July 3, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

FREEDOM & PROSPERITY
Things to be thankful for as America celebrates her 233rd birthday!

With the Fourth of July holiday upon us, we are all looking forward to a long weekend with friends and family.  I know I certainly am.

Many of you will be visiting neighbors, hosting a barbecue, or taking a much deserved break to spend time with your families.  I hope you all have a wonderful time!

Still, while we all look forward to great food and enjoyable festivities, please do not let the significance of the Fourth of July go unnoticed.  Despite what the pundits say or critics report, America is STILL the greatest nation the world has ever known.

As a successful small business owner, you have many things to be thankful for.  Don’t forget to count those blessings while you celebrate all this nation stands for.

And for anyone feeling especially patriotic, take a few minutes to (re)read the Declaration of Independence.  Undeniably, this one document changed the world forever and altered the course of history.  It is as significant today as it was 233 years ago and inspired people around the globe to stand up for their own freedoms. 

You can read the Declaration, and additional info on those who signed it, by clicking HERE

As I did last year, I would like to share with you the Red Skelton rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance, as I have edited it.  Consider sharing this at your July 4th BBQ.

If you would like to hear Red Skelton as he spoke these words, click HERE

I: Me, an individual, a committee of one.
Pledge: A solemn promise to dedicate all of my worldly goods and give them without self pity.
Allegiance: My love, my loyalty, my devotion.
To The Flag: Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom, wherever she waves there’s respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts “Freedom is everybody’s Job.”
Of The United: That means we have all come together.
States: Individual communities that have united into fifty great States.  Fifty individual communities with their own pride, their own dignity, and their own purpose.  All divided with imaginary boundaries - yet united to a common purpose – and that is “Love for Country.”
Of America: The identification, the name given this great land – known throughout the planet for its beauty and bountiful resources, and its wonderful and caring people.
And To The Republic: A state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern.  And government is the people. And it is from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For Which It Stands: To hold our position.  To assume and maintain our attitude, our conviction, and our course.  To remain stable, valid, and intact.
One Nation: Meaning so blessed by God.  Because we share common customs, common failures, common pain, and common joys.
Under God: The omnipotent and supernatural being that bestows our blessings.
Indivisible: Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty: Which is freedom, the right of power to live one’s own life without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.  Free of tyranny.
And Justice: The principle or qualities of dealing fairly with others.
For All: Which means my friends and fellow citizens, it is as much your country as it is mine.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.  And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all.

Happy Independence Day from all of us at NJGCA!  Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

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: 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 state budget includes new, higher taxes
•Paid Family Leave goes into effect
•NJGCA in the News: Risalvato, Baxter condemn MVC/Parsons tactics
•NJGCA in the News: Member, station owners fuming over inspection program

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! 
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: 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

7/1/2009:
New state budget includes new, higher taxes
Governor Corzine signed a new $29 billion budget into law this week.  The budget officially took affect on July 1st with new and higher taxes on hard alcohol, wine, cigarettes, income taxes, and insurance premiums.  Click above for complete details.

7/1/2009:
Paid Family Leave goes into effect
Passed in May of 2008, the Paid Family Leave Act officially went into effect this week.  The program will allow workers to take up to six weeks of paid leave to care for sick family members or a new born/newly adopted child. The business community vocally opposed the bill.

6/30/2009:
NJGCA in the News: Risalvato, Baxter condemn MVC/Parsons tactics
Executive Director Sal Risalvato and NJGCA Member Mike Baxter recently spoke with the Press of Atlantic City about purchasing the new, state-mandated inspection equipment.  Each cited the high cost and inability to finance the equipment as a deterrent from participating in the new program.

6/29/2009:
NJGCA in the News: Member, station owners fuming over inspection program
NJGCA Member Jack Pontoriero was recently interviewed by the Asbury Park Press. Jack and other Private Inspection Facilities are angry over the Motor Vehicle Commission’s mandate to purchase new inspection equipment, who must pay $8,000 up front for equipment they will not receive until the fall.