April 11, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

CAPITOL CONFERENCES: GREETINGS FROM DC!

This week, NJGCA was in the nation’s capitol for a series of important meetings.

First, NJGCA attended the 2008 Energy Conference hosted by the Energy Administration Information (EIA).  The EIA is an independent data clearing house within the Department of Energy which overseas petroleum, coal, natural gas, electrical, nuclear and alternative energy statistics. The real-world data and forecasting information assembled by EIA are used by energy companies all over the world. 

Among the many topics discussed were the rising price of petroleum, the economics of domestic refineries, and how the petroleum industry is changing and why.  We also had the opportunity to meet with industry leaders and hear first hand of emerging technologies.

There was an abundance of information to analyze when the conference concluded.  We are working to compile and examine it all.  Look for more information in future editions of the Road Warrior!

Next, NJGCA attended a meeting dedicated to the federal Credit Card Fair Fee Act.  It was hosted by the Food Marketing Institute and National Grocers Association and brought together a wide array of businesses affected by unfair credit card service fees. 

It was an incredibly productive meeting.  See further details below.

As a reminder, NJGCA will be holding an MVC Inspector Training Class starting on April 15th - details are below.  Sign up today!

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

•Paid Family Leave headed for Governor’s Desk

D.C. BELTWAY BULLETIN
Capitol Hill Update

• NJGCA participates in “Unfair Credit Card Fees” conference

•Loan Sale: Group seeks to boost state’s economy
•Paid Family Leave Passes Senate
•Farmers, supports outraged over cutting Dept. of Agriculture
•Governor to Towns: Merge or Share more services

UPCOMING EVENTS

•NEXT WEEK: MVC Inspector Training Class - SIGN UP TODAY! 
TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

PAID FAMILY LEAVE HEADED TO GOVERNOR’S DESK

On Monday, the Paid Family Leave Act passed in the State Senate by a single vote.

A sensible small-business exemption was proposed by Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-40th District), but was defeated by Democrats. 

Betraying his statement from a week earlier, Senator Van Drew (D-1st District) voted FOR the legislation despite recent remarks against adding further burdens to New Jersey’s fragile business environment. 

Business advocates were successful in convincing Senator Nia Gill (D-34th District) to vote against the legislation, but it was ultimately not enough.  Despite incredible opposition by business and industry leaders, the Senate voted 21-15 to pass this harmful legislation. 

Taking into account its quick progress, it is obvious the bill was fast tracked by Legislators with strong Union backing. 

NJGCA strongly encourages ALL Members to contact the Governor’s Office and ask him to NOT sign the Paid Family Leave Act.  The bill will extend 6-weeks of PAID leave every year to all employees unless the Governor can be convinced it is BAD for New Jersey! 

Call 609-292-6000 or email the Governor by clicking HERE and completing the online form. 

Tell him to STOP Paid Family Leave from becoming law in New Jersey.
 
D.C. BELTWAY BULLETIN
Capitol Hill Update
 
NJGCA PARTICIPATES IN “UNFAIR CREDIT CARD FEES” CONFERENCE

NJGCA met this week with business leaders in Washington to discuss H.R.5546, the Credit Card Fair Fee Act.

The meeting was organized by the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC) - a group of retailers, supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, fuel stations and other businesses who are fighting against unfair credit card fees.

NJGCA was invited to participate when the Merchants Payment Coalition learned that NJGCA would be in Washington DC for the Energy Conference.  NJGCA has pledged to be an active participant in the coalition's activities as this legislation will surely benefit member gasoline retailers and convenience stores.

The Credit Card Fair Fee Act would establish a framework for negotiations, restore market forces, and remove unjustifiable fees from the products and services consumers purchase. 

These fees eat into already slim profits and harm small businesses. Creating a competitive system that will lower transaction costs for both businesses and consumers is of vital importance to ALL members. 

You can learn more about this legislation by visiting www.UnfairCreditCardFees.com or calling 202-955-1400 for further details.

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

4/9/2008:
Loan Sale: Group seeks to boost state’s economy
The State’s Economic Development Authority has cut its rates by 1% in an effort to boost economic activity in New Jersey. 

4/8/2008:
Paid Family Leave Passes Senate
Despite protests by the business community and putting New Jersey in a competitive disadvantage with other states, the Senate passed the Paid Family Leave Act by a slim margin on Monday.

4/4/2008:
Farmers, supports outraged over cutting Dept. of Agriculture
Assembly Budget Committee members ridiculed the Governor’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Agriculture in the face of budget constraints.  Supports jeered at lawmakers for seeking to move the Department’s responsibilities to the Department of Environmental Protection.

3/31/2008:
Governor to Towns: Merge or Share more services
As government costs spiral higher and taxes rise, Governor Corzine called on New Jersey’s 566 municipalities to merge and share services to reduce taxpayers’ burden.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE OUR CALENDAR FOR ALL COMING NJGCA EVENTS - CLICK HERE 

NEXT WEEK: MVC INSPECTOR TRAINING CLASS
 
NJGCA is offering a training course to help you and your employees meet the NJ State requirements associated with Motor Vehicle Inspections. Classes will be held in the Training Center at NJGCA headquarters in Springfield, NJ. 

Classes are open to all technicians, however, NJGCA members will receive up to a 40% discount.
 
Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector:
This certification is required for anyone who performs Motor Vehicle Inspections in your shop. Technicians successfully completing this course will be as Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector.
 
Six evening class: 6:45 - 10:00PM
Class dates: Tuesday & Thursday 4/15/2008 thru 5/1/2008
Plus one test AFTERNOON May 6th or May 7th

Non-members $250.00 
NJGCA Members $150.00!!
 
Call 973-376-0066 to register by check or credit card.