June 26, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

INSPECTION AGONY CONTINUES

The phone keeps ringing and many of you still have questions regarding the inspection fiasco.

Last week we gave you an update on the continuing MVC/Parsons Inspection Program saga, outlining all we are doing to resolve this dilemma.  We have attacked this situation from every angle and have negotiated in good faith with State officials.

Unfortunately, as much as I would love to report that our concerns have been addressed, I’m sorry to say these problems persist.  Despite our very best attempts, we have been unsuccessful getting MVC/Parsons to change the terms of the equipment purchase.  They simply will not listen and their “take it or leave it” stance remains.

This is so disappointing since I expected a smooth transition in to the new program and thought we had covered all the bases.  It is unreasonable of MVC and Parsons to think that paying for the equipment 4 months in advance of receiving it is acceptable.  I am sure that if this was known several years ago, that the screaming would have started then.

With the deadline fast approaching, you will be forced to make a decision soon: either accept the loan-shark terms or stop performing inspections.  We expect a number of you will not stay with the program.  However, many of you will reluctantly agree to MVC/Parson’s absurd demands and continue in the PIF program.

On Wednesday I sent you a Wildfire Alert with information for those continuing with the program.  Please be sure to read this communication before submitting any paperwork.  Among other suggestions, we recommend that you pay for the equipment utilizing a credit card so you can have some small measure of control over your payments and place a stop payment on the account if there are any delays.  We also suggest that wherever you sign your name, you add the words “Under Protest” under your signature to legally underscore you signed under duress.  And be sure to submit any completed paperwork postmarked June 30th to avoid any further difficulties.

You may read the full Wildfire Alert with complete details by clicking HERE

As horrid as this situation has become, fortunately it has not gone unnoticed by the media and Legislators in Trenton.  We have sent a letter to lawmakers decrying the unnecessary burden MVC/Parson is placing on small business owners.  In fact, I have spoken to newspaper reporters, radio personalities, and Legislators on how utterly absurd the State continues to be in their demands.  The response has been overwhelming and I’m pleased to know the public is becoming aware of these circumstances.

Our message is crystal clear: After fumbling the initial inspection program a decade ago, Parsons’ continues to mismanage events today. Put plainly, Parsons STILL SUCKS and we don’t expect this to change anytime soon.

Recognizing this important fact – and forcing Trenton to recognize it as well – is of vital importance moving forward.  It is time for us to start convincing the public and lawmakers of the need for an all PIF inspection program once Parsons’ contract ends in four years.

Make no mistake; this is VERY important to our members who are beleaguered by MVC/Parsons’ tactics.  However, it is also important for the taxpayers and motorists who continue to invest million of dollars in a failed system with a decade of poor performance.

We will need YOUR help to convince elected officials of this need.  Get ready!

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!

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
•State approves tax hikes on cigarettes, alcohol; raise income taxes for high-earners
•US sales of clean Diesels sees strong increase
•New bill targets use of GPS while driving
•Congress approves ‘Cash for Clunkers’ bill

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.

NJGCA will be offering a refresher course sometime in the near future at two locations:

NJGCA Headquarters
66 Morris Ave.
Springfield, NJ 07081

NJGCA at Precision Auto Repair
1264 Hwy 35 South
Middletown, NJ 07748

If any PIFs are interested, please call our office to be put on the list.  All dates, times, and details will be released shortly.
 
Please call Debbie Hill at 973-376-0066 with any questions or concerns.

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

6/25/2009:
State approves tax hikes on cigarettes, alcohol; raise income taxes for high-earners
The State Assembly recently passed a proposal to increase the taxes on cigarettes, hard alcohol, and wine as a means to collect more tax revenue.  In conjunction with these increases, the Assembly also hiked the tax rate for personal incomes over $400,000.

6/23/2009:
US sales of clean Diesels sees strong increase
Despite having a past-reputation for being both ‘noisy’ and ‘smoky’ by American consumers, the number of Diesel powered cars has recently climbed.  However, thanks to modern clean Diesels and lower-Diesel fuel prices, Americans are catching on with some motorists.  This shift, while small, may increase further if gasoline prices continue to rise in the year ahead.

6/21/2009:
New bill targets use of GPS while driving
After a hand-held cell-phone and text-messaging ban was instituted in March 2008, Trenton lawmakers are now targeting GPS systems.  Under a new proposal, lawmakers are seeking a measure that would make using a manually operated GPS system while driving illegal.  A motorist would either have to use a voice-activated GPS device or pull over to manually input the desired address.  Those violating the law would be subject to a $100.00 fine.

6/19/2009:
Congress approves ‘Cash for Clunkers’ bill
Congress has passed – and President Obama has signed into law - a ‘Cash for Clunkers’ proposal aimed removing older, higher-gas consuming vehicles from roadways.  Under the provisions of the bill, owners of these vehicles who trade them in for more fuel-conscious cars will receive a federal voucher to be used toward their purchase.  Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), proponents believe the legislation will help new car sales and reduce green house emissions.  For more information, visit http://www.cars.gov/