Road Warrior Newsletter
 

April 4, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

GREETINGS FROM SUFFERN, NEW YORK!

This weekend, NJGCA participated in the AASP/NJ Northeast Regional Autobody & Automotive Trade Show is Suffern, New York.

I’m happy to say it was a success and would like to thank Charles Bryant and AASP/NJ for their putting together a great show.

NJGCA was able to meet with industry leaders and vendors from around the tri-state area.  These valuable contacts will benefit the Association in the months ahead.  Already we are seeking vendor agreements for our small businesses and planning strategy sessions with other associations to combat Trenton’s anti-business tactics.  Look for more information in future editions of the Road Warrior!

If you attended the event in Suffern, please let us know what you thought.  We’d love to hear any feedback!

If you’ve been reading the papers, you know that the Motor Vehicle Commission recently awarded Parsons Commercial Technology Group of California a five year, $286 million dollar contract to continue to oversee that state’s vehicle inspection program.

Now that the contract is awarded, it will take some time before final inspection equipment details are finalized.  However, we will update you as more information becomes available.

To read more on the new Parsons agreement, click HERE

Later this month NJGCA will be holding an MVC Inspector Training Class.  See details below.  The class is first come, firs serve so be sure to 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

•State is cutting the budget - Will it be enough?

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Corzine fears more budget cuts ahead
•Survey Says: Residents want Budget cuts!
•Opinion: Paid Family Leave will weaken State economy
•MVC & Department of Law and Public Safety to drive voter registration


UPCOMING EVENTS

THIS MONTH: MVC Inspector Training Class - SIGN UP TODAY!  
TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

BUDGET BLUES & THE TOUGH ROAD AHEAD

Earlier this week NJGCA attended a budget panel event hosted by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association in Monroe Township.

Panelists included State Treasurer David Rousseau; Senate Budget & Appropriations Chair-Senator Barbara Buono; Assembly Budget Committee Chair-Assemblyman Lou Greenwald; Senate Republican Budget Officer-Senator Leonard Lance, and Assembly Republican Budget Officer-Assemblyman Joe Malone. 

Discussion focused on the 2009 State Budget and what businesses can expect for the coming year.

Many of the sentiments expressed by the panel echoed the grim report recently given by Office of Legislative Services’ Chief Budget & Finance Officer, Dr. David Rosen: Revenues will probably be down approximately $300 million, and either more taxes will need to be raised or further budget cuts will need to be made. 

The good news is that all the Legislators were against any tax increase.  Treasurer Rousseau also stated that the Governor is not supporting any increase in taxes.

All expressed the sentiment that some long supported services would undoubtedly be cut in the name of trimming the budget.  In fact, the Governor has called for the elimination of the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Personnel – which received mixed reactions by those assembled.

NJGCA will be meeting with key members of each committee as the budget process unfolds to address the needs of our members.

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

4/3/2008:
Corzine fears more budget cuts ahead
Slumping revenues may cause Governor Corzine to slash up to $500 million more from the budget than he originally anticipated. Appearing on CNBC earlier this week, the Governor stated that State revenues are down considerably in light of the slumping economy.

4/2/2008:
Survey Says: Residents want Budget cuts!
A recent Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll found that 49% of residents wish to see a drastic cut in budget spending and services before any tax increases are considered.

3/25/2008:
Opinion: Paid Family Leave will weaken State economy
The Chairman of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce expresses his opinion on how Paid Family Leave will disturb the state’s fragile economy.  He warns that businesses must work together to protect their interests before Trenton makes doing business in New Jersey too costly.

3/25/2008:
MVC & Department of Law and Public Safety to drive voter registration
A recent agreement among lawmakers will see the Motor Vehicle Commission and officials in the Attorney General’s Office cooperate in revamping voter registration at MVC locations.  A law currently exists which allows drivers to register to vote when acquiring a license, but has not been successful.


UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE OUR CALENDAR FOR ALL COMING NJGCA EVENTS - CLICK HERE 

THIS MONTH: 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.
 

 
 
Serving the small businesses that serve the motorist