February 20, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

DEFENDING YOUR BUSINESS FROM BIG OIL: DIVESTITURES, GDC MATRIX & MORE

Over the last few months, NJGCA has continued to focus our energies on solving problems you may be experiencing with the oil companies, overbearing regulations, and burdensome laws.

These efforts have produced some excellent results.  We continue to work with the United Dealers of New Jersey, a coalition of Exxon lessee stations, to pursue legal and legislative solutions to the Exxon retail divestiture.  NJGCA has also begun the same process with Shell lessee dealers, who face the same threat and are following a similar strategy.

Nevertheless, difficulties with Big Oil haven’t stopped merely with Exxon and Shell stations.  Over the last year, I’ve personally heard from several Lukoil dealers complaining about numerous problems with their brand.  Anytime a station owner calls with an issue, it gets my attention.  But in this case, a more hands-on approach is warranted.

If you are a Lukoil station, please contact me so we can get this process started.  I’m eager to get Lukoil dealers together so we can discuss these problems and alleviate any difficulties you currently face.

But don’t just stop there!  If you know of any Lukoil location that has a problem – NJGCA members and non-members alike – please ask them to contact me!

We continue to get station owners willing to sign up for our Gasoline Delivered Cost (GDC) Matrix.  I want to thank each of you for volunteering your time and submitting your prices online.  All NJGCA Members should take advantage of this resource and view the Price Matrix daily though the Members Only section of our website.

Nevertheless, as great as the response has been, we still need MORE volunteers to fill those empty slots.  Currently there are spaces open for all brands EXCEPT Exxon.  Keep in mind, if you volunteer to submit your prices, you must do so with every new delivery.  The GDC Price Matrix is an invaluable tool, but it is only works when prices are kept current and accurate!

As we have continually reported, NJGCA is continuing to prepare for the NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow!

This three-day tradeshow promises to not only bring you the latest products and services to satisfy the needs of your establishment, but bring you valuable insight to keep your small business competitive!

Our small business seminars include a presentation on the new regulations in the recently implemented Paid Family Leave Act; a forum on Alternative Fuels and their impact on the industry; and a Family Fun Day extravaganza!

You owe it to yourself and your small business to attend all three seminar events while checking out a world-class industry tradeshow!  Bring your family; bring your employees and their families – Then mark your calendars for March 20-22!!

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to network, meet industry-leading vendors, and get a jump on the competition!  Find more details on the NJGCA - NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow Homepage and check out the special opportunity for Tradeshow Exhibitors below!

Remember to pre-register on the NORTHEAST 2009 website.  Register early, you will save a $10 dollar ticket charge at the door and avoid the long lines for name badges.  Click HERE to visit the registration page and register now!

Lastly, check out the NJGCA Classifieds for the chance to expand your small business to a new location – 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?

TRADESHOW OPPORTUNITY

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

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•NJ’s share of ‘stimulus’ package questioned
•Gas cards abolished for state workers
•Bio-fuel pilot program is launched in Union County
•Massachusetts Coalition renews push for Right to Repair

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.

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

2/18/2009:
NJ’s share of ‘stimulus’ package questioned
Now that the President Obama’s stimulus package has been signed into law, officials are questioning exactly how much New Jersey will get. Initial figures pegged the amount between $4 and $6.4 billion.  However, Governor Corzine claims as much as $17 billion may be slated for New Jersey.  Why such a discrepancy?  It depends on how you add the numbers.  Click on the link above for a full explanation.

2/18/2009:
Gas cards abolished for state workers
In a move cited to save New Jersey taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars a year, the state will eliminate employee issued gas cards.  Cards were originally supposed to be used for emergency purposes only but were abused.  All state employees must now fill up their vehicles at 84 state-owned refueling stations.

2/18/2009:
Bio-fuel pilot program is launched in Union County
Citing the need to improve the county’s environmental footprint, Union County officials have begun a six-month long program to use bio-fuel.  The program will focus on heavy duty vehicles at the Ash Brook Golf Course and use a mixture of 5% bio-fuel and 95% diesel fuel.

1/21/2009:
Massachusetts Coalition renews push for Right to Repair
After a strong showing last year, the Right to Repair Act was reintroduced in the Massachusetts State Legislature.  The bill now has the support of an impressive – and growing – list of elected officials and state organizations advocating for its passage.