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January 30, 2009
GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!
Dear «First Name»:
WATCHING TRENTON, THE SHELL DIVESTITURE & TRADESHOW OPPORTUNITIES!
Two weeks ago we told you about a piece of legislation called the “the 21st Century Infrastructure Bill” that is presently before the Legislature. You can read the details outlined in that Road Warrior by clicking HERE
In case you were wondering how I really feel about this proposal, let me be plain: I think it is Dumb! Dumb! Dumb!
Imagine that gasoline consumption continues to dramatically decline as motorists continue to alter their driving habits and choose more fuel efficient cars. Now imagine that because you are selling less gallons each month, that you ask Trenton to guarantee you a profit margin that will make up for lost volume. What do you think the lawmakers in Trenton will say? It is likely that Trenton will tell you to go fly a kite!
Well, that is exactly what the big utilities are asking legislators to approve. The big utilities like PSE&G have asked Trenton to change the way rates are applied to both residential and commercial customers.
Presently, The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) must grant any rate increases and requires justification before giving their approval. Utilities are arguing that because their own investment in green technologies has resulted in their customers using less electricity and natural gas, that they can't make the same profit that they have been accustomed to. The giant utilities are promising that they will invest more capital in to projects that will further reduce the consumption of energy, but only if Trenton approves legislation that will change the formula for granting permitted rates to be charged.
Trenton is listening and considering this dumb legislation, as it has been quietly meandering thru the legislature. NJGCA has been keeping an eye on this and has joined other effected business organizations as part of the Anti-Rate Stabilization Coalition. Be prepared to call your legislator to STOP this. Your customers, your neighbors, your employees, will all be subject to these new higher rates both at home and at work. You may consume less energy, but you will still pay higher rates. I will keep you posted. Hey...let's all invest in the utilities. They will be allowed to sell half of the electricity and charge twice as much for it in order to make up for the lost profit. Hmmm...wouldn't it be nice if you could do that too?
As many of you may have heard, Shell is seeking to divest itself of their retail assets in New Jersey. Just as Exxon has made a similar announcement last year, this move by Shell may trample the rights of Shell lessees and undermine small business owners.
Therefore I am calling a special meeting of all Shell lessees to discuss how any divestiture will affect you and your small business. If recent history is any indication, small business owners have gotten trampled by Big Oil in these situations. This promises to be a real fight and it is in all Shell lessees’ interest to attend our meeting. See full details below!
Last week, we brought you an update on the planning for our tradeshow. I have to tell you, we’re all very pumped about putting on this show as we lock in our list of vendors and seminar speakers.
However, this week I was reminded by a member that many of you own other businesses outside of your service stations, convenience stores, and repair shops that serve our industry. What a great chance for you to get in on the action! Are you interested in selling or displaying your goods and services at Northeast 2009?
See full details below on how YOU can get take advantage of this special opportunity!
The issue of Zone Pricing has been under the public’s radar of late, but it is certainly not forgotten. Last week, NJGCA Member Eel Chang and I were interviewed on ABC 7-Eyewitness News to discuss what Zone Pricing is and how it is affecting both consumers and small business owners. To see a copy of the broadcast, click HERE
Remember to mark those calendars for the Northeast 2009 Regional NJGCA/AASP Trade Showto be held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center from March 20 – 22.
See you next week!
Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director
IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:
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
•Guv seeks billions from stimulus bill
•Emission standards may get tougher for automakers
•NJ Transit plans to reopen commuter rail line
•Assemblyman Gusciora on Right to Repair
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.
Click here to view our Northeast Tradeshow video
Click here for our NJGCA exhibitor contract application
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
1/29/2009:
Guv seeks billions from stimulus bill
Governor Corzine praised the House of Representatives for approving the $820 billion stimulus package supported by the Obama Administration. Corzine hopes to gain as much as $4.3 billion in state aide to help pay for infrastructure repairs, education programs, and balance the state budget.
1/27/2009:
Emission standards may get tougher for automakers
This week, President Obama took steps which would allow for each state to set emission standards that are tougher than current federal regulation. New Jersey was among a group of several states that had originally sought a waiver.
1/27/2009:
NJ Transit plans to reopen commuter rail line
Officials from NJ Transit state that plans are in place to spend up to $800 million to reopen the “Northern Branch” commuter line. The plan calls for adding 10 train stations and additional parking. The line currently handles freight only and runs from North Bergen to Tenafly.
1/26/2009:
Assemblyman Gusciora on Right to Repair
The Assembly sponsor of A-803, the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act, comments why he feels this proposal is important to all New Jersey residents. Click HERE to watch a brief video of Assemblyman Gusciora discussing the bill.
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