From the President

I would like to take a few minutes to express my opinion as to why Service  Station and Repair Shop Operators of Upstate NY is important to independent business owners like me. I have a small business in Adams with one full time technician and myself to repair cars and light trucks, but I deal with the same issues larger facilities do. When you have limited resources, it’s good to have an Association that knows the issues related to running an automotive business. Whether it’s lobbying for the least expensive way for New York State to implement our new emission inspection program or finding creative programs to help us run our businesses better, the Association is always there to help. They help us with their workers compensation insurance program, which enables us to receive an upfront discount with a dividend at the end of the year, a NAPA parts rebate to association members not in the NAPA auto care program, a health insurance plan that saves money on premiums, and if you weren’t part of the association group you wouldn’t find on your own. They are keeping us abreast of current automotive  issues and events with the free monthly newsletter in a abridged form easier to understand than, if you tried to read thru every newspaper available to find information you think is important to you, when making a decision about some political issue you know will  effect your business but not quit sure what the real story is. Training schools are available from business management, cigarette clerk training or automobile repair clinics and classes at reasonable prices.

   The board members and staff of the Association dedicate many hours talking, meeting and dealing with our elected officials to give them the opinions of their members when it comes to bills being passed or bills our automotive group wants them to turn down. Networking events like the yearly automotive and associated trade show that brings many vendors and suppliers together in one convenient location so we can look at the newest equipment available and get information on new programs that will benefit your bottom line whether you run a gas station, repair shop, body shop, car wash or convenience store, there is something for everyone. This show promises to get bigger every year. The automotive car care fair held every year to bring the public closer to our local businesses. And if you just want to relax and have a good time, try the yearly clambake or the Christmas party. Many good times are had by all at these events. Where else can you get together with fellow automotive business owners and share a story and a drink just for fun... no business agenda here. I hope to see more of you there this year.

   Well, is there anything I left out? I’m sure there is because every day brings more and more issues for us to deal with, and every day the association is trying to stay on top of them to help us stay strong in the business place.

   One more thing I would like to mention is how the association pays for all this. They do this with your donations and yearly membership dues. So, if you haven’t already, you should do your part by being timely with your dues. After all without the Association’s help this would be a lot harder business environment for us to deal with ALONE.  Thanks for listening….

Roy Fulkerson

Business Owner in New York State