Business collective creates streamlined shopping

Aug. 27, 2012


Corissa-Lee Tracy. Photo courtesy of Dan Minicucci Photography

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD — Special event planning for weddings, proms, anniversaries and the like will enter a new age on Sept. 10, with the launch of NDC Fashion, a business cooperative (co-op), which will provide customers with the ease of one-stop shopping through a unified network of local businesses.

The co-op is the brainchild of Dawn McCann, owner of NDC Fashion and Images Salon in Westfield. The goal to afford patrons the opportunity of one-stop shopping with a community of well-established vendors, dedicated to the fine details of special events.

"I know that this is going to be a success because of the businesses involved," McCann said. "Seventy-five percent of my vendors, I know; I've worked with them and know their business sense. I researched the other 25 percent. I know that all these vendors can be trusted — they'll make sure everything is correct. They're extremely professional; every single company has adapted and survived [the market]. Most have been in business for more than 20 years."

Networking is an integral part of owning a successful business. As owners work with clientele, they can refer other companies to meet the remaining needs of the event. The co-op adds immediacy to this process by providing direct links among the companies.

"I know that once I refer a client [to one of the co-op vendors], I'm done," McCann said. "I know they'll be well taken care of with each of the vendors."

Chris Parker, a free-lance creative media designer from Westfield, has known McCann for more than 25 years, and expressed his excitement about the networking opportunities the co-op offers. "Each vendor has a built-in network. The beauty of this co-op — all these businesses will feed off each other. It [the combined resource of networks] adds up it snowballs. I'm looking forward to that most. You need more than a couple of clients at a time [to make ends meet]."

For Parker, the most enjoyable part of his job is witnessing the buyer's reaction. "I love presenting things to a client and watching their eyes light up," he stated. "I want to make things look as good as possible."

Another partner in the co-op Dan Minicucci, photographer and Westfield resident, explained his interest. "This is a new venture for me. The [photography] industry is on a rocket ride downward and I'm looking at every opportunity. I think we all are [excited about the co-op]."

"Initially, I thought it was a tremendous networking opportunity through a nice circle of people," he said. "My heart is in fashion, I really want to do that [type of photography]. The co-op is a unique opportunity to combine the fashion aspect to show fashion and jewelry photos, and bring an upscale, updated feel [to the area market]."

Kevin Kousch, proprietor of Formal Affair in West Springfield, explained to Reminder Publications how business has changed. "Years ago, you could set up a store and people would patronize it," he stated. "Nowadays people shop online, they get all of their information online. They 'load their guns' on the Internet and take off running. The next generation is online."

He elaborated on how NDC came about. "There were many conversations with life-long friends," he said. "We decided to grab the economy by the horns. The venture is a new and exciting, updated way to do business. It's exciting to think your friends are working towards the same business goals."

Kousch's is interested in the co-op because of the convenience it creates for today's buyers. "Weddings and proms are always going to happen," Kousch said. "We feel as though there's a need Most people can't afford a wedding planner, we bring the wedding planner to them."

Dennis Croteau, owner of McClelland's Florist in Chicopee, is just as excited about the venture as his co-op counterparts. "We're [Croteau and staff] always excited about new ventures you never know what it'll bring."

He continued, "I have 44 years of experience and it's been a journey. What we offer to the co-op is a lot of depth and dimension there's not one florist in this area that has our options. Most importantly, we don't leave until it [our work] is finished. Longevity is built on customer referrals and you're only as good as your last job."

Another person taking part in the effort is Mark Ashe, owner of Marx Entertainment in East Longmeadow. "I'm 100 percent comfortable being involved," he said. "I'm honored to be part of it — jumping into something new and creating new opportunities. It benefits both the vendors and the clients. It opens more [business] avenues and extends the services to a new group — not reached on our own. It's word of mouth, not so much advertising [that generates business]."

As for the customers, "You can see the stress on some people [client's]," Ashe said. "For couples, I think knowing they can be involved in a co-op [gives them piece of mind] it's a one-stop shop. For the majority of people [shoppers] this will be beneficial."

Eileen Jerome, owner [along with her husband Greg] of Jerome's Taylor Rental and Party Plus in Westfield, is also eager to support McCann. "Dawn has been a long-time friend — it's a natural fit," she said. "First, I want to help Dawn with her new venture; and second I want to help our business."

Jerome explained that she's always assisted patrons with referrals. "I have a file folder full of referrals," she stated. "I give three or four names to each client [upon request] and allow them to decide which vendor best suits them. I'm excited to meet new vendors."

Valet Park of America (VPA) of Springfield is also a co-op vendor, and is dedicated to meeting the needs of its customer base.

"Good, old-fashioned hard work, good customer service — that's what people remember," Tim Graney, vice president of Operations for VPA, said. "Being honest with people, being fair with people [are keys to success]."

Lynn Jemilo, marketing and special events for VPA, added, "We're excited. McCann approached us to partner with other special event companies; we thought it would be a great venture."

The idea of a co-op was something Edward Der Sarkis, owner of Deluxe Limousine Service in Agawam, first discussed with Kousch and Ashe more than a year ago.

"Its definitely beneficial for all involved," Der Sarkis said. "Each one of us takes pride in our companies. We don't make referrals if the bride and groom's expectations aren't going to be surpassed. It's about quality and consistency."

Der Sarkis, looks forward to this partnership. "Why not go to one [source]?" he asked. "The pieces of the puzzle need to fit together and create a beautiful scene. This streamlines the entire process for the bride and groom. The bride walks away with piece of mind and confidence."

For more information on NDC Fashion and its vendors, visit http://ndcfashion.com/preferred-vendors.

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