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Road Warrior Newsletter

October 07, 2016

Dear NJGCA Member:

Thank you for reading this week's NJGCA Road Warrior!

Here is what you will find in this edition:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE:
• 23¢ Gas Tax Increase -- What You Need to Know; Updates -- Sunoco Rewards Program, Tobacco Purchase Age to 21, New Minimum Wage in 2017; Upcoming Events -- Breakfast Meeting in Springfield on Weds. October 12 and Dinner and a Show in Red Bank on Friday, Oct. 21

NJGCA CLASSIFIEDS

- NJGCA MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER GILL ENERGY LOOKING TO HIRE FOR (3) DIFFERENT POSITIONS

District Manager
Store Manager
Trucking Operations Manager

For more information, and to submit a resume, please contact: ravigill@gillenergy.com.

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

Gas tax deal author: This funds roads, bridges, provides tax relief | Opinion
Man robbed 3 gas stations in minutes in broad daylight, officials say
Sluggish EMV Adoption Rates

TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE!
• Emission Inspector Training -- Wednesday, October 19, 2016

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE BOARD
• ATS Environmental: Confidence in your Tank & Compliance Testing

• Bellomo Fuel: Exceptional Service, Aggressive Petroleum Marketing
Gill Energy: Getting you There!
TMP Energy Solutions: Another Way to Save On Your Energy Bills

POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC
• Participate in the NJGCA PAC today and help us keep our Agenda rolling in Trenton!

*NEW*Energy Information Agency Weekly Retail Gasoline Prices

JOIN NJGCA ON FACEBOOK -- CLICK HERE

TO SEE OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL -- CLICK HERE

                                                                                                                                                                 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: GREETINGS & SAL-UTATIONS!

23¢ GAS TAX INCREASE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

UPDATES: SUNOCO REWARDS PROGRAM, TOBACCO PURCHASE AGE 21 LEGISLATION, INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE FOR 2017.

UPCOMING EVENTS: BREAKFAST MEETING AT THE WEST 22 DINER IN SPRINGFIELD ON WEDS. OCT. 12, DINNER AND A SHOW TO SUPPORT THE NJGCA PAC IN RED BANK ON FRIDAY OCT. 21


Shortly after last week’s Road Warrior was sent out, a compromise agreement was reached between the Govenror and Legislative leaders to increase the gas tax by 23¢ and to pass various other tax decreases to “offset” the burden.  As distasteful as a gas tax is to motorists, it is equally distasteful to us.  A 23¢ increase adds $1,955 to each gas delivery that you receive. The elimination of the estate tax, however, will put tens of thousands of dollars in the hands of your children upon your passing, and allow them to keep the business you worked so hard to build.  In recent weeks NJGCA has been trying to convince legislators that a good compromise would be to lower the 23¢ tax increase to 18¢, but that suggestion fell on deaf ears.  In a private conversation with Senate President Sweeney, he indicated that he supports a phase-in of the gas tax, starting with 15¢ this year, but unfortunately Speaker Prieto didn't agree with that approach. So, here we are… You may have heard that the vote was supposed to take place on Wednesday or Thursday but is now scheduled for today, Friday.  The day’s events in Trenton started at 10:00 AM.  
 
Since people are hearing conflicting news reports and our phones have been ringing off the hook, I made a few phone calls to resolve the confusion surrounding when the tax will go into place.  We received assurances from all parties, including the person actually writing the legislation, that there will be 14 days between the Governor signing the bill and the tax becoming effective. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
 
For anyone still strugging to understand why NJGCA is not vehemently opposing the plan that is currently on the table, I recently came across an op-ed written by Asm. John Wisniewski, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee and original sponsor of legislation to increase the gas tax by 40¢.  Asm. Wisniewski knew that Republicans in Trenton would never agree to such an enormous increase in the gas tax, so he now wants to wait another year until Governor Christie is out of office, borrow money to fund the TTF for the time being, and then spring a larger gas tax on the citizens, without providing any of the tax relief or tax fairness initiatives that Republicans demanded. Today, we have the protection of a Republican Governor.  Next year, we probably won’t, and Democrats will have complete control.  Passing a gas tax increase NOW is the sensible thing to do, especially since it is impossible that NO money will be made available to fix potholes and repair roads and bridges.  We WILL spend money on infrastructure this year, the question is “where will it come from?”  Would an 18¢ increase have been less painful than 23¢?  Absolutely.  But is 23¢ and the elimination of the estate tax better than 40¢ with no tax cuts?  No question.  To read Assemblyman Wisniewski’s op-ed and better understand my fears and the realities we are facing, click HERE.

Next, I have a few quick updates for you on various topics:

Sunoco Rewards Program: Several weeks ago we discussed Sunoco’s introduction of a rewards program associated with Acme supermarkets.  We have been looking into it and have dealers reporting back to us after meeting with Sunoco.  What we have learned seems positive. Sunoco recognizes the rewards legislation that NJGCA worked hard to pass several years ago, and has acknowledged that they cannot charge any fees or burden the dealers with any costs associated with rewarding customers for their grocery purchases.  We understand that Sunoco dealers in other states all have to pay a $500 initiation fee and 4¢ per gallon when a customer redeems their rewards. We're still learning more and will report to you as we do. Bottom line: Sunoco dealers in New Jersey DO NOT have to pay the $500 or 4¢ a gallon for each gallon purchased.  Just the elimination of the $500 fee alone has allowed dealers to recoup more than the cost of one year of NJGCA membership dues.

Tobacco 21 Purchase Age:  NJGCA’s two-year battle to stop individual municipalities from changing the tobacco purchase age to 21 is something that small businesses across the entire country are facing.  Just last week, the 200th town in the US (ironically it was a town named Liberty) raised their purchase age to 21. NJGCA has successfully blocked the proposal in 5 towns across the state, but there are more than 15 towns in NJ with a new purchase age of 21.  The fact that this is a nationwide effort just makes me wonder how long it will be before there is a bill introduced in Congress to raise the federal age from 18 to 21.

Minimum Wage: FYI -- we will remind you several more times between now and January 1 but consider this your first notification! This is completely separate from the current efforts to raise the minimum age to $15/hour, but under the amendment that was passed two years ago, minimum wage increases on pace with inflation each year.  The minimum wage for 2017 will increase from $8.38 to $8.44. If you utilize a payroll company, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for notifying the company that rates are changing for your employees.
 
Finally, I want to inform you about two events that NJGCA is hosting in October.

October Diner Tour Meeting – Join us at the West 22 Diner on Weds. October 12th in Springfield, NJ (right near the old NJGCA office) at 9:30 AM.  We have much to discuss, and this is the opportunity for YOU to ask questions, voice concerns, and tell NJGCA what you think we should be working on and how we can HELP and SERVE you better. Plus, it’s a FREE BREAKFAST.  Those of you in Morris, Essex and Union counties should be receiving emails, and most of you will be receiving phone calls, too.  To make things a little bit easier for my staff and yours, simply reply to the email to let us know whether you can attend or not.  We look forward to seeing you!

NJGCA PAC Event – Dinner and a Show in Red Bank, NJ – You should have also all received emails about the great evening we have planned for Friday, October 21 in Red Bank.  We will start with a great dinner at Buona Sera Restaurant and then head over to the Count Basie Theater for a hilarious show poking fun at the current national election.  The group is called The Capitol Steps and you can click HERE to go to their website and see what they’re all about.  If you like good food and need to laugh at the state of politics today, you won’t want to miss this. Tickets are $300 each or $500 per couple. Your contributions will help NJGCA fight the important battles here in Trenton to make sure that good policy is supported and bad public policy doesn’t stand a chance!  Click HERE for the informational flyer and registration form.  Please make checks payable to NJGCA PAC.

Thanks for reading -- See you all next week!

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director 

                                                                                                                                                         

TRAINING CLASSES!!

All classes held at NJGCA HQ -- 4900 Route 33 West, Wall Township, NJ 07753

In order to be licensed as a Motor Vehicle Emission Inspector, you must complete this course and pass a "Written Exam" given by the State of New Jersey. NJGCA offers this training in a ONE DAY State approved training program that will provide an understanding of inspection related issues including EPA Regulations, Safety, Diesel, Customer Service and the New Jersey State Specific Curriculum. This specially tailored NJGCA course fulfills all requirements.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CLASS DETAILS:
Class Date
: Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Class Location: NJGCA Headquarters -- 4900 Route 33 West, Wall Twp, NJ 07753
Arrival Time: 7:00am (coffee and donuts will be served)
Lunch Break: 12:00pm (Pizza and soda will be served)
NJMVC Test: 1:00pm


CLASS FEES:
NJGCA Members:
$250.00
Non-members: $300.00

Manuals are included and payment is due upon registration. All credit cards are accepted.

License Fee: Bring a $50.00 check made payable to NJMVC to satisfy the State's licensing fee.

PLEASE NOTE: If you live out of state, you must bring 6 points of ID with you, such as a license, passport, healthcare card, utility bill, etc.

FUTURE CLASSES WILL BE ADDED UPON REQUEST AND ACCORDING TO DEMAND. CONTACT DEBBIE at 732-256-9646 or DEBBIE@NJGCA.ORG TO LET HER KNOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING A SPECIFIC CLASS.  THIS WILL ALLOW US TO GAUGE YOUR NEEDS AND KEEP TRACK OF THOSE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE!!

                                                                                                                                                                         


 CLASSIFIEDS! -- FOR SALE & HELP WANTED ADS


NJGCA MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER GILL ENERGY LOOKING TO HIRE FOR (3) DIFFERENT POSITIONS!

District Manager
Store Manager
Trucking Operations Manager


For more information about these positions, and to submit a resume for consideration, please contact: ravigill@gillenergy.com.

                                                                                                                                                                        

NEWS AROUND THE STATE: THE NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW


10/06/2016:
Gas tax deal author: This funds roads, bridges, provides tax relief | Opinion
Written by Senator Steven Oroho
To fund our roads and bridges, we need a reliable, dedicated source of revenue for the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).  So I have worked with Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) for months on a bipartisan plan to accomplish that goal. Gov. Christie, Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) have reached a compromise that includes the first broad-based tax relief for New Jersey residents since 1994. In exchange for a 23¢ per-gallon increase in the gas tax, lawmakers are set to approve $1.4 billion in tax cuts. Sarlo and I support the agreement, which will annually invest a record $2 billion over eight years to improve transportation across New Jersey, with several hundreds or thousands of dollars in net tax relief for all New Jerseyans. This plan achieves tax fairness by implementing a series of tax cuts that far exceed the increase in the gas tax. Without the revenue from that increase, which is partially paid for by the out-of-state drivers who use our roads and bridges, our state's taxpayers will be forced to subsidize roads that are used by vehicles from across the country. In crafting this agreement, I insisted on tax cuts to offset the gas tax increase, and this legislation delivers on that promise in a number of areas.  To read more about the tax cuts and incentives offered in the plan, clickabove.
 
10/04/2016:
Man robbed 3 gas stations in minutes in broad daylight, officials say
Authorities said a man held-up three gas stations in Camden County in brazen daytime robberies Tuesday, all within 37 minutes of each other. The Camden County prosecutor's office is asking the public to help them find the suspect by identifying his vehicle. The man wielded a black handgun and demanded money from attendants at the gas stations — all Citgo stations located on Route 130 in Pennsauken and Haddon Township. He then took off in a dark color Jeep SUV that may have had Pennsylvania plates, according to a press release from the prosecutor's office. He robbed the gas station at Route 130 and Westfield Avenue in Pennsauken at 1:13 p.m., then the station at 6859 S. Route 130 in Pennsauken at 1:47 p.m., followed by the station at 2920 Route 130 in Haddon Township at 1:50 p.m., according to the release. No one was injured in any of the stick-ups. The prosecutor's office described the suspect as a white male, medium build and approximately 5’8 to 5’10 in height.  He has brown hair and a brown beard. No one should approach the vehicle or the suspect if they see him, the release said, but should call 911.
 
09/22/2016:
Sluggish EMV Adoption Rates
New survey results from The Strawhecker Group (TSG) revealed that EMV acceptance among card-accepting merchants is not as high as it was expected to be by this time. According to the survey results, it is estimated that only 44% of U.S. card-accepting merchants have EMV terminals. TSG also found that as we approach the one-year anniversary of the EMV liability shift, 29% of U.S. merchants are actually able to accept chip-based transactions. TSG’s previous survey of payment processors and other payment providers completed in January estimated that over 50% would have an EMV terminal by this time, showing a slower pace of implementation than expected. “EMV merchant adoption has slowed down a bit, at least comparatively speaking to our last EMV survey results in January 2016,” said Jared Drieling, business intelligence manager at TSG.  Approximately 1/3 merchants have activated EMV systems (ability to accept chip on chip transactions) despite the larger base of U.S. merchants with EMV terminals in place. By December 2016, it is estimated that consumers will be able to use their chip-based credit and debit cards at 51% of U.S. merchant locations. The survey also indicated that over 60% of respondents have experienced an increase in the number of chargebacks due to a lack of EMV compliance. “It is clear that non-EMV compliant merchants have felt the impact of the liability shift,” said Drieling.

                                                                                                                                                                  

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE BOARD:






TMP Energy Solutions

Another Way to Save on Your Energy Bills

We have had a number of NJGCA members successfully reduce their rate per kWh signing up through our energy saving program. We know it's difficult to collect 12 months worth of previous electric bills to get an "accurate" analysis when comparing a variable rate to a fixed rate, but we now have another option available. 

This new solution is a power purchase option; the other program is still in full force and has saved members thousands of dollars. If you sign up for the power purchase option, you will be grouped with other NJGCA members until the minimum kW demand is acquired. By pooling the member's usage together, you will be able to take advantage, as large energy users do, and receive a lower kWh rate.

Each member will receive their own contract. Each member is responsible to sign and return the agreement the day it is received in order to secure the price for their group.

Please do your due diligence, so when you receive the proposal and the agreement you will be able to make an intelligent decision.

If by chance, you still want us to assess you bills, to give you a price to compare, we will require 12 months of your most recent utility bills.

There are no bills required, but we would still like to have one bill per meter on file to check account #'s, meter #'s  service addresses and other pertinent information incase there is a problem.

The term of the agreement is for 12 months. During this term period, you will have price protection against any energy price increases along with a low fixed kWh rate.

If you are interested in becoming part of this power purchase option, please contact Greg Cannon at the NJGCA.

Remember when you sign up your energy through the NJGCA Energy Program, TMP makes a considerable donation to the NJGCA Scholarship Fund through their proceeds. This has no affect on your rate, and costs you nothing out of pocket.

We hope to help hundreds of NJGCA members reduce their utility costs by participating in this and our other cost reduction programs.  Our purpose, in the endeavor, is to help NJGCA members lower their energy costs while supporting the NJGCA Scholarship Fund. 

Contact GREG CANNON at 732-256-9646 or email Greg at greg@njgca.org. Mention that you are interested in saving money on your energy bills. NJGCA & TMP Energy Solutions will handle all the rest. 

                                                                                                                                                                        

POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC

DEFENDING OUR MEMBERS.
PROTECTING YOUR INTERESTS.
ANSWER THE CALL & CONTRIBUTE TODAY!!

Promoting our agenda in Trenton is of utmost importance to NJGCA and our members.

However, in order to truly affect the debate, we must ensure our friends in the Legislature are re-elected. It is for this reason that your Association has established the NJGCA PAC.

For too long, the weight of funding our Political Action Committee, the arm of the Association responsible for political donations, has rested upon a few. This is not only unfair to those few members who have shouldered this burden, but means we are not utilizing our full strength to affect the debate in Trenton.

To truly understand the importance of supporting our allies, consider our successes in Trenton:

We defeated BELOW COST SELLING
We made history in getting FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL signed into law!
We have built large support for RIGHT TO REPAIR and got it passed out of the Assembly
We defended your small business against the false accusations of Attorney General Anne Milgram
We gained wide support to move New Jersey to an all PIF Inspection System and close the CIF lanes
...and MUCH MORE!!

In each instance, we achieved these goals with the help of our friends in the Legislature!

If every member contributes just $100.00 we will be able to provide the help necessary to ensure victory for our allies. 

PLEASE SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO:
NJGCA PAC
4900 Route 33 West, Suite 100
Wall Township, NJ 07753
Please make your donation payable to NJGCA PAC

I understand that times are tough for all NJGCA members, but this is just as important as any battle we have fought in the past.

We have made great progress in Trenton. I hope that you will answer the call. 

                                                                                                                                     

*NEW*Energy Information Agency Weekly Retail Gasoline Prices

Each week, the Energy Information Administration publishes a list of average gasoline prices for the previous three weeks. NJGCA will begin including this list with the Weekly Road Warrior.  Remember, these prices are for reflective of self-serve everywhere except NJ.