BusinessTalk

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with State Sen. Eric  Lesser, co-chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging  Technologies. The two discuss the recently passed $600 million economic  development bill and how its various provisions will help small  businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss  how the bill might help level the playing field when it comes to  Western Mass. and other areas of the state.

BusinessWest Editor  George O’Brien talks with Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the  Western Mass. Economic Development Council. The two discuss the state of  the economy and the outlook for the balance of 2021. The two also  discuss the pandemic, its impact on the local business community, and  the possibility that it might provide some opportunities for the region  in terms of attracting new businesses — and new residents — who might  view Western Mass. as a viable option to higher-cost urban centers like  Boston and New York. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a  podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Andy Yee, president of the Bean Restaurant Group. The two discuss the ongoing plight of area restaurants as they battle the pandemic, ever-tighter restrictions on their operations, and the onset of winter. They also discuss the various forms of relief restaurants are receiving and whether they will be enough to help them withstand the many challenges they are facing. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Amy Royal, a principal with The Royal Law Firm and an employment law specialist. The two discuss the pandemic, vaccines, what employers can mandate, and what they can’t. They also discuss changes in employment law and new measures that take effect in 2021, and what employers should know as they turn the calendar. They also dive into in the matter of employee handbooks and how and why these important documents need to be on point and completely up to date. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

On the next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Bob Nakosteen, a professor of Economics at the UMass Isenberg School of Management. The two discuss the economy, the outlook for 2021, and the factors that will determine the shape of the recovery that most are predicting. The two also discuss the matter of pent-up demand for products and services as a result of the pandemic, how real this demand will be, and how it will determine to what extent businesses can bounce back from a most difficult year. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Sheila Coon, co-owner, with her husband, Dan, of Hot Oven Cookies, one of the more intriguing stories of entrepreneurship playing out in the region.  The two discuss how, in the middle of a pandemic, the company has greatly expanded its footprint and has even more ambitious plans for the future. They also talk about the constant challenges confronting entrepreneurs, and how they have multiplied during these difficult times. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

George O’Brien talks with Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank. The two have a lively discussion about everything from the bank’s sponsorship of the Worcester Red Sox and what it means for both institutions, to the outlook for 2021 for small businesses in this region, to how banks, and specifically Country Bank, are coping with the many pandemic-related challenges they are now facing. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Nick Morin, founder  and president of Iron Duke Brewing about the intriguing turn of events  involving his brewery and landlord Westmass Development Corp. A year or  so ago, this company was brewing Eviction Notice IPA and seemingly bound  for Wilbraham. Now, it’s staying in Ludlow Mills and has plans for  expansion. Hear how it all happened and what’s next for this growing  company. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Nancy Creed,  president of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce. The two  discuss the pandemic, the recent surge in cases, its impact on the local  business community, and what might come next. They also discuss the  lingering impact of the pandemic  on area chambers of commerce as well  as the growing notion that changes brought about by the pandemic may  position this region as a home for businesses currently headquartered in  major urban areas. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition. The two discuss the pandemic and its impact not only on the Big E, but the region’s large and very important tourism and hospitality sector. They also discuss ways businesses like the Big E have pivoted and created new revenue streams, such as the Big E’s hugely successful Golden Ticket campaign. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.