MINUTES OF THE MARCH 17, 1999 MEETING OF THE ARA-NEW JERSEY

The meeting was called to order at 7:45 PM by President Tony Perrotta who began with a Saint Patrick's Day joke - a real groaner.  Members in attendance were asked to introduce themselves.Associate Members were given an opportunity to tell members of new products and special deals.  Tony introduced our host, Curly Boelhouwer, who needs no introduction and thanked Joan and Curly for hosting the meeting. Our hosts supplied adelicious Saint Patricks Day spread of Corned Beef and Cabbage with boiled potatoes and carrots - plus a side of baked ziti for those whose blood doesn't flow quite so green. Curly noted that he has been at this location  since 1972 and advised members that if they watch the bottom line and don't overextend, they will succeed. A discussion followed regarding a division ofHome Depot which is moving in across the highway from Curly's place.  Howard Heller introduced Ms. Kitty Vance of Bell Atlantic to present the evening's program. Ms. Vance gave and excellent presentation. Members learned how best to handle phone problem customers and taught the audience how to tell just what kind of personalities they have.. It was fun and enlightening.

After the program Tony called for officer and committee reports. It was voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last meeting because that meeting was the Murder Mystery Dinner.  Treasurer Tom Lade gave receipts, deposits and deductions to our account and  reported a balance of $5831.04  Legislative Chairman, Joe Mihalko, advised that National will hold their  annual Legislative Caucus in Washington DC on April 18th and he will be in  attendance.  Education Chairman, Howard Heller, said he is looking for ideas for  additional seminars and deemed the one held this same day, a huge success.Associate Rep., Roy Peragallo, asked associates for ideas.  National Liaison and Web Site Director, Steve Kohn, advised members of the passing of Trysh Meuller Farber, after a long illness, who served as  National's Director of Education. Steve also squashed the rumor the the ARA  will no longer have a convention in Las Vegas. Conventions, he said, are booked through the year 2025 and will be back in Las Vegas in ten years. Members were also advised that the Big East will be held in Baltimore on  October 31st this year.

Among other items, Steve stressed that new technology is an issue necessary for rental stores who want to succeed. He added that pricing is not important because it is only part of a sale. Service and quality are most important. He said, too, that we have averaged 400 hits a month on our web site and suggested that those who are not already on board do so ASAP.

Tom Lade told members that the annual Nite at the Races will be held April 14th and asked for an early response from members. Tickets are $43.50 per person. 

There was a short discussion of the success and/or lack of success of the MBA. Opinions were divided among members.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM 

Respectfully submitted

Carl Sparacio.