March 28, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

JOBBER CONTRACTS: WHAT NOT TO DO

As the owner of a small business, one essential skill is knowing how to spot a good deal and when to walk away from a bad one. 

Many of you are looking for, or are in the midst of negotiating, a fuel supply contract.  NJGCA has heard from some members who discovered too late that they agreed to poor contract conditions.  Some arrangements unfairly benefited the suppliers, while squeezing the retailers – and now some members are suffering because of it.

DO NOT fall victim to this scenario!

Before you make arrangements to hear a jobber’s proposal – and certainly before you sign any paperwork or agreement – contact us so that we can review the contract with you.  If you are not getting the best deal possible, NJGCA can put you in touch with suppliers who are fair and reasonable.

The best way to avoid an unfavorable agreement is to NOT let yourself get into one to begin with.  Let NJGCA help you get the best deal you can!

Our friends at ATS Environmental Services have been busy inspecting members’ facilities and saving them thousands in potential fines.  Many owners were not even aware they were out of compliance and avoided hefty penalties.  Remember, NJGCA members are entitled to a FREE inspection. If you haven’t called ATS, call them today before DEP slaps you with a violation you could have avoided.

Last week we warned you about MVC ‘sting cars’ making the rounds and handing out violations.  We have been overwhelmed in Trenton defending members who have been caught. While we continually defend you to the authorities, remember that when members do something dishonest or lie, it gives the entire Association a black eye.  Stay in compliance and follow proper inspection procedures to avoid these penalties and uphold our reputation. 

This weekend is the AASP/NJ - Northeast Regional Autobody & Automotive Trade Show is Suffern, New York. NJGCA will be at booth number 529 – Stop by and visit us!  See below for further details.

Thanks for reading.  See you next week!

Regards,

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

ATTENTION: An urgent message from our friends at AASP/NJ came in to NJGCA headquarters just as we were sending this week's Road Warrior and we have included it below.  It involves helping to find a hit and run driver that left a pedestrian to die on the street.  Please read!

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

•Analysis: Next year’s economic climate will be bleak

D.C. BELTWAY BULLETIN
Capitol Hill Update

•CONVENIENCE STORES TAKE NOTE: Federal Bill Seeks to Control Tobacco Sales

•Lawmakers consider local, county taxes
•Out of state companies find it hard to do business in New Jersey
•Working families struggle in the Garden State
•License/Organ donor bill advances

UPCOMING EVENTS

•THIS WEEKEND: AASP/NJ-Northeast 2008 Regional Autobody / Automotive Trade Show 
TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

ANALYSIS: NEXT YEAR’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE WILL BE BLEAK

This week, David Rosen, the legislative budget and finance officer, predicted a state revenue shortfall of nearly $300 million for next year. 

Any shortfall will mean that either more taxes will need to be raised or further budget cuts will need to be made. 

Governor Corzine has proposed a series of budget cuts, but any shortfall may threaten his ‘reduced’ budget for next year.  Lawmakers are undecided on any further tax increases in light of the current economic situation. 

For more information, click HERE to read a recent article on David Rosen’s testimony.  We will report more as the budget process unfolds.

D.C. BELTWAY BULLETIN
Capitol Hill Update

CONVENIENCE STORES TAKE NOTE: FED BILL SEEKS TO CONTROL TOBACCO SALES

A bill is currently before the House of Representatives, which seeks to expand the regulatory ability of the FDA to regulate cigarette sales. 

House Bill HR1108 is sponsored by Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) and is waiting a hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The bill seeks to amend current federal law and permit the FDA to set cigarette sale standards that must be met by the entire nation.  Ultimately it would restrict the sale or distribution of tobacco products, including advertising and promotion, for reasons of public health.

While NJGCA believes national standards should be observed, final regulatory control MUST remain with the individual states.  NJGCA will be working with others to offer amendments on this legislation.

You can read the full text of this bill by clicking HERE.
 
NEWS AROUND THE STATE

3/26/2008:
Lawmakers consider local, county taxes
This week, Assembly members discussed the possibility of allowing local and county governments to impose taxes.  The panel also considered establishing personal property tax on cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, planes and other vehicles in lieu of other taxes.  

3/24/2008:
Out of state companies find it hard to do business in New Jersey
Pursing out of state firms for taxes and fees, some firms are finding it difficult to cross the border and do business in New Jersey. Recent enforcement regulations have even made some firms reconsider doing any business in the Garden State.

3/24/2008:
Working families struggle in the Garden State
A recent report by the Rutgers Center for Women and Work found that roughly 20% of the State’s working families are having a difficult time surviving in New Jersey.  More disturbing is that the number has increased 16% since the study was last conducted in 2000.    

3/18/2008:
License/Organ donor bill advances
Last week, the State Senate passed a measure that would make New Jersey the first state to require anyone getting or renewing a driver's license to choose whether to register as an organ donor or not.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE OUR CALENDAR FOR ALL COMING NJGCA EVENTS - CLICK HERE 

AASP/NJ-NORTHEAST 2008 REGIONAL AUTOBODY / AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SHOW

March 28-30, 2008
Rockland Community College Field House - Suffern, New York
www.rocklandexpo.com/northeastregional

We have been invited by our friends at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) to attend a 3 day trade show.  There will be over 400 booths and over 140 companies in attendance, representing in the repair equipment and business software products industry. 

NJGCA will be at booth 529 during the event!

This is a great opportunity to see the latest technology, equipment, services, and related suppliers in person!

Northeast Regional Autobody Automotive Trade Show c/o Rockland Exposition Inc.
388 East Main Street
Middletown NY  10940
info@rocklandexpo.com
800.223.4648

 A SPECIAL NOTE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE AASP/NJ

CALL TO ACTION

Attention All Auto Body & Auto Repair Shops
We are looking for a Hit and Run vehicle
and
WE NEED YOUR HELP

We are looking for a Red or Maroon Minivan that was involved in a pedestrian hit & run accident with damage to the front area of the vehicle and possible broken windshield and roof damage.  

The type of damage will be the soft type that occurs when a vehicle strikes a bird, animal or human being. 

This vehicle hit a pedestrian on Route 1 South near Route 35 in Avenel, New Jersey on March 23, 2008 at about 3:18 AM causing serious and possibly fatal injuries. It appears that the pedestrian was somehow impacted in or stuck to the vehicle while it continued into Woodbridge, NJ where the body was removed from the vehicle and left on the street to die.

If this vehicle or a vehicle fitting this description comes to your shop for an estimate or repairs, don’t panic or alert the driver or owner of a problem. Write your estimate or schedule repairs and get the owner or driver and vehicle information. Then, immediately contact Charles Bryant at the AASP Hot Line at 732-922-8909, or contact the Woodbridge Police Department and ask for Detective Rich Hardish at 732-634-7700 Ext. 7314 and report the information.  If the vehicle or one that fits the description has already been to your shop, or a vehicle fitting this description is at your shop, please call and let us know immediately.

Your assistance in finding this hit and run vehicle will be greatly appreciated. This is one that we must do all we can to locate!

If you wish to remain anonymous please say so when you call.

Thank you,
Charles Bryant - AASP/NJ Executive Director