BusinessTalk

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Tony Cignoli,  president of the A.L. Cignoli Company, a political consulting firm. The  two discuss what happened at the national election earlier this month —  and what didn’t happen. They also discuss what the country, and  specifically the business community, might expect from a Biden  administration and how the president-elect and his team might address  the pandemic and the significant damage it has already done to the  economy.  It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Peter Rosskothen,  owner of the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House and other  hospitality-related businesses. The two discuss the state of the local  events industry, the new restrictions imposed by the state, and how this  vital sector of the economy is pivoting and looking for new and viable  sources of revenue in these difficult times. It’s must listening, so  join us on BusinessTalk

George talks with Tom Senecal, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. The two  discuss the state of the local economy, how the pandemic is impacting  the business community specific sectors of the economy, the short and  long-term impacts of state and federal stimulus initiatives, and what  lies ahead in 2021. They also discuss the impact of the pandemic and  falling interest rates on the banking industry. It’s must listening, so  join us on BusinessTalk.

BusinessWest Editor  George O’Brien talks with Nate Costa, president of the Springfield  Thunderbirds. The two discuss the fate of the upcoming season and the  factors that will determine if, when, and under what circumstances games  might again be played. They also discuss the importance of the team to  the ongoing efforts to revitalize Springfield, and how the Thunderbirds  stay relevant during this ultra-challenging time. It’s must listening,  so join us on BusinessTalk.

On the next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor  George O’Brien talks with Meredith Wise, president of the Employers  Association of the Northeast about the many issues and challenges facing  employers — and their employees — in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The two discuss everything from how businesses can bring their  employees back to the office or plant safely, to how businesses are  helping their valued workers cope with the challenge of balancing life  and work during this ongoing crisis. It’s must listening, so join us on  BusinessTalk.

George O’Brien talks with Pam Victor, founder of Happier Valley Comedy,  about her unique business, which focuses on improvisation and resilience  training to help with professional development, how she’s had to pivot  during the pandemic …. and also about how to stay positive, as difficult  as that is, during these difficult times for all those in business.  It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

Speaker Sisterhood is a growth-stage start-up providing a community to women who want to discover, awaken, and create their voice through the art of public speaking. Angela discusses the pandemic’s impact on her business-model, how she is capitalizing on opportunities brought about by COVID-19, and offers tips about participating in successful on-line communications.

In this episode of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Sandra Doran, president of Bay Path University. In a wide-ranging interview, the two discuss everything from COVID and its impact on campus life, to the many challenges already facing higher education before the pandemic, to the many ways in which COVID may ultimately change the higher education ‘experience.’

Thom Fox interviews Waleska Lugo-DeJesus. Waleska Lugo-DeJesus is the  CEO of Inclusive Strategies, LLC and during COVID-19 she has been  putting her 18-years of diversity consulting to good use as many  companies tackle workplace inequities. Waleska shares why diversity and  inclusion is growing in importance, and how organizations are evolving  to include more voices in the conversation on equality.

George O’Brien talks with James Leahy, Holyoke City Councilor, official with the Massachusetts State Lottery, and one of five finalists for the magazine’s coveted Alumni Achievement Award. The two discuss his 20-year track record of service to the community as well as recent developments in Holyoke, from the emergence of a cannabis sector in this historic mill town to efforts to bring new businesses to the mills that give this city its heritage