February 16, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

STOP IT!  ENOUGH!  WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?  CAN’T YOU ADD AND SUBTRACT?

This is crazy.  How many times are you going to lower the price on the pump before you realize that you are pouring money down the drain?

I have been watching some of you as I drive around the state and I can’t believe what I am seeing.  I understand that you are trying to meet competition, but at some point meeting competition is putting you out of business.

Let me be clear; there are laws that prohibit below cost selling.  I can’t stop you from selling gasoline at no profit, but I can stop you from selling it below cost.  And I will!

I am asking each of you to report any competitor that you suspect is selling gas below the invoice cost.  I will file complaints with Weights and Measures, and I will follow up with the Attorney General of New Jersey if I have to.

If your competitor is a member of NJGCA and is violating the law then shame on him, I will still file the complaint. Enough said.  Please evaluate your own circumstances and make smart business decisions.

For all NJGCA members that participate in either our AMT Health Coverage or our Meadowbrook Workers Compensation Program, I have good news.  I expect a savings dividend to be paid to each participant in the next few weeks.  If you are an NJGCA member and you participate in both programs, then you will be receiving two checks.  I assure you that these savings will more than pay for your membership in NJGCA.

Lots has been happening in Trenton and Washington.  I hope you are paying attention to the Presidential race and the string of primaries held in over 30 states.  The outcome of November’s election will have a serious effect on your business and your family.  Stay tuned and make an informed decision when you vote!

Don’t forget…call me to report unscrupulous competitors selling below the invoice cost.

Thanks for reading.  See you next week!

Regards,

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

•REINTRODUCED: “Hot Fuels” Bill
•Minimum Wage Hike Introduced

D.C. BELTWAY BULLETIN
Capitol Hill Update

•President Bush signs stimulus package into law

GAS TAX RUMORS RESURFACE

•Could we see a Toll-Hike AND a Gas Tax Hike?

NJGCA EDITORIAL IN PHILADELPHIA NEWSPAPER

•Did you see our Editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer?

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•NJ Congressmen to Governor: Toll-Hikes a Bad Idea
•Support for Right to Repair Grows
•Governor “heckled” during Town Hall Meetings
•Senate President questions spending freeze

UPCOMING EVENTS

•The Southeast Petro-Food Marketing Expo
•Northeast 2008 Regional Autobody / Automotive Trade Show
•To be scheduled: MORE Town Hall Meetings on Toll-Hike Plan

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

REINTRODUCED: “HOT FUELS” BILL

A bill sponsored in the 212th Legislative session by Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman, mandating the use of temperature adjusted motor fuel pumps, has recently been reintroduced.

While the language for this legislation is not currently available, we know that the cost/benefit analysis shows that it will be more costly to consumers and members to enact this legislation than any losses that may currently be occurring.

We will report more on this issue in future editions of the Road Warrior.

MINIMUM WAGE HIKE INTRODUCED

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora has proposed a minimum wage increase to $7.40 this year with a mandated adjustment every year based on inflation.   We will work tirelessly against any state mandated minimum wage increases that will place our businesses at an even greater disadvantage.

We will provide links to the bill and more information as it becomes available.
D.C. BELTWAY BULLETIN
Capitol Hill Update

PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS STIMULUS PACKAGE INTO LAW

President Bush recently signed an economic stimulus package that will guarantee all taxpayers a check between $300-$1200.  This bi-partisan plan is the latest attempt to bolster our economy and prevent a recession.

We applaud the work of congress to pass meaningful legislation in a bi-partisan fashion, legislation that will undoubtedly help all of our members.

Please click HERE to read more on the Stimulus Plan.
 
GAS TAX RUMORS RESURFACE

We have reported extensively on Governor Corzine’s Toll-Hike plan and how it will hurt businesses and residents.

Unfortunately for the Governor, reception to the plan has been less than encouraging.  Legislators, sensing the public’s uneasiness on hiking tolls 800%, have now investigated reducing the overall toll-hike and raising the Gas Tax and additional 15¢.

Click HERE to read our PRESS RELEASE on the NJGCA website; see how we are defending YOUR small business.

NJGCA EDITORIAL IN PHILADELPHIA NEWSPAPER

On Monday, we brought you news that an NJGCA editorial condemning the Paid Family Leave Act appeared in the Home News Tribune and the Asbury Park Press.

Later in the week the Philadelphia Inquirer also printed the editorial, reaching a South Jersey audience.

Please take a look at our comments – Click HERE

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

2/14/2008:
NJ Congressmen to Governor: Toll-Hikes a Bad Idea
A letter was recently sent to Governor Corzine by six members of New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation opposing any toll increase.  The Congressmen believe the plan will hurt the state's tourism and slow job, while divert traffic onto local roads.

2/14/2008:
Support for Right to Repair Grows
The Federal Right to Repair Act has recently gained more support.  Three new sponsors were added to the bill, bringing total Congressional support to 40 sponsors.

2/12/2008:
Governor “heckled” during Town Hall Meetings
Frustrated residents and burdened tax payers booed Governor Corzine during his presentation on the Toll-Hike proposal.  At one point the interruptions were so bad the Governor had to stop speaking altogether.

2/6/2008:
Senate President questions spending freeze
Perhaps further illustrating financial mismanagement in state government, Senate President Richard Codey questioned if freezing state spending was possible – or even wise – despite record deficits and a sluggish economy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THE SOUTHEAST PETRO-FOOD MARKETING EXPOSITION
www.sepetro.org

March 5-6, 2008
Myrtle Beach, SC - Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Wednesday, 10:30 am - 5:00 pm & Thursday, 8:30 am-2:00 pm

The 2 day trade show and exposition will feature the latest in retail and petroleum technology and marketing, education seminars, as well as networking with industry leaders!

The nation’s largest regional petroleum and c-store show continues the spring date started in 2001. Approximately 1400 buyers attended last year.

Each year more than 400 exhibit companies offer equipment, products and services to petroleum marketers and convenience store owners and managers. Of course, the latest in products and services will be on display.

Convenience stores, petroleum marketers, car washes and food services will be attending from all over.

NORTHEAST 2008 REGIONAL AUTOBODY / AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SHOW

Northeast Regionaal Autobody Automotive Trade Show c/o Rockland Exposition Inc.
March 28-30, 2008
Rockland Community College Field House - Suffern, New York
2008 Rockland-Northeast Trade Show Home Page

388 East Main Street
Middletown NY  10940
info@rocklandexpo.com
800.223.4648

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 have a booth at the event and will provide free tickets to any members would like to attend.

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

TO BE SCHEDULED: MORE TOWN HALL MEETING ON TOLL-HIKE PLAN

NJGCA recently brought you details on Governor Corzine’s Town Hall Meetings to discuss his Toll Hike plan.

New Town Hall Meetings are currently being scheduled.