YOU’RE INVITED: GOVERNOR CHRISTIE TO HOLD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SUMMIT
LEGAL BATTLE TO OVERTURN BELOW COST SELLING LAW
EFFORTS TO RAISE TOBACCO AGE TO 21
AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING INSTITUTE SEMINAR – MARCH 18^TH IN ATLANTIC CITY

A couple weeks ago, I received a call from Governor Christie's Office inviting NJGCA to participate as a partner in the Governor’s Employment Opportunity Summit. This event will discuss and explore new, innovative ways to enhance employment opportunities and implement neutral hiring practices for NJ citizens with criminal records. Along with NJGCA, groups such as NJBIA, NJ Chamber of Commerce, NJ Restaurant Association and Koch Industries will be participating in the day’s events, and NJGCA is honored to have been asked.  I, unfortunately, will be in Washington DC with Eric for a couple days that week, so Jacy will be attending in my place. 
 
This program is about giving people second chances in employment, whether they have been through substance abuse and rehabilitation or have been convicted of a crime, sentenced to a punishment, and rehabilitated.  In my 23 years in the business, I hired numerous people who needed a second chance. There were success stories, and on one occassion it didn’t work out, strictly because the person being considered was simply unable to perform the job duties as expected.
 
I suspect many of you may be interested in this event because you know how difficult it is to find people willing to do the job. If you are willing to give someone a second chance, this is an appropriate forum for you to attend. Employers and employees both win, and this is about giving second chances to people who have truly demonstrated dedication and earned it.
 
The event is 10:00 AM – Noon on Wednesday, March 8^th at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton.  It is FREE to attend. Click HERE for the postcard created by the Governor’s Office to publicize the event. You can also call Jacy with any questions. She will be there on the 8^th, and I hope that many of my members decide to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about a new program to prepare people to enter the workforce. Remember, NJGCA is one of only a handful of groups selected to participate and NJGCA members are the best in our industry.  Let’s represent them well!
 
Next, I was informed last Friday that a lawsuit was filed by the Speedway Corporation, challenging the constitutionality of New Jersey’s ban on Below Cost Selling. The case was filed in Superior Court in Mercer County, and is a direct result of two below cost selling complaints that I filed last October with the authorities. The parties involved were a Speedway and a 7-11. I have learned that 7-11 pled guilty and has been fined, but Speedway has decided to challenge the constitutionality of the law under which it was cited. We're in the process of consulting with our attorneys. As of right now, I don't know which Deputy Attorney General will be assigned to defend this case, and there will surely be a lot that develops in the weeks to come.  NJGCA will be very engaged as this moves forward.
 
Eric and I went to Bloomingdale on Tuesday night to oppose an ordinance intended to prohibit the sale of any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone below 21, and impose a $750 license fee on any convenience store selling e-cigarettes.  In the past, I have reported that when I have had to testify in front of other municipal bodies I’ve been treated with harsh disrespect, however, the Mayor and Council in Bloomingdale were respectful, genuine and sincere as they posed questions and we debated the issues at hand.  The vote is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7^th, and as I mentioned, I will be in Washington DC.  I will be following up to lobby the Mayor and Council Members one more time to seek their “no” vote.  As I always say when I discuss municipal tobacco issues, it would have been helpful if I had a member to accompany me this week, or even if I had someone who could also speak out against this proposal at the March 7^th meeting. 
 
The City of Orange has also put a similar ordinance on their schedule for March 21, and we expect that many more municipalities will be doing the same in the near future. If you hear of your municipality considering a similar ordinance, please let us know. It would also be helpful if you can accompany us to the meeting. Hearing directly from the business owners who are affected will make a huge difference. We will be in touch with more details as we know them about the future of these tobacco issues all across the State.
 
Finally, I want share a seminar that Automotive Training Institute is offering on March 18^th in Atlantic City. The one-day Owners Workshop will ignite your passion again, re- energize your business, and increase your profits by 3% - 5%!  Topics range from increasing parts and labor margins, customer service initiatives, staffing in today’s environment, marketing and increasing car count, and succession planning.  The day includes a wonderful lunch, coffee and breakfast refreshments, and an open forum to answer your questions and concerns!  Click HERE for an informational flyer and more details on pricing and how to register. **Special Rates for NJGCA Members**

Thanks for reading -- See you all next week!

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director