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September 4, 2009
GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!
Dear NJGCA Member:
CHANGES IN YOUR DUES PAYMENTS; HIT & RUN CULPRIT CAPTURED!
As you know, NJGCA is a 72 year old non-profit association providing representation and advocacy for gas stations, repair shops, C-stores and other businesses related to the motoring public. In order to continue providing you with the latest information, and the same level of quality service and products, we have made the difficult decision to modify annual dues. Effective October 1, 2009, NJGCA’s annual dues will be increased to $450.00.
Annual renewal dues were scheduled to be increased to $450 over a year ago; however an effort was made to hold off an increase for as long as possible. New memberships have already been $450 since June 2007.
Discounts will continue to be offered for multiple locations. Only locations that are recognized as members in good standing are permitted to participate in any of the NJGCA money saving programs.
NJGCA continues to provide you options for you to pay your renewal dues:
1. Payment may be made quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
2. Payment may only be made by check OR credit card if you choose to pay annually.
3. Payment may be made ONLY by credit card if you choose to pay quarterly or semi-annually.
4. We accept: Visa, MasterCard, Diners, or Amex credit cards
I hope you have seen a difference in NJGCA over the past 2 years. We have built on past successes by having a greater presence and influence in Trenton. Only the strength and unity of our members makes that success possible.
For a presentation on “Why You Should be a Member of NJGCA”, please click HERE
I remain committed to increasing our presence with lawmakers, and I will continue my effort to help you navigate the difficult waters that your business encounters.
Please read the mission of NJGCA that I have included below:
NJGCA MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of NJGCA is to represent the Small Business Petroleum Retail, Convenience Store, and Automotive Repair industries of New Jersey; by advocating for effective public policy with legislators, regulators, and all who govern our industries; to inform and educate NJGCA members of industry matters and provide the tools necessary to assist them in maximizing their effectiveness and profitability; to enhance public awareness and project a positive image of our members to the general public, media, and legislature; AND to promote the highest levels of ethical standards and professionalism.
As always I wish for you to understand that: “Membership in a Strong Trade Association is One of the Best Investments You Can Make”.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
As you know, a few months back, NJGCA was fighting daily with Parsons and MVC over the terms of the new inspection equipment program. Though we fought hard for our members, the “take it or leave it” attitude of Parsons and State officials left many of you with no choice but to bite the bullet and pay for the equipment in its entirety.
We recently learned from MVC that, starting on September 15th, SGS will begin shipping the base units to all PIFs participating in the new program. When you receive the new equipment, you are instructed to set up the new unit and connect it to the internet. The unit will notify SGS that you received your equipment and it is connected to the internet. If you purchased a gas analyzer, SGS will notify you to make arrangements for installation with a service technician. Once installation is complete and the service technician has instructed you on how to use it, the analyzer should be secured until initialized by the MVC.
If anyone has questions about the equipment, contact SGS at 1-888-665-2009.
A few weeks ago, we notified you that some of our members were being cited by DEP for not having their caps properly color coded. That means that the government gets another chance to fine you for failing to be in compliance.
To combat this – and to prevent DEP from finding another reason to pick your pocket – we sent along information on the API Approved Painting Fill Covers.
If you didn’t read that edition of the Road Warrior, click HERE to review it.
Since we sent along that Road Warrior I’ve been contacted by many of you asking about stencils and other materials that could be used to paint your caps. I’m pleased to say we made an arrangement with Patrick Coan from E.O. Habhegger, Inc to supply you with stencils at a reduced price.
Please see below for full details.
This offer will only last through September, so please act now if you’d like to take advantage of these savings. Please contact Debbie Hill with any additional questions or concerns.
Lastly, we sent out a special Wildfire Alert earlier this week with a message from our friends at AASP/NJ. The purpose of this message was to seek your help in finding someone who committed a fatal hit & run in Howell, New Jersey.
To view this special Wildfire Alert, click HERE
We are thrilled to report that the culprit who committed this crime has been captured! A very sincere THANK YOU to everyone who called with tips. Your participation – now and in the future – is very much appreciated!
Thanks for listening - See you next week!
Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director
IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR..
•Save money on Fill Cap Stencils with this great offer from E.O. Habhegger, Inc!
MBP BUSINESS SEMINAR: Affinity Employment Law Updates!
•Learn about important changes in business law at this informative seminar!
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: ABLE-TECH
•Get Computer Networking and Accounting Program 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
•Environmental officials don’t want Delaware Bay wind farm
•Corrupt former State Senator sentenced
•Labor Day Weekend: Expect more traveling than 4th of July weekend
•Legislator fights to allow sports betting in New Jersey
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.
MBP BUSINESS SEMINAR: Affinity Employment Law Updates!
You and your colleagues are invited to attend Affinity's complimentary seminar!
2009 Employment Law Updates
•The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
•American's with Disabilities Act
•Immigration and Labor Regulations
•ERISA Litigation
•Employee Handbooks
Tuesday, September 22nd: Affinity Federal Credit Union Headquarters, 9:00 am - 11:30 am*
Mountain View Corporate Center
73 Mountain View Boulevard
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Click HERE for directions
*Continental Breakfast: 9:00-9:30
SEATING IS LIMITED!! RSVP Required by September 17th.
Contact Robin Busch at 800-325-0808, ext. 3879, or robinb@affinityfcu.com
This seminar is pending approval for recertification credits through the Human Resource Certification Institute
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:
NJGCA Headquarters
66 Morris Ave.
Springfield, NJ 07081
September: 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24
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).
•Workmen'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: ABLE-TECH
Computer Networking and Accounting Program Solutions
With experience since 1972 in the auto repair, gasoline, and convenience store industries, ABLE-TECH provides business owners specialized tools for better business management and control.
Our offerings include:
• Industry-specific business consulting with a special focus on theft analysis,
• Inventory Control, and sales Strategy,
• Computer Systems and Services,
• Bookkeeping software that integrates all profit centers, with interfaces for most electronic cash registers.
• Video surveillance systems that watch (and listen too) your business when you’re not there.
Don’t hesitate to call! NJGCA Members will be eligible for discounts.
Contact Dan Goff at (800) 231-9969, email: dangoff@verizon.net or Phil Apruzzi at 973-376-0066, email: phil@njgca.org.
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
9/2/2009:
Environmental officials don’t want Delaware Bay wind farm
Despite a recent push for ‘green energy’ initiatives, a recent proposal to build 106 win turbines in the Delaware Bay has met stiff opposition by New Jersey’s environmental leaders. A recent letter from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has signals its concerns over the plan since it may impact bird migratory patterns in the area.
9/2/2009:
Corrupt former State Senator sentenced
Former New Jersey State Senator Joseph Coniglio has been sentenced to 30 months behind bars for accepting $100,000 in bribes in exchange for steering $1 million in state grants to Hackensack Medical Center. The sentencing follows on the heels of a recent rash of corruption related arrests, and is the latest of six former state legislators to be convicted of such charges.
8/26/2009:
Labor Day Weekend: Expect more traveling than 4th of July weekend
In what is expected good news for the travel industry, AAA is reporting that the number of Americans traveling over Labor Day weekend is expected to eclipse the number of travelers over the most recent Fourth of July weekend. Though the number of travelers is expected to be lower compared to 2008, many experts see this as a positive sign for the economy. Roughly 84% of travel over the weekend is expected to by automobile.
8/25/2009:
Legislator fights to allow sports betting in New Jersey
Citing the need to protect state’s rights, a State Senator is leading the charge to challenge a federal ban on all sports betting in all but a handful of states. Sports betting is seen as a possible source of future tax revenue for the state government and a means of attracting more business to New Jersey. Critics claim that the prohibition is unconstitutional.
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