January 23, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: TRADESHOW MANIA GRIPS NJGCA!!

There’s something in the air at our association headquarters of late.  The atmosphere here in the office is full of energy and enthusiasm as Team NJGCA prepares for our very first tradeshow!
 
I can’t even begin to explain how excited we are about this event.  Gearing up for our tradeshow has untapped a fountain of passion and creativity to bring you the best show possible.  To be honest, we’ve had so many good ideas from staffers that it would take two shows to fit it all in!

What can you expect?  You’d imagine any decent tradeshow to feature retailers throughout the industry and seminars on insightful topics.  We’ve covered that – and more! 

There will be vendors from around the convenience store, motor fuel, and automotive repair industries in attendance.  There will be something for everyone!  These merchants will bring you the latest products and services to improve your business before your competition has even learned of them!

We will host an informational colloquium on implementing the new Paid Family Leave Law and how it affects your establishment.  You will also hear from experts in the energy infrastructure and alternative fuels fields, with valuable insight on where the industry is going and why.

But that’s not all.  As a small business owner, your family contributes greatly to your success.  We will recognize their dedication by hosting a Family Fun Day!  Bring your spouses and children for an exciting day of food, amusements, and carnival activities!!  Let’s reward them for all their hard work!!
 
This tradeshow is all about YOU - and we need you there.  But more importantly, YOU will WANT to be there! 

Mark your calendars and save those dates! The Northeast 2009 Regional NJGCA/AASP Trade Show will be held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center from March 20 – 22. 

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!

We’ve been getting phone calls from members who have not yet received their DEP Compliance Calendars.  Remember, you should be utilizing the calendar to help maintain your operations and stay in compliance.  If you haven’t received yours yet, please call NJGCA Headquarters and we will make sure you get one.

The list of businesses volunteering for our Gasoline Delivered Cost Matrix (GDC Matrix) continues to grow.  We thank everyone who has stepped forward to submit their prices – we can’t make this work without you!  Still we need more volunteers get the entire grid filled.  Please contact me if you are interested.  Remember, all submissions are ANONYMOUS and ONLY NJGCA MEMBERS will be able to access these prices.

We have been continuing to meet with Legislators throughout the state on issues important to you and all small business owners. I’m proud to say that our voice in Trenton grows stronger by the day.  In fact, this week NJGCA staffers and a few Exxon dealers met with two legislators to further our agenda in the State House. 

See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:
 

BUSINESS TOOLS

•ATS Gold Plan Testing Program EXTENDED: SIGN UP TODAY & SAVE MONEY IN 2009!!

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•State employee pleads guilty for stealing gas
•Unemployment funds strained as jobless rate climbs
•NJGCA in the News: Motorists deserve a choice!
•Corzine to Obama: We need $4 billion, please!

BUSINESS TOOLS

ATS GOLD PLAN TESTING PROGRAM: MONEY SAVING OFFER EXTENDED!

Last year we brought you news that NJGCA had negotiated an agreement with our partners at ATS Environmental Services to save you up to 50% on all tank testing.

Due to a last minute surge in demand, ATS has agreed to EXTEND the sign up period for their exclusive Gold Plan Testing Program by two weeks!

The program offers a steeply discounted compliance testing program to all NJGCA members. This offier will not last long.  Please sign up today and save on all your compliance testing for 2009!

The program includes Stage II Vapor Recovery, Tank Testing, Line Testing, and more.

This extended offer will not last long.  Take advantage of this opportunity. Don't give Trenton the chance to pick your pocket! Call NOW to save money and stay in compliance!

Contact call Kristi Klune at 1-800-440-8265 x107 for full details or see our recent Events & Announcements e-newsletter.
NEWS AROUND THE STATE

1/22/2009:
State employee pleads guilty for stealing gas
A former state worker has plead guilty to stealing gasoline for personal use from a state facility.  The former transportation engineer filled personal gas containers twice a month for two years when filling up his state-issued vehicle.  Authorities are seeking a 3 year sentence. vehicle. He would fill the containers when stopping to pump gas into his state-issued vehicle.

1/21/2009:
Unemployment funds strained as jobless rate climbs
New Jersey’s unemployment rate rose to 7.1% in December; the highest rate in almost 15 years.  State officials report that unemployment benefits are under-funded, despite a recent $260 million infusion into the system.

1/21/2009:
NJGCA in the News: Motorists deserve a choice!
An OpEd by Executive Director Sal Risalvato and the Right to Repair Coalition was recently featured in the Toms River Times.  Sal and the Coalition praised the Assembly for passing Right to Repair and outline the reasons this proposal should be quickly passed by the Senate.

1/21/2009:
Corzine to Obama: We need $4 billion, please!
After the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Governor Corzine has said he is actively seeking $4 billion in federal stimulus funds.  The Governor hopes to use these monies for the state’s education and health care budgets.