November 26, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!

Although we should always be thankful for our blessings, we sometimes forget.  This is a special time of year that helps remind us that we have much to be thankful for.
 
All of us have plenty of reasons to be fearful, or at least concerned about world events and a difficult economy. But when we think about it, all of us have plenty of reasons to still remain thankful for many blessings that are sometimes taken for granted.
 
We still live in the greatest country if not the greatest civilization in the history of the world.  If you have taken that for granted just reflect on the election our country just celebrated.  YES..we celebrated our election.  Many countries do not permit their citizens to have the God Given right to elect their leaders.  Many countries change leaders when guns are fired and blood is spilled.  On January 20, 2009, America will once again demonstrate our greatness and will have a peaceful change of power amongst our leaders.  Be thankful for that.
 
Although you have just traversed a difficult year economically, and although the road ahead looks like it will continue to be difficult, you will always have a bounty of food on your table and a loving family to share it with.
 
I would like to wish you all the most Happy of Thanksgivings, and I pray that you will all receive the blessings of God, so that you will have much to be thankful for next year too.
 
I encourage you that no matter how difficult it may be, to please spend time with your families and be thankful together.  This is a great time to take the kids or grandchildren to a parade or a football game.  This is a great time to enjoy the bountiful meals we are so blessed to share.  This is just a great time to be with your family and friends.  Get away from those gas pumps, get away from those wrenches, get away from your convenience stores.  Be thankful!
 
I thank you for your continued support as we strive to fight battles together.  I thank you for persevering through a difficult economy, and I especially thank you for having the guts and the stick-to-it-ness that makes you special small business owners.  I am thankful for that.
 
Have a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

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

•Is a 10% budget cut coming?
•State Transportation Bonds not selling
•NJGCA in the News: Risalvato explains why we need Right to Repair!
•Easing the tax burden: Governor signs new bill into law

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 to 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

11/26/2008:
Is a 10% budget cut coming?
According to sources, Governor Corzine wants to eliminate 10% of the state budget for the next fiscal year, to $30 billion.  The cuts are due to a slowing economy and a projected revenue shortfall.
 
11/26/2008:
State Transportation Bonds not selling
Despite a $200,000 radio and newspaper advertising blitz, few people and investment houses are purchasing bonds than anticipated.  The State was seeking to boost bonds sales as a way to pay for infrastructure repair.  Only $165 million in bonds were sold, well short of the anticipated $750 million sale.
 
11/24/2008:
NJGCA in the News: Risalvato explains why we need Right to Repair!
An OpEd advocating the need to pass the Right to Repair Act in New Jersey recently appeared in NJBIZ, a leading statewide business newspaper.  Click on the link above to read Sal’s piece and what he had to say to opponents of Right to Repair.

11/24/2008:
Easing the tax burden: Governor signs new bill into law
Governor Corzine signed a bill Monday aimed at mimicking some federal tax and accounting laws. The bill will allow businesses to carry forward their net-operating loss from the current seven years to the federal of 20 years.  Aside from the federal government, many other states have implemented similar laws.