February 27, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

JOB WELL DONE: LESSEE DEALERS GET FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL PASSED THRU SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE!  WE ARE ON FIRST BASE.  4 more steps to go!

Several months ago, I called a meeting with the state’s Exxon Lessee Dealers and asked them to defend their small businesses from Big Oil.  Exxon had just announced plans to sell their New Jersey retail assets to mega-distributors and would not permit these lessees the opportunity to purchase their locations.  The assembled Exxon lessees – and later, a group of Shell retailers – boldly decided to take action and protect their interests!

To better defend these small businesses, NJGCA immediately began crafting new legislation aimed at protecting lessees’ rights -- and today we see the first tangible fruits of that endeavor.

After months of work and endless meetings S-2553 -- our First Right of Refusal legislation -- was passed in the Senate Commerce Committee by a 4-0 final vote!

I cannot fully express how pleased I am with today’s events!  NJGCA testified before the committee, and many dealers came to Trenton to support us and convince lawmakers this legislation was needed.  It was an incredible sight and a true testament of what small business owners can do when they band together for a common cause.  I was proud of them all.

I would like recognize the United Dealers of New Jersey, a coalition of Exxon lessee dealers, for their efforts in assisting me.  They have been valuable partners in this fight. Their leadership has been working very hard and deserves to be recognized.

As sweet as today’s victory is, this fight isn’t over.  This measure must now go before the full Senate for a floor vote.  If it should pass the Senate, the bill will then go to an Assembly Committee for further hearings.  An Assembly version of the bill (A-3726) has also been introduced and is awaiting action in the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.

NJGCA will inform you of any legislative updates, but any further success depends on your participation. We will send along more information on what you must do to see First Right of Refusal made law!

BE PREPARED – BE AN ACTIVIST!!

The NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow is now LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY!

This show promises to bring you the latest products and services, PLUS a series of informational seminars aimed to help your small business.  It’s a MUST-SEE event, and you owe it to yourself to be there!

Mark your calendars for March 20-22 and take advantage of this unique opportunity!  You can find more information on the NJGCA - NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow Homepage or register TODAY and save a $10 dollar ticket charge at the door.

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

•Small business loan proposal passes in Senate Committee
•MVC seeks to hike fees
•Governor happy with stimulus plan
•Further Pain at the Pump: States consider gas tax hike

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

2/26/2009:
Small business loan proposal passes in Senate Committee
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee unanimously passed a measure which seeks to spur new lending to small businesses and individuals.  The bill seeks to invest state funds in community banks.

2/23/2009:
MVC seeks to hike fees
The state Motor Vehicle Commission may raise their fees for motorcycle registration and commercial driver exams in the coming months.  The new fees are likely to cost motorists $40 - $60 million more a year and cover a projected $27 million hole in MVC’s budget.

2/23/2009:
Governor happy with stimulus plan
Though less than what he had originally hoped for, Governor Corzine praised the passage of an economic stimulus plan he believes will offer relief to state residents.  Corzine said the package would send approximately $10 billion to New Jersey over the next two years.

2/21/2009:
Further Pain at the Pump: States consider gas tax hike
Facing a decline in revenues, dozens of states around the nation are now proposing a gas tax hike to make up for their budget shortfalls.  Many motorists are vocally opposed to any hike in light of a sagging economy and a rise in unemployment.