March 6, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

BUMP IN THE ROAD FOR FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL, HEALTH PLAN CHECKS COMING!

We’ve been running pretty hard here at NJGCA Headquarters this week.  Since we were successful in getting our First Right of Refusal legislation passed in the Senate Commerce Committee last Thursday, we’ve sent you numerous Wildfire Alerts and have been speaking with Legislators to keep the bill moving.
 
Unfortunately, we’ve hit a small bump in the road on getting our bill heard in the Assembly.  Assemblywoman Cruz-Perez, the Chair of the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee, has cancelled her scheduled Committee hearing for Monday, March 9th.  This was done to accommodate Legislators who would have to return the next day for Governor Corzine’s Budget Address.  Since the Legislature will now be focusing almost exclusively on budgetary matters in the coming months, it may be a few weeks until we are able to get our bill heard before the Assemblywoman’s committee.  Stay tuned!

Nevertheless, we are still focused on seeing S-2553 put up for a floor vote in the Senate for Monday, March 16th.  You will be getting another Wildfire Alert later today with full details.  We will need active participation to get this bill heard – So please take a few moments, follow our instructions, and help us get this bill heard on the 16th!

A few weeks ago, I told you to expect a check from the NJGCA/AMT Health Plan.  Well, I’m happy to say that the checks are now in the mail!  All NJGCA members in good standing who participated in the program last year will receive a check.  These funds represent your share of the dividend SAVINGS you’re entitled to by being a member of NJGCA!

For those of you that also participate in our Workers Compensation program; I will be sending a similar and bigger check next month as your share of savings…again…because you are an NJGCA member!

In these tough economic times, I’m thrilled to be sending you this check!  However, don't let the SAVINGS stop there!  Participation in the NJGCA/AMT Health Plan is only one of the many benefits you gain as an NJGCA Member.  Are you interested in SAVING MORE money?  Give Membership Director Phil Apruzzi a call to find out more ways to save.

NJGCA’s On The Road quarterly publication will be hitting your mailbox in the next few days!  This installment is packed full of useful information and essential updates.  Click HERE to get a sneak peek at the latest On The Road! (Please give it a few moments to load).

However, more importantly, this edition also has full details on the NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow!  Inside you’ll find a list of vendors, a show itinerary, and much more!

But it doesn’t stop there. Even as we went to press we were STILL signing up ADDITIONAL vendors to better serve you and your small business!!

If you haven’t done so already, SAVE an extra $10.00 and register online today for the NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow!  Sign up yourself, your business partners, and your employees NOW to avoid long lines at the door.

Go to http://www.aaspnjnortheast.com/Registration.aspx to register.  Then mark your calendars for March 20-22 – This will truly be an event you cannot miss!

See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

THE NJGCA CLASSIFIEDS

•Opportunity Knocks: Are you interested in acquiring a new location?

TRADESHOW OPPORTUNITY

•Do you - or a trusted vendor - want to participate in Northeast 2009 as an exhibitor?

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•State unemployment rate hits a 15 year high
•Toms River station sells winning lottery ticket!
•Guv mulls 12-day state worker furlough, wage freeze
•Congressional panel recommends Federal Gas Tax hike, possible mileage tax


THE NJGCA CLASSIFIEDS

Emily Bielen, owner of John’s American Service Center, recently contacted NJGCA for help in selling her small business.

For full location details and to view this classified ad, please click HERE

Interested parties are to contact Emily Bielen at 732-388-9291

If you are interested in placing a classified ad, please contact Debbie Hill.

TRADESHOW OPPORTUNITY!

NJGCA is very excited about the upcoming Northeast 2009 Regional NJGCA/AASP Trade Show to be held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. We know that many of our members may want to Exhibit and Sell their products and services at the trade show. Here is your chance.  We want you to be a part of this extraordinary opportunity to have your products and services seen by thousands of attendees over the show’s 3 days.  The trade show is set for March 20 – 22.

I have included the link for the exhibit application/contract for you to complete and mail to our office.  Do not wait too long to become part of this very special event. Exhibit space is limited. 

Here is what you need to do:

Mail your completed application/contract with your 50% booth deposit check to:

Sal Risalvato
c/o: NJGCA
66 Morris Ave.
Springfield, NJ 07081

Over 10,000 retailers from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Metropolitan areas will be in attendance.

Click here to view our Northeast Tradeshow video

Click here for our NJGCA exhibitor contract application

Don’t miss this chance to get your name, products and services out to all NJGCA members and more. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. Our number is 973-376-0066.

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

3/5/2009:State unemployment rate hits a 15 year high
New Jersey’s economy lost 8,900 jobs in January, raising the state’s unemployment rate to 7.3% - its highest level since 1993.  A new law, however, will increase unemployment benefits for workers.

3/4/2009:
Toms River station sells winning lottery ticket!
Tuesday’s winning ticket for the Mega Millions Jackpot was sold by Singin Oil, a gas station in Toms River in Ocean County.  The lone winning ticket was worth $216 million, according to New Jersey Lottery officials.

3/2/2009:
Guv mulls 12-day state worker furlough, wage freeze
In an effort to trim next year’s budget, state officials say that Governor Corzine is considering a required 12 day furlough and a wage freeze for all state workers next year.  If implemented, each of the 12 days would be unpaid.

2/27/2009:
Congressional panel recommends Federal Gas Tax hike, possible mileage tax
A panel commissioned by Congress has called for a 10¢ per gallon increase in the national gas tax.  The tax would be indexed to inflation until 2020, when a mileage based tax would be implemented.