November 21, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

DO YOU REALLY WANT IT?  ONLY YOU CAN STOP BELOW COST SELLING!!

Last week, NJGCA informed you that Assemblyman Burzichelli broke his promise to work with us to revise his Below Cost Selling bill and that the proposal was to be voted on this past Monday.

Fortunately, NJGCA and the Fuel Merchant’s Association of New Jersey were able to get a “hold” placed on the bill so we could meet to discuss amendments.

Since then, NJGCA has worked to convince Legislators and the sponsor how important it is to amend this legislation.  Below Cost Selling is predatory in nature and serves no other purpose than to drive the competition out of business.  And once you are gone, nothing prevents them from raising the prices on unsuspecting consumers.

But even as we advocate on your behalf, Assemblyman Buzichelli is not sitting idle.  Since this measure was temporarily halted, two more legislators were added as co-sponsors.

Assemblyman Burzichelli has even appeared on radio programs, falsely proclaiming that his bill will save motorists money and lower gasoline prices.

If the facts continue to be misrepresented without vocal opposition, then the public will accept his rhetoric as truth rather than see what it truly is: a clandestine attempt to placate the corporate “Big Box” special interests and force you from the market!

This week I appeared on the NJ101.5 FM radio to defend retailers and small business owners from the Assemblyman’s assertions.  Once our side was presented, the overwhelming number of callers stated that they did not want to see their local stations being forcibly closed or future gas prices rise due to this unfair practice. But this response was only possible once our counter-argument was articulated.

What does this mean?  What does my foray on the public airwaves demonstrate?

That only YOU have the ability of blocking this onerous legislation from moving forward.  The power to STOP Below Cost Selling rests in your hands and those of your fellow small business owners – PERIOD!!

As your advocate in Trenton, I make dozens of phone calls, sit in on numerous meetings, and speak to a handful of reporters on a daily basis.  But nothing is more convincing to the public or Legislators than hearing from YOU directly.

NJGCA needs you to get on the phone, write letters, and send emails to legislators telling them to VOTE AGAINST A-2904!!  It only takes ten minutes to make a few phone calls or send out an email.  MAKE THE EFFORT!!  Explain to them how this legislation will hurt your business and harm the public.  But don’t stop there – talk to your neighbors, your customers, and even send letters to your local newspapers.  Everyone MUST know how they are being disserved by Assemblyman Burzichelli’s plan.

Yesterday NJGCA sent you our latest Wildfire Alert with further details.  If you HAVE NOT read it yet, click HERE to see what you must do – then START MOVING!

Retailers are facing the edge of abyss if Assemblyman Burzichelli’s bill becomes law.  All small business owners have a stake in the outcome.  If you sit this one out, you have no one but yourself to blame when your doors close for good.

Be an activist TODAY to save your business TOMORROW!!

Please feel free to call me with any questions or comments.

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

•Residents worried about the economy
•Statewide gas price average now below $2 a gallon
•Lawmakers push economic package through the Assembly
•Turnpike widening brings anguish for some residents

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

11/20/2008:
Residents worried about the economy
State residents are increasingly worried about the state’s economic conditions, according to a recent poll.  Fifty-nine percent of those polled stated they are worse off than last year, indicating consumer confidence may remain stagnant in the coming months.
 
11/20/2008:
Statewide gas price average now below $2 a gallon
For the first time since December 2005, the average price for gas in the Garden State is now below $2 per gallon, according to AAA.

11/18/2008:
Lawmakers push economic package through the Assembly
The Assembly passed a proposal aimed to strengthen the State’s waning economy.  The measure will give a $3,000 incentive for every new worker hired as well as distribute money to select social services.  The legislation will no go to the Senate for consideration.

11/16/2008:
Turnpike widening brings anguish for some residents
The State’s planned widening of the New Jersey Turnpike will mean many homes, businesses, and other parcels of land will have to be purchased to make room for the project.  Some residents face mixed feelings about being forced to sell their homes to make room for the expansion.