October 3, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

FINDING THE RIGHT TOOLS TO BETTER SERVE YOUR BUSINESS

Since I took over as NJGCA Executive Director 21 months ago, my staff and I have worked hard to anticipate changes in the market, get you timely information, and find you the best deal possible.

Recently, some auto repair facilities may have heard a rumor that Snap-on Tools was offering an “update” package for your existing inspection equipment.  For a small fee, Snap-on could save you thousands by revising your equipment so you wouldn’t have to purchase the new Parsons Inspection gear – Or so they claim.

Does it sound too good to be true?  It is!

As soon as I heard this, I began to investigate the source of the rumor.  After speaking with Snap-on directly, it turns out that they do offer this package in Virginia and Georgia – but it is NOT permitted in New Jersey as the new Parsons contract prohibits it. 

We spoke with Jim Arose from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and he assured me that all of this is accurate; to participate in the new inspection program, PIFs must purchase the equipment from Parsons/SGS Testcome.

If you have been approached by representatives from Snap-on – or any other company – claiming they can update your equipment for cheap, DON’T DO IT!!  If they persist, let me know so I can investigate further or notify the proper authorities.

In case you missed it, NJGCA has negotiated an agreement with our partners at ATS Environmental Services for all stations.  For 2009, ATS will offer a steeply discounted compliance testing program to all NJGCA members.

This package, dubbed the ATS Gold Plan Testing Program, can save you up to 50% on testing and will begin shortly after the New Year.  The package includes Stage II Vapor Recovery, Tank Testing, Line Testing, and more. 

You can read more on the offer on page 21 of the latest On The Road quarterly publication.

However, to qualify you have to sign up for the program between now and December 31st of this year!! 

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.

Today through Sunday I will be attending the Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association’s 35th Annual Convention & Mega Show in Ocean City, Maryland.  There is an open invitation to all members to attend.  Hope to see you there!

Thanks for reading.  See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

UPCOMING EVENTS

•FINAL REMINDER: WMDA Annual Convention & Mega Show

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Workers Compensation Program amended
•Corzine supports bailout plan
•Ban on off-shore drilling expires
•Pro-Business package pushed through Assembly


UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE OUR UPDATED CALENDAR FOR ALL COMING NJGCA EVENTS. CLICK HERE

FINAL REMINDER: WMDA 35TH ANNUAL COVENTION & MEGA SHOW

The Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association (WMDA) is hosting the 35th Annual Convention & Mega Show in Ocean City, Maryland.  The convention will take place over three days at the Ocean City Convention Center, staring on October 2nd thru October 4th.

The show is tailored for service stations, convenience stores, repair shops, car washes, tire dealers, jobbers, co-branded stations, and auto parts stores.

All owners, managers, technicians, and others are welcome.

The show will feature:
-Marketers from all over the automotive industry
-Informative seminars
-Live product demonstrations
-Opportunities to learn about the latest products and technologies

For more information visit: http://www.wmda.net/special.html

For schedules and registration visit: http://www.wmda.net/08MegaSched-Regis.pdf


NEWS AROUND THE STATE

10/2/2008:
Workers Compensation Program amended
On Thursday, Governor Corzine signed a package of bills designed to reform the stat’s $1.8 Billion a year Workers Compensation Program.  Changes include an expansion of workers comp judges to enforce orders and speeding up the process in which claims are addressed.

10/1/2008:
Corzine supports bailout plan
Governor Corzine appeared on CNBC this week and urged Congress to pass the $700 Billion bailout plan.  The Governor stated that he understood why Main Street opposes the plan, but cited that Federal officials have done a poor job of illustrating how a failure on Wall Street would harm all Americans.

9/30/2008:
Ban on off-shore drilling expires
The Federal ban on off-shore drilling ended this past Tuesday after Congress failed to renew the measure.  However, no action is expected until at least 2010 at the earliest since legal and bureaucratic obstacles remain.  Many experts believe the issue will need to be revisited in the next Congress.

9/26/2008:
Pro-Business package pushed through Assembly
Last week, the Assembly passed a measure which would make New Jersey a more hospitable climate to businesses.  Taking a page from neighboring Delaware, the package would streamline bureaucratic rules and regulations to allow companies.  Lawmakers hope it will attract new business to the State.