Since opening Gateway City Arts 12 years ago, Vitek Kruta and Lori

John DeVoie is best known in this region as co-founder of the hugely successful Hot Table chain of panini restaurants. But he is also a driving force in another impactful venture. DeVoie and long-time friend and fellow veteran Jeff St. Jean launched Easy Company Brewing, which pays homage to the famed Band of Brothers made famous by the Stephen Ambrose book and HBO miniseries, while also donating all profits to selected agencies that assist veterans. On the next installment of BusinessTalk, contributing writer George O’Brien talks with DeVoie about this inspiring and powerful story that blends history, entrepreneurship, philanthropy … and beer. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Ashley Batlle wasn’t sure where she wanted to take her cosmetology

Myke Connolly says he learned marketing at age 9, reselling candy to

It’s no wonder Ashley Kohl has adopted a philosophy of author Gabby Bernstein: “obstacles are detours in the right direction.” Because Ashley, the owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, has encountered more than her fair share of obstacles. But by turning them into triumph, she’s created a growing space for people of all ages and abilities to discover dance — and themselves — in a safe, uplifting environment. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Ashley talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about her career journey, the importance of creating positive experiences through dance, and where Ohana is headed next. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Since its launch almost a decade ago, Tech Foundry has trained hundreds of students and partnered with scores of employers across Western Mass. to get people trained for good IT careers and help businesses grow with local talent. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how the organization continues to play a key role in the region’s high-tech ecosystem — and how its new partnership with Holyoke Community

During the first eight months of 2022, Dakin Humane Society cared for 1,830 animals. During the same eight months of 2023, the number was 3,007. In short, demand for Dakin’s services — which include spay/neuter and parvo clinics, pet food aid, a ‘kitten street team,’ pet-loss support groups, and much more — have, quite simply, exploded. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Dakin’s executive director, Meg Talbert, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how the Springfield-based nonprofit is meeting these needs with the help of a dedicated team, hundreds of volunteers, and individual and corporate generosity. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Hospice care has been a great source of comfort to individuals and

Everyone has heard of cybersecurity, but not every business knows

The housing crisis gripping Western Massachusetts and most of the Bay