturers are looking to have these vehicles make artificial noises to protect public safety.

9/22/2009:
Report: NJ ranks fourth in number of people moving out of state
A recent study released by the Mayflower Transit, the nation’s largest moving company, reflects a stable trend of people moving out of New Jersey.  Approximately 59% of Mayflower's moves thus far in 2009 were to relocate residents out of the state.  Only Michigan, Nebraska, and Maine fared worse than the Garden State.  Analysts believe that affordability was the single largest reason for leaving.

9/21/2009:
Industry Association urges passage of Pass 'Right to Repair' Act
The Tire Industry Association, an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, recently sent out a press release asking Congress to pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act.  Known as HR 2057, this measure will ensure that car owners and their preferred repair shops have equal access to safety alerts and repair information as new car dealerships. Click above to read the full press release.

9/17/2009:
Congress explores ‘soda tax’ to fund healthcare, curb obesity
As the number of overweight and obese Americans increases, lawmakers are investigating a tax on soft-drinks and other sweetened beverages as a means of deterring their consumption by the public.  Funds raise through the tax would then be redirected toward subsidizing national healthcare costs.  The proposal has sparked controversy as consumer-, business-, and tax-groups claim these measures will only harm families and the economy.