February 6, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

CAPITALIZING ON THE MARKET - AND MORE!

Have you been listening to the news lately?  Bailouts, stimulus packages, the stock market, consumer confidence -- After awhile, its all so confusing and overwhelming!

I know it’s rough out there.  And as a small business owner, all you know is that when the news gets rocky, it will start to hurt your bottom line.  Or will it?

Despite what the papers say, there may be a bit of a silver lining for those in the automotive services industry.

Recent reports have illustrated that domestic auto sales are falling - and will continue to fall - for the foreseeable future. Conversely other reports have indicted that used car sales are up.  In between we know that the credit crunch has forced many new car dealerships to close their doors for good.

So how does this help you?  Well for one thing, used vehicles require additional servicing and maintenance to keep them running longer.  And with growing anxiety over the economy, motorists are likely to hang onto their current vehicles longer rather than make a new car purchase.  All of this could mean a bigger opportunity to keep your garage bays humming.

But that’s not all. Since many dealerships are shuttering their operations, a number of qualified technicians are now available to work for your small business.  With a little planning and preparation, you can take advantage of these circumstances to improve your operations and better serve your customers.

We have been getting a number of phone calls from members asking how to get their old inspection equipment serviced.  I know there is a lot of apprehension out there about what to do now that we will be migrating to a new system and new equipment.  As you know there have been a number of hold ups on the State level, but it seems that new equipment won’t be available until later this year (see below).  In the meantime, we can help each other out until the process unfolds.  If anyone has had success in getting your old Maxwell equipment serviced, please let us know so we can share it with all of our members.

Our new NJGCA - NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow Homepage is now up and running!!  Click HERE to take a look!!  Remember to mark your calendars to attend the show on March 20-22!!

Lastly, a member contacted our office to ask for some assistance in selling their business. We wanted to help and have agreed to run their advertisement.  Please take a look below for further details in The NJGCA Classifieds!

As a final reminder, our Shell Dealers Meeting will be this Tuesday, February 10th, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Clark.  If you haven’t done so already, please contact Membership Director Phil Apruzzi with your attendance.  See full details below!

See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

THE NJGCA CLASSIFIEDS

•Are you interested in acquiring a new location?

ERT & ETEP UPDATE

•State officials extend certifications - See Details Below!

TRADESHOW OPPORTUNITY

•Do you want to participate in Northeast 2009 as an exhibitor?

CALLING ALL SHELL DEALERS!

•NJGCA is holding a special meeting for all Shell lessees – See Details Below!

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•New car sales fall to 27 year low
•State House Watch: Legislature explores longer terms
•NJ may get over $4 billion through Fed stimulus plan
•Used cars sales are climbing

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.

ERT & ETEP UPDATE

The Bureau of Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance recently contacted all Emission Repair Technicians (ERTs) regarding a license extension.

All ERTs who had licenses scheduled to expire on June 30, 2009 will now be granted an automatic extension of their certification to December 31, 2009.  This action was taken since the updated Emission Technician Education Program (ETEP) courses are not yet approved.

A new certificate, with the new expiration date, was mailed to all affected ERTs and should arrive soon.  The packet also contains information on the new course and re-certification requirements for the December license renewal.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance directly at 609-530-4035.

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.  If you signup within the next 14 days, NJGCA will advertise your presence at the trade show in NJGCA’s On The Road newsletter-magazine at no cost to you.

Here is what you need to do:

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

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

2. Email your ¼ page ad to phil@njgca.org

Your ad will appear in the March On The Road publication prior to the trade show. Over 2,700 gas stations, repair shops and convenience stores will see your ad and know you will be at the trade show. Over 10,000 retailers from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Metropolitan areas will be in attendance.

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.

CALLING ALL SHELL DEALERS!

Many of you have called NJGCA and indicated that Shell is close to divesting itself of their NJ retail outlets, and will be selling their retail locations to a distributor.  This may have serious implications to you and your business. Shell has not released details of their planned divestiture and it is unknown what course of action we will take to protect the interests of the dealers that are affected.

NJGCA has consulted with attorneys that are experienced with Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (PMPA) cases and we have determined that there are several options.

NJGCA is inviting ALL Shell Dealers including those that are not NJGCA members to attend a special meeting to discuss all options.

Both legal and legislative action will be discussed

When: Tuesday February 10, 2009 @ 10 AM
Where: Crowne Plaza 36 Valley Rd. Clark, NJ 07066
Who: ALL NJ Shell Lessee Dealers (NJGCA Members and Non-NJGCA Members)
What: To organize affected Shell Dealers and formulate our strategy and action plan
RSVP: Phil Apruzzi - NJGCA Headquarters 973-376-0066 please rsvp by 2/5/09

What we do know

-Shell is planning to bundle all locations for sale to distributors
-Shell’s current intention is NOT to sell properties individually to dealers
-The divestiture can take place at any time and is imminent
-The value of the Shell franchise has now decreased
-Dealers are NOT prepared to oppose Shell’s divestiture plan.
-Experience in other states has shown that dealing with a distributor is not profitable unless you own your property.

What needs to be done?

-Dealers need to organize and unify immediately
-Dealers need to pool their resources
-Dealer need to be prepared to protect their business and livelihood
-Legal action MUST be considered and Legislative action is being initiated.

DON’T WAIT - THE BUSINESS YOU SAVE MAY BE YOURS

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

2/4/2009:
New car sales fall to 27 year low
As economic fears continue to rise, a recent report indicates that new car sales have fallen to their worst levels in over two decades.  All major manufacturers recorded a large drop in volume, partially due to the continuing credit crunch and fear over a worsening economy.

2/3/2009:
State House Watch: Legislature explores longer terms
A bill was recently debated in Trenton which would save the public money by increasing the length of legislative office terms.  The bill’s sponsor believes that by lengthening terms in office, the state will save millions on holding elections less frequently.

2/1/2009:
NJ may get over $4 billion through Fed stimulus plan
With Federal officials currently debating a national stimulus plan totaling more than $800 billion, state authorities believe as much as $4.3 billion may be earmarked for New Jersey coffers.  Trenton officials believe that much of that money would be used to balance the state budget and be used for infrastructure repairs.

1/30/2009:
Used cars sales are climbing
With economic anxiety growing among consumers, car dealers are reporting a rise in used car purchases.  This reflects a growing shift among motorists who are seeking more affordable transportation.