February 8, 2024

North Jersey Gas Station Robber

Its definitely worth taking a few minutes to watch this report from NBC 4 yesterday, of a gas attendant at a station in Clifton who fought off an armed robber with a squeegee. The thief left with nothing, but had just robbed another station in Bergen County and is the prime suspect in an armed robbery of a Paterson c-store a few hours earlier. 

The robber got away and is still on the loose. If you have a station in North Jersey make sure you and your staff and taking extra safety precautions, and make sure to keep as little cash on hand as possible. It's particularly concerning that this thief was willing to commit these crimes in the middle of the day in broad daylight.

While it's hard not to admire the guts of the attendant (who even managed to break the jerks' windshield too), he did really risk his life here, as the robber points the gun straight at him at close range several times and seems to choose that it wasn't worth shooting and getting an attempted murder charge (or worse). Other criminals may not make the same choice in that situation. There have been attendants killed in robberies over the years. 

The story also shows the importance of having good security camera footage, and having every spot inside and outside the location covered by at least one camera. Hopefully they will catch the guy, and when they do the footage from all 3 locations will tie to him to multiple robberies much better than just a witness description would. Getting a look at the thief and his vehicle from multiple angles should also help police. 

Also, make sure you have insurance to cover events like this, and that it's fully paid and up to date. 

Contact Nick@njgca.org or Joe@njgca.org if you need any recommendations 732-256-9646. 

Taking Advantage of Your NJGCA Benefits to Save a Few Bucks

Small business owners are continually seeking ways to streamline costs, create efficiencies, and improve profits. This is only natural, as any dollars saved will mean making your payroll, meeting obligations, reinvesting in your business – and paying yourself – a little easier. This is an admirable mindset, but sometimes helpful resources go unnoticed in helping you meet those goals.

Last week we heard from a member asking for advice on how he could save on his monthly overhead.  The discussion yielded a few unexpected observations, one of which we thought to share here.

After a few minutes chatting, we learned that our member was not making good use of the Member Benefit Partner (MBP) program to save money. Of particular interest was his workers’ compensation insurance, and the failure to potentially realize a cash dividend every year.

Taking a step back, if you are an employer in New Jersey, you are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage. And though premium rates are set by law, and there are multiple agencies with which you can give your business, not every program has a history of returning a premium dividend to policyholders—but NJGCA does!

For 20 years, AmeriTrust has partnered with NJGCA to provide workers’ compensation to small business owners. They know our industries, and unlike other programs, there is a potential dividend payment each year to NJGCA members in good standing.

And though there can never be a guaranteed dividend paid out (no one can predict the number of claims that will be submitted or assessed each year), AmeriTrust has a reliable track record of consistently returning a portion of the premium paid to policyholders. No one else does that for our industry, as consistently, as AmeriTrust does.

While workers’ compensation rates are standardized, the possibility of a dividend is akin to a “discount savings” or “found money” on what is otherwise a mandatory yearly fixed cost of doing business.

This is a very successful program for Association members. We have yet to meet any small business owner (or individual, for that matter) who wouldn’t appreciate keeping a few extra dollars for yourself.  This a no-brainer.  Everyone should be taking advantage of it and saving money.

If you are interested in speaking to someone about this program, please contact Nick@njgca.org or Joe@njgca.org and ask them to put you in touch with the folks at AmeriTrust. 

Paid Family Leave Expansion pushed again

A few weeks ago we told you about a bill that would require businesses with more than 5 employees be legally required to bring back any employee who used the state paid family leave program (up to 12 weeks) when the leave is over, and to bring them in at the same job, with the same pay and hours as before they left or be subject to fines and lawsuits. This is already a requirement for businesses with more than 30 employees. The bill expired without becoming law in January, but has become a priority for Assembly Speaker Coughlin. You can read our comments HERE. The bill passed the Assembly Labor Committee on Monday and is scheduled for a vote by the Assembly on Monday. 

If you're curious as to what the mindset is behind some of these bills, several of the advocates for the bill said the biggest problem with it was that it still exempted businesses with 5 or fewer employees, and that it should be expanded to cover all businesses. One person testifying explicitly said that small business owners should simply 'work harder' during those 12 weeks when an employee is gone. 

Welcome to New Members

A few new members have joined recently, we welcome them and thank them for their support. Every member should feel free to reach out anytime about anything. Joe@njgca.org can help with questions about the industry and recommendations for services and our special programs, Nick@njgca.org can help with issues with the State (DEP, MVC, DOL, etc), and Eric@njgca.org for any questions about our lobbying efforts in Trenton. All can be reached at 732-256-9646.

If any member would like to have this email be sent to additional (staff or family) or different email addresses, let us know at info@njgca.org 

If you know anyone in your neighborhood who may not be a member, we would appreciate your recommendation! This brochure may be helpful. The more members we have, the stronger we all are! You can also send their info to Joe to reach out directly. 

Rack Averages

News Worth Knowing:

Member Benefit Partner (MBP) Spotlight: World Insurance NJGCA Health Plan

Available exclusively for members, regardless of the number of employees.

The plan used for the association uses a suite of ACA Compliant plans in a way that allows small businesses to have the buying power of very large businesses.  It uses a variety of parts, which working together, provide the overall medical benefits to the members, but also create cost-saving features to keep premiums stable. This helps us avoid the unpredictable, large increases typically seen in the small business health insurance market.

Some of the features and parts of the plan include:

Amongst our multiple plan designs, it also offers a choice of three provider networks.The provider networks work to manage the costs of the provider services. All three networks are national networks, allowing our members to utilize “in-network” services anywhere in the country.  The networks are Cigna, United Healthcare, and PHCS. 

The third party administrator, Acuity Group, is an experienced administrator, handling the customer service directly to the members. They issue ID cards, monitor and explain claims status and payments and they are available for any help the members need.  

It offers telemedicine, which is not only convenient, but is a cost savings too!  SwiftMD is a true telemedicine service, which members can use for some of the typical routine visits to doctors, but at any time and without leaving their home.  No copay is charged for the service and they truly believe when a member uses their service, they will want to continue using it.

The pharmacy management company, TrueScripts, is an important component in keeping premiums lower. Prescription drugs can be a very expensive part of health coverage. TrueScripts works to find the correct drug, but at the lowest cost.  

Modern technology plays a part as well, as with Cix Health, which manages the smartphone application available to all members. By utilizing the app, members can access their ID cards, explanation of benefits, contact SwiftMD, and much more.  

It also uses HST Technology which helps with the pricing with facilities and out of network expenses, as well as working on behalf of members with providers who are engaging in balance billing and other issues.

Finally, Sirius Point handles the stop loss coverage. It is an A-rated insurance carrier, which provides payments for the larger claims.

These features all work together to help offer a great health insurance product to the members, while controlling the costs and offering stable premiums for the employers.
 

Contact: Joe Amato, Jr., 800-763-6574 ext. 412 NJGCA@worldinsurance.com 

Available Real Estate

Station for Sale

Thriving High Profit Gas/Service Station close to Major Highway in Prime Location. 

This Exclusive Gas Station is the Sole Provider in the entire town, achieving a remarkable fuel profit of up to and sometimes over 1$ a gallon. Consistently selling 45,000 gallons monthly. Most fuel customers come from Highway so fuel prices do not have to be competitive. 

Also included with the Property is a Reputable High End Auto Repair Facility. Repair shop has all required Specialty and Diagnostic Tools for servicing mostly High End Vehicles. Advertising is no longer used do to an enormous Demand and large Customer Base. Repair Business has has potential for increased profitability and expansion, the business is open to experienced buyers for a possible partnership or profit sharing arrangement. Location is 1 out of 100. Fuel sales make 20-40K a month and repairs can do the same with the right operator. 

This one of a kind opportunity can include seller financing for those with High-Level Automotive or Gas Station Experience.

Contact Greg
908-291-7845

Cape Harbor Shell

795 Route 109

Unit B

Lower Township, NJ, 08204

CLICK HERE to view the listing

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