June 20, 2014

Dear NJGCA Member:

Thank you for reading this week's NJGCA Road Warrior!

Here is what you will find in this edition:

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: GREETINGS & SAL-UTATIONS! 

MORE VIOLENT CRIMES BEING COMMITTED AT GAS STATIONS
THE MARKETPLACE: FOREIGN TURMOIL AFFECTING OIL PRICES
NJGCA STAFF WORKING TO UPDATE MEMBERSHIP DATABASE
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES: MILLIONAIRE'S TAX & PAID SICK LEAVE
NJGCA PAC FUNDRAISER ON TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2014
TEXIMA CLOTHING BIN PROGRAM WILL EARN YOU $1,000!

Once again, I must continue urging you to take the crime research survey. I am disappointed that this issue has been the focus of my weekly newsletter for so many weeks now, but this is serious. The amount of violent crime occurring at gas stations is alarming. The alarm was sounded last year when an attendant was killed in Woodbury, and it was then that we began the process of gathering information and partnered with John Jay College and a team of researchers. I care about my members. I don't want this happening to you! Just a few nights ago, there was another incident, the 5th such incident in two weeks!  It was caught on video and picked up by many NYC area news outlets. It is a gruesome video, but I think you should watch it. For the 6:00 Eyewitness News Segment, which features safety tips and recommendations from NJGCA, click here.  For the 10:00 PM Chasing Jersey story, click here. Then, when you are done watching, click here to take the survey!  Do something about the pattern of gas stations being victims and help us gather information to keep you, your employees and your business safe.
 
It's been a while since I've discussed the monkey wrenches that get thrown into the marketplace. Although I predicted we would see lower prices this summer, I am backing off of that prediction because of the unexpected turmoil in the Middle East, specifically the recent efforts on the part of Al-Qaeda to take over Iraq. They are slaughtering thousands of people, implementing extreme laws, and trying to take over the nation's oil supply. This news has caused the price of crude oil to jump to $108/barrel. Until the situation stabilizes I suspect prices will keep rising, along with the price of gasoline. The obvious result is that prices won't be dropping, and they will certainly be rising. It's unclear how high prices will go and where this will all end up. We will keep a close eye on the situation in the coming weeks.
 
Next, I made this announcement at our recent membership meetings, but for those of you who did not attend, please be aware that NJGCA staff will be making phone calls to you in order to update membership records. Your help and participation will be greatly appreciated. We will only take a few minutes of your time, and having complete and accurate information will help us to serve you better in the future!
 
Now, two legislative issues: First, the Legislature again seems bent on instituting a Millionaire's Tax, and is again contemplating an end run around the Governor, who continually vetoes any tax increases that come to his desk.  The Legislature now feels that amending the state constitution might be their best bet!  If the Legislature votes to put the issue on the November ballot, it will be the same dogfight that we had last year against raising the minimum wage, all over again. I am just alerting you that this is on the horizon right now and is something that we have to keep our eye on!
 
The second issue is sick leave. The interest groups and organizations supporting sick leave are starting to mobilize and legislative leadership is getting on board.  We will need your help on this issue as well, if we are to be successful in protecting our small business interests!
 
One way that you can help and get involved is by attending the NJGCA PAC's clay shooting fundraiser on Tuesday.  For more information, click here for the invitation and response form. YOU CAN REGISTER AND PAY FOR THE EVENT ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE! We also have a sponsorship form if you know of a business, corporation, supplier, or anyone that you work closely with who you think may be interested in supporting our cause. Please, join us as we work to influence positive changes and prevent destructive policies in Trenton!
 
Also, it cannot go unmentioned that this past Tuesday we held a small dinner to raise money for our PAC. Because of the efforts of 4 NJGCA members, our PAC received much-needed funds.  That is why your participation in the upcoming PAC shooting event is important!! Your help will add to the efforts of our 4 heroes that made Tuesday a success. I would like to thank Kashmir Gill, Roger Verma, Ebbie Ashabi, and Avak Uzatmacyan for their efforts. You should thank them too when you see them!
 
Finally, I will make another announcement about NJGCA's partnership with Texima to place used clothing collection bins at your location. Many of you may already have bins at your locations, but if you join this program with Texima, I will send you a check every December for $1,000! I really want to make this program a success because I like to brag about putting money in members' pockets!! Please call the NJGCA office and ask for Greg to get more information about the program.
 
Thanks for reading -- See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

CLASSIFIEDS! -- FOR SALE & HELP WANTED ADS 

Do you have a business for sale?  Are you looking for a new location or opportunity?

• NJGCA was recently able to lend a hand to members looking to sell their business by getting the word out.  Since everyone reading this message is involved in the small business gasoline retail, convenience store, and automotive repair trades, it is an ideal medium to connect with interested buyers and prospects!

NJGCA also helps members sell equipment by placing advertisements in the Road Warrior!

• If you'd like to list equipment for sale, or have an open position you'd like to make other industry professionals aware of, please contact NJGCA at 973-376-0066 and let us help you get the word out! 

If you'd like to list your business for sale, publish a location you're selling, or are seeking a business partner for your establishment, please contact NJGCA at 973-376-0066! 

NEWS AROUND THE STATE: THE NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

6/18/2014:
Fee and tax hikes draw pushback from Kean
Senate Minority Leader Thomas H. Kean Jr. said Monday that lawmakers should nix a series of tax and fee hikes proposed by Gov. Christie for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Kean's proposal comes as legislators are scrambling to fill a projected $1.7 billion revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2015. They have two weeks to pass a balanced budget, as required by the state constitution. Specifically, Kean (R., Union) wants to eliminate the Governor's proposed taxes on e-cigs and on businesses in Urban Enterprise Zones, as well as 23 fee increases. The tax and fee hikes account for about $137 million in revenue in Christie's proposed $32.7 billion budget.
 
6/16/2014:
NJ Dems. pledge action on bill to give all workers paid sick leave
Democratic state lawmakers recently pledged action on legislation that would entitle all workers in New Jersey to paid sick leave. The bill would require employers to give workers one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. In businesses with fewer than 10 employees, workers could earn up to 40 hrs of sick time. For companies with 10 or more employees, they could earn up to 72 hrs. The time could be used either for the workers’ own health or to take care of family members. Michael Egenton, vice president of government relations for the New Jersey chamber of Commerce, said the bill addresses a problem that, as far as he can tell, does not exist.  He also warned that it could hurt the state’s economy, especially as businesses cope with a recently-enacted minimum wage hike.

6/16/2014:
Analysis: Millionaire’s Tax to Close Pension Gap Could Be Headed To Ballot in 2015
With Gov. Christie vowing to veto any tax increase, Democratic legislative leaders looking for pension-funding solutions may conclude that their best option is to bypass Christie by putting a millionaire’s tax on the ballot as a constitutional amendment next year.  It is a strategy that the Democratic-controlled Legislature used successfully last year to override Christie’s opposition to hiking the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.25, with annual increases in future years tied to the rate of inflation. The idea is now being discussed by Democratic legislative leaders as an option for the millionaire’s tax, sources confirmed. Because Democrats do not have a two-thirds majority in the Senate and Assembly, the governor’s line-item veto power under the New Jersey Constitution gives him virtually dictatorial power over the budget -- as long as the Republican Senate and Assembly minority vote to uphold his veto, as they did when Christie vetoed the millionaire’s tax in past years. But Christie has no veto power over constitutional amendments, and while it would take 17 months for the Dem. Legislature to get the millionaire’s tax on the ballot, Democratic leaders realize that it is the only step they can take without Christie’s support.

06/04/14
Polls find growing preference to lift self-serve fueling ban in Oregon
Oregon is one of only two states that still prohibit self-serve fueling, but public opinion seems to be swinging more solidly in favor of allowing it. According to a May survey of registered voters in Oregon by Public Policy Polling, 46% said they would support allowing drivers in the state to pump their own gasoline, while 44% opposed and 11% were not sure. Men (55% to 39%), voters under 45 years old (53% to 33%) and Republicans (52% to 41%) were most in support of self-serve, while Democrats (39% to 47%), women (38% to 47%) and seniors (34% to 55%) were most opposed.  An informal online poll by The Oregonian showed that 43% of the newspaper's readers favored lifting the ban, with 19% preferring that drivers at least have the option to fuel up themselves; 37% of participants opposed a change, with 1% not sure. Oregon has banned self-serve fueling since 1951 (New Jersey instituted a ban in 1949).

TRAINING CLASSES!!
-ALL CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT NJGCA HEADQUARTERS-
66 Morris Avenue - Springfield, NJ 07081 (Union County)

In order to be licensed as a Motor Vehicle Emission Inspector, you must complete this course and pass a "Written Exam" given by the State of New Jersey. NJGCA offers this training in a ONE DAY State approved training program that will provide an understanding of inspection related issues including EPA Regulations, Safety, Diesel, Customer Service and the New Jersey State Specific Curriculum. This specially tailored NJGCA course fulfills all requirements.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE BOARD:

TMP Energy Solutions
Another Way to Save on Your Energy Bills

We have had a number of NJGCA members successfully reduce their rate per kWh signing up through our energy saving program. We know it's difficult to collect 12 months worth of previous electric bills to get an "accurate" analysis when comparing a variable rate to a fixed rate, but we now have another option available. 

This new solution is a power purchase option; the other program is still in full force and has saved members thousands of dollars. If you sign up for the power purchase option, you will be grouped with other NJGCA members until the minimum KW demand is acquired. By pooling the member's usage together, you will be able to take advantage, as large energy users do, and receive a lower kWh rate.

Each member will receive their own contract. Each member is responsible to sign and return the agreement the day it is received in order to secure the price for their group.

Please do your due diligence, so when you receive the proposal and the agreement you will be able to make an intelligent decision.

If by chance, you still want us to assess you bills, to give you a price to compare, we will require12 months of your most recent utility bills.

There are no bills required, but we would still like to have one bill per meter on file to check account #'s, meter #'s  service addresses and other pertinent information incase there is a problem.

The term of the agreement is for 12 months. During this term period, you will have price protection against any energy price increases along with a low fixed kWh rate.

If you are interested in becoming part of this power purchase option, please contact Greg Cannon at the NJGCA.

Remember when you sign up your energy through the NJGCA Energy Program, TMP makes a considerable donation to the NJGCA Scholarship Fund through their proceeds. This has no affect on your rate, and costs you nothing out of pocket.

We hope to help hundreds of NJGCA members reduce their utility costs by participating in this and our other cost reduction programs.  Our purpose, in the endeavor, is to help NJGCA members lower their energy costs while supporting the NJGCA Scholarship Fund. 

Contact GREG CANNON at 973-376-0066 or email Greg at greg@njgca.org. Mention that you are interested in saving money on your energy bills. NJGCA & TMP Energy Solutions will handle all the rest.