A New Point Of View

Charles Men’s shop is a family owned and operated business that has been Batavia’s number one choice for fine men’s clothing since the store’s creation in 1947. The store has an excellent reputation within the local community, as well as within Genesee Community College. For these reasons, I was explicitly overjoyed when offered the opportunity to intern as a visual merchandising coordinator at Charles Men’s Shop. I considered this a great opportunity to improve my skills within designing window displays, as I am set to take the visual display class in the next eight-week session at GCC.

Maggie’s First Window Display at Charles Men’s Shop.

Before going into set up my first window display I had very little experience doing any task of this kind. I was terrified of failing or of letting anyone down. I researched hours-upon-hours, looking at different color palettes popular for fall menswear, as well as observing a variety of window displays online. I took advice from anywhere I could get it; I was told to find a theme or direction in order to make the execution of my vision easier. I also spoke to Maggie, a current freshman in the Fashion Business Merchandising program at GCC, and current visual merchandising intern at Charles Men’s Shop. Maggie had told me that her first window theme would center around indoor fall theming which she phrased as, “Antiqued fall elegance.” Maggie captured her vision perfectly within her window space.

I however took an alternate route. I executed a theme inspired by the outdoor beauty of fall and the sense of community it can create through local sporting events and other active interests. I received a plethora of support and guidance from the Men’s shop staff, Kristen and Don, as well as from my fashion professors, Professor Dudkowski and Professor Ehrhart. I was appreciative of any constructive criticism or suggestions they had for me, as I felt lost in this brand new world. I’m still finding my way when it comes to creating displays for Charles Men’s Shop; recently I took on the task of creating a table display as well.

My First Table Display at Charles Men’s Shop.

Though I find this job to be challenging, I am interested and excited to strengthen valuable and necessary skill-sets within myself. If it were not for the excellent professors and connections I have access to at Genesee Community College I may never had earned an opportunity of this caliber. I am incredibly grateful to have this chance to grow, and cannot wait to see where this opportunity takes me in the not-so-far future.

Coming Soon: #GCCINNYC

In less than a week I will be accompanying the fashion students of Genesee Community College, as well as anyone else interested in expanding the horizons of their knowledge of the fashion business, to one of the largest fashion capitals in the world, New York City. This annual trip to NYC has become a rite of passage for many of the fashion students at GCC, and for good reason. Professor Dudkowski and Professor Ehrhart, the resident Fashion Business program professors, are networking experts. Both of them have a never-ending list of contacts that spans continents, ensuring that each yearly trip to NYC is filled with unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the fashion world. This trip is no exception. After spending a fun-filled day solo in the city on Wendesday October 8th, we will all rise early on Thursday morning in order to visit the John Varvatos showrooms. John Varvatos is an American contemporary menswear designer. He was the recipient of the CFDA: Menswear Designer of the Year award in both 2001 and 2005, he was also the winner of the Perry Ellis Award for menswear in 2000, and in 2007 he was named the designer of the year by GQ. This type of visit should not be experienced lightly, very few people get to step foot into this showroom, let alone tour it. We will then have the opportunity to visit Buffalo David Bitton Showrooms and receive a tour by PR Director, Diane Alexander.

Last spring students in the fashion program at GCC received a box of clothing from Buffalo David Bitton’s Spring 2014 line.

As many readers of the GCC blog may remember, the college has a special relationship with Buffalo David Bitton. Last year students studying in the GCC fashion program were sent items from the new Buffalo David Bitton spring 2014 line in order to be used in the 33^rd Annual fashion show, Ethereal, at Genesee Community College. The Buffalo David Bitton company launched in Canada in 1985 as a womenswear and menswear label and now sells to prestigious stores such as Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Their product line has been endorsed by a variety of A-list celebrities including Christina Aguilera, Halle Berry, and Brad Pitt, just to name a few. After we experience the rare opportunity of browsing these showrooms, the Fashion Business Merchandising students will split from the Fashion Design students. The Fashion Design students will visit Mood designer fabrics, the number-one shopping destination for fashion fabric in the world; Mood is now a household name amongst anyone on the hunt for high quality fabrics due to the popular reality TV show, Project Runway. At this point the fashion business merchandising students will visit The Doneger Group, the fashion industry’s leading source of global trend intelligence, focused merchandising direction, expert analysis of the retail business, and comprehensive market information.

Anthony M. Urmey of LIM speaking to fashion students

On the morning of Friday, October 10^th, everyone on the trip will have the opportunity to visit LIM and meet with Mr. Anthony Urmey, Admissions and Transfer Services Counselor. Urmey visited GCC last spring in order to inform prospective students who were hoping to transfer to LIM about financial aid and scholarship programs. We will also have the chance to hear two GCC alumni speak at this event.

David Zyla speaking at GCC

Later that evening Emmy Award-winning stylist, Best-Selling author, and recent GCC keynote speaker, David Zyla, will be hosting a Fashion Speak Friday event on the topic of men’s neckties. The head haberdashery designer of Ralph Lauren along with the 90’s necktie giant, Gene Meyer, will be at this event as well. This will be a great chance for all students to network with influential people working in fashion; design students will also have the opportunity to sketch models after the show.

Saturday, October 11^th, will conclude the trip, and begin our journey home to GCC. We will all return with a superior understanding and appreciation of the fashion business that we can apply to our individual programs of study, and ultimately assist us in the production of the 34^th annual fashion show at Genesee Community College.

Be on the lookout for updates from the resident bloggers of the trip, and view instant updates on Twitter and Instagram under the hashtag #GCCINNYC .

Job Fair at GCC – Find Your Future!

With graduation right around the corner, a lot of students are starting to think about what’s going to happen after they cross the stage and earn a degree.

Even for our students that aren’t graduating this semester, the Job Fair on Thursday, April 10 in the Forum from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm offers a wide variety of networking opportunities that could lead to a part time job, full time career, or an internship in a field of interest. Over 35 organizations will be at the fair, with an array of opportunities, listed below.

Students are encouraged to bring copies of their resume to distribute to the employers. For help with resumes or cover letters, stop by the Career Services Center, Room B201 at the Batavia Campus.

Download the List of Employers

ATTENDING:

Absolut of Houghton	Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Licensed Sports Trainer, Registered Occupational Therapist
ADT Security Services	Emergency Dispatch Customer Service Representatives, Customer Service Representatives, Inbound Operation Center Representatives
Aflac New York	Sales Associates / Sales Manager, Recruiting / Internship
All Star Energy, Inc. / Home Comfort Heating and Cooling	Outside sales rep (full time, part time); Marketing (Summer internship); Heating and Cooling professionals
ATB Staffing Services	Light industrial, Clerical, Accounting, Skilled Trades, Administrative
Avon Products	Independent Direct Selling Representatives
Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center	Cooks, Restaurant Service Staff, Dishwashers, Office Front Desk, Marketing Assistant, Golf Shop
Claims Recovery Financial Services	Post foreclosure claims prep/processor specialist
Coastal Staffing	Labor, Assembly, Food Production, HVAC Tech’s, Auto tech, Clerical, Lawn Maintenance, Seasonal Jobs
Concentrix	Sales, Customer Service
Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort	Guest Services, Park Services, Hotel Services, Safety, Security & Loss Prevention, Entertainment, EMT, Warehouse, Maintenance & Facilities, Catering, Artists, Retail, Games, Life Guards, Aquatics, Janitorial, Landscaping, Carpenters, Plumbers, Ride Mechanics, Vehicle Mechanics, Electricians, HVACR Tech, Food & Beverage, Sign Shop Carpenter, Front Gate, Rides. Internships are available.
Fidelis Care	IT, Marketing, Security Administration, Provider Relations, Project Managers, Developer, Analyst
Geico	Licensed Sales Professional Agents
Genesee County AmeriCorps, Genesee County Youth Bureau	Summer AmeriCorps members for several locations. All positions require 300 hours of service.
Genuent	Process technicians, Programmers, Engineering Technicians, Software engineers and testers, other skilled professionals. (Hire for Xerox)
Georgia-Pacific, LLC	General Laborer
*GLOWJobs.net (The Batavian)	Find a job, post a job in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties, Western New York.
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure	Kitchen: pantry cooks, line cooks, dishwashers, banquet set-up, banquet servers, banquet bartenders. Food Concession Stand: attendants, bussers, food servers. Cleaners / Housekeepers. Tractor Drivers. Tour Guides. Platform Attendants. Retail/Ticket Cashiers. Small animal adventure maintenance, marketing assistant. Front Desk Admin Assistant (summer position).
Home Depot (The)	Garden Sales, Lot Associates, Freight Team
Independent Living of the Genesee Region	Personal Care Attendants
KR Communications	Sales, Data Entry
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office	See website: www.monroecountysheriff.info
New York Army National Guard	All job types
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets	Assistant Horticultural Inspector I (Summer only)
NYS Unified Court System	Court Officer Trainees
Pembroke Travel Plaza	Cashiers, Food Prep, Porter, Matron
Perry’s Ice Cream Company, Inc	See Website: www.perrysicecream.com/jobs/career-center
Perschke Business Group (Amway)	Independent Sales
Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc / Sallie Mae	Collectors
Premier Designs, Inc.	Sales representatives, small business owners
Premiere Credit of North America	Collections Specialist
Professional Driver Institute	Student Drivers
Remedy Staffing	Machine Operators, Skilled Machinists, Packaging, Production, Assembly, Clerical
Rent-A-Center, LLC	Customer Service, Assistant Manager, Store Manager
Rochester City Police Department / City of Rochester	Summer Recreation, Summer Aquatics, Summer Security Guards, Civil Service Exams (911 Call Center, Police Officer, etc.)
Sutherland Global Services	Technical Support Consultant, Inside Sales Consultant, Inbound Sales Consultant
The College at Brockport Army ROTC	Opportunities as an Army Officer
Thirty-One	Consultants with Thirty-one including leadership positions
US Customs and Border Protection	US Customs and Border Protection Officer
US Department of Agriculture	See website: www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov
US Department of Homeland Security – ICE – ERO	Nothing specific at this time but will advise on the process/procedures for researching federal jobs
US Marine Corps	Over 300 technical fields including police work, investigators, mechanics, truck drivers, aircraft maintenance, legal administration and many more.
*WBTA Radio	Board Operators
*WCJW: Radio Stations: 1140 AM Warsaw; 103.7 FM Warsaw; 105.5 FM Batavia; 100.9 FM Geneseo; 104.3 FM Avon	Board Operator, Interns

UNABLE TO ATTEND:

Beaver Hollow Conference Center / Biggest Loser Resort Niagara	Dishwashers, Housekeepers, Banquet Servers, Line Cooks, Outdoor Porter
Country Max	Management Training Program Candidates, General Store Employees
Genesee County Human Resources	See Website: http://www.co.genesee.ny.us
OATKA Milk Products Cooperative	Maintenance Mechanics (4), Entry Level Administrative Assistant (1)

Creativity Conference at GCC

The most valued and sought after skill in the 21st Century is the ability to think and solve problems creatively – to be innovative. Therefore, it is urgently important for everyone to understand how to be deliberately creative in their professional, academic, and personal lives. This Conference is seeking examples of creativity in the areas of Business and Education (K-16) to share with our regional community.

Our goal is to broaden the conversation around the application of creativity and innovation. Our Business track includes the use of creativity within all organizations, both for-profit and non-profit. In our Education track, we intend to share best practices, tools, and techniques in teaching students (K-16) how to think creatively within and across disciplines.

Ready to get creative? Register today! Simply search for the “Creativity Conference” and add it to your schedule!

A Visit from Verizon Wireless

Blog submitted by Kevin Bucki

On Friday November 8^th two representatives from Verizon Wireless, Mr. Jon Spencer and Ms. Cindy Carpenter visited Mr. Dudkowski’s 8 am Professional Sales class. They spoke about cell phone apps that can be used for school and work in addition to discussing and coaching students on how to respond to job interview questions. They also invited students to Verizon’s 1^st annual Networking Event on Tuesday, November 19^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Verizon Call Center at 133 Calkins Road, Rochester, NY.

Jon and Cindy explained that most cell phone apps can be found at both the App store for Apple and on the Android market. Some of the apps are free or cost only one or two dollars. They said that some of the apps can store data on a cloud system. The best apps include: PenUltimate, PenSupremacy, NoteAbility, DictaDroid, Kno TextBooks, NCRT, Pages, KingSoft, KeyNote, iTunes Univesity, TED Talks, Power Point Open Office Remote, SimpleMind, Mind Canvas, PocketPoll and Anywhere Survey.

Some of the different kinds of apps that were talked about would help with note-taking, recorder, online learning, document editing to name a few. Most note-taking apps let you draw diagrams that can help you with notes. Recorder apps let you play back lectures that can help you improve your notes and get more content. Document apps let you edit document and PDF files right on your mobile device. Brainstorming apps let you send your idea to other people and get feedback on what others think on your idea.

Student Day in the Field

On October 28^th 2013 two GCC Business students participated in the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives’ (BNSME) Student day in the field program. Alec Engel—a major in professional golf management—and myself (Fashion Business major) had the chance to network and ask questions during the 3-part program. First we went to Kegworks’ location in Buffalo to see a presentation by their marketing team; Next we went to Millennium Hotel and were able to sit down in small groups and converse with business professionals about their day-to-day activities; and lastly, we were treated to a networking dinner followed by a presentation on modern marketing strategies by personnel from the Manzella Marketing Group.

Our first stop at Kegworks gave a very unique view on one company’s marketing and retailing strategy. Kegworks, which now employs over 50 people began as a man looking to make it easier to make repairs on commercial restaurant and bar supplies and equipment through a one-stop online retailer. In March 2013, the first Kegworks Store was opened in Buffalo, sealing the deal that Kegworks was one business which successfully formed in the reverse order of typical retailers.
One employee at Kegworks that I found very inspirational and relatable was content writer/journalist Caleb Houseknecht. Like the company, Houseknecht is atypical in his career with Kegworks; he began working for Kegworks as the main social media writer in March of 2012, months before his graduation in May of that year. Houseknecht shared with us some of the insight he has gained so far in his career: sometimes you really learn things as you go, so you should always be open to new experiences. After answering many questions about various marketing methods Kegworks has used to get an edge up on competitors, director of sales, Jeff Conrad, was able to really sum it all up for us, stating, “If you don’t change, you don’t grow.”

For the next portion we met up with the rest of the students (half of us went to Kegworks and the other half to Rich Products) to have mini question answer sessions with professionals form a conglomeration of different industries. Some vital tips offered include:

Meet customers’ objections with persistence and product knowledge
Don’t be shy
Be careful on Facebook (etc.)
As a professional, it is most important to preserve your integrity and reputation
If you want a job, keep sending your resume (every 3 months recommended) as a “gentle reminder” in case of openings
Answer messages by the next day whenever possible; be prompt

With these wise suggestions in our heads, we headed to the dinner, where Manzella Marketing would be presenting. Before dinner we had time to mingle with the business executives and fellow students; many calling cards and handshakes were exchanged.

Manzella Marketing’s presentation served as a definite example of best practices for presenting. They covered many topics we have been learning in Professional Sales class, and how to put them into use in the real world. The presentation was interactive and included a great display of visuals, along with video clips and marketing samples they have used. With the conclusion of the presentation, we all said our goodbyes and began the drive home, our pockets full of new calling cards from potential employers, mentors, and connections. DSCN2314

A Word From the Wise

This Friday–October 25, 2013—a very special guest speaker came into the Professional Sales class. Not only is this speaker a “Cornucopia” (in the spirit of Thanksgiving!) of sales knowledge, but Mr. Charlie Soles is also the grandfather of Karly Natalizia, a current student in BUS 201!

As soon as he began to speak, you could sense that Mr. Soles was an experienced salesperson; and indeed, 30 years in any profession is no small achievement. Soles was able to speak to us with ease about his past experiences; his secrets to success; and his motivation for us future salespeople.

The presentation began with the acknowledgement of the negative side to selling—the bad rep, the pressures of meeting quotas, and the potential for rejection. Like any respectable salesperson, Soles was not about to try to deny or conceal the shortcomings of a product—or, in this case, a career. To each of these negatives, however, Soles offered us a means of coping, and suggested to take all hardships as an “Opportunity or challenge to do better next time.”

Next, Soles addressed the more prevalent—and appealing—side of selling: the rewards. Essentially, selling to customers involves creating a relationship in which they allow you to help them in some way—or, as Soles put it, “If you position yourself as a helper, you will have the trust of others.” For Soles, being able to help people is one of the greatest rewards of selling. Beginning with a degree in agriculture, Soles’ journey lead him to eventually being one of the top salespeople of medical devices in the country. When asked how he came to such an unexpected career, Soles answered “If it’s right and you’ve decided you can do it, and you fill your mind with thoughts that you can accomplish it, you will.”

The big secret to success, according to Soles, is to never stop learning. From every sales call there is something to be taken away; one tip I thought could be very useful was to review yourself after a sale or meeting; learn from your strengths and weaknesses in order to constantly better your technique and hone your skills. If you hope to best persuade a prospect to buy, you need to ask questions, see your product from a customers’ point of view, and try to find common ground with the customer. As Soles advised us, “In order to be the best at something, you need to have the best knowledge.”

Today’s class was definitely a testament to what we’ve been covering in class. Not only was Mr. Soles very motivational to listen to, he was also affirmative of many of our previous lessons. Personally, it was refreshing to hear the same message reiterated by someone outside of GCG; today’s speaker has given me the confidence and drive I think I needed to take me through the last 8 weeks of semester one!

Mr. Soles with Karly

Business Networking at GCC

Contributed by Emily Pelton

On Thursday, October 17, the GCC forum was filled with people from different local businesses. Each specific business had at least one person there who was there representing their company. They were there to talk to students and teachers, to network, and to discuss potential future jobs and internships. They were also there to share their own experiences and examples with students who might be interested in going into their field of work. The business that were there were Maurices, Verizon, Charles Men’s Shop, Dentino Marketing Group, GLOW area YMCA, Concentrix, Coastal Staffing, Darien Lake, Clarion Hotel and Entercom Rochester. Representatives from each group were more than happy to talk and share any information that they could.

Each company was available for the entire time to talk to each student about any questions that they might have about their company. I went and talked to each person there that was a representative. It was very enjoyable and I was able to learn a great deal about each company and each representative. I also received a large amount of pamphlets, coupons, and even candy from one table. I met some very interesting and pleasant people, and I took away at least one thing from each company that I did not know before.

Common questions that arose as students networked with the representatives were potential internships that the companies offered, and what the experience of an internship would be like. Each company had a different answer. However, their reason for offering internships, if they did offer them, was the same. The overall goal that each company has is to keep improving where they are currently at, and to continue to be successful. In order to do this, it is important to hire the right people. Internships not only help students gain hands on experience, but also allow an employer to see if they would like to hire that student. If the student is successful and well liked during the course of the internship, it is possible that they have secured themselves a job with that company. Although they each had slightly different reasons and answers for offering internships, every representative gave this overall answer as their main reason.

Students that came to this event came to gain general information about the different businesses, or for extra credit for one of their classes. However, I think that each student that came and took the time to actually network left with more than just bonus points and coupons. This event provided the chance for students to ask questions in many fields of business. There was something there for any student, whether they were a business major or not. This event provided students with the rare opportunity of seeing what their actual future career may look like. In addition to the information and handouts that were offered by each company, there was also a raffle drawing for a $50.00 gift card that was put on by the college. The winner of this drawing was Kamilah Bowens. Kamiliah is currently a business major here at GCC. This event was a great success, and is one that will be well remembered by both students and faculty in the future.

My day with Anya

On Wednesday October 23, 2013 Anya Ayoung Chee- Project Runway winner, the former Miss Tobago winner, and now entrepreneur/designer came to GCC and had an event filled day. She gave amazing advice to our students, faculty and visitors.

Anya arrived at GCC at about 9 a.m. Project Manager Candace Cooper and Professor Dudkowski greeted Anya and her assistant at the clock tower. Candace Cooper and I put together a great breakfast spread for her to enjoy. Anya and her assistant went over her PowerPoint presentation and speech until about 11:00 when we escorted her to the administration luncheon. In attendance were Professor Dudkowski, Professor Ehrhart, Dr. Kate Schienfen, Jennifer Newell, Dr. Rafael Alicea-Maldonado(Dr.Ram), Candace Cooper and I. At the luncheon there was a large salad bar (One of Anya’s favorite foods!) with a lot of variety, toppings, and sides. During the luncheon Anya talked about the opportunities she has had growing up, and gave Candace a lot of great advice from one designer to the other.

After the luncheon at 1:30 Anya went to the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner art gallery where she was interviewed by Buffalo and Batavia news anchors about her current events, and upcoming projects. Anya also posed for a few photos after her meet with Dr. James Sunser, Genesee Community College president. She spoke about her website (http://www.anyaayoungchee.com). Anya sat in her dressing room while all the students and facility members took their seats. Candace went and got our celebrity key speaker. Anya’s presentation was extremely inspiring.

Me(Ariana Sneed), Professor Ehrhart, Candace Cooper, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Professor Dudkowski (In Order) posing for pictures in our Rosalie “Roz” Steiner art gallery.

Some of the great advice she gave was (Direct quotes from Anya):

“Whether you believe it or not you have this life and just this life, and in these moments, I owe it to myself to live it all the way up.”
“Something we all have to do different at some point but like trusting that you can do it, That you are gifted and that you are extremely talented.”
“Risk being yourself fully.”
“You know it in your heart you’ll feel it, just do it.”
“Old friendships build complementary business”
“(Mentors) you offer them something as well, you inspire them, you allow them to see their strengths and so I think a mentor is so key.”

I hope you all will take the inspiration Anya is planted in me, and do whatever makes you happy. “You know it in your heart you’ll feel it, just do it.” Even if you’re not in the fashion program I hope you were able to catch Anya Ayoung-Chee’s incredible speech in T102. Anya’s a beautiful person inside and out.

“(Blogging) is a deeper way into a person’s life.” -Anya Ayoung-Chee

Anya and I in her fitting room here at GCC.

Guest Speakers From Verizon Wireless

It’s Friday morning, September 27th, in Mr. Dudkowski’s 8am Professional Sales class. We went through the usual routine of reviewing homework and forgetting each other’s names (current students–you understand; Future students for BUS 201–learn your peers’ names…you will understand) has been disrupted. Who are we to thank for our rescue from Mr. D’s much-too-early-in-the-morning name game? Guest speakers Cindy Carpenter and Jon Spencer, who have come to share with us their experiences in business with Verizon Wireless; experiences which, between the two of them, are undoubtedly abundant.

For over 15 years, Ms. Carpenter has worked in various business positions in Rochester and has been the recruiter for the Verizon Calls Center since 2006. Mr. Spencer, a former GCC student himself, has held positions in Verizon in numerous facets including customer service, billing, tech support, inventory, and sales, and currently holds the title of “Device Expert.”

In his talk, Spencer highlighted how fortunate he is to work in a business that is so connected with technology. He emphasized the incredible world we live in today where technology is growing and expanding more than ever before. Spencer’s career in business with Verizon gives him the opportunity every day to be right at the hub of this age of technology and help others connect with our increasingly tech-driven society. Aside from the obvious application and knowledge of the latest gadgets, the business aspects of working for Verizon allows for human connections through customer relations. As Spencer stated, customer interactions make his job worthwhile; the ability to introduce customers to devices which allow them to speak with loved ones over long distances, recover priceless photos, and could even change their lives, creates visible gratitude which is “Worth more than all the money in the world,” said Spencer.

A Friday morning class–usually merely the last hurdle before a long weekend–proved to be an enriching and worthwhile experience for the students in my class. Not only did we get to hear firsthand experiences from two Verizon Wireless Employees, we were also given some advice; though we’ve heard it many times before it still rings true, as Spencer said: “At the end of the day, the paycheck and the benefits don’t mean a whole lot if you spend 40+ hours a week doing something that makes you miserable.”

Genesee Community College Blog

1st hand experiences from GCC students!

Business

A New Point Of View

Coming Soon: #GCCINNYC

Job Fair at GCC – Find Your Future!

Creativity Conference at GCC

A Visit from Verizon Wireless

Student Day in the Field

A Word From the Wise

Business Networking at GCC

My day with Anya

Guest Speakers From Verizon Wireless

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