April 10, 2009

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

HAPPY PASSOVER & HAPPY EASTER!  THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION.  

With the Passover and Easter holidays upon us, we find ourselves a third of the way through the year and pause to take stock of what we’ve accomplished thus far.

To date we’ve brought you the NORTHEAST 2009 Tradeshow to demonstrate the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.  With the planned divesture of retail assets by Exxon, Shell, Sunoco, and Lukoil, NJGCA is successfully defending your First Right of Refusal in Trenton.  And with state officials seeking to impose crushing business taxes to fill the holes in their budget, we’ve mobilized our members to help stop the taxes from becoming a reality.

I know how difficult this economy is, but remember, you are not alone!  We are working harder than ever to better serve you and your small business.

Still, don’t think for a moment that you’re off the hook!  Like I’ve said many times before, active participation is what separates defeat from success.

Case in point is volunteering for our GDC Price Matrix.  Back in January, I explained why we created the Matrix and what I hoped to achieve. It was my highest hopes for members to have real time access to the delivered cost of gasoline for every brand throughout the state.  I envisioned you being able to compare your costs with others as a means of keeping distributors honest and yourself better informed!  And ONLY NJGCA Members would be able to access it.

I hope that thus far, those utilizing the Matrix to compare prices have found it useful.  For those who haven’t, I encourage you to start using it and even volunteer to submit your own prices daily.

All you need to do is login to the Members Only Section using your Member ID Number and Password, and click on GDC Matrix under the Member Dashboard.  If you see an empty block, it is probably un-assigned and we may be able to assign it to you!!

But be prepared!!  Agreeing to sign up for the GDC Matrix IS A COMMITMENT.  The information you and other volunteers provide is for the benefit of all NJGCA Members.  You MUST submit your prices with each new delivery!  The reason?  Old prices aren’t an accurate gauge of where prices are TODAY and do nothing to help keep you informed!!

Right now we have all our Exxon slots filled by dealers.  However, we still need volunteers for the BP, Citgo, Coastal, Getty, Gulf, Lukoil, Shell, Sunoco, Valero brands and still have a number of Unbranded spots open. 

It literally takes 2 minutes to submit your prices online – Please volunteer!

Furthermore, for those currently volunteering, we look at it daily and know who IS submitting their prices and who IS NOT.  If you have regularly submitted your prices, I THANK YOU for your continued support.  If you have agreed to submit your prices – but have failed to consistently do so – please re-commit yourself do it.  Some of you who are in the latter category may feel that you cannot fulfill that daily obligation.  If you cannot do it, that’s fine!  There is no harm in stepping aside to allow someone else to take your place.  Just let me know if you can or cannot so that all members can get accurate information.

Remember, this only works if WE ALL CONTRIBUTE!  Make a commitment to yourself and each other!

It’s been an interesting year so far – but we’ve also accomplished a lot in only four months.  The road ahead is going to get rocky, but NJGCA will be walking the road with you.  So this holiday, be sure to take a few moments to count your blessings and enjoy your family.  And on behalf of our Board of Directors and Team NJGCA, I wish you and your family a very Blessed Passover and Happy Easter!

Thanks for listening - See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

THE NJGCA CLASSIFIEDS

•Are you interested in expanding your business?

BUSINESS TOOLS

•Take advantage of this class from our partners at Affinity Federal Credit Union

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Fare Hikes maybe coming to NJ Transit
•Second Hudson Commuter Rail Tunnel Coming
•State will lose more revenue than expected
•Corzine continues to oppose off shore drilling


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.


BUSINESS TOOLS

NJGCA strives to bring you the latest news from our Member Benefit Partners to assist your small business.

Our partners at Affinity Federal Credit Union are hosting a number of seminar and community events that are ideal for small business owners.  Upcoming events include:

QuickBooks for Small Businesses
Small Business Development Center at RVCC1
Somerville, NJ
April 13 & 16, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
RSVP: Allison O'Neil
908-526-1200, ext. 8516

Take advantage of these opportunities!

A full list of courses offered at the Small Business Development Center can be found at www.sbdcrvcc.com/courses.html

If you have any questions or comments, please call Phil Apruzzi at 973-376-0066

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

4/9/2009:
Fare Hikes maybe coming to NJ Transit
As Governor Corzine proposes a $62 million budget cut for NJ Transit, many commuters and mass-transit advocates fear massive fare hikes and service cuts in the coming year.

4/8/2009:
Second Hudson Commuter Rail Tunnel Coming
Officials from NJ Transit and the Department of Transportation took a large step forward in completing a second Hudson rail crossing.  CM Consortium of Newark will be hired through a $34 million contract to manage the $8.7 Billion project.

4/6/2009:
State will lose more revenue than expected
David Rosen, a financial expert from the Office of Legislative Services has indicated that NJ faces the largest revenue downturn in modern history.  Rosen predicts an 11% fall in revenue compared to the current fiscal year and may hamper budget expectations for next year.

4/6/2009:
Corzine continues to oppose off shore drilling
At a forum on exploring the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and energy resources, Governor Corzine reiterated his opposition to drilling off the coast of the New Jersey.  Offshore wind farms were also discussed; the panel was chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar.