October 31, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES & TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEM

Sticky notes are a great little invention.  You remember something, write it down, stick it on the wall and follow up afterwards.  On my desk here at NJGCA headquarters, I have these little yellow notes all over the place to remember to get specific tasks accomplished – and it works! 

Well I need you to stop what you’re doing, grab a sticky notes RIGHT NOW, and write yourself a reminder: SIGN UP FOR THE ATS GOLD PLAN TESTING SERVICE!!

NJGCA is always working to save your small business money and headaches.  The program we have crafted with ATS Environmental Services does both and will cut your tank testing costs next year IN HALF!!  We all know that you have compliance testing next year no matter what – why wouldn’t you make a point to save 50% in the process?

The deal with ATS ends on December 31, and it’s upsetting that more members have not signed up thus far.  Don’t let an opportunity to save money pass you by!!  Please see details below and DO NOT miss the deadline.

Part of my responsibility is to continually seek arrangements that better serve your needs.  As such, I’d like to announce that NJGCA has formed a new partnership with Simplêfy, Inc. for future credit card processing.  Our new arrangement with Simplêfy is exclusive to NJGCA members and will save you money!

I would also like to thank Heartland Payments Systems.  Heartland had been our preferred credit card processing vendor for the last three years.  However, the world of credit card fees has become burdensome for my members and very competitive.  I simply made a decision that Simplefy would be better for you. Heartland was a solid partner and I thank them for their contributions to our organization.

But these are not the only deals I’ve been working on for members.  NJGCA has been aggressively expanding our Members Benefit Partner (MBP) program so that we can offer you the best services and products available.  This week we held an informative meeting with all our MBPs to kick-off our updated program.  Our Territory Managers have been briefed on these new money-saving services and vendors.  Expect a visit from your Territory Manager in the weeks ahead to bring you the details!

By now you should have heard that A-803, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, passed in the General Assembly.  It is a historic event; no where else in the nation has Right to Repair progressed as far. It now moves to the Senate Commerce Committee for consideration. 

This is an important first step in permitting independent repair shops to compete equally with Big Auto and their dealership network.  Governor Corzine has said that he would sign the bill if it gets to his desk, but we still have a long way to go before this happens.
 
We will bring you more information in the weeks ahead as further details emerge.  Be ready to act!  We will need your participation to get the out of Committee!

See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

BUSINESS TOOLS

•ATS Gold Plan Testing Program – SIGN UP TODAY!!

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Corzine Testifies for news stimulus plan
•NJ to borrow for infrastructure updates
•Economic improvement bills passed
•NJ Assembly passes Right to Repair Act, moves to State Senate for consideration

BUSINESS TOOLS

GAS RETAILERS: STAY IN COMPLIANCE, SAVE MONEY!

All business owners know running a small business is expensive and never easy.  When a great opportunity comes along and allows you SAVE MONEY and simplify your responsibilities, you have to take notice.

That’s why NJGCA has negotiated an agreement with our partners at ATS Environmental Services to save money for all service station owners.

For 2009, ATS will offer a steeply discounted compliance testing program to all NJGCA members.

The ATS Gold Plan Testing Program package, can save you up to 50% on testing in 2009.  The program will begin shortly after the New Year and includes Stage II Vapor Recovery, Tank Testing, Line Testing, and more.

You can read more on the offer on page 21 of the September issue of our On The Road quarterly publication.

However, to qualify you HAVE TO SIGN UP BEFORE DECEMBER 31ST or you will NOT qualify for this special pricing!!

DON’T WAIT!!  I encourage all retailers to take advantage of this program we have arranged on your behalf.

If you have any questions, you can contact me or Director of Member Services, Debbie Hill.
NEWS AROUND THE STATE

10/29/2008:
Corzine Testifies for news stimulus plan
Governor Corzine was in Washington on Wednesday to testify before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to urged Congress to authorize between $250 billion and $350 billion for a second economic stimulus package.  The governor believes that the monies spent would create jobs and stability in New Jersey.

10/29/2008:
NJ to borrow for infrastructure updates
The New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority is preparing to borrow $1.6 billion next month for a series of transportation improvements.  The monies will be raised through a bond sale already approved by the authority, with funds earmarked for mass transit and road repair.

10/28/2008:
Economic improvement bills passed
This week, a series of bills aimed at improving business and economic conditions in the Garden State were passed in the Assembly.  Legislators felt compelled to act due to the financial distress on Wall Street.

10/27/2008:
NJ Assembly passes Right to Repair Act, moves to State Senate for consideration
The General assembly passed the After passing in the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act on Monday by a 49-22 margin.  It will now be heard before the State Senate.