January 18, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

AND THE SURVEY SAYS...

Last week we brought you important news on Governor Corzine's plan to raise tolls to pay down State debt and balance New Jersey’s finances.

This week we bring you the results of our first survey:  NJGCA Members DO NOT want to see tolls hiked to pay for new state projects or fund any kind debt swap scheme.

You’ve spoken.  The next step is to make the Governor, Legislators, and State officials aware as well.

Last week we sent you a Wildfire Alert letting you know the Governor was hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings to discuss his proposal.  Our goal was to get members to attend these meetings and let him know exactly what you think of the toll-hike plan.

Three of those meetings have taken place, but one more is scheduled for this Saturday from 2-4pm in Cape May County.  Please see details below in Upcoming Events.

As more Town Hall Meetings are scheduled, we will be sure to update you.

Additionally, time is growing short to sign up for the upcoming DEP Compliance Seminar this month!  Learn to avoid horrendous fines and gain valuable insight.  Please make every effort to attend.  See details below.

Thanks for reading.  See you next week!

Regards,

Sal Risalvato,
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK'S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

-Governor declines to sign 'wrongful death bill' into law
-Panel Calls for an increase in Federal Gas Tax
-New Jersey's Mass Exodus
-Analyst: Voters should get last word on Toll Hike

NJGCA GOES ON THE RECORD TO DEFEND RETAILERS

-Did you read Executive Director Sal Risalvato's recent comments?

UPCOMING EVENTS

-NJGCA sponsored DEP Compliance Seminars
-Town Hall Meetings on Toll-Hike Plan

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

1/15/2008:
Governor declines to sign ‘wrongful death bill’ into law
In a move applauded by insurers and businesses, Governor Corzine ‘pocket vetoed’ a bill that would have allowed families to sue for emotional damages in wrongful death cases.  If the bill were approved, businesses could expect insurance rates to rise to pay for expensive litigation.

1/11/2008:
Panel Calls for an increase in Federal Gas Tax
The U. S. Chamber of Commerce recently testified before Congress in favor of an increase in the Federal Gasoline Tax to pay for needed infrastructure and transportation repairs.

1/10/2008:
New Jersey’s Mass Exodus
A recent report ranks New Jersey 3rd highest in the nation in outbound migration.  Residents are leaving mostly for Southern and Western states.

1/9/2008:
Analyst: Voters should get last word on Toll Hike
A recent editorial asserts that New Jersey residents should give final approval to any toll hike at the ballot box.  Circumventing voter approval would amount to an additional tax on the public.

NJGCA GOES ON THE RECORD TO DEFEND RETAILERS

Have you been reading the papers?  Did you see what we had to say?

Executive Director Sal Risalvato was quoted in a recent newspaper article defending gasoline retailers from false public perceptions.

Take a few moments and read what Sal had to say – Click HERE

UPCOMING EVENTS

TOWN HALL MEETING ON TOLL-HIKE PLAN

Small-Business owners MUST make every effort to attend a local “Town Hall” meetings hosted by the Governor and comment on plans to hike tolls a total of 550%.

The Governor plans to increase tolls on the Garden State Parkway, the New Jersey Turnpike, the Atlantic City Expressway, and ADD NEW TOLLS to a section of Route 440.Tolls will increase 50% in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, with an annual cost-of-living adjustment added in.

A recent survey among NJGCA Members indicates that you DO NOT want tolls hiked.

We strongly encourage all members and their customers to attend and tell the Governor exactly what they think of his plan.

RSVP to attend a Town Hall Meeting

Saturday, January 19, 2008 2-4pm
Middle Township (Cape May County)
Middle Township High School
300 East Atlantic Ave.
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Call (609) 777-2529 or RSVP by clicking HERE

URGENT REMINDER: SIGN UP FOR DEP SEMINARS!!

Please mark your calendars for our NJGCA sponsored DEP Compliance Seminars:

NJGCA knows how difficult it is to follow DEP regulations.

NJGCA understands the burden of paying excessive fines for non-compliance.

We want to see all our members avoid these excessive fines!!

NJGCA has partnered with NJDEP Underground Storage Tank and Air/Vapor Recovery Departments to provide a seminar designed to help you navigate difficult compliance requirements.

The seminar will cover all required permits, upgrades, monitoring systems, tests and their required frequency, and record keeping.

For your convenience, NJGCA has set up two IDENTICAL seminars to educate you on these regulations.

Please join at one of the following locations:

NORTH JERSEY
January 29, 2008
9am to 4pm
Regency House Hotel
140 Route 23 North
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
(973) 696-0900

SOUTH JERSEY
January 30, 2008
9am to 4pm
Holiday Inn Hotel
700 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
(732) 544-9300

We encourage ALL members to take advantage of this opportunity!!!

To register please call 973-376-0066