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July 24, 2009
GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!
Dear NJGCA Member:
A DANGER TO YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: THE REALITIES OF CAP & TRADE
SPECIAL NOTE: I’m in Niagara Falls, but got word late yesterday that the Charlie Gibson-hosted documentary - “Over a Barrel: The Truth About Oil” - was bumped to Friday due to Wednesday’s primetime Presidential address. Instead, the documentary will now air as an ABC-20/20 Special Edition on Friday at 10pm. Please tune in!
There is a great deal of activity in Washington of late. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from pundits arguing endless about issues like healthcare, taxes, job creation or economic growth.
Recently, one issue that is being vocally debated in Congress is the environmental policy known as “Cap n’ Trade”. Officially known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, proponents believe this measure will cut US emissions 80% by 2050 while creating ‘green’ jobs and making us more energy independent - All very deserving goals.
However, as we all know, you should never judge a policy by its stated aim, but rather how it will affect society once implemented. While sounding incredibly noble, the reality is Cap & Trade has the potential to harm our economy – and your small business.
On the most basic level, Cap n’ Trade seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a means to stop global warming. The government will mandate a national pollution cap, and then auction off permits to companies or homes which create pollutants. Those permits could be traded or sold as needed by each entity, thus creating a ‘carbon market’– much like how commodity-, stock- or currency-markets work. Supporters believe that by implementing this system, it will create innovative ways in which greenhouse gases could be reduced by pitting companies against each other to fall below the cap. As an added incentive, those who exceed their cap will pay a penalty.
Sounds very logical - a great idea, right?
Wrong! Seemingly overlooked by proponents is that this system is not achievable without significant cost; which will raise prices of just about everything. Consider that green-technologies, while promising, are very expensive to develop and implement. Undeniably, those costs will be passed along to consumers – and indirectly hike the price of everything from transporting food to producing electricity.
What can you expect if this is implemented? Expect your utility bills to skyrocket, and the cost of goods and services to climb – just about anything bought or sold will experience a price hike. The American Petroleum Institute believes this measure will place "a disproportionate burden on all consumers of gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, jet fuel, propane and other petroleum products" and increase the price of gasoline dramatically.
But it’s not only about businesses. A recent report from the Tax Foundation states households will face an additional burden of $145 billion per year if the measure is enacted. This creates an additional ‘tax’ on everyone. Significant job losses and reduced economic production are almost assured as companies increase prices and slash overhead in an attempt to cope with the new regulations.
And what does this all mean for you? Customers will have LESS money in their pockets to patronize your repair shop, convenience store, or gas station!
Is this a smart move when our economy is already in perilous condition? Why would Washington adopt a policy which hurts small business owners, consumers, and puts jobs at risk? The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has also stated that Congress has significantly underestimated its ultimate economic costs and pointed out major flaws in its calculations.
This proposal may be a larger burden than many realize. There is no doubt that supporters of this bill are all very well intentioned, but overlook how it will impact our economy and working families. In fact, during last years campaign, President Obama openly admitted that this policy would make the cost of electricity ‘skyrocket’ but had to be implemented to protect our environment.
We all want to protect our environment and aim to be good stewards of the Earth - But at what cost? How far will we go in the name of environmentalism that the consequences overshadow our zeal?
I will side with common sense before putting businesses, jobs, and families at risk. I hope you feel the same.
Cap n’ Trade has already passed in the House of Representatives and is currently awaiting a floor vote in the Senate. That means there is still a chance to see this measure defeated before it has the potential to do you harm.
Please contact Senator Bob Menendez and Senator Frank Lautenberg and ask them to VOTE NO on the Cap n’ Trade legislation. Fail to do this and your establishment may fall victim to Washington’s latest, over-reaching policy.
You can find their information by clicking HERE
As I said earlier, I’m in Niagara Falls all this week and will not be able to watch the “Over a Barrel: The Truth About Oil” program I participated in with Charlie Gibson.
Please watch it Friday, July 24th at 10pm. It will air during a Special Edition of 20/20 on ABC. I’m anxious to hear your thoughts on the program, so please email with any feedback you have to offer.
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: First Capital Mortgage (FCM)
•Looking to refinance your property? Want to take advantage of today's low rates?
NJ GREEN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR COUNCIL
•Take advantage of this program and get recognized for your "green" credentials!
NEWS AROUND THE STATE
•New solar-power facility coming to the Garden State
•Tax amnesty revenue halts need for additional credit-line
•Tolls may go cashless in South Jersey
•Rail-service coming to the Meadowlands
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 six evenings:
NJGCA Headquarters
66 Morris Ave.
Springfield, NJ 07081
July: 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, and 30
September: 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24
Bob's Precision Auto Repair
1264 Hwy 35 South
Middletown, NJ 07748
August: 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27
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: First Capital Mortgage (FCM)
Are you looking to refinance your property to take advantage of the new low rates available today? Are you thinking of increasing the assists of your business to improve your position in your market? FCM is a fully accredited authorized source for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and VA loans, as well as non-conforming and “niche” products. FCM works with a diverse pool of lenders. We select the best rates on the best products every day. FCM’s high rate of success meeting client’s needs means that we can work on lower profit margins than banks and equals immediate and long term savings for you. Using technology-based services not found with most competitors, FCM sets new standards in mortgage lending. We offer fast turn around and the highest quality customer service. NJGCA Member only discounts applied.
Visit our website to learn more about our mortgage offerings or call today (908) 788-4002. Ask for Bill or Dana Maier to get you started on the road to savings and improving your bottom line.
Website: www.firstcapitalmortgage.com
You can also contact Phil Apruzzi with any further questions at 973-376-0066 x209.
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
7/22/2009:
New solar-power facility coming to the Garden State
Two firms plan to build solar power facilities in South Jersey, with the ultimate goal of establishing four plants capable of producing 100 megawatts of power. The first plant will be built in Vineland, with another facility to be opened in Atlantic City. Future plans seek to expand the number of solar power plants to create the nation’s largest solar network.
7/21/2009:
Tax amnesty revenue halts need for additional credit-line
The need for an expensive $2 billion line of credit intended to pay the state’s expenses may now not be used thanks to additional funds obtained through a tax-amnesty program. The credit line was established to help the state close a $4 billion budget gap.
7/20/2009:
Tolls may go cashless in South Jersey
Seeking improvements to how tolls are paid, officials at the South Jersey Transportation Authority are studying what changes are warranted along the Atlantic City Expressway. The study will cost $56,000 and may lead to more E-Z Pass tolls – eventually transforming into a cashless tolling system.
7/20/2009:
Rail-service coming to the Meadowlands
In a bid aimed at lowering congestion and highway traffic during events, state officials will soon open a new rail-line to the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex. The new service will link the Meadowlands with Hoboken and Secaucus.
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