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August 14, 2009
GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!
Dear NJGCA Member:
SHELL LESSEES BEWARE: FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL IN ACTION & MORE
Last week, thanks to our collective victory in making First Right of Refusal law in New Jersey, Shell lessee dealers were each delivered a package concerning the sale of their respective properties. After so many months of hard work and effort, this truly illustrates what can be done when small business owners work toward a common (and just) cause!
Nevertheless, our success brings many unique difficulties. As excited as we are to see any franchisee own their location, this news only underlines the need to proceed carefully.
On its face, this should be an easy transaction with little to worry about. However, after reading through the package myself, I can tell you that that the language is cumbersome and the details confusing.
For this reason, earlier this week Team NJGCA sent out a Wildfire Alert to all our Shell lessee members on how to proceed. You can read this alert by clicking HERE
First and foremost, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING Shell has sent you until we have a chance to read through your packages. We currently have legal counsel reviewing the documents that we have already received to advise us moving forward.
Secondly, I am asking you to make a copy of the package Shell sent you (yes, I know it is very lengthy) and forward it to NJGCA Headquarters (66 Morris Ave, Suite 1E - Springfield, NJ 07081). We need your copy so that we can compare it to other Shell dealers’ paperwork and look for inconsistencies. Without your copy, we won’t be able to adequately do this.
Lastly, all Shell lessees should be prepared to attend a meeting within the next 2 weeks so that we can discuss what has been proposed and what our legal counsel has deduced from the paperwork.
While I am eager to see our Shell lessee members – and eventually ALL our franchisees – own their locations, a little precaution now will assuredly prevent any unforeseen headaches later.
And that last comment goes for anyone conducting business, no matter the circumstances. You should always seek legal counsel before signing an agreement. I am very surprised at the number of members that have signed previous agreements without legal counsel. But more importantly, remember NJGCA is here to offer you guidance on any industry specific contracts. That’s what you pay us for!
As guarded as we are in this situation, let’s not forget how we got here. It was due to our concerted efforts to see First Right of Refusal become law which has afforded these lessees the right to purchase their property.
But the war isn’t entirely over and we must remain vigilant.
Why? Because even though First Right of Refusal is now law, it may be challenged in court. Any deciding case-law that follows will set the precedence for these types of transactions in the years ahead. That means we must remain on the offensive – no matter if it is this situation or any other.
For this reason, you must commit yourself to stay actively involved and contribute to the NJGCA PAC. This is a necessary means to help us stay relevant in Trenton and keep our agenda moving with Legislators.
A few weeks back, we told you our concerns on healthcare reform – and judging from the reaction, we obviously weren't wrong. If you’ve been watching the news, you’ve seen town hall meetings where concerned (and often angry) citizens railing against the current reform proposals being deliberated in Congress.
Are you attending any of these town hall meetings? Are you planning to? If so, please let me know. As a small business owner, whatever legislation gets adopted will undeniably affect you and your establishment. You should be participating in this debate and voicing your concerns, if for any other reason than to protect your own individual rights.
Lastly, I would remind everyone that we are still signing up people for our future inspection classes in September and October. If you would like to participate, please contact us ASAP to reserve your seat. They are filling up fast!
Thanks for listening - See you next week!
Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director
IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR...
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
•Town hall meetings heat up over healthcare debate
•County looks to save money through consolidation
•Paterson Great Falls plant to get solar panels
•Economic outlook for NJ mixed
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 
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
8/11/2009:
Town hall meetings heat up over healthcare debate
At recent town hall meetings in northern New Jersey, Congressional leaders have often been subject to rowdy crowds and angry residents questioning the Obama Administration’s plan for healthcare reform. Senior citizens, business leaders, and concerned citizens are among the measure’s most vocal critics.
8/11/2009:
County looks to save money through consolidation
Officials in Gloucester County are urging towns to share local services as a means to save tax dollars. The measure is part of a larger, multi-year plan which aims to consolidate government functions on the county level. Departmental consolidations, a countywide insurance fund, and streamlined health benefits are also planned.
8/10/2009:
Paterson Great Falls plant to get solar panels
The hydroelectric plant below the Great Falls will soon be fitted with solar panels to produce additional "green" energy. The additions are part of a larger $1.3 million federal grant which will increase energy efficiency at the plant and surrounding area.
8/9/2009:
Economic outlook for NJ mixed
Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed that the economic realities are weighing down New Jersey’s credit rating and has moved the state’s general obligation bonds from stable to negative. The report comes during this year’s hotly contested gubernatorial election, where political gimmicks have played a role in how financial news has been reported, Moody's stated.
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