MESSAGE FROM THE NJLSA by Paul Santelle
2010: A NEW YEAR -- IN A NEW DECADE THAT WILL BRING NEW CHALLENGES TO EVERYONE CONNECTED TO OUR INDUSTRY!
“Happy New Year!” is a greeting that in spite of the weather and cyclical downturn of January business always encourages the positive and optimistic side of those who say it as well as those who receive it. However, when considering our economy and the challenging nature of our industry, it is hard for a lot of us to say those words with the genuine feeling they are intended to convey. I strongly believe that greeting is one of the few positive aspects of January that helps a lot of us get through the first month or two of the New Year. To many, myself included, the end of January is one month closer to the beginning of spring and the promise of better days waiting in the not to distant future.
Continuing right along on positive notes, the NJLSA is happy to report on two positive legislative fronts. The first relates to the two-license battle where an all-encompassing coalition of the State’s alcohol industry was able to thwart any lame duck antics on this major issue that is primarily supported by out of state interests. All indications are that our new Governor will not support any consideration of legislation that puts into jeopardy the livelihoods of any segment of the State’s small business community, especially State based businesses. Unfortunately, along with our incoming Governor, we also have a new Senate President along with a new Speaker of the Assembly and that means we will have to work hard to forge a new relationship with the two senior legislative positions that had previously supported our position on the two license challenge.
The second positive note for January relates to the passage of the sampling legislation for beer and spirits. As of the deadline for this submission, the bill was sitting on Governor Corzine’s desk awaiting his signature for final passage. This bill will permit all off-premise retail licenses to allow consumers to taste and sample beer and spirits in your store the same way you can do in-store wine samplings. The NJLSA worked hard to further this cause which should allow participating retailers to increase customer traffic as well as better educate consumers about new and established products in your stores. You can go to our website and down load a .PDF version of this final bill, which will be subject to some additional input by the ABC before it takes effect in early spring.
2010 will unquestionably be a year that will test and challenge all of us throughout the entire year. This will be a year when we will need to focus on every detail that relates to our bottom line as well as our operating environment. To be a successful retailer, in this day and age, you need to be connected to more than just your customer. You need to be connected to your industry and everything connected to it from legislative issues to new product launches. Your long term success as a retailer is predicated on your full understanding and comprehension of everything that is constantly changing the complexion of your industry. I have been active in our industry for over 20 years and I can attest to the fact that one person can have a positive impact for the entire industry by supporting your industry on pertinent issues.
In the coming year the NJLSA will be looking for members to get more active and connected to our industry and our association. We will be having hosting a series of general membership meetings this year that are open to any retailer in our industry that wants to get connected. Please feel free to go to our website and click on the “membership” menu tab and then click the tab to “register to attend a general membership meeting”. We will be looking to do at least three and maybe four of these meetings through the state (i.e. south, north, central and shore) and your pre-registering will help us determine the size of the meeting accommodations required. This will be a year that the NJLSA would like to engage more retailers to directly participate and support our industry. Please make a commitment to take some time out of your busy work routine and make some time to support the NJLSA volunteers that work tirelessly to support your industry.
In the coming year, the NJLSA looks forward to working with all of our industry affiliates and associates that include the ABL, NJLBA, AARA, NJRA as well of the New Jersey Beer Wholesalers Association and the Wine & Spirits Wholesaler Association of New Jersey. We also look forward to working with the BEV-MEDIA network that supports the platform for which this MESSAGE FROM THE NJLSA is delivered to you every month. Additionally, we will be working with the Division of ABC through its Advisory Committee and a long list of other State Law Enforcement Associations as well as other New Jersey based business and industry associations and even national industry related associations that include the Century Council and DISCUS to name a few. Obviously, we are part of an extensive network and coalition that supports our industry and that is something that we all can benefit from by getting connected.
Finally, I would like to report that the NJLSA has set Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 as the date for this year’s 5th Annual HOLIDAY TRADE SHOW. Once again, this show will be at the New Jersey Exposition and Convention Center at the Raritan Center in Edison. This year’s show already promises to be bigger and better than last year. We are making more adjustments at the facility that will include additional bus shuttle service from the over flow parking areas as well as more amenities for show attendees. Please be sure to mark your calendars!!!
MAKE THE EFFORT TO GET CONNECTED TO YOUR INDUSTRY!!!
Thank you to all of our members who sent in their annual dues and for anyone else considering joining the NJLSA please go to our website to get more information on how you can help us, help you, by sending in your dues along with your political ‘6-Pac’ donations. The time to get connected – IS NOW!!!
Go to www.NJLSA.com for more information regarding:
Membership, Legislative Updates and our Holiday Trade Show
DRINK RESPONSIBLY, DRIVE RESPONSIBLY!!!
