Table of Contents Reflections Five years ago there was a vision. Even during a time when the economy was in a downward spiral, we pressed on, knowing that with partnerships and time, we would continue to build and grow. As I reflect on the past five years, it is with pride that I can say we worked hard and met the challenges, conquered them and are as strong as ever. Strength is in numbers, partnerships and friendships. We prosper because of those three. Now, over 1500 strong, our members have access to the information and tools they need to help build on their success. In the convenience store world, our strength is in our neighborhood and that neighborhood consists of partnerships that continue to grow as we develop more relationships with suppliers. Friendships with our fellow store owners allow us to network, learn about trends, new products and share information. Our sense of community is strong and friendships develop with those who patronize our stores. The Asian American Store Owners Association is joining with the Florida Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association and the Retail Beverage Council to host this year’s Sunshine Food, Beverage and Fuel Expo. I hope you can join us on August 24 at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Hotel where there will be 400 vendors showcasing their products and services. It has become the signature event for AASOA and will be filled with opportunities to network with other store owners as well as attend more educational seminars and hear speakers on topics specific to single store owners. AASOA is your organization. Thank you for helping to build a strong group, one we can all be proud of. For more information visit www.aasoa.com or call me at 321-271-7072. I welcome the opportunity to share our goals and work to strengthen our organization.
Vipul Patel Executive Director, AASOA
4) AASOA BOARD MEMBERS Important AASOA Board Member Contact Information 9) NACS ISSUES ON E-CIGARETTES Cover Positions Relating To The Sale of E-Cigarettes 10) INTERNET SECURITY CAMERAS Prevention, Control & Proof 12) THREE KEY TIPS For Entrpreneural Success 17) FPMA SUNSHINE, FOOD, BEVERAGE & FOOD EXPO What Deals Await You 18) SUNSHINE, FOOD, BEVERAGE & FUEL EXPO MAP Floorplan Map 20) SUNSHINE, FOOD, BEVERAGE & FUEL EXPO VENDORS LIST Who’s Who & Where They’re At 23) SUNSHINE, FOOD, BEVERAGE & FUEL EXPO SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Tentative Guide of What to Attend 27) BENEFITS & REQUIREMENTS Of Corporations and LLCs 29 ) ATMS IN STORE Generates More Than Just Money for You 32) TELEPHONE SCAMS Warning from IRS 34) TIPSnTRENDS See What Products Are Trending Now 36) NACS EXPO 2014 OCTOBER Insight on what to expect
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AASOA Asian American Store Owners Association 577 Barnes Blvd Suite 650, Rockledge FL 32955 • Telephone: 321-271-7072 • Fax: 321-234-9292 • Email: aasoaconnect@gmail.com www.assoa.com
AASOA Magazine EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS RELATIONS
Vipul Patel 321-271-7072 vipulpatel66@gmail.com ADMINISTRATOR
Jaymit Patel 321-591-2672 Jaimit2468@aol.com PUBLISHER & SALES DIRECTOR
Joseph Laurino 321-480-3606 AASOAmagazine@gmail.com DESIGN & EDITORIAL
Cajun Graham ArtworkAASOA@gmail.com CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Michael Davis NACS Marketing Mike Shah Southeast Petro Justin Luke Owner, J&J Security Ned Bowman Florida Retail Federation Jay R. Thakkar, Esquire Cantwell & Goldman, P.A. Mike Gonzales Cord Financial Services Raskin Shah, CPA Owner; Raskin Shah, PA 4
Stores selling e-cigarettes are encouraged to adopt, as a best practice, a policy of treating these products as age restricted.
NACS Issues Position Relating to the Sale of E-Cigarettes
ALEXANDRIA, VA – NACS has issued a statement of position that encourages stores selling e-cigarettes to adopt, as a best practice, a policy of treating these products as age restricted and subjecting them to the same age-verification procedures as those applicable to tobacco products. NACS’ position was developed by the association’s retail Board of Directors during its most recent meeting. Convenience stores are the largest retail channel for e-cigarette sales, with overall sales of nearly $540 million in 2013, representing 75% of all brick- for retailers to verify sales of age-restricted NACS encourages retailers to use proand mortar sales, excluding kiosks and to- products and will encourage retailers to uti- cedures and training tools like those lize these procedures and training tools. offered by We Card. These training rebacco only outlets. sources include state-law-specific eLNACS will work with all appropriate federearning courses for frontline cashiers “Convenience stores are responsible retailers al organizations to ensure that convenience and managers that follow FDA Guidance and conduct more face-to-face age-verificastores continue to play a leadership role in for Tobacco Retailer Training Programs, tion checks than anyone in the world,” said establishing guidelines that take into account in-store tools to assist with proper age NACS President and CEO Henry Armour. current research related to the age-restricted calculation and spot fake IDs and illegal “Given the uncertain status of e-cigarettes, products. adult purchases for minors and a wide it just makes sense that convenience stores range of in-store signage and informacheck IDs as part of the more than 4.5 milThis is not the first time that the association tion on how to display this signage. We lion age-verification checks that we already has taken a leadership role in age-verificaCard has produced new materials specifconduct every day.” tion practices. NACS is a founding member ically for e-cigarette age verification. of the We Card program, which was estabNACS stated that: Retailers should, as a best practice, lished in the 1990s to provide training and The announcement will likely enhance follow the same applicable federal, state educational programs to properly use age- what convenience stores are already doand local laws for verifying the age of verification tools and processes. The We ing in carding for e-cigarettes. purchasers of tobacco and apply these Card program has provided retailers with more than 1.1 million in-store educational “As responsible retailers, we want to standards for the sale of e-cigarettes. NACS will promote effective procedures kits and has trained more than 350,000 retail help ensure that minors do not have employees nationwide. access to e-cigarettes,” said Armour.
“Convenience stores will continue to act responsibly in retailing e-cigarettes and complying with existing laws.” There are 151,282 convenience stores in the United States — one per every 2,100 people. Cumulatively, U.S. convenience stores serve 160 million customers per day.
www.nacsonline.com
The Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing 1600 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
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Internet Enabled Security Camera Systems: Prevention, Control, Proof
On average, every month, convenience stores incur a loss of $265 per employee due to shoplifting. In addition, stores incur an average loss of $761 from a robbery (not including structural damage). The purchasing of a security camera system provides store owners with a three tier protection plan; prevention, control, and proof. Prevention, having a security camera system is an intimidating feature which makes shoplifters think twice about shoplifting and it will make robbers think twice about robbing. On average, 72.5% of shoplifters do not plan on shoplifting; when they see something they like, they steal it. However, since nothing was planned in advance, having security cameras in the store is a powerful variable that will prevent them from shoplifting. Another part of prevention is employee stealing, a common event that occurs in 1 in 2 stores. Although one may think that employees only steal a little when tempted, on average, dishonest employees steal 5.5 times the amount that shoplifters steal. Having cameras facing employee work areas
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will significantly prevent these losses. Prevention is only successful when one has a strategically placed security camera system; security cameras should cover all isles, registers, and employee work areas. Basic 4 camera security systems are only a few hundred dollars cheaper than 16 camera advanced security systems. However, this difference in price will be made up for within a month due to a significant decrease in stealing.
Control is the second tier of protection offered by security camera systems. In this day and age, it is not surprising for shoplifters and robbers to try and steal from the most securely guarded of stores. Some things are simply inevitable, however, security camera systems will significantly decrease shoplifting in ones store. In addition, in the event of a robbery, robbers in stores with security cameras tend to be less violent and try to leave the store sooner. Any type of store robbery can be life threatening for an employee (if the store is still open) and can lead to a great amount of structural damage, which is very costly. Having security cameras can prevent these robbers from going so far as to physically harming an employee and causing a great deal of structural damage to the store. Proof is the last tier of protection and is necessary after a crime has been committed in the store. Having proof allows for store owners to recover losses from shoplifters and ban them from entering the store again. In addition,
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Peace of mind. Your business is connected to our highly trained professional monitoring representatives standing by at our 24-hour UL listed, Factory Mutual certified, monitoring center. Offering superior products, unparalleled customer service and advanced technology with real time information reporting capabilities. J&J Alarm is on your side.
when including structural damage, stores incur an average loss of $2000+ from a robbery. Although one may think they know who a robber is, without proof, losses cannot be recovered. Many robbers who rob stores when they are closed also vandalize the store; losses from vandalization are in the thousands and sometimes, ten thousands. Such losses can destroy the integrity of a business if they are not recovered.
robbers from committing crimes because they will have the unavoidable feeling that they are being watched at all times. In addition, as stated before, crimes in stores are not completely avoidable, but an internet enabled system will control the amount of crimes occurring. Mobile viewing is one of the most advantageous factors in having an internet enabled security system; you can view all the cameras in your store, right from the palm of your hand. Last, internet enabled systems are a great source of proof for even if a DVR is destroyed by a robber, crimes can be recorded onto a computer or mobile device anywhere in the world.
Although I have covered why a security camera system is necessary in a store, you might be wondering why it needs to be internet enabled like stated in the title. Internet enabled systems further strengthen the three tiers of protection. Having a sign that states that cameras are inter- Running several family convenience stores, I net enabled prevents employees, shoplifters, and have learned through experience how important
security camera systems are. However, currently, quotes for internet enabled security camera systems are extremely expensive and sometimes, unaffordable. Thus, as a service to those in the same work field as my family, I have been setting up security cameras for stores, offices, and many different retail shops in the state of Florida without charging costly programming and installation fees. If you would like to get a security camera system installed at your business or have a question about security camera systems, give me a call, my number is 321-543-7246. Owner of J&J Security, Justin Luke Cell: 321-543-7246 E-mail: jmluke0@gmail.com
AASOA MEMBERS EARN 00 PER YEAR! AN EXTRA $$1200.00 • We Maintain & Service Weekly • Fully Compliant with All State & Local Laws • Conveniently Located Outside Your Store • 1st of Every Month You Receive a Check • We Work With For-Profit & Non-Profit Kids Organizations • We Provide Clothing to the Less Fortunate • Helps Keep Items Out of Landfills • Recycling is Important
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THREE KEY TIPS FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS:
TAKING A PAGE OUT OF MIKE SHAH’S PLAYBOOK
When you think of the name Mike Shah, what word comes to mind? It would be safe to say that most people would think of the word successful. Mike Shah, the president of Southeast Petro Distributors, Inc. started off in the fuel industry with one gas station, and now owns and/or supplies over 400 gas stations in the Southeast. He employs close to 100 people just within the fuel business. Petroleum distribution is only one component of Mr. Shah’s business acumen. His portfolio includes hotels, bowling alleys, restaurants and even an assisted living home. Every entrepreneur’s end goal is success. Mike Shah’s record lends itself as a model to achieving that success. Here are some experiences from his beginnings that can be applied to any business venture: 1.SUCCESS IS NOT INSTANTANEOUS… AND IT REQUIRES SACRIFICE: “We worked for 4½
years, almost seven days a week, from opening until 6 or 7 o’clock (at night),” Mike states in an interview with Space Coast Business Magazine, “Then I would come back again late; I did not take a day off.” In a world of instant gratification with smart phones and up to the minute information technology at our disposal, having to wait for success can be seen as an obstacle. Businessmen like Shah understand that this is an obstacle of the
mind, however, and recognize the value of determination. Building a business is no small task, and you cannot expect to get rich overnight. This sentiment is best explained by Shah himself in a Florida Today article promoting the Evening of Hope Fundraiser for the Scott’s Center for Autism, “…Nothing [is] impossible if you want to work hard and make some sacrifices. It can happen. I have always believed that once you work hard, your luck is also going to work hard.” 2.CUSTOMER SERVICE IS KEY A business can have all of the competition in the world with similar products, prices and amenities, but one thing that will set the competition apart is customer service. People will go out of their way if they feel at home and as if they are important to a place of business. Businesses that don’t execute excellent customer service do not understand the source of their livelihood. “Shah always treated customers the way he would want to be treated. He worked long hours and built his company from the ground up.” writes Spacecoastdaily.com in an article highlighting the Shahs humanitarian efforts. 3.GIVING BACK Visit the Southeast Petro Facebook page or Google the name Mike Shah and a plethora of philanthropic articles will result. This is a point of priority for Mike and Rashmi Shah. They gave
back what they could when they were just starting out, and now, due to their success, they are able to give back to the community more than they ever imagined. “There is no greater satisfaction than knowing you are making a difference in the community you live in.” Mike stated in the interview with Florida Today.
For business owners, the end game is always success. Leaders like Mike Shah are examples of how even humble beginnings can lead to success. These three lessons of diligence, responsibility and philanthropy are things for which any business or entrepreneurship should strive.
Deals and Profits Await You at the 2014 Sunshine Food, Beverage and Food Expo The Sunshine Food, Beverage and Food Expo is bigger and better in 2014 -- and the best part of all is that AASOA members still get to attend for free! Don’t miss out on the deal making August 23rd-25th at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Register online at our website. This expo in Orlando is your best chance to attend a major trade show with dozens of opportunities for you to buy better, sell smarter and profit more. Once again, our friends partners at the Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (FPMA) are giving away registration free for AASOA members. This Expo is a selling show, so you’ll see plenty of “Show Specials” available only for attendees during the 2 day expo. The expo is selling exhibit space very quickly, and a major new addition this year is the attendance of many alcoholic beverage suppliers, thanks to the participation of the Retail Beverage Council. The addition of the Retail Beverage Council brings a new and important category to the expo. Major beer, wine and spirits suppliers and distributors are expected to bring many “event-only” offers to the expo, and you’ll be able to cut deals with them on location. There will be hundreds of products and categories available, specifically targeted for independent operators of convenience stores, so this is your chance to get in on the latest trends to keep your store sales and margins high. Just a few of the new product rollouts we’ll be showcasing include the latest in energy drinks, beer and wine, ready to eat, heat and serve, snacks and candy, cigarettes and tobacco, e-cigs, and a lot more. In addition to your free attendance, the Sunshine Food, Beverage and Food Expo offers a complimentary breakfast in the exhibit hall, along with food courts paired and a lounge area. Even if you attended the Sunshine Food, Beverage & Fuel Expo last year, get ready for a whole new expo experience. If you have any additional questions you can contact FPMA Director of Events Joanna Wolff at (850) 222-4082.
We look forward to seeing you in August!
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SUNSHINE, FOOD, BEVE August 23 Hilton Orlando B
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EVERAGE & FUEL EXPO 3 - 26, 2014 do Bonnet Creek
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BENEFITS AND REQUIREMENTS OF CORPORATIONS AND LLCS
What are the Benefits of Operating a Business as a Corporation or a Limited Liability Company?
As a business owner, you should consider forming an LLC if you plan to run a business and are concerned about personal exposure to lawsuits or debts arising from your business. For example, if you decide to open a gas station or a convenience/ liquor store, you may worry that your commercial liability insurance will not fully protect your personal assets from potential slip-and-fall lawsuits or from claims by your suppliers for unpaid bills. Running your business as an LLC will give you that extra protection against these and other potential claims against your business.
• Perpetual Existence. When a sole proprietor dies the sole proprietorship dies with them. Corporations and LLC’s cannot “die” and have an unlimited perpetual existence that continues on even after the owner dies. Upon the death of the owner the heirs of the owner inherit the corporation or the LLC and the business will continue.
• Ease of Transferability of Ownership. Because the assets of the business (i.e. furniture, machinery, equipment, bank accounts, inventory, real estate, leases) are all owned by the corporation or the LLC, transferring the business can be done simply by endorsing the back of the share certificate to the transferee. This can be especially useful if the Both corporations and limited liability companies parent of a family business desires to transfer the offer the following benefits:• Limited Liability. In business to their children. general the owners of a corporation or a LLC are • Raising Capital and Securing Financing. Operatnot liable for the debts of the business which they ing a business as a corporation or as a LLC makes have not personally guaranteed. This is perhaps it significantly easier to raise private capital inthe most important benefit offered by a corpora- vestment and to acquire loans from institutional tion or a LLC. It helps protect the wealth and as- lenders. sets that a business owner has worked their whole It is always wise to consult with an attorney and a life to accumulate. However, there are some imCPA before beginning a business venture. If you portant legal exceptions to this general rule which are interested in starting a corporation or a limited you should carefully discuss with your attorney. liability company, or need legal advice regarding
your business or real estate, please feel free to contact my office at 321-639-1320 x 115. The author, Jay R. Thakkar, Esq., is an attorney with Cantwell & Goldman, P.A. in Cocoa, Florida. Jay graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Entrepreneurship. He continued his studies at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate. As the recipient of the Associate of the Year Award from Vassar B. Carlton America Inns of Court for 2012 and 2013, Jay was recognized as one of the finest upcoming young lawyers in Brevard County. He is an experienced trial lawyer, and represents lenders and borrowers in commercial and residential real estate, business transactions, and other civil litigation matters.
By: Jay R. Thakkar, Esq
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ATMs in Stores Generates More Than Just Money for You
By Mike Gonzalez, Director of Marketing, CORD Financial Services
In a world of diminishing returns, store owners need to tackle this problem before it gets out of control. Everyone wants increased value from banks to consumers and everyone in between. This leaves you, the store owner, scrambling to get the piece of the action while satisfying everyone else’s needs. One relatively quick and easy solution to increase business growth in your store can be as simple as adding an ATM in your location. Yesterday and Today Whether you call it an automated teller machine (ATM), an automated banking machine (ABM), cash machine, cashpoint, cashline or hole in the wall, ATMs have come a long way since its first American introduction in New York City’s First National City Bank (now CitiBank) in 1960. It was called a Bankograph and was installed in the City Bank of New York City. This early version of the ATM only accepted cash and checks. The new invention did not catch on and was quickly removed after six months due to lack of customer acceptance. In fact, “The only people using the machines were [undesirables like] gamblers who didn’t want to deal with tellers face to face,” said Luther Simjian, American inventor of the Bankograph. It was not until June 27, 1967 that Barclays Bank in Enfield Town in North London, United Kingdom installed the world’s first ATM. Later in 1969, the first American ATM using plastic cards with magnetic strips was installed at a Chemical Bank branch on Long Island.
In the 1970’s, many U.S. banks realized this invention was vital to their business and ATMs started sprouting all over the U.S. Today, ATMs are part of our modern culture and it is a convenience that people expect. Benefits of ATM’s in Your Store Store owners must find ways to attract customers to their stores and more importantly spend money there. A MasterCard 2011 study shows that consumers may use debit cards for routine
purchases, but they still visit ATMs more often for small cash withdrawals. Other reports also show that ATM transactions are expected to grow 66% by 2015 and withdrawals will increase 8% each between 2012 and 2016 according to ATM Marketplace. In short, people still use cash today to buy everyday necessities and ATMs will be the means they use to get cash. Need to say more? ATMs are an essential part of a merchant’s business. The benefits of having an ATM in your store are vast and presented below: 1. Increased Sales: Studies prove that an onsite ATM can increase merchant profits. Consumers who use ATM machines spend about 25% of the money withdrawn in the business itself due
checkout line will bring a smile to their faces. 4. Increased Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty: Providing your customers with easy access to cash is a convenience they will appreciate and expect. Having an ATM on site is also a great way to increase traffic coming through your business and expand your base of repeat customers. This new ATM traffic entering your store is a potential sale for you if not now, then in the future. 5. ATMs in Your Store Provide Security for Customers: Unfortunately, with crime being more prevalent today, people are more likely to choose a merchant with an ATM to get money. A well-lit and secure location will attract more potential customers to your store, giving you an opportunity for a sale. Humans are creatures of habit and users of ATMs tend to visit the same ATM over and over.
In the Future As technology gets more sophisticated, more ATMs will be able to pay bills, send money to people, dispense stamps, purchase lottery tickets and gift cards, and even disburse more prodprimarily to “im- ucts in the future. The key is to give people anpulse buying”, according to ATM Market- other reason to visit your store and spend more place. Watching customers leave your location money there. to find an ATM is like watching profit walk ATMs will not be going away in the future. Euout the door. Additionally, an ATM also pro- romonitor predicts that ATM transactions will vides the opportunity to increase sales through go from about $632 billion in 2013 to $874 bilon-screen advertising, toppers for third-party lion in 2018. One strong reason for this may be advertising, ATM wraps and coupon options. that employers and governments will be payA KLCI Research Group’s Trends and Futures ing their employees through a debit card, also study reported transaction volumes increased known as Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), 15 percent on machines with a topper. and not a physical check. People will need an 2. Most Profitable Three Square Feet of ATM to get their money. Your Store: Depending on location, traffic flow and surcharge rates your ATM investment can Profiting From an ATM easily pay for itself in less than one year with Your ATM profits are also determined by the additional income. Most customers are willing type of program you choose, the surcharge to pay a fee, because an ATM allows them to fee you set and the number of monthly ATM shop and bank in one location. Whether you surcharge transactions. The more ATM transown or have an ATM provider place an ATM in actions in a store will generate more revenue your location, a percentage of this transaction for the store owner. Choosing to purchase your fee will go to you, providing you with an extra own ATM and manage it will earn you 100% of the revenue from each transaction. If you want source of revenue for your business. an ATM without the capital costs or hassle of 3. Reduced Credit and Debit Card Fees, management, there are placement options such and Bad Check Losses: Credit card companies as full turnkey ATM or partnerships available charge as much as two to three percent of the through ATM providers. These will be distotal purchase price in fees. There is also a debit cussed in more detail in the next section. These card processing fee assessed on the merchant. programs will earn a smaller percentage of the Providing your customers with easy access to surcharge revenue. Continued on next page cash reduces your credit and debit card transaction fees and the costs of bad checks. For cus29 tomers, satisfaction from spending less time in a
Continued: ATMs in Stores Generates More Than Just Money for You
ATM Purchasing Options for the Store Owner
A range of ATM programs are available with varying degree of capital investment and maintenance of the ATM. You may buy the ATM and manage the cash loading to get the maximum possible revenue from your machine. If you would like an ATM in your location without the capital and time investment, a placement may be right for you. A full service ATM provider (also known as an Independent Sales Organization or ISO) can provide you with similar programs below. Full Turnkey ATM Placement This option is for a store owner who is not ready to invest in the equipment capital and time necessary to managing cash replenishment and ATM machine maintenance. ISO’s can handle everything from the ATM equipment costs, installation, maintenance, cash services, insurance, processing and parts repair so you can profit from transactions hassle-free. Partnership Placement If you would like control over your ATM cash
without other aspects of ATM management, an ISO can offer all the assistance associated with a regular placement program while you handle the cash loading of your machines. Choose Wisely Whether you are buying an ATM or partnering with an ISO, store owners need to do their due diligence. Consider the following when entering into a long-term contract with an ISO:
with is an active member in industry associations and more importantly is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A company’s BBB rating reflects its overall ethical business practices and gives you an indication how well their customers perceive them.
1. Are they Financially Strong? Let’s face it the news is packed with stories of mismanagement, financial bailouts and bankruptcies. If a company can’t operate its own business profitably, how could they operate your ATM profitably? Make sure an ISO is a well-run, financially strong comAbout CORD Financial Services: Based in Temple, pany.
Texas, CORD Financial Services is a nationwide provider of ATM systems, transaction processing and management. CORD has an A+ BBB rating and is an active member of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and ATM Industry Association (ATMIA). As an industry leader, CORD is a trusted partner for thousands of ATMs across the United States. For more information about CORD Financial 3. Professional and Industry Accreditations. Services, visit us at www.cordfinancial.com, email at Make sure the company you choose to work sales@cordfinancial.com or call 800.410.5217.
2. Size of Company. The size of an ISO should allow them to have the buying power to provide the most competitive pricing in the industry while still maintaining personal customer care. You just do not want to be a number to them.
WANT TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF AASOA MAGAZINE?
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Joey Laurino 321-480-3606 Sales Manager
Telephone Scam – Warning from IRS As many of you are targeted by aggressive phone scam in the last several months. The Internal Revenue Service has issued another strong warning for consumers to guard against sophisticated and aggressive phone scams targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, as reported incidents of this crime continue to rise nationwide. The IRS will always send taxpayers a written notification of any tax due via the U.S. mail. The IRS never asks for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone. Immigrants are frequently targeted. Potential victims are threatened with deportation, arrest, having their utilities shut off, or having their driver’s licenses revoked. Callers are frequently If you get a phone call from someone claiming and social media channels. The IRS also does insulting or hostile - apparently to scare their to be from the IRS, here’s what you should do: not ask for PINs, passwords or similar confipotential victims. dential access information for credit card, bank • If you know you owe taxes or you think you or other financial accounts. Recipients should Potential victims may be told they are entitled might owe taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. not open any attachments or click on any links to big refunds, or that they owe money that The IRS employees at that line can help you contained in the message. Instead, forward the must be paid immediately to the IRS. When with a payment issue, if there is such an issue. e-mail to phishing@irs.gov. unsuccessful the first time, sometimes phone • If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no scammers call back trying a new strategy. reason to think that you owe any taxes (for ex- More information on how to report phishing ample, you’ve never received a bill or the caller scams involving the IRS is available on the Other characteristics of this scam include: made some bogus threats as described above), genuine IRS website, IRS.gov and type “scam” • Scammers use fake names and IRS badge then call and report the incident to the Treasury in the search box. numbers. They generally use common names Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1and surnames to identify themselves. 800-366-4484. Raskin Shah, CPA is an owner of Raskin Shah, PA full service accounting and tax practice, pro• Scammers may be able to recite the last four • If you’ve been targeted by this scam, you viding services throughout digits of a victim’s Social Security number. should also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” Florida. He can be reached at (321) 269-6677 • Scammers spoof the IRS toll-free number on at FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” or email: russ@raskinshahcpa.com. Website: caller ID to make it appear that it’s the IRS callto the comments of your complaint. RaskinShahCPA.com ing. • Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails Taxpayers should be aware that there are other to some victims to support their bogus calls. unrelated scams (such as a lottery sweepstakes) and solicitations (such as debt relief) that fraud• Victims hear background noise of other calls ulently claim to be from the IRS. being conducted to mimic a call site. • After threatening victims with jail time or driver’s license revocation, scammers hang up and others soon call back pretending to be from the local police or DMV, and the caller ID supports their claim.
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The IRS encourages taxpayers to be vigilant against phone and email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages
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Complete Accounting & Tax Services Professionals & Businesses Monthly and Quarterly Financial Statements Corporation and LLC Income Tax Preparation Personal Income Tax Preparation Sales Tax Preparation Professional Payroll Services Tax Planning IRS and Sales Tax Representation
Free Consultation Raskin Shah, PA Certified Public Accountant
1760 Cheney Hwy Titusville, Florida 32780 (321) 269-6677 Fax: (321) 269-0090 www.raskinshahcpa.com russ@raskinshahcpa.com
Serving Professionals & Businesses Since 1994
AASOA MeMbeRS eARn An extRA $1,200.00 peR YeAR! • • • • • • •
Air Resource Vending, Inc.
We Maintain & Service Weekly Fully Compliant with all State & Local Laws Conveniently Located Outside Your Store 1st of every Month You Receive a Check We provide Clothing to the Less Fortunate Helps Keep Items Out of Landfills Recycling is Important
call marc douglas 954-214-5912 For more details or to Schedule a drop off
We manufacture, operate, buy, install, maintain, service, & distribute coin operated tire inflators, vacuum cleaners, and water dispensers in retail petroleum sites throughout the United States and Canada at NO CHARGE... AND we provide a percentage of the revenue to the location. Premium air service for your customers, “Smart Vend” technology for YOU!
www.airarv.com 507-263-2962
What is F’Real?
• Freshly blended frozen beverages with consistenly great taste and exceptional quality. f’real’s classic milkshakes, real fruit smoothies and gourmet frozen cappucinos are blended fresh every time, and made with only the highest quality ingredients. • Innovative automated technology. f’real’s first-to-market blending system is based on pre-packaged ingredients frozen right in the serving cup, custom blended with one touch of the screen. No labor, no mess, no wasted ingredients-EVER. • Beverage destination program that drives incremental traffic and sales. Three delicious product lines, one simple blending program. Contact: Marci Fechter 954-732-0173 www.freal.com 34
TIPS n T Natives of Southeast Asia have been chewing Kratom for centuries. It is widely believed that the traditional natural chewing of Kratom provides fast absorption and strong desired effects. We believe, as the natives did, chewing Kratom is the best way for your customers to experience the full benefits of this truly amazing plant.Kratom Buzz Gum® is the first & only modern day chewable Kratom product on the market. In addition to MAENG DA Kratom, BUZZ GUM® is enhanced with Oxytriptan & Caffeine to provide your customers with a truly amazing Full Spectrum Experience. Contact: Manish Patel 772-607-4825 Florida One Wholesale Inc.
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Coffee & Tea Carafe DesTainer
· Works like magic – quickly removes stains from coffee pots, urns, carafes, tea, beverage pitchers and more. · Save money - restore existing equipment for pennies per application. · No waste – reusable portion pump dispenses the exact amount of solution for proper dilution.
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Good, cheap, colorful - and especially very popular. The ok.- products are all the rage. Ok.- represents the perfect quality at fair prices in a cool design. The brand appears natural, straightforward and direct. The ok.- products are genuine class hit. Apart from the different energy drink variants ok.- products of a very high demand. ok-energydrink.com
Tarantula puts a whole new spin on ready to drink margaritas. This premium liquor blends the finest tequila with natural flavors for a unique smoothness and drinkability. Consumers love their striking colors and sensational taste. The Azul is excellent especially when combined with Tarantula Azul Margarita Mix. Together they make “The World’s Best Blue Margarita”. That’s why we offer them premixed as a ready-to-drink margarita with real tequila in the blue Azul, Strawberry, and Mango flavors. They are the only ready to drink margaritas made with real tequila and not some other alcohol base which greatly improves the quality and taste.
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www.mccormickdistilling.com
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Krishna Multi Services Bob Patel (407) 710-5818 kms11@live.com
•Accounting & Taxation •Business Licensing (All Types, Statewide) •SNAP (EBT) Related Services •Check Cashing- Complete Package: -MSB Registration, Licensing, Ongoing -Monitoring, Audit Representation •Business Organization, Planning & Consulting: -Obtain Licenses & Registrations: ~Occupatoinal License ~Alcohol & Tobacco License ~SNAP Registration ~On-Demand Customization of Sales, Expenses & Other Spreadsheets ~Minority Business Certification: City, State & National Level
•Government Benefit Assistance: -Unemployment Benefits -Food Stamps -Healthcare.gov Registration -Assistance with other Government Services •Agent Between You & Your Accountant for Audit Purposes: -Gather & Organize Required Documents -Prepare a Complete Package for Auditor •Generate Power of Attorney Documents & -Prepare Most of Legal Agreements •Review Legal Documents & Answer Specifc Questions •Immigration & Citizenship Assistance •Business Insurance •Personal Asset Organization
SEE US AT THE SUNSHINE EXPO!
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Join your colleagues for a little networking, food and fun each evening right after the expo closes.
NACS SHOW KICK-OFF PARTY Located on the popular Las Vegas strip, TAO nightclub is the perfect place to grab a drink and meet and network with colleagues and new acquaintances. To kick off the NACS Show, enjoy an open bar and entertainment as you connect with NACS Show attendees from around the world.
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NACS GAME DAY PARTY Join NACS Show fans for a little predinner networking fun once the expo closes. The NACS Show Game Day’s festive tailgate atmosphere will make you want to grab a beer and participate in the fun and games.
NACSTOBERFEST The post-expo networking fun continues after the expo closes on Thursday with NACSTOBERFEST. Meet up with industry peers in the Silver Lot at the Las Vegas Convention Center to participate in the carnival-style games while enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine.
AASOA Special 10% off! Code 0814 OXFORD LIGHT INC.
ECO-GREEN LED 2750 Dillard RD. Suite #7 Eustis, FL 32726 www.EcoGreenLED.US.com
Contact@EcoGreenLED.US.com
352-308-6627 for Raj 352-989-0765 for Ashok
2014 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 7:30 am - 5:30am 10:00 am - 6:30pm 10:00 am-5:30 pm 10:00 am-5:30 pm 2:00 pm-2:50 pm 3:05 pm-3:55 pm 4:10 pm-5:00 pm 5:00 pm-5:30 pm 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
Registration Cool New Products Preview Room (retailers, wholesalers and distributors only) NACS Center NACSPAC Lounge Educational Sessions Educational Sessions Educational Sessions New Supplier Member Reception (ticketed event) NACS Show Kick-Off Party (ticketed event)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 7:30 am-5:30 pm 8:00 am-8:50 am 8:00 am-11:30 am 8:00 am-5:30 pm 8:00 am-5:30 pm 9:05 am-9:55 am 10:00 am-11:15 am 11:30 am-5:30pm 11:30 am-5:30 am all) 5:30 pm-6:45 pm
Registration Educational Sessions Cool New Products Preview Room (retailers, wholesalers and distributors only) NACS Center NACSPAC Lounge Educational Sessions Genera Session featuring Brad Call and David Freedman Expo Cool New Products Preview Room (open to NACS Game Day Party
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 7:30 am-5:30 pm 8:00 am-8:50 am 8:00 am-5:30 pm 8:00 am-5:30 pm 8:00 am-5:30 pm 9:05 am-9:55 am 10:00 am-11:15 am 11:30 am-5:30 pm 5:30 pm-6:45 pm
Registration Educational Sessions Cool New Products Preview Room NACS Center NACSPAC Lounge Educational Sessions General Sessions featuring Henry Armour and NACS “Ideas 2 Go” Expo NACSTOBERFEST
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 7:30 am-1:30 pm 8:00 am-9:00 am 8:00 am-1:30 pm 8:00 am-1:30 pm 8:00 am-1:30 pm 9:00 am-1:30 pm
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Registration General Sessions featuring Steve Loehr and Dr. Robert Gates Cool New Products Preview Room NACS Center NACSPAC Lounge Expo
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ts, advertisemen solely upon d se . ce ba en be ri t ould no and expe cision that sh qualifications important de n about our io an at is r rm ye fo w in la nd you free e hiring of a , ask us to se FL 32244 Th re you decide Jacksonville fo 02 Be #8 . e. is vd rt Bl imed expe Argyle Forest or self-procla Office: 7855 ecialization, sp n, tio ca ifi cert
www.FreeJewelryDisplay.com Importer, Manufacturer & Distributor Jewelry, Watches, Pocket Knives, Sunglasses, Cell Phone Accessories, Belt Buckles & Other Profit Making Accessories For Your Store! FREE BEAUTIFUL ACRYLIC LED LIT COUNTERTOP OR FREE STANDING DISPLAY *with purchase of merchandise
We Specialize in Creating Custom Counters for Your Store to Accommodate Maximum Utilization of Your Space! And YES! We Also Install LED Lights for Your Coolers & Windows! Please Call: Tariq : 813•375•1500 Zia: 813•546•9605 Office: 813•632•4900 Fax: 813•632•3322 Email: Sales@BuckleUSA.com Made in USA, Factory in Tampa, FL Pride Imports LLC 924 Est 124th Ave Suite #A Tampa, FL 33612
J.H. Williams Oil Company, Inc.
Are you in need of a fuel supplier? J.H. Williams Oil Co., Inc. has been in the fuel business for over 70 years. Based in Tampa, FL we have locations in Fort Myers, Marco Island, New Port Richey, Bradenton, North Port, Ruskin, Lutz, Tampa, and Sarasota. We also supply to over 200 retail outlets throughout the state of Florida and we’re looking to grow! Quality and customer service are important to us, which is why we represent six reliable brands: Shell, Chevron, Texaco, Citgo, Marathon, and Sunoco. We offer a variety of unbranded supply options as well. We Also have a full office staff that handles billing and processing daily!
Our sales team is eager to serve you!
Give us a call so we can start building a relationship today! Jack Piedmont 813-466-9327
Mike Aldred 813-376-4433
Art Vetter 813-679-3095