MEGA SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Inside

Transcription

NOZZLE & WRENCH
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Inside
Protecting
Your Business
SCHEDULE
at-a-glance
The Year
in Review
MEGA SHOW
HIGHLIGHTS
$5,000.00
Cash Prize
New Vendors
Show Specials
Education Sessions
Social Events
Networking
Opportunities
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
l n
ia io
ec t
p n
S ve ue
s
on Is
C
Anant Patel (left)
Crude Oil Trader with
ExxonMobil Refining & Supply
and
Bob Aenchbacher (right)
General Manager for U.S. Installer Sales
with Castrol
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ADVERTISERS INDEX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alger Electric ..................................................................6
Editorial: Can You Survive Your Government? ............................................2
Benjamin F. Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. ............22
Carroll Motor Fuels ........................Inside Back Cover
Century Distributors, Inc.............................................31
On the Legislative Front: Protecting Your Business ..................................4
Kirk’s Korner: A Look at the Convention Highlights....................................7
Chesapeake Automotive Equipment ..........................3
Coastal Trash ..................................................................2
Mega Show Schedule at a Glance ..............................................................9
Dana Insurance & Risk Management ........................4
Ewing Oil Company ........................Inside Front Cover
First Merchant Services ............................................26
Mega Show Activities and Educational Seminars ..................................10
2014 Keynote Speakers ................................................................................11
Intelicom, Inc. ..............................................................16
Maryland Pump & Tank ................................................5
Mega Show Specials ....................................................................................12
MTD Services, Inc. ......................................................15
Petroleum Marketing Group, Inc...............................17
PPC Lubricants ............................................................24
Mega Show Convention Sponsors..............................................................14
Mega Show Golf at the Beach Sponsors ..................................................15
Six Flags America ........................................................20
Spigler Petroleum Equipment, LLC..............................8
Mega Show Exhibitors ..................................................................................17
Wills Group....................................Outside Back Cover
As I See It: Why Not Go to Ocean City? ....................................................18
WMDA/CAR PAC ..........................................................19
Frankly Speaking: Unsung Heroes ..............................................................19
CAR Talk: Freeloaders....................................................................................21
CAR Talk: Satisfying the Customer ................................................................23
Benefits of Membership................................................................................23
General Counsel Corner:
The Franchise Industry Receives a Jolt ....................................................25
Association Leaders Meet with Oil Companies and Suppliers..............27
1532 Pointer Ridge Place, Suite G • Bowie, MD 20716
301-390-0900 • Fax: 301-390-3161
E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.wmda.net
Marta Gates – Editor
Frank Lang – Graphic Designer
Nozzle & Wrench is published once a year by the Washington,
Maryland, Delaware Service Station & Automotive Repair
Association. Editorial copy inquiries should be directed to Marta
Gates, Editor.
The Year in Review ........................................................................................28
WMDA/CAR Officers and Board of Directors ..........................................30
WMDA/CAR Endorsed Member Benefits & Services Providers ..........32
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EDITORIAL
CAN YOU SURVIVE YOUR GOVERNMENT?
by Roy Littlefield
TIA Executive Vice President
“We have met the enemy and it is us.”
While government is intended to protect you and your
business, do you sometimes wonder how much easier
everything would be if you were not under siege with new
laws and burdensome regulations?
Because of the importance of this issue, Murf’s Turf has
now been moved to Saturday morning this year to give
more attendees an opportunity to participate in this lively
exchange.
• Congress delayed until next year any decisions on
how to fund the new transportation bill. What new
sources of revenue are being considered and what
impact will it have on my bottom line? What should
we do? What can we do?
• Will we see more OSHA and MOSH inspections as
agencies look to raise money in a time of
government budget cuts?
• For the past two years we have participated in
hearings on tire aging. Wouldn’t a periodic motor
vehicle safety inspection program be a better way to
address the issue?
Comptroller and
“2014 Small Business
Advocate of the Year”
Peter Franchot
• How do I comply with Obamacare when I can’t get
the same answer from any two “experts” on any
aspect of the law?
• What is voluntary tire registration and what do I have
COASTAL TRASH SOLUTIONS
6881 Archibold Drive
Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Contact: Ian Djuric
Phone: (410) 490-3769
Email: [email protected]
2
• If I am using the LIFO accounting system for tax
purposes, what impact will it have on my tax bill if it
is repealed?
• Who is pushing the proposal to require you to pay
time and a half for work over 40 hours to all
managers and assistant managers who are on salary?
Comptroller and “2014 Small
Business Advocate of the
Year” Peter Franchot, will join
Kirk McCauley and me in a
question and answer session
moderated by the “younger
and better looking” Roy
Littlefield. The panel will
respond to your questions,
such as:
• As more and more
members
purchase
these facilities, why is it
a top small business
legislative priority to
repeal the estate tax?
to do to avoid a potential fine of $10,000 per tire I
sell because I am not obeying a law I don’t know
anything about?
What a mess we have in the halls of government on the
city, state, and federal levels. It is a personal
embarrassment to admit that we are part of the process.
The voting booths across America in November 2014 will
hold the answer to the question “who are the winners and
losers” in the on-going budget debate.
Until then, we still have to muddle along and speak out for
the good of the industry.
This brings me to a serious personal concern – that of
government regulation. At times it appears that whenever
lawmakers want to get their names in the media, they
propose some new restriction or tax on our industry.
Proposals impacting on our industry do get the headlines
because they affect virtually every citizen in the nation.
A qualitative shift in the nature of U.S. government
involvement over the past three decades has given a new
coherence to the business circle most actively opposed to
it. Industry-specific regulation has usually developed with
some degree of industry cooperation, while general
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regulation has been far more adversarial in origin and
implementation.
At the forefront of these new overarching regulations are
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
and their ever-growing state counterparts.
Our lawmakers seem to forget at times that the primary
aim of all government regulation of the economic life of
the community should be not to supplant the system of
private enterprise, but to help make it work. Too frequently
they turn their back on the advice that President Kennedy
offered, and that was… ”I do not believe that Washington
should do for the people what they can do for themselves
through local and private efforts.”
We must do a better job individually and collectively of
telling our legislators to allow the system to work.
We are experiencing a world-wide desire of people for
freedom and for the free enterprise system. Our form of
government has been the dream of millions of people
throughout the world and yet our government at times
seems bent on choking off our very lifeblood… and that is
the free enterprise system.
Government at all levels – local, state, and federal – must
do everything possible to promote America’s ability to
compete. Our elected representatives must make the
connection between the cost of legislation they are
considering and its effect on our efforts to improve
America’s competitive position.
Every action that they take should be put to a litmus test,
and that is: “Will it help or will it hinder our ability to
compete as a nation?”
We are out of time and we are out of patience with those
officials who have not given the small business community
the support it needs for the business community in turn to
provide the jobs, the income, the tax revenues, and the
opportunities that our nation needs so badly.
We will try to take these challenges on during Murf’s Turf
on September 27 in Ocean City, in conjunction with
WMDA’s Convention and Mega Trade Show.
Murf’s Turf has been moved to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and
will be held in the Clarion Ballroom, immediately following
the Awards Breakfast. There is no fee for this session, and
you do not have to attend the Awards Breakfast to attend
Murf’s Turf.
◆
Most small business operators are frustrated with
government involvement in their businesses. To a small
businessman, it seems that whenever a bureaucrat gets
involved in some aspect of his or her business, the
problem becomes more complicated and the solution
simply unattainable. When we recently went to EPA to
discuss their proposed lead weight ban, I was in an
elevator with an EPA official. He told me that he was going
to the 8th floor. But instead of pushing the “8” button, he
pushed the “5” and then the “3.” How typical!
Government regulation in Washington has required us to
become safety and environmental specialists, in fact
almost chemists, with an alphabet soup of potpourri of
acronyms like TREAD, TPMS, EWS, EPA, OTAG, LEV, NOX,
VOX, organic chemicals, oxygenates, MTB, ETB, ethanol,
CNG, NPL, M85, E85, RVP, OPRG, SIRA, NAAQS, RCRA
and, of course, one of my favorites – LUST.
Definitely tongue twisters but all part of a new fabric of
doing business in a changing environment.
The simultaneous rise of government intervention and the
fall of company profits suggest the immediate genesis of a
rising corporate activism. Greater overall planning, as a
result, must be assumed more by business and less by
government.
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O N T H E L E G I S L AT I V E F R O N T
PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS
by Roy Littlefield, IV
WMDA Legislative Intern
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY BUSINESS? FIND OUT AT THE INDUSTRY ISSUES FORUM!
If you are a business owner, the Industry Issues Forum is a
must attend event this year in Ocean City! With an everchanging industry, there are more questions now than ever
before on what the future holds for your business.
is essential that we ramp up our legislative efforts this year
and unite as an industry against practices and laws that the
government is trying to harmfully impose on your small
business.
This year, the forum has been expanded and opened up to
the general membership to provide a more compressive
overview of the issues affecting us on the state and federal
level. The forum will take place Friday, September 26 at the
Ocean City Convention Center beginning at 12:30 p.m.
This year we put a particular emphasis on our legislative
efforts as we encourage owners to hear from a variety of
industry leaders and representatives on issues that will
affect your business on both a state and federal level.
With so many hot button issues on the floor for debate, it
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The Industry Issues Forum gives dealers and repair shop
owners the opportunity to see what issues affect them on
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Take the advantage of this rare opportunity to hear directly from industry
leaders on a variety of issues that directly affect you and your business.
the state level such as storm water management, gas
taxes, sick leave, tire aging, Stage II, minimum wage,
transportation funding, and sales tax on service, safety
inspections, and decentralized VEP, to name a few.
In addition, the forum addresses federal issues such as the
estate tax, right to repair, highway funding, healthcare, fair
labor standards issues, overtime, OSHA regulations and
proposals, voluntary tire registration, Keystone XL
pipeline, LIFO repeal, and more.
We will ask: How do these issues affect my business? What
can I do to protect my business? What options do we have
in the next session? How have other states combatted
these issues?
Both service station dealers and repair shops owners
should be concerned with the legislative climate.
Speakers at the forum include lawyers, representatives
from weights and measure, air management personnel,
representatives from the Comptroller’s office, API, AAA,
distributors, and others from around the country. We
must come together as an industry to speak in one
powerful voice. Be sure that your business is represented
at the Industry Issues Forum.
The issues covered will be important for both service
station dealers and repair shops owners in the interest of
their businesses. Take the advantage of this rare
opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders on a
variety of issues that directly affect you and your
business.
And don’t forget that following the legislative forum there
will be an educational session on periodic and electronic
inspections which will be conducted by industry leaders
and the Maryland State Police. Repair shop owners and
owners of stations with bays are encouraged to attend. ◆
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KIRK’S KORNER
A LOOK AT THE CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
by Kirk McCauley
Director of Member Relations & Government Affairs
I want to talk about some of the highlights of this year’s
annual Convention and Mega Trade Show in Ocean City.
On Thursday, September 25, we start the day with the Fall
Golf Tournament at the pristine Rum Pointe Seaside Golf
Links. Shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. If you golf, this is the
place you want to be!
Thursday night we own Seacrets, one of the top night
clubs on the East Coast from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Get your
tickets and come join us for food, drink, music and fun!
The Industry Issues Forum is a “must stop” on Friday,
September 26, from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. at the Ocean City
Convention Center. Participants include:
• MDE - Chris Ralston
• MD Department of Agriculture, Weights and
Measures - Ken Ramsburg
• Comptroller’s Office, Enforcement Division - Chuck Ulm
• National Expert on Environmental Issues (dealing
with under ground storage tanks and piping) - Ad
Hoc Committee Chairman Tom Schruben
• Attorneys Harry Storm, Peter Gunst and James Parson
• Executive Director Roy Littlefield
• SSDA-AT Board Director Billy Hillmuth
• WMDA/CAR President Rick Agoris
• SSDA-AT Board Members: Ralph Bombardiere from
NYASSRS, Carla Obalde SSDGNY, Nancy Maricondi
PRARA, and Pat LaVecchia AFPD
• Eric Dana of DANA Insurance and Risk Management
• WMDA/CAR Board Members Mel Sherbert and Bob
Weber
• Ellen Valentino of MAPDA
• Drew Cobb, Director Eastern Region, API
• Lon Anderson of AAA Mid-Atlantic
There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this
seminar, and well worth your time to come and soak some
of it in for FREE!
The Mega Show opens at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The CAR
Committee has put up their own money to hold a drawing on
the Trade Show floor for a package of 3 iPads ($1,200 value).
Make sure you are there with your postcard entry you should
have received in the mail. That could be your ticket to win!
For some of our Exxon/Mobil and Ocean Petroleum
dealers, this year’s Convention & Mega Trade Show has a
lot of opportunities to meet and become acquainted with
the personnel from their new suppliers. Southside Oil will
be represented, and some of their Exxon stations were in
the Customer Service Contest for the first time in years.
Dealers can meet the Southside folks in the Sunoco
Hospitality Suite on Friday night from 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. in
the host hotel, the Clarion Fontainebleau.
Ocean Petroleum dealers that have not yet had the
opportunity to meet all the people at PMG will have ample
opportunity in the PMG Hospitality Suite.
SMO/PEH, Repair Facilities, Carroll Branded Fuels, and
Ewing Oil will also have Hospitality Suites. Friday night
come to the Clarion and have plenty of fun, socialize with
your suppliers, and meet people that you would not
normally get a chance to meet. Hospitality suites are FREE!
Saturday, September 27, kicks off with the Awards
Breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Clarion Fontainebleau
and we will have a special Keynote Speaker, Mr. Anant
Patel of Exxon/Mobil. After the member awards are
presented, we will welcome our next Keynote Speaker,
Bob Aenchbacher of Castrol and then we will start the
Harry T. Murphy Customer Service Contest.
Murf’s Turf Town Hall Meeting - The Small Businessman’s
Survival Guide, begins at 10:00 a.m. in the same room. Murf’s
Turf will feature Comptroller Peter Franchot and Executive
Director Roy Littlefield in a town hall style Questions and
Answers session that should be very interesting.
On to the Mega Show again which opens at 11:30 a.m.
at the Convention Center, and a $5,000 drawing for
attendees that are present and entered (drawing at
3:30 p.m.). Almost forgot, for good measure, $1,000
dollars in prizes will be given out every 15 minutes for the
last hour of the show (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.) leading up to the
big drawing at 3:30 p.m. (must be present to win). Plus we
will still have all our normal drawings and prizes.
See you at the Ocean!
◆
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2014 WMDA CONVENTION & MEGA TRADE SHOW
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2014 • OCEAN CITY CONVENTION CENTER • OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Please
Note!
Educational Sessions, Mega Trade Show, and Hospitality Suites
are open to all members at NO COST, if registered by September 23.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Golf Tournament – 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start**
Welcome Reception**
Rum Pointe Golf Links
Seacrets
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
SSDA-AT Board of Directors Meeting
O.C. Convention Center
WMDA Board of Directors & General Membership Meeting
Grille on the Bay**
Spouse Activity – The Gem Mineral & Jewelry Show*
Industry Issues Forum
• Tire Aging Issue
• MOSH Update
• Stage II Update
Inspection Educational Session – Maryland State Police: Electronic Inspections
C-Store Educational Session – Game On: Taking On Top Tier Competition
Mega Trade Show with Reception from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Hospitality Suites
Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
7:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Awards Breakfast and
Harry T. Murphy Customer Service Contest Awards Presentation**
Murf’s Turf Town Hall Meeting –
The Small Businessman’s Survival Guide
• Future of Automotive Repair
• Estate Planning
• Obamacare
• Wage and Hours
Spouse Activity – The Gem Mineral & Jewelry Show*
Mega Trade Show
Trade Show Finale featuring
Grand Prize Drawings, Band and Reception
* The Gem Mineral & Jewelry Show – Complimentary tickets for the first 75 registrants (first come, first serve – registration required).
** Registration fee applies. Schedule subject to change.
Register online at www.wmda.net.
Free admission is restricted to owners and personnel of service stations and repair shops only. Requests submitted by suppliers not
exhibiting in the Mega Show, regardless of membership status, will be assessed a fee of $200.00 per attendee for a one day trade show
only pass; event tickets can be purchased ala carte.
Soliciting on the trade show floor is prohibited and strictly enforced. Violators will be escorted out, by way of security, and registration
fee will be forfeited.
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ACTIVITIES & EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Golf Tournament at Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links*
Join us at Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links for a day of fun in the sun.
Scramble format, 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. Continental breakfast, lunch,
drink tickets and goodie prizes are included. Club rental is available by
request. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $165.00 per golfer.
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception/Jamaican Beach Party at Seacrets*
Experience Ocean City’s home of the true Jamaican Beach Party at
Seacrets! DJ, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and open bar. Come dressed in your
favorite beach attire. Tickets are available at $55.00 per person.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
WMDA Board of Directors & General Membership Meeting
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Grille on the Bay Behind the Ocean City Convention Center*
Take in the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay while enjoying a
delicious three-course lunch served on the bayside terrace of the
Convention Center. Tickets are available at $30.00 per person.
12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.
Spouse Activity – The Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
Complimentary tickets for the first 75 registrants (first come, first serve –
registration required).
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Industry Issues Forum (Open to all)
Speakers: Industry Panel
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Inspection Educational Session
Maryland State Police: Electronic Inspections
Speakers: Captain Kris Nelson
Maryland State Police
Mr. Ian Hatcher
NIC, Maryland
With the new electronic inspection system being beta tested in various
inspection stations, Captain Nelson and Mr. Hatcher will give a VSIS
demonstration on the system, and will have a question and answer
session on this new system.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
C-Store Educational Session
Game On: Taking On Top Tier Competition
Speaker: Darleen (Dee) Nascimento
Director of Brand Marketing for Dash In
Get up to speed on market trends and strategic options you can
implement to transform your store into a destination desired by your
customers! We’ll cozy up with the competition to identify market “voids”
and explore potential opportunities for improving sales performance. But
the buck doesn’t stop there! We’ll make sure you leave armed with ‘nonnegotiables’ to maximize profitability and effectively compete with every
square inch of your property.
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Grand Opening of the Mega Show & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Reception on the Trade Show Floor
8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Hospitality Suites at Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel
Meet and network with suppliers and your industry peers in an informal,
relaxed atmosphere. Hospitality Suite sponsors are: Carroll Motor Fuels;
Ewing Oil Company, Inc.; Repair Facilities/CAR; PMG; SMO; and Sunoco
and Exxon.
If you are a business owner, the Industry Issues Forum is a must attend
event this year in Ocean City! The forum gives dealers and repair shop
owners the opportunity to see what issues affect them on the state level
such as storm water management, gas taxes, sick leave, tire aging,
Stage II, minimum wage, transportation funding, sales tax on service,
safety inspections, and decentralized VEP, to name just a few.
In addition the forum will address federal issues such as the estate tax,
right to repair, highway funding, healthcare, fair labor standards issues,
overtime, OSHA regulations and proposals, voluntary tire registration,
Keystone XL pipeline, LIFO repeal, and more.
Speakers at the forum include lawyers, representatives from weights
and measure, air management personnel, representatives from the
Comptroller’s office, API, AAA, distributors, and others from around the
country.
This is your opportunity to have your voice heard! We must come
together as an industry to speak in one powerful voice. Be sure that your
business is represented at the Industry Issues Forum.
10
All events take place at the Ocean City Convention Center unless
otherwise specified.
Program schedule subject to change.
*Registartion fee applies.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
7:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
WMDA Awards Breakfast*
Harry T. Murphy Customer Service Contest Awards
Presentation at Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel
Speakers: Anant V. Patel
Crude Oil Trader, ExxonMobil Refining & Supply
Bob Aenchbacher
General manager, U.S. Installer Sales, Castrol
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Murf’s Turf Town Hall Meeting (Open to all)
at Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel
The Small Businessman’s Survival Guide
Speakers: Peter Franchot
Maryland State Comptroller
Roy Littlefield
WMDA/CAR Executive Director
Kirk McCauley
WMDA/CAR Director of Member Relations &
Government Affairs
This Year’s Murf’s Turf Town Hall Meeting Asks the Question: “Can You
Survive Your Government?” Comptroller and “2014 Small Business
Advocate of the Year” Peter Franchot will join Kirk McCauley and Roy
Littlefield in a question and answer session moderated by the “younger
and better looking” Roy Littlefield. The panel will respond to your
questions, such as:
• As more and more members purchase these facilities, why is it a
top small business legislative priority to repeal the estate tax?
• How do I comply with Obamacare when I can’t get the same
answer from any two “experts” on any aspect of the law?
• What is voluntary tire registration and what do I have to do to
avoid a potential fine of $10,000 per tire I sell because I am not
obeying a law I don’t know anything about?
• If I am using the LIFO accounting system for tax purposes, what
impact will it have on my tax bill if it is repealed?
• Congress delayed until next any decisions on how to fund the
new transportation bill. What new sources of revenue are being
considered and what impact will it have on my bottom line? What
should we do? What can we do?
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Anant Patel, Crude Oil Trader
with ExxonMobil Refining &
Supply, will be the featured
Keynote Speaker at the Awards
Breakfast. He has over 20 years
of experience in the energy
industry.
He joined Exxon in 1990 in
the Controller’s Department.
In 1994, he moved to the
Anant V. Patel
Exploration department where
he was the Budget Coordinator for Exxon’s worldwide
exploration activities.
He joined the Fuels Marketing Aviation business in 1998
and post the Exxon/Mobil merger he coordinated the
consolidation of the Company’s global aviation credit card
portfolio and the development of a new global aviation
brand for the Exxon and Mobil combined aviation
business. In 2005, he became the Global Aviation Planning
Manager and led the business development activities for
the General Aviation and Military business. He joined
Global Marine Transportation Optimization in 2008, where
he was responsible for marine planning activities
surrounding the transportation of finished products,
chemicals and lubricants businesses worldwide. In 2011,
he became the U.S. Crude Oil Trader supplying the crude
oil requirements for ExxonMobil’s US Gulf Coast refineries.
Bob Aenchbacher, General
Manager for U.S. Installer
Sales with Castrol, will be the
featured Keynote Speaker for
the Harry T. Murphy Customer
Service Contest. Bob will be
speaking to us about “Winning
in Service Repair and Industry
Trends.”
• Who is pushing the proposal to require you to pay time and a half
for work over 40 hours to all managers and assistant managers
who are on salary?
• Will we see more OSHA and MOSH inspections as agencies look
to raise money in a time of government budget cuts?
• For the past two years we have participated in hearings on tire
aging. Wouldn’t a periodic motor vehicle safety inspection
program be a better way to address the issue?
There is no admission charge for this session, and you do not have to
attend the Awards Breakfast to attend Murf’s Turf.
Bob has worked for Castrol for
over 26 years. He started as a
Territory Sales Manager in
Birmingham, Alabama, and Dallas, Texas, and was
promoted to National Account Sales Manager – all for the
Installer business. Bob moved to Retail Sales as National
Account Manager for Walmart, then to Sales Director U.S.
and Sales Director for Walmart Global Business before
becoming the General Manager for U.S. Installer Sales in
2011.
Bob Aenchbacher
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Spouse Activity – The Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
Complimentary tickets for the first 75 registrants (first come, first serve –
registration required).
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mega Trade Show
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mega Trade Show Finale Featuring
Grand Prize Drawings, Band and Reception
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NOZZLE & WRENCH
EXHIBITOR PREVIEW “SHOW SPECIALS”
ADVANTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL
with a Clean Fuels Associate to come to their site and
CONSULTANTS, LLC
conduct a free fuel test. This includes a visual
Stop by Booth 605 to enter to win a $100.00 Home
examination of the fuel pulled out of as many tanks as
Depot Gift Card.
are on site per the client request. At which time an
additional lab test can be done (optional) on the samples
BENJAMIN F. BROWN INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
to identify the action plan to certify the tanks as clean
Stop by Booths 101-103 to discuss getting a competitive
and compliant. No obligation to purchase services from
quote on your insurance coverage, including package
CFA at time of fuel sample testing. Clean Fuels field
policy, umbrella, and workers’ compensation. Bring your
operators can usually identify an action plan simply from
policies if you like.
the fuel samples taken that day. This offer will be good
through November 30, 2014. Not good with any other
CARROLL MOTOR FUELS
offers or specials. Visit us at Booth 603.
Founded over 100 years ago, Carroll supplies branded
and unbranded fuels to the entire Mid Atlantic Region.
EASTERN SHORE COFFEE AND WATER
We are extremely sensitive to our customers’ needs in
Eastern Shore Coffee and Water is proud to make their
this ever changing fuels business. You can count on
debut at the WMDA Mega Trade Show. Visit us at
Carroll for great service and a great price, but we value
Booth 615 for information on some “Seriously Good
our relationships above all. Stop by our Booths 620 &
Coffee” and how we can help you maximize the profit
720 and find out about our exciting new acquisition of
potential of your hot beverage program.
the High’s Dairy Stores.
ECO HEATING SYSTEMS, INC.
CENTURY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
TIRED OF HIGH HEATING BILLS? BETTER GET A
Come see and taste how the Folger Cafitess next
CLEAN BURN! Find the latest in Clean Burn Waste Oil
generation coffee system works. Consistent quality, less
Furnaces and Boilers in Booth 308. We are offering a
labor and zero waste. We will also be featuring the new
special discount of $500 off any new furnace. Eco
Vaping program from NJOY. Come visit the sales team
Heating Systems is your Clean Burn Distributor with 25
from Century Distributors. Check out our Booths 404,
years experience in installing and servicing Clean Burn
405 & 505! Lots of other new and exciting items and
products.
programs will be featured.
ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE, INC.
CHESAPEAKE AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT
Welcome back to Ocean City! Your friends at Alliance
Stop by Booth 406 to receive special financing on all
are here to help with your environmental consulting and
purchases of $5,000.00 and above.
field service needs. We offer cost effective and quality
driven solutions to support your site environmental
CLEAN FUELS ASSOCIATES
issues including: UST/AST Investigation and Closure,
Clean Fuels Associates is proud to offer WMDA
Remediation, Property Transfer Due Diligence, Risk
attendees: 10% Discount off all work with scheduling a
Management Consulting, Insurance Claim Support, and
free fuel test. Clients can sign up for an appointment
Compliance Consulting Support. Visit us at Booth 313!
12
NOZZLE & WRENCH
FIRST MERCHANT SERVICES
R.O. WRITER
Stop by Booth 104 to receive a “Free, No Obligation,
Come see RO Touch! Access RO Writer from your
No Pressure Rate and Fee Review” in addition to a “Free
iPhone, iPad or Android phone or tablet. Write tickets
EMV (“Chip Card”) Terminal” for any WMDA Member
at the vehicle, Techs can perform inspections without
that signs up for our service.
running back to the computer, and see how your shop is
doing today from ANYWHERE! ROWriter is one of the
KOOLER ICE
BEST investments you will ever make in your shop. One
$1,000 off to show attendees if order is placed within
very lucky shop owner will save 50% on the purchase of
30 days. Stop by Booth 420.
their ROWriter PRO system! Stop by our Booth 208
and drop your card into the drawing bowl. Win 50%
MITCHELL 1
savings on the base ROWriter PRO system, Smart Ecat,
$50 off 1st month payment for new orders and/or
Marketing, Inventory, A/R and A/P. Yes, we can convert
existing customer upgrades on orders placed by
your history. Visit www.amsrowriter.com for more
10/4/14. Visit us at Booth 216.
information. See you at the show!
NET DRIVEN
SPIGLER PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT, LLC
Exclusively endorsed by TIA, Net Driven is the most
Visit Spigler Petroleum Equipment’s Booths 408 & 508
trusted provider of websites and digital marketing
and ask about upgrading your station with Bilbarco
solutions for the automotive industry in North America.
Veeder-Root equipment or let us show you how we can
Stop in today to learn how your website could deliver an
save you money on your monthly maintenance costs.
ROI and give you a competitive advantage against the
competition. Visit Booth 602 to sign up for a demo and
register to win an Apple iPad mini.
PARTS AUTHORITY
Be sure to stop by the Parts Authority booth at Demo
Area 2 for a chance to win cash and prizes, and also to
learn about the great money saving deals we have to
offer. Let us know how we can help you!!! The answer is
YES!!!
PPC LUBRICANTS/CASTROL
For trade show attendees only! PPC Lubricants is putting
their money where their mouth is! That’s right – PPC
Lubricants will pay for a 3-month CAR Membership so
that you can experience the savings of the Oil Program
firsthand! What do you have to lose? Stop by Booth 108
and see Gene Nace at the Mega Trade Show and find
out how you can get on board the money train!
A replica of the
#15 PEAK Antifreeze/
Blue DEF Toyota Camry
driven by Clint Bowyer
on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,
will be on display in Island #3
at the Mega Show!
13
NOZZLE & WRENCH
CONVENTION SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
CORPORATE SPONSORS
SEMINAR SPONSORS
Awards Breakfast
PMG
Harry T. Murphy Customer Service Contest
PPC Lubricants/Castrol
Coffee Break – Friday
Intelicom, Inc.
Game On:
Taking On Top Tier Competition
Dash-In
GOLD SPONSORS
Welcome Reception at Seacrets
Ewing Oil Company
Grille on the Bay
Benjamin F. Brown Insurance Agency, Inc.
L.S. Fuel
Utica National Insurance Group
Trade Show Finale Celebration
Benjamin F. Brown Insurance Agency
Parts Authority
PMG
Star Insurance
Coffee Break – Saturday
Intelicom, Inc.
Lanyard Sponsor
Sunoco, Inc.
Bag Sponsor
Clean Fuels Associates, Inc.
Water Bottle Sponsor
Spigler Petroleum Equipment, LLC
T-Shirt Sponsor
Benjamin F. Brown Insurance Agency
Star Insurance
Registration Desk Sponsor
Carroll Motor Fuels
REPAIR SUITE SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Legislative Workgroup
Peter Gunst of
Astrachan, Gunst & Thomas, P.C.
DANA Insurance & Risk Management
Convention Program
Carroll Motor Fuels
BRONZE SPONSORS
WMDA Board of Directors Meeting
Hess Corporation/Marathon
Platinum Sponsors
Automotive Training Institute (ATI)
Gold Sponsor
Crovato BG Products
MTD Services, Inc.
Star Insurance
Silver Sponsors
American Tire Distributors (ATD)
Brandywine Automotive Centers
First Merchant Services
Net Driven
Maryland State Police –
Electronic Inspections
L.S. Fuel
MEGA TRADE SHOW SPONSORS
Carroll Motor Fuels
Citgo Petroleum Corporation
Ewing Oil Company
L.S. Fuel
Meadowbrook Insurance Company
Parts Authority
Peter Gunst of
PMG
Sunoco, Inc.
Convention Sponsors
as of September 5, 2014
WMDA General Membership Meeting
Hess Corporation
Murf’s Turf Town Hall Meeting
Friday Trade Show Reception
14
NOZZLE & WRENCH
GOLF AT THE BEACH SPONSORS
Platinum Tournament Sponsor
Snack Box Sponsor
Shades Under the Sun
Gold Tournament Sponsor
Harry Storm of
Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chartered
Trophy Sponsor
“Goodie” Sponsors
Lunch Sponsor
L.S. Fuel
Beverage Cart Sponsor
Metromedia Energy
Golf Program Sponsor
PMG
Longest Drive Sponsor
Carroll Motor Fuels
Closest to the Pin Sponsor
Carroll Motor Fuels
Hole Sponsors
Carroll Motor Fuels
Century Distributors, Inc.
Environmental Alliance
Ewing Oil Company
Harleysville Insurance Company
Hole Sponsors (continued)
Intelicom, Inc.
Jim Parsons of
Lynott, Lynott, and Parsons, P.A.
Maryland Pump & Tank
Meadowbrook Insurance Company
MTD Services, Inc.
NSR Petro Services
Peter Gunst of
PMG
Sunoco, Inc.
Golf at the Beach Sponsors
as of September 5, 2014
15
NOZZLE & WRENCH
16
NOZZLE & WRENCH
MEGA SHOW EXHIBITORS
(as of September 5, 2014)
Advantage Environmental Consultants, LLC
AHT Automotive Equipment
Air & Vac
Air-Serv/Air Valet
Alfa-Tronics/Tank One
American Tire Distributors
Automotive Training Institute (ATI)
B&B Financial Services, LLC
Carroll Motor Fuels
Chesapeake Automotive Equipment
Clean Fuels Associates, Inc.
Coastal Trash
Columbia Services
Crompco. LLC
Crown
Dash In - Splash In - SMO - PEH
Eastern Shore Coffee
Eco Heating Systems, Inc.
Environmental Alliance, Inc.
Ewing Oil Company, Inc.
Hunter Engineering Company
Intelicom, Inc.
Jones & Frank
Kooler Ice
Maryland Pump & Tank
Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Division
Meadowbrook Insurance Group
Metromedia Energy, Inc.
Mitchell 1
MTD Services, Inc./Alger Electric
NAPA Auto Parts
National Pronto Association
Net Driven
Parts Authority
Patriot Capital Corporation
PMG/E&C Enterprises, Inc.
R.O. Writer
Shades Under the Sun
The George J. Falter Company, Inc.
Tire Industry Association
Waymon Lynch Insurance Agency
WMDA/CAR Member Services
Your App, LLC
17
NOZZLE & WRENCH
AS I SEE IT
WHY NOT GO TO OCEAN CITY?
by Marta Gates-Jones
Director of Operations
Okay, let’s get to the nuts and bolts about the Convention
and Mega Trade Show in Ocean City. The reasons I hear for
NOT going to the Convention.
You don’t want to go ALL the way over to Ocean City
just for a Convention.
Nope, no sir. Too much trouble. Not worth the long drive
down Route 50 in the OFF-SEASON when there is LITTLE
to NO TRAFFIC. You might get a speeding ticket with all
that space on the road.
You don’t want to spend the money for a hotel room.
Nope, those OFF-SEASON room rates are too high, and
the SPECIAL DEALS at the host hotel, the Clarion
Fontainebleau, don’t faze you. Even if your wife hasn’t
been on a vacation in YEARS, and you could just walk
downstairs to the Hospitality Suites on Friday night in the
hotel, dance and have a great time with fellow dealers and
shop owners. You don’t know if the wife would ENJOY a
moonlight stroll on the beach at the Clarion either.
I am needed at my business.
Yes sir, staying there for two days will benefit your business
more than taking a seminar that will teach you how to
make a PROFIT in your C-Store, or use the new electronic
inspection program to make a PROFIT at your repair shop.
Nope, you wouldn’t learn anything about PROTECTING
your business from the government at Murf’s Turf/Small
Businessman’s Survival Guide with Comptroller Peter
Franchot, or SAVE alot of money on the deals you can
make on the Trade Show floor. You wouldn’t BENEFIT from
learning the latest issues facing others in our industry right
from people at MDE, Weights and Measures, and other
states who have faced issues we will be facing. And don’t
forget that piece of equipment you might order while you
are sitting in your business that you could have SAVED
thousands on at the Trade Show. No need to try to WIN a
set of 3 iPads on Friday or $5,000 CASH on Saturday.
There’s nothing for my wife and kids to do.
No, the wife wouldn’t like to have FUN at Seacrets on
Thursday night at the Welcome Reception, or the
Hospitality Suites on Friday night, or attend the Gem,
18
Mineral & Jewelry Show right next door to the Mega Show.
She only WORKS at the station/shop so she wouldn’t enjoy
the Trade Show, or the seminars, or talking to other wives
who just WORK with their husbands at the FAMILY
business.
I don’t want to spend any money right now, not just on
the hotel.
Fine. The seminars are FREE, Murf’s Turf Town Hall
Meeting is FREE. There are FREE Trade Show passes (just
pre-register, or yes, they are $5.00 at the door because
staff has to make up badges so you can enter the Trade
Show). The Hospitality Suites on Friday night are FREE.
The General Membership Meeting where members decide
on the issues WMDA will push for in the next legislative
session is FREE. The Industry Issues Forum is FREE. The
only events that have a fee are the food functions, and
come on, you have to EAT anyway. It’s $55.00 for the
Welcome Reception where we have a DJ, open bar, lots of
great food, and door prizes. Tell me you don’t spend that
much when you go out! The Awards breakfast is $25.00,
for a buffet that includes scrambled eggs, fresh fruit,
bacon, sausage, and more. You also get to hear the
Keynote Speakers, Anant Patel from Exxon/Mobil and Bob
Aenchbacher of Castrol, and watch the Harry T. Murphy
Customer Service Contest awards being handed out. Find
out who becomes the next WMDA Member of the Year, or
who has been voted into the Hall of Fame. Hey, I think it’s
WORTH it.
Stop making excuses!
My family loves the Convention and Mega Trade Show,
and yes, my family and I believe it is worth the money for
the tickets to Seacrets, Grille on the Bay, and the Awards
Breakfast. We make a vacation out of it. There is so much
to do, so much to see, and the greatest bunch of people I
have ever met, all in Ocean City. So call the Clarion (or
another hotel, if you prefer) and make your reservations.
Fill out that registration form, or call me and I will take your
registration over the phone. Sign your techs or managers
up for seminars. Grab the kids, your spouse, and the
schedule of events, and come on down to the Ocean. No
excuses!
◆
NOZZLE & WRENCH
FRANKLY SPEAKING
UNSUNG HEROES
by Frank Eberle
WMDA/CAR PAC Committee Chairman
You know who “they” are. You sometimes refer to them
as “THEY” or “Those Guys.” You may have said, “They
don’t get it, they don’t realize how many hours I put in per
week. If they only knew my workload they wouldn’t pester
me with “Join This.” They don’t realize just how tight my
budget is! A hundred dollars for a “PAC” ticket when the
prize is only a GRAND and they have probably sold
thousands of tickets; well that’s pretty bad odds if you ask
me. Oh, and you want me to pay dues on top of that; for
what, are you crazy?
OK, now it’s my turn, Bud, have a seat.
That person talking to you about buying a PAC ticket or
becoming a member of the WMDA/CAR Association
(FAMILY) most likely is a volunteer or an underpaid but
dedicated and overworked employee. And get this, he or
she isn’t investing their time to bother you but could
possibly be your “UNSUNG HERO” as their message has
little to do with the money part as much as how much they
are offering you a way to help the industry that you are
engaged in; a way to help you step out of the “ME” part
of your business with the message: That by sharing you
are actually helping yourself.
An Association whose members are your counterparts,
working just as you do, just as hard and just as long as you,
to help you, you and all those other small businesses
throughout the reach of this message.
To set the record straight, when you purchase a PAC ticket
it isn’t about the money you could win as much as it gives
you a chance to finally be able to say, “Hey, I Helped Too.”
Should the spirit of helping feel good to you, go ahead
and fill out the membership application. Once a member,
and once you participate with your new friends and family
of like-business professionals, a funny thing will happen;
you’ll be glancing in the mirror and suddenly your name
tag will read “THEY.” Welcome aboard; now about selling
10 PAC tickets…
The PAC Man – If you have any questions about the
WMDA/CAR PAC, please contact Chairman Frank Eberle
◆
at [email protected].
WMDA/CAR PAC
SUPPORT YOUR POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE!
The WMDA PAC is your voice in state and federal government –
make sure your voice is heard!
For more information, please contact:
Frank Eberle, PAC Chairman
e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 301-390-0900
19
WMDA/CAR AND SIX FLAGS AMERICA
TEAM UP FOR THE 2014 FALL SEASON
NOZZLE & WRENCH
C A R TA L K
FREELOADERS
by Ken Quasney
CAR Committee Chairman
We often think of freeloaders as people who want
may. Oh, I would complain for sure. I would even complain
something for nothing. After 17 years of owning my
about WMDA/CAR. I cannot believe how disappointed I
business, I never thought of myself as a freeloader. I
felt in myself. So, what to do? I started asking how I could
worked 60 hours a week to keep my family in a lifestyle we
help. That was 2006. Billy Hillmuth (then president of
were comfortable with. I paid my own way. I started
WMDA/CAR) ask me to consider joining the Board of
worrying about the way things would be for my children as
Directors. I graciously agreed. I still didn’t know how deep
they got older. I soon realized, maybe it was time for me to
this association went and how involved it was. I am still
get involved in some way. Where to start was my dilemma.
learning today.
I figured I would need some knowledge in whatever I
One thing is for sure, the independent auto repair and
decided to do. I can fix almost anything, and I know a little
service station industry would not be the same in
about most things, however I am at my best when it comes
Maryland, or in this country, if it weren’t for WMDA/CAR.
to the automotive business. More to the point - fixing cars.
That you can be assured of. We/I owe the forefathers of
WMDA/CAR a great big THANK YOU!
When I first starting in business, I soon realized I had a
partner. And not one I planned on having. Yep, it was
I have been in business for 25 years now. As my years
Uncle Sam. Local, state and national.
progress, it’s pretty simple. If you want to take care of what
you have or build on it, you must protect it. IT’S THAT
Boy, was I naive. We had been a member of WMDA/CAR
SIMPLE.
for years, (I think I joined in 1991) but never really got
involved. My thinking was it was pretty much a bunch of
Will you depend on others to do it for you? Only you can
busy-bodies with nothing much to do but stick their nose
answer that. Are you a complainer or a doer? I’ll bet most
where it didn’t belong. I went to meetings. Most of the
of you, like the old me, think you’re a doer. Ask yourself the
time it was just to get out of the shop for a while.
question. I promise you one thing – if you/we don’t stay
Somewhere along the line I started listening to what was
involved, we will be mowed over and forgotten about. You
being discussed. I was intrigued to say the least. It didn’t
will be a distant memory of things that have passed.
take long to figure out that government can be pretty
People will call it evolutionary and never get a taste of the
intrusive, especially in business. There was a time my
personal service you have given your neighborhood over
thinking was pretty much like most citizens. My vote or
the years. Your children or future generations will never get
involvement didn’t mean much. I was sadly mistaken. I
a chance to even dream of having their own business. Box
have witnessed involvement in action. It works!
stores with “by the number” services that fit their needs,
instead of the service our clients have enjoyed by a small
Then it hit me. I WAS A FREELOADER. I was resting on the
family-owned business for years, will be the norm.
backs of those who were involved. After learning how the
process worked in government, I became ashamed. I was
YOU DECIDE… COMPLAINER OR DOER? IT’S YOUR
simply sitting back and letting the chips fall where they
CHOICE.
◆
21
NOZZLE & WRENCH
C A R TA L K
SATISFYING THE CUSTOMER
by Stephen Powell
Thoroughbred Transmissions and Auto Care, Inc.
Well let me start by saying I was very angry when I sat
down to write this article. Or perhaps disappointed would
be a better choice of words. The cause of this began about
nine days prior. We had a customer vehicle towed in with
some extensive undercar damage done from contact with
a curb. The customer had chosen to pay out of pocket as
his teenage son was the cause of the damage (his rates
would see a huge increase) so no insurance.
Being a father, I fully understood and we were doing
whatever we could to keep costs down. We had contacted
a big name supplier of salvage parts for the replacement
rear axle housing. Herein lies the story.
Over the course of 5+ working days, we were sent the
wrong part after 3 days of waiting, then told they had the
right part and it would be there the next day… NOT! The
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
(WMDA/CAR Endorsed Programs)
WMDA/CAR’s endorsed programs are designed to improve your
profitability and decrease your costs.
• ATM Services
• Auto Parts Supplies
• Castrol Buying Program
• Convenience Store Products
• Credit Card Processing
• Credit Union
• Electricity Discount Program
• Insurance Programs
• Legal Services
• Legislative & Regulatory Support
• Mobile Diagnostic Service
• Tire Program
• Trash Removal Program
• Uniform Program
• Used Oil Pick-up
(See the complete list of Endorsed Member Benefits Service
Providers on page 32.)
following Monday, our service writer calls to confirm the
pending delivery and was assured it’s on the way.
Throughout the day he or I called asking where and when,
and still it was promised to be there shortly. Tuesday, I start
my day with a phone call and I get a machine. I leave a
message with a full explanation and insist on a reply when
they arrive. You already know – they didn’t reply.
At 8.30 a.m. I call again, am immediately thrown on hold
for 10 minutes! Finally I get “FRED,” and he says the
screen shows it was delivered! We go back and forth on
this. I politely discuss that I’m sure it is not his fault, but as
a paying customer to complete the transaction, I must be
able to receive and pay for the part! I go on to say please
research the problem and call me. He promises to do that.
I wait 45 minutes, nothing, so I call again!
He says “Can I help you?” I explain to FRED who I am and
say: “I thought you were gonna call me?” He says, “they
haven’t told me if they can get it there or not.” We are 20
miles from them. “Last chance – call me back in 10 minutes
with a yes or no… you will call within10 minutes?” “Yes,”
he says. 25 minutes later I call back and cancel the order –
now he wants to help, He is gonna get a Manager, etc.
NOPE, too late.
Now I know none of our member shops would ever treat a
customer this way, and would bend over backwards to
solve any problem! We all know the value of a customer.
Our CAR Committee also knows this. We meet with every
potential supplier (Endorsed Vendor) with specific criteria
we require of them for our members. We stay on top of this
and are always seeking new vendors that will benefit all of
our members.
So when you need something, a way to save on your costs,
a new source for something, savings on almost anything –
they can be found through the Endorsed Suppliers listed
in this newsletter on page 32. They won’t leave you
hanging!
◆
23
NOZZLE & WRENCH
GENERAL COUNSEL CORNER
THE FRANCHISE INDUSTRY RECEIVES A JOLT
by Peter H. Gunst, Esquire
SSDA Legal Counsel
On July 29, 2014, the Office of the General Counsel for the
National Labor Relations Board gave the franchise industry
a real jolt. The General Counsel’s brief press release stated
that it had instructed regional directors to pursue
complaints of unfair labor practices against not only
McDonald’s franchisees, who were the direct employers
involved, but also against their franchisor, McDonald’s
USA. The General Counsel stated that McDonald’s USA
should be viewed as a “joint employer” bearing
responsibility in at least forty-three cases in which
complaints had been authorized against franchisees.
Traditionally, the law has treated franchisors and
franchisees as independent entities, both in the context of
employment law and otherwise. Beyond question,
franchisors and franchisees are separate legal entities,
each responsible for managing separate businesses. Many
franchisors have blurred the line, however, by
micromanaging various aspects of their franchisees’
businesses in order to protect their brand image.
The theory behind the General Counsel’s directive was that
McDonald’s had so involved itself in its franchisees’
employment practices that it should be deemed to be a
“joint employer,” with potential liability for its franchisees’
labor law violations. The General Counsel’s directive
immediately set off a firestorm, eliciting fiery rhetoric not
only from franchisors but from franchisee groups as well.
Criticizing the directive, a spokesperson for the
International Franchise Association complained that “the
livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of independent
franchise small businesses are now at risk due to the radical
and unprecedented nature of this decision.” That
spokesperson predicted that adoption of a “joint
employers” standard would diminish the ability of
franchisees to make employment decisions, and as a result
“the value of [their] businesses” would be deflated.”
The triumphant press releases issued by some supporters
of the General Counsel’s directive reveal why opponents of
the directive are so concerned by its potential impact.
One pro-labor commentator pointed to the potential
impact for union organization. He wrote:
Until now, employees at each franchise were limited to
organizing only the workers at the franchise. This made
the long, hard and expensive process of forming a
union nearly impossible because it would have to be
repeated for each individual franchise. Now unions have
a single target in the parent McDonald’s corporation
and can launch a unified organizing campaign.
In addition, that commentator said that adoption of a “joint
employer” rule would make it easier to file national classaction lawsuits to attack employment law violations. The
commentator also emphasized that adoption of a “joint
employer” standard should extend beyond the fast food
industry, and gave as examples of franchisors at risk Dunkin
Donuts, 7-Eleven stores and H&R Block tax preparers.
So how might this affect franchisees in the service station
industry? To begin with, all the fuss may be premature. The
General Counsel’s directive to its regional offices is merely
that. It does not have the force of law, and the proposed
standard has not been adopted by the NLRB itself, much
less by the courts. The General Counsel has merely thrown
down the gauntlet on the issue.
Further, this issue might have had considerably more
relevance to the petroleum industry fifteen years ago,
before the majors mostly removed themselves from direct
supply. Then there were detailed operating requirements
and regular station examinations and evaluations, making
franchisors like Exxon and Shell tempting union
organization and class-action targets.
The jobbers who have largely replaced refiners as
franchisors are less likely to be impacted. Because of their
relatively small size they are less likely to be tempting
unionization and class-action targets. Moreover, with some
very notable exceptions, jobbers are often not as involved
in micromanaging as were their predecessors, and thus
less likely to be branded as “joint employers.
In any event it will be interesting to see where, if anywhere,
all of this leads.
◆
25
“Improving Your Bottom Line”
First Merchant Services (FMS) is the Endorsed Vendor for Credit Card Processing/Merchant Services for WMDA Members.
FMS, in conjunction with the WMDA, has put together an INTERCHANGE BASED rate structure for WMDA members that
will give WMDA members extremely low rates. INTERCHANGE BASED pricing is how the nation’s largest retailers are charged.
All the previous Endorsed Credit Card/Merchant Service vendors had offered “Tiered” Rates and Fees (usually 3, 4, or 5 Tiers).
We are offering all WMDA members a “NO COST/NO OBLIGATION ANALYSIS” to see how much FMS can save your business.
In addition to saving WMDA members money, there are
many other reasons why you should consider allowing FMS
to handle your Electronic Commerce needs including:
• FMS is a registered ISO/MSP of First Data (FD), the
world’s largest credit card processor. FD is able to offer
the lowest rates available (without adding on
unnecessary, additional charges) due to its size, vertical
integration, and available networks.
• FMS has been providing services to merchants since
1998 and takes great pride in offering both very low
rates and the best customer service possible. FMS has
offices in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania,
allowing us to provide outstanding personal service to
merchants throughout the Mid-Atlantic area.
• FMS is a full service company providing:
➣ Credit and debit card authorization, capture, and
settlement (including WRIGHT EXPRESS and
VOYAGER) and T & E card authorization.
➣ Check authorization, guarantee, and recovery.
➣ Processing equipment, software, and support.
➣ Ongoing investment in new technology and
software to speed up processing and lower costs.
➣ ATM equipment sales, processing, and service.
➣ Electronic gift card programs.
➣ 24 hour/7 days a week Help Desk support.
➣ Detailed explanations on costs and rates charged
by Visa and MasterCard.
➣ Local representation in the event you need help or
want to meet and discuss changing technologies or
options for new products and services.
➣ NO ANNUAL or REPROGRAMMING FEES.
ONLY ONE PHONE NUMBER TO CALL FOR ALL YOUR
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE NEEDS!
Office: 301-421-4111, ext. 105
Toll-Free: 866-511-4367, ext. 105
NOZZLE & WRENCH
ASSOCIATION LEADERS
MEET WITH
OIL COMPANIES
AND SUPPLIERS
Ewing Oil Company
Carroll Motor Fuels
Petroleum Marketing Group
Sunoco
During the past year, WMDA staff members met with
officials from a variety of oil companies and local
suppliers to discuss common issues and regulations
of major importance to the Association’s members.
This is just one of the many ways WMDA works to
serve its members and add value to your
membership.
Southern Maryland Oil/Potomac Energy Holdings, LLC
27
NOZZLE & WRENCH
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
GOLF AT THE BEACH
Right: WMDA’s Len Gentilcore (center) with the 1st Place
Team of Sean Lookingbill, Tom Layden, Walt Lischak and
Peter Berlo.
Below: Good friends and great weather made for a perfect
day to be out for a round of golf at Rum Pointe Golf Links.
Above:
Rick Agoris accepts the
plaque for WMDA Hall of
Fame inductee Bill Fisher.
Left:
Keith Madsen is inducted
into the WMDA Hall of
Fame by Dr. Roy Littlefield.
President Rick Agoris thanks Keynote Speaker
Lock Wills for his wonderful presentation.
Steve Britton of Pleasant Hills
Service Center received the
award for Technician of the
Year.
TRAINING DAY 2014
Dr. Roy Littlefield presented the keynote
address at the Clemson Tire Conference.
28
Technicians, managers and owners
filled the classrooms during Training
Day 2014.
NOZZLE & WRENCH
Roy Littlefield presents the 2013 Member
Safety Award to Lewis Schnauble of
Schnauble Automotive at the 2013 General
Membership Meeting.
Rick Agoris presents the Manager of the Year
Award to Rita Balazek of River Hill Sunoco.
Len Gentilcore, WMDA Membership Sales,
presents the Membership Services Award
to Joe Testa of Glen Echo Exxon at the 2013
General Membership Meeting.
Joe Parsley accepts the James Carpenter
Award from Len Gentilcore.
2012 Member of the Year Award recipient Joe
Testa (right) presents the 2013 Member of the
Year Award to WMDA First Vice President Riaz
Ahmad.
Rick Agoris presents the Service Writer of
the Year Award to Jessica Golden of
Chesapeake Import Service.
President Rick Agoris presents the 2013
Friend of the Industry Award to Gene Nace
of PPC Lubricants (accepted by Chris Day of
PPC Lubricants).
Robert Eastham Award
for Highest Rated Full Service Station
Bowie Shell – Owner: Ron Ciuffetelli
Highest Rated Repair Shop
British American Auto Care –
Owner: Sandi Weaver
William Davis Award for
Highest Rated
Convenience Store (Tie)
Left: National Harbor
Sunoco –
Owner: Fazal Sirhandi
Right: Kings Farm Shell –
Owner: E & C Enterprises
29
NOZZLE & WRENCH
WMDA/CAR OFFICERS
Rick Agoris
President
Brunswick Crown
98 Souder Road
Brunswick, MD 21716
Riaz Ahmad
First Vice President
Edgewater Xtra Fuel/7-11
3080 Solomon’s Island
Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
Shafiq Umar
Second Vice President
Whitfield Chapel Sunoco
9105 Annapolis Road
Lanham, MD 20706
James Rosenberger
Treasurer
Aspen Hill Shell
4001 Aspen Hill Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906
Sajid Chaudhry
Secretary
Landover Shell
Service Center
8555 Martin Luther
King, Jr. Highway
Lanham, MD 20706
Larry Jackson
Immediate Past President
Hickory Ridge Sunoco, Inc.
6440 Freetown Road
Columbia, MD 21044
WMDA/CAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REPAIR FACILITIES
Billy Hilmuth
Hillmuth Certified Auto
6810 Oak Hall Lane
Columbia, MD 21045
Ken Quasney
Auto Sense
8209 B Rear Cloverleaf Drive
Millersville, MD 21108
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Frank Eberle
Eberle Automotive
8272 Quarterfield Road
Severn, MD 21144
Gary Thompson
Chesapeake Exxon
2101 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
BALTIMORE
Khalid Azam
Liberty Road BP
8207 Liberty Road
Baltimore, MD 21244
Larry Frederickson
Lisbon Citgo
15943 Frederick Road
Lisbon, MD 21765
30
DELAWARE
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Robert Weber, Sr.
Newport Exxon Shop &
Car Wash
20 North James Street
Newark, DE 19804
EASTERN SHORE
Majid Hussain
Easton Place Exxon
219 Marlboro Avenue
Easton, MD 21601
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Mario Bruno
Lake Liberty
8550 Connecticut Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Nasir Cheema
Suitland BP
4801 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, MD 20746
Greg Kulick
Glenn Dale Mini-Mart
11002 Lanham Severn Road
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
Mel Sherbert
Piney Orchard BP
8749 Piney Orchard Parkway
Odenton, MD 21113
Tom Watts
Greenbelt Road Shell
6327 Greenbelt Road
Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
WASHINGTON, DC
Marty Dustin
Burnt Mills BP
10711 Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Joe Testa
Glen Echo Exxon
6729 Goldsboro Road
Bethesda, MD 208171
666
Lynn Cook
Parker’s Exxon
4812 MacArthur Boulevard, N.W.
Washington, DC 20007
WESTERN MARYLAND
Joe Parsley
Frederick Shell
1275 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21702
NOZZLE & WRENCH
WMDA/CAR ENDORSED
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & SERVICES PROVIDERS
If your business needs any of the following products or services,
be sure to check out these companies endorsed by WMDA/CAR.
ATM MACHINES
ELECTRICITY PROGRAM
MOBILE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE
Replace
My Stuff, LLC
Intelicom, Inc.
Larry Shapero
1-877-666-6269
AUTO PARTS SUPPLIER
Auto Parts Superstores
Parts Authority
Stan Bailey
202-829-6315
MAAGIC
Tom Gussen – Metromedia Power
1-800-828-9427, ext. 0031
Fax: 732-440-0031
INSURANCE –
LIABILITY, UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK,
WORKERS’ COMP, HEALTH INSURANCE
CASTROL BUYING PROGRAM –
BULK OIL AND PREMIUMS
PPC Lubricants
Gene Nace
1-717-215-7253
Benjamin F. Brown Insurance Agency/
UTICA/Meadowbrook
Ben Brown or Berry Brown
1-800-861-3434
CONVENIENCE STORE PRODUCTS
LEGAL SERVICES
Replace My Stuff, LLC
Alicia Fairall
443-790-6957
TIRES
American Tire Distributors
Ken Sherman
(AA, Washington, Frederick, Howard)
Dave Schoennagel
(Balt. City, Baltimore, Harford, Carroll, Cecil)
Scott Bell
(PG, Montgomery, St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles)
1-800-638-5185
TRASH/DUMPSTER BROKER
Coastal Trash Service
Ian Djuric
410-490-3769
UNIFORMS, SERVICES, SOLUTIONS
Lori Rodman
301-212-9100
Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chartered
Harry Storm
301-907-2817
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY INFORMATION
4321 0000 0000 0000
USED OIL, ANTIFREEZE &
CONTAMINATED GAS DISPOSAL
FMS INC
Dan Cohen
1-866-511-4367, ext. 105
CREDIT UNION
NASA Federal Credit Union
1-888-627-2328
Website: www.nasafcu.com
32
Unifirst Corporation
Mark Eaton
717-451-6664
WMDA/CAR
Kirk McCauley
1-800-492-0329, ext. 114
RecOil, Inc.
Bernard Reiley
1-800-346-9551
LET YOUR MEMBERSHIP WORK FOR YOU!
Simply participate in all of the programs for which you are eligible
and you will save or make enough to pay for your membership in WMDA/CAR!

MEGA SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Inside

Transcription

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