Student Support Services Visit Local Business

By: Christi Lotempio

Celina and Erin from Student Support Services arranged a tour of T-Shirts Ect in Batavia. This is a T-Shirt company located at 37 Center Street in Batavia, or mytshirtsect.com. The company offers screen printing, canvas prints, wall graphics, embroidery, Decals, Banner and so much more. The owner, Brian Kemp, was a graduate of SUNY GCC.

Our group was able to walk through the entire business to view the printing and the embroidery being completed at the time of our tour. We learned about everything from taking a customer’s order, how the T-Shirt is printed or embroidered, and their checks and balance system. Mr.Kemp was very informative and gave us many tips on running an effective business. Some of the most important things he noted were networking, providing great customer service and being honest (The Golden Rule). He was able to share with us some of his marketing ideas, such as the wooden coin (if you find one and you return it to T-Shirt Ect – you get a free T-shirt!) and the logo printed on the sleeve of the left arm of a shirt. He was able to give us a complete outline of being an entrepreneur, and encouraged to think outside of the box to make your company stand out.

Not only was the tour fun but we all got our own shirts. Thanks for the T-Shirts Mr.Kemp!!

Thoughts on Genesee Community College

By: Fashion Intern Mariah Paddock

Every Wednesday in Advertising class, students participate in workshop Wednesday. Students are put into groups and are given a topic and are asked to brainstorm different advertisements and ideas. In today’s class, November 9^th, students watched the new video, recorded by Forest Production and Photography, about Genesee Community College alumni, their stories and what they thought of GCC. The video had the end message about GCC; “We’ll take you where you want to go!” The video went back and forth from students in the college now and then would showcase alumni in between. The alumni explained why GCC was the perfect decision and where they are now. The video also said, “GCC can enrich your life.”

After watching the video, current GCC students in Advertising class were asked to come up with ideas of what they think about Genesee Community College. Students came up with multiple ideas, stating the different benefits and opportunities GCC has to offer. They listed concepts such as hands on experience, diverse students, small class sizes and supportive professors. One student said, “GCC gets you started in a friendly environment where everyone is accepting of each other.” Another team came up with an advertisement showing a person daydreaming, saying “Just as I imagined; great people, personal, affordable” (shown below). Students overall agreed that Genesee was the perfect step up in “getting your foot in the door” and digging deeper in your interests and desired careers.

Students at GCC aren’t afraid to get involve and use the opportunities that Genesee gives them. GCC gets you ready for your future and makes you feel welcome and comfortable with whatever you are doing. The success level of graduates at Genesee Community College continues to grow. Don’t forget that, “We’ll take you where you want to go!”

If you wish to watch the alumni video the link is below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdE5Qm2KwmE&feature=youtu.be

Tourism & Hospitality Management Students Enjoy Industry Conference at RIT

By: Denzel Flowers – Tourism & Hospitality Management Student

On October 28^th, the Tourism & Hospitality Managements students joined other tourism students from Finger Lakes Community College, Monroe Community College and RIT at the 11^th Annual Hospitality Symposium held at RIT. This year’s topic was “Legally Speaking”.

Karen Morris, a SUNY distinguished Professor and Brighton Town Judge was one of the day’s speakers. She writes a column in Hotel Management Magazine called “Legally Speaking” and she shared real cases of hospitality lawsuits with the students. She shared outcomes and best practices by industry leaders such as P.F. Chang’s and major hotel chains. She reviewed dozens of cases and their results in the last two months.

Tony Terradas, a Senior Account Manager for NEXT! Ad Agency presented a segment entitled “Reputation Management after an Issue” in which he showed how social media can be a tool to manage a company’s reputation both before and after legal issues.

A delicious lunch was provided by the RIT Hospitality Students at Henry’s Restaurant in the George Eastman Building. RIT students develop menus, prepare the food and operate Henry’s Restaurant as part of their classroom learning.

* The Genesee Community College Tourism & Hospitality students also benefit from membership in the Travel Club. They will be traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada to further enhance their studies of the tourism and hospitality industry. They will experience and learn first-hand the ways of the industry from some of the most world renowned hotel conglomerates such as MGM Mirage, Bellagio, and Treasure Island. Denzel Flowers, and Breonna Thomas are two students that are members of the GCC Travel Club selling raffel tickets to fund raise to help pay for their trip to Las Vegas. For more information on how to support the travel club’s fund raising please contact Denzel or Breonna at dflower1@my.genesee.edu ; Bthomas4@genesee.edu

An American Dreamer: Tommy Hilfiger

While on the annual GCC fashion trip to NYC we were able to meet with alumni, Connor deGuehery, from Tommy Hilfiger. We were able to look at the Tommy Hilfiger store, on 5th Ave, find out what really goes on behind the scenes of planning and putting together each floor.

In our fashion buying class, we got the opportunity to watch a video of Tommy Hilfiger being interviewed and introducing us to his book, An American Dreamer: My Life in Fashion and Business. Tommy informed everyone of how he started out struggling in high school with his grades and concentrating on schoolwork, but transformed into a hardworking, successful ,businessman. Fashion is his purpose for the world.

Some of the highlights that stood out to me from this video were that the company is in the process of adding new technologies within the business and they are quickly changing the rules of the fashion world. They now are working with a new concept where you can buy their clothing with a touch of the screen in the store. You are able to get that quick, and efficient order while still getting that shopping experience that allows you to touch and try on the pieces. This allows the customer to purchase an item, but walk away hands-free! Also, for the first time in fashion history, the Tommy Hilfiger company is looking to change the whole fashion calendar. They are taking the newest designs on the runway, and selling them instantly, no more waiting! This concept is called See Now, Buy Now.This could potentially be a whole new approach for brands. I think it will positively impact the fashion industry in that more people will want to buy the product, increasing sales.

Tommy Hilfiger also grew up in a small town right near GCC and the town, Batavia NY. He grew up and had his first small boutique in Elmira, NY; just under two hours away from our college. It would be a honor to have Tommy come back to Western New York and speak with all our fashion students. That would be such a memorable experience for our college and every fashion student. We are constantly keeping up with the latest news within the Tommy Hilfiger company, as we have alumni a part of it, and are very interested in this ever growing company!

This blog post was written by Kourtney Shearer

Fashion Speaker Series: David Zyla

By: Fashion Intern Mariah Paddock

davidzyla

Genesee Community College had the honor of hosting Emmy Award Winner, David Zyla on campus for the second time. In three years, he won his Emmy for styling a soap opera, All My Children. David is also the author of three books, How to Win at Shopping, Color Your Style, and The Color of Style. Some students were chosen as project managers to have lunch with him and also gave him a tour of the college. David Zyla started out styling his parents, who quickly realized he had a special talent. His parents enrolled him in painting and drawing classes, and his creative talent continued to flourish throughout his childhood. After high school, he attended NYU for costume design. While designing costumes for Broadway productions, people would ask him, “why do you put him/her in that specific color?” He would tell them that it was just supposed to be that way. David has a gift of teaching people what colors are right for them. He says, “notice it in you” and “your color is a map of you and your personality.”

If you are attracted to one specific color, David advises you to buy multiple pieces of clothing in that same color. One of his color tips is to look at the color of your veins on your wrist, the blue, purple or green is your dramatic color, which will make you stand out. The color of your finger tip when you push it, is an orange/red color, which will be that shade that looks best on you. David Zyla has dressed several different celebrities, including Hillary Clinton when she was the first lady. After this endeavor, he went into the television industry. He is currently styling for television shows, commercials and is working with private clients. His end goal for each private client is making them feel like themselves in their clothes. David says, “Clothes are clothes, they were meant to showcase you.”

When finding a new wardrobe for clients he starts in their closets. If you have something in your closet that you hate, don’t look for that in the store. If you absolutely love something, and it brings you happiness, then it is okay to splurge. Another tip is knowing why you love or hate a piece of clothing. The color, fabric, fit, length, or neck line that you love or hate is essential when deciding what to shop for. After all, you are building a wardrobe to showcase you! David tells us that we should always have a game plan when going shopping, don’t have a vague idea, know exactly what to look for. Use strategic shopping; leave more than one hour to shop, go alone, and turn the cell phone off. Know that department stores are designed to keep you in the store and shop longer. The most expensive items are displayed on the right as soon as you enter the store, lower priced items are to the left. The register add-ons are put there to make you buy on first instinct. When it comes to the fitting rooms, it is all about finding your perfect match and size. Take more than one size into the dressing room if you aren’t sure about your size.

Throughout David’s styling career he has learned that jeans are one of the hardest things to find the perfect pair for clients. He says, “A tip when finding the right pair of jeans, is in the fitting room, sit down in them. If they are uncomfortable then they aren’t the ones.” It is also important to know when and how to splurge on things like formal wear, handbags and coats because they will be used over and over, and on a good pair of pants. Mr. David Zyla is a friend of the GCC Fashion Business program. He generously invites us annually to attend his Fashion Speaker Series at the National Arts Club when we visit New York City in October.

Julia Bailey, David Zyla, Mariah Paddock

GCC Plaid Rockin’ The Campus!

By: Mariah Paddock – Fashion Business Program

plaid

Genesee Community College has created their own plaid that has even been officially registered by the Scottish Register of Tartans. For the textile aspect, the GCC plaid is a twill weave, which can be easily identified by the diagonal lines. Our GCC school colors are also official Pantone colors. The blue color is the Pantone 2945 C and the yellow color is the Pantone 117 C. The plaid has been steadily moving through the college, starting with the fabric, shown above. Official GCC Plaid neck ties, bow ties, and scarves were produced in the 2015-2016 school year. The introduction of the plaid was a success, and is continuing to flourish into the 2016-2017 school year. We have introduced GCC Plaid socks and we are in the process of getting t-shirts, as well.

plaidgcc

Students, in the fashion program are eager to get involved in different activities within the school. We are even willing to help advertise to increase awareness of the official GCC Plaid. Students have combined their efforts by posting on social media, blogging, and even making ad campaigns, seen below. We have graciously given the plaid away at different events to guests of honor and others who have taken time to help the students learn about the fashion industry. During our New York City trip in October 2015, we gave the plaid neck ties, bow ties and scarves to the people in the industry, including former alumni, as gifts. They were telling their stories to students and giving them tips about making it in the fashion industry. Students have also given the plaid to guest speakers that are part of the Fashion Speaks Series at the GCC Batavia campus, one being the Emmy Award winning fashion stylist, David Zyla.

Giving the plaid to these special people showcases the fashion students’ appreciation for their participation in helping them succeed.

plaidsocks

Students are always using social media to spread the word about the work they are doing or events that are happening at Genesee Community College. The hashtags are a perfect way to stay connected with each other and get the word out on an international level. While in New York City the fashion students used the hashtag #GCCinNYC. Now, with the plaid, we ask everyone to post pictures of themselves in the GCC Plaid and hashtag it, #GCCPlaid.

plaiddisplay

The GCC Plaid is also on display in the Alfred C. O’Connell Library, featuring a vest, kilt, socks and scarf, seen above. The vest and kilt in the display was created by Professor Donna Ehrhart. Design students are in the process of making their own plaid vests and other items in the official plaid. Currently the GCC Plaid socks are for sale in the Math and Science Suite for $10. Stay tuned for the GCC Plaid Logo t-shirts that are coming soon!

Don’t forget to follow us on social media @trendygcc

twittersnap instagram

Our Neighbor Christopher Thorpe

By: Denzel Flowers – Tourism & Hospitality Management student

On October 17, 2016 Christopher Thorpe, General Manager of Darien Lake Theme Park, visited Mr. Dudkowski’s Professional Sales class at Genesee Community College. Chris spoke about his passion for the amusement park industry and how it has shaped who he is today.

chris-denzel

While presenting to the class, Chris touched upon many of the topics and tactics that we learn about in sales class and told us how they have been and always will be used in the real world.

Chris talked about some of the missed opportunities that many of us are faced with in our day-to-day lives. He says that when we are faced with a troublesome situation, try to put the best of you into the situation and create the best outcome possible.

He also went on to say that the type of attitude that an individual has in the world is a make-or-break factor. He says that he looks for Highly Energetic, Attentive, Responsible (HEAR) people. The golden rule should be used when it comes to dealing with a situation, treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Chris also talked about giving back to the community. By giving back to Genesee County and appreciating the community that you are in is how everyone lives a bit better and you know you are making a difference.

*Mr. Denzel Flowers is a current student majoring in Tourism & Hospitality Management at Genesee Community College and is an aquatic supervisor at Darien Lake. Denzel also is active with GCC’s athletic department and a member of the travel club. Along with swimming and diving for the college, Denzel is also selling raffle tickets for a trip to Las Vegas with the Genesee Community College Travel Club. For more information on how to support the travel club’s fund raising please contact Denzel at dflower1@my.genesee.edu

NYC Visual Diary Day 3

Greetings from NYC! We leave to go back to Batavia tomorrow morning, but today we had a delightful day in the city. Our first stop of the day was the opportunity to visit LIM college. Our second meeting of the day was with GCC Alum, Samantha, at her place of business, Brandlink Communications. It was wonderful to connect with Samantha and to see how far she has come since attending GCC. This evening we were guests of David Zyla at the National Arts Club to see a presentation on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The presentation was spectacular and informative. In the coming weeks, I will be posting more in depth on each of the wonderful places we were able to visit. All of us in the GCC fashion program want to thank the individuals who were willing to take time out of their day to meet with us. We cannot thank you enough. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @trendy.gcc, on Twitter, @trendygcc, and on Snapchat, @trendygcc.

NYC Visual Diary Day 2

Hello everyone! Day 2 in New York City started off right with a visit to the Gitman Brothers Showroom. After Gitman Brothers, we headed to the Tommy Hilfiger flagship store, on 5th Ave, to have a tour of the store from GCC Fashion Program Alum, Connor. Following Tommy, we headed to the fashion forecasting giant, The Doneger Group. It was an amazing day and in the coming weeks I will be posting more in depth on each of the wonderful places we were able to visit. All of us in the GCC fashion program want to thank the individuals who were willing to take time out of their day to meet with us. We cannot thank you enough. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @trendy.gcc, on Twitter, @trendygcc, and on Snapchat, @trendygcc.

NYC Visual Diary Day 1

Hello from NYC! Today, Professor Dudkowski and Professor Ehrhart’s Fashion Business students embarked on the annual trip to NYC. We left Batavia at 7:30 am and arrived at our hotel in NYC at 2:30 pm. After we arrived at our hotel, we had the opportunity to go off on our own and explore the city. I had the opportunity, along with fellow students, Kourtney Shearer and Mariah Paddock, to visit with GCC Fashion Program Alum, Hailey Rizzo. We were able to interview Hailey for our Instagram account so be sure to check it out. It was a fabulous day and we have more adventures tomorrow