Biz Buzz 413

On this episode of BIZ BUZZ 413 your host, Jill Monson, welcomes Nicole Blais, Chief Executive Officer of HCS Head Start. They chat about the importance of early learning for children and the impact it has on our local community (you may be shocked to hear the economic ROI). Nicole also shares about Week of the Young Child and what it means plus they share about some of the challenges facing their organization and other similar ones. A special thank you to our Groundbreaker Sponsor… Home City Development for their support!INFORMATION ABOUT OUR GUEST:Nicole Blais, Chief Executive Officer HCS Head Start, Inc. 30 Madison Avenue Springfield, MA 01105 Office: 413-788-6522 ext.3514 Website > www.hcsheadstart.org Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/hcsheadstart Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/hcsheadstart LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/company/holyoke-chicopee-springfield-head-start-inc 

This week on BIZ BUZZ 413, host Jill Monson is joined by Brandy Sullivan, UMass Dining Meal Plan Manager and they chat about the fabulous upcoming UMass 5K Dash and Dine. This event is more than just a run, it is a powerful example of community, wellness, and impact coming together in one event. Hosted by UMass Dining, this annual race invites both campus and community members to get active while supporting a meaningful cause, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Amherst Survival Center. Whether you are running, walking, or just showing up for the energy, this event highlights how something as simple as a 5K can create real change right here in Western Massachusetts.The Annual UMass 5k Dash & Dine Saturday, April 25th For more information & to sign-up > https://runumass.com For additional information, email our guest, Brandy Sullivan, UMass Dining Meal Plan Manager, at  [email protected].

Jessika Rozki, owner and CEO of Rozki Rides, a small, woman-owned, and minority-owned certified business that provides professional and reliable transportation services for children and teens. Spoiler alert – she shares BIG news with our audience first!!!CONTACT INFO:Rozki Rides Jessika Rozki, owner and CEOWebsite: https://www.rozkirides.comPhone: (413) 314-3154 Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/rozkirides Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RozkiRides LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozkirides 

Meet Sarah Tsisto, Executive Director at The Zoo in Forest Park and learn about their mission to inspire our community to respect and value the natural world through education, conservation and rehabilitation. CONTACT INFO:Website: https://www.forestparkzoo.orgEmail: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thezooinforestparkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestparkzoo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahtsitso 

Lynn Turner, Chief Explorer of Core Business XP Solutions. Helping individuals and organizations build a strong CORE (of People and Culture), so that they can weather this VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world!!CONTACT INFO:Website: https://www.corebusinessxp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-whitney-turner-256a5311   

This week Jill is pumped to chat with Alex (Alexandria) Eberhardt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. They discuss...The Chamber’s drive for equitable economic development, how the Chamber helps strengthen regional competitiveness as a Commonwealth and how they promote and support Western Mass. Alex also shares thoughts about how becoming LGBTBE (LGBT Business Enterprise) Certified can give you a competitive advantage to succeed and how the Chamber can assist you in the process. Lastly they chat about all the great events coming up (including TWO in the 413 just this month) and Jill shares her first ever experience in Texas – why??? you’ll have to tune in to find out. GUEST & ORGANIZATION CONTACT INFO:Alex (Alexandria) Eberhardt Executive DirectorMassachusetts LGBT Chamber of CommerceWebsite: https://malgbtcc.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/malgbtcc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malgbtcc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malgbtcc Alex’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandria-eberhardt Alex’s email: [email protected]  

The BIZ BUZZ 413 guest this week is Gordon Oliver, Director of Business Development with Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. Host Jill Monson and Gordon chat about how debt isn’t a failure, how just making minimum credit card payments can keep people stuck in debt, what someone can do to get out from under debt, the idea of a spending plan vs. a budget, about employer workshops, and more. CONTACT INFO:Gordon Oliver, Director of Business Development with Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.888-544-3457Website: www.cambridgecredit.org/gordon-oliverEmail: [email protected] 

This week on BIZ BUZZ 413 we sit down with Gabrielle "Gaby" King Morse, the President & CEO for the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) for a sneak peek to the March 413 Entrepreneur Spotlight with our partner, Common Capital. They’re the guest – sign up now the event sells out each month (it’s free but all seats get reserved) > https://community.livinglocal413.org/event/413-entrepreneur-spotlight-march.Gaby and host, Jill Monson chat about lots of things including:a better understanding of what CWE does and how they’re different,the landscape for women entrepreneurs – and if it’s changed in recent years,CWE offerings including about women-owned certification,their NEW offering, Cultivated ExperiencePlus Gaby shares a book recommendation and Jill shares a story that may make some people blush. 😉 SHOUT OUT THIS EPISODE TO:Phenomenal J’sDri Umbrellas Check out the interview we did with them here on the website - S2 - EPISODE 7: Deirdre Bird, Founder & CEO of Dri UmbrellasGUEST CONTACT INFO: Gabrielle "Gaby" King MorsePresident & CEO, Center for Women & Enterprise (617) 532-0260 Email: [email protected]: https://cweonline.orgGaby’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-king-morse-4506084/ Organization LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-women-&-enterpriseFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CenterforWomenandEnterpriseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwetalk  

Live from the 413 Entrepreneur Spotlight (February) with our partner, Common Capital. Our guest is Victoria Accorsi, Community Financial Coach at United Way Pioneer Valley. Here about the Thrive Financial Wellness program they offer plus lots more going on. Check them out at https://www.uwpv.org. Thank you to our Groundbreaker sponsor, Home City Development!

Live from the 413 Entrepreneur Spotlight (February) with our partner, Common Capital. The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) is our featured partner this month. BECMA is dedicated to advancing the economic well-being of Black businesses and communities across the state. Our guests are Jae’da Turner, Senior Manager of Development and Member Relations, and Chris Sonnie, Pipeline and Programs Manager at BECMA. Check the organization out at https://www.becma.orgThank you to our Groundbreaker sponsor, Home City Development!

Live from the 413 Entrepreneur Spotlight (February) with our partner, Common Capital. Our guest is Ray Berry from White Lion Brewing Company. Check them out at https://www.whitelionbrewing.com.Thank you to our Groundbreaker sponsor, Home City Development!

We are joined by the remarkable Samalid Hogan, CEO of Greylock Management Consulting. She shares more about her company, about why the need for bilingual expertise is key to success, about a new and VERY exciting program called the BII GreenEdge Accelerator, plus other helpful tips and resources for small business owners here in Western Mass. GUEST CONTACT INFO & RESOURCES:Samalid Hogan, CEO & Principal Consultant, Greylock Management Consulting413-342-0013Email: [email protected]: https://www.greylockmgtconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greylock-management-consulting Tools for Success: Business Workshop Series:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tools-for-success-business-workshop-series-tickets-1835657193079?aff=erelexpmlt BII GreenEdge Accelerator: https://greenedgema.orgTwo AWESOME articles Samalid wrote: Safeguarding Your Dreams: The Crucial Importance of Business Insurance for Startups7 Steps for Creating Financial ProjectionsGo here for access to both: https://www.greylockmgtconsulting.com/articles

This week host, Jill Monson, has a SWEET guest just in time to talk Valentine’s Day. She welcomes Tarah Warner, the 413’s very own Willy Wonka – chocolatier and owner of Truffles by Tarah. This Berkshire-based business is a PERFECT solution for a Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day gift, but more than that, she’s doing big things for the local economy by supporting truly collaborative relationships. Have you ever wondered how someone chooses to become a chocolatier? We ask the question. Plus, Jill and Tarah also chat about:Her educational experience at the Culinary Institute of AmericaA BUNCH of her favorite spots to eat and relax in the BerkshiresHer favorite flavor truffleA Tanglewood hack (really it’s super cool 😊The craziest truffle flavor she’s ever been asked to make (and the one she actually made that worked and shocked even her). And lots more!GUEST INFORMATION:Tarah WarnerTruffles by Tarah, owner and chocolatierInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Truffles_by_TarahFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091738894667 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarah-warner-6619a3262 Email: [email protected]: https://www.trufflesbytarah.com

Another episode of BIZ BUZZ 413 is LIVE and this is one you DO NOT WANT TO MISS! This week, Jill Monson, our host sits down (finally LOL) with founder and President of Living Local 413, Bill Cole. They chat about a lot including… What does it mean when we say the organization is a regional Business Community Development Organization.What are the benefits of 413online.com – what Jill call’s our LinkedIn “local”.The VERY popular 413 calendar.Why you NEED to sign up to join us for the 413 Entrepreneur Spotlight brought to you by Common Capital and LL413 (FYI… it’s coming up on 2/12 and you should register now!).More about who Bill is and why Living Local is vital to the success of Western Mass.What the new initiative, The Villages, is all about.GUEST INFORMATIONBill Cole, Founder and President of Living Local 413 Website: https://www.livinglocal413.org Connect with him at the 413 Online community. Sign up as a Member (for free) today at https://community.livinglocal413.org Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-cole-50605715 Tiger Web Designs: https://www.tigerwebdesigns.com 

Join Jill Monson with guest Elizabeth Staples; founder, president and co-owner of The Good Dog Spot. On this 'Beyond the BIZ Card' episode they go behind the scenes and discuss her background as an entrepreneur, balancing a family, and more; plus you can only imagine how many animals she has in her “zoo” at home.Guest Contact InfoThe Good Dog Spot(413) 534-133335 C North Chicopee Street Chicopee, MA 01020139 King Street Northampton, MA 01060Website: https://gooddogspot.net Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegooddogspotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegooddogspot

Welcome to Season 3 of BIZ BUZZ 413. Host Jill Monson is so excited to sit down with the new President & CEO of the Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC), Aaron Vega, along with Xiomara DeLobato, Vice President and Chief of Staff. They have an awesome conversation (include a few laughs) about the goals under Aaron’s leadership, what Xiomara would like to see next, and of course you get a chance to know a bit more about who Aaron is as well. Guest Contact InfoWestern Mass Economic Development Council (EDC)Aaron Vega, President & CEO, [email protected] Xiomara DeLobato, Vice President and Chief of Staff, [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-massachusetts-economic-development-council Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westernmassedc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmassedc Website: https://www.westernmassedc.com    

For this last episode of 2025 it’s a special episode - a ‘Beyond the BIZ Card’ feature with Angela Park, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Springfield Performing Arts Ventures at 52 Sumner ("SPAV"). Host Jill Monson takes you behind the scenes with Angela and they discuss, among other things, the conversion of a historic church to a venue, her background as an entrepreneur, and the upcoming 2026 line-up. Contact info:Springfield Performing Arts Ventures at 52 Sumner 52 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108Website: https://52sumner.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/52sumner Email: [email protected] Phone: (413) 523-8100

This week we chat with Emily Carlson, Agency Owner at We Do Travel Right. We discuss: The myths about working with a travel agent, Why WDTR’s tagline “Life is short… take the trip” is so much more than just a marketing line… it’s a mantra. And how everyone needs to consider making this part of their life.Cool places people should check out in 2026 (for families or grown-up only get-a-ways), Plus, Jill asks Emily what’s her favorite place she’s ever gone to.GUEST CONTACT INFO:Emily Carlson, We Do Travel Right Website: wedotravelright.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wedotravelright Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wedodisneyright/ Email: [email protected] 

Host Jill Monson shares about Dri Umbrellas. What exactly is a Dri umbrella? Why do you need one? And more specifically... What can getting this one umbrella do for the greater good?GUEST CONTACT INFODeirdre Bird Founder & CEO of Dri UmbrellasWebsite: www.dri.earth Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdre-h-bird-0abbb087Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DriUmbrellasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dri_umbrellas

This week’s BIZ BUZZ 413 episode drops a few days early because of the holiday. Jill, our host, had a blast welcoming Dawn Creighton, Liberty Bank’s Community Outreach Officer. They chatted about a very important survey that entrepreneurs are being asked to participate in, about the bank’s mantra “Be Community Kind” and what it really means for us who live here, and about their Academy for Small Business. CONTACT OUR GUEST:Dawn CreightonCommunity Outreach Officer, Liberty BankNMLS#2514657Email: [email protected] Dawn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawncreighton C: 413-530-0545O: 413-846-2524LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-bankct Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertybankct Main website: https://www.liberty-bank.com Academy for Small Business (ASB) website (direct link): https://www.liberty-bank.com/business/banking/academy-for-small-businessTo register for an upcoming session of Academy for Small Business, please complete the Registration Form > https://www.liberty-bank.com/docs/default-source/sitecollateral/asb-registration-form_508.pdf?sfvrsn=1793c31b_2 Breaking Barriers: A Study of Western Mass Entrepreneurs (Survey): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJoVvvnmtHJDlFsI-pH5a27tsyrunoQFre4tdu1UY-k6_miQ/viewform 

Thank you to Bax from Rock’s “Bax and Nagle” morning show for joining host Jill Monson to share about their annual Mayflower Marathon. It returns this coming Monday for three days leading up to Thanksgiving!Bax and Nagle will broadcast for 52 hours, from 6am on Monday, November 24th until 10am on Wednesday, November 26th from outside the South End Market at MGM Springfield!Their goal is to fill as many trailers as possible with non-perishable food donations for The Open Pantry – but they need you to make it happen.To learn more or to donate online head to > https://rock102.com/mayflower-marathon.LOTS & LOTS OF THANKS TO THIS YEARS SPONSORS: Liberty BankBeaulieu Home ImprovementAqua Pump CoFinck & PerrasWestern Mass Heating, Cooling & Plumbing,Alkeman DitusaAll State Materials GroupFreedom Credit UnionWellpointOlender’sDave Miner Exterior Home ImprovementsContributing Sponsors:MGM SpringfieldCapital Relocation & LogisticsCharlie Arment TruckingCamping WorldXfinityMichael’s Party RentalsSpringfield ThunderbirdsText Me For TiresManny’s AppliancesGio’s PizzeriaAutumn Mist FarmTandem BagelWestern Mass News Keller Williams Realty

LIVE from November "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" brought to you by Common Capital Chatting with Janell Caldwell, Founder & CEO of Phenomenal Js LLC. They are committed to helping companies maintain a safe and compliant work environment. Whether you're hiring CDL drivers or ensuring your team meets workplace standards, we provide trusted solutions to support your business growth.Find out more about them online at https://www.phenomenaljsllc.com. 

LIVE from November "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" brought to you by Common Capital Host Jill Monson catches up with Kelly Thadison, Business Navigator, at Common Capital. Kelly equips entrepreneurs with technical assistance, funding readiness, and business strategy support. Learn more about what she does and how she can help you with entry into Common Capital. Contact Info:Website > https://commoncapitalma.orgEmail Kelly > [email protected] Kelly on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-thadison21 

LIVE from November "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" brought to you by Common Capital DeeDee, Partner of Mimi’s Queer Shack - a PHENOMENAL food truck in Western Mass (this isn’t just conjecture — I just tried the butternut squash soup… and the shrimp pasta… oh and the meatballs – and YUM!!). Serving lots of delicious cuisine, they specialize in piña coladas, fresh squeeze lemonades and handheld foods such as taco in a bag! Find them on Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/mimisqueershack.

Host Jill Monson sits down with Mary-Anne Schelb from JGS Lifecare to discuss ways to help an aging loved one (or prepare ahead for yourself), learn more about JGS, and explore what holistic life coaching is all about.THANK YOU TO OUR GROUNDBREAKER SPONSOR:Home City Development has been building better neighborhoods since 1967. Based out of Springfield, Mass, Home City believes everyone deserves a quality home. For more than 50 years, they’ve helped families find stability, pride, and connection in the place they call home.GUEST CONTACT INFOMary-Anne Schelb, HHPJGS LifecareRegional Director Business Development WMA & CT [email protected]  413-935-1791www.jgslifecare.org 770 Converse Street, Longmeadow, MA, 01106FB: https://www.facebook.com/JGSLifecare IG: https://www.instagram.com/jgslifecare Intentional CalmHolistic Life Coaching: Inspiring those seeking inspiration for three decadesEmail: [email protected] www.intentionalcalm.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/intentionalcalm RESOURCES OR SPECIFIC ITEMS MENTIONED IN SHOW:Things to Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living CommunityVisit Our Coffee Shop & Gift Shop — And Be Greeted by Our Wonderful Volunteers!

In this episode, our host, Jill Monson caught up with Bud Sumner, Partner at Sumner & Toner Insurance Services. She admitted early on that the topic could be one less than exciting (LOL), but she was pleasantly surprised and you will be too. Their chat includes some very practical tips for you to save on your insurance premium, plus a discussion about recent changes in the industry and Bud’s thoughts on renters insurance. To connect with our guest:Bud Sumner, PartnerSumner & Toner Insurance ServicesEmail: [email protected]: https://sumnertoner.com/Phone: (413) 567-1051

We're live at the “Western Mass Developers Conference” hosted by the Western Mass EDC with special guest, with Cesar Ruiz; Founder CEO USA International Sports Complex; Wyckoff Country Club and the Ruiz Family Foundation Website: https://www.wyckoffcountryclub.com Website: https://usaisports.com Connect with Cesar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesarruizjr Connect with Western Mass EDC: https://www.westernmassedc.com

We're live at the “Western Mass Developers Conference” hosted by the Western Mass EDC with special guest, with Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, Executive Director of EforAll Pioneer Valley and Holyoke City Council PresidentWebsite:  https://eforall.org/es/programs/pioneer-valley  Website: https://www.holyoke.org Connect with Tessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-murphy-romboletti Connect with Western Mass EDC: https://www.westernmassedc.com 

We're live at the “Western Mass Developers Conference” hosted by the Western Mass EDC with special guest, with Tricia Canavan, CEO of Tech Foundry.Website: https://www.thetechfoundry.org  Connect with Tricia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-canavan-4351774 Connect with Western Mass EDC: https://www.westernmassedc.com

We're live at the “Western Mass Developers Conference” hosted by the Western Mass EDC with special guest, Seth Stratton of Fitzgerald Law, P.C. Website: https://fitzgeraldpc.comConnect with Seth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-stratton-63ab877Connect with Western Mass EDC: https://www.westernmassedc.com

We welcomed an old friend with a great tie, Paul Silva from Innovate413. Western Mass is bursting with creativity, talent, and grit. Now, Innovate413 is building a startup community to catalyze innovation and create the future. Innovate413 recently launched a new kind of venture studio – a designed to help bold ideas grow, connect founders to game-changing partners, and build the next generation of employers right here at home.​ Learn more with this quick into to the organization during the "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight". The "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" is a monthly event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs brought to you by Common Capital & Living Local 413. It's made possible thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, Liberty Bank. They are truly living their tagline of being community kind... many, many thanks to them for their support!Learn more about Innovate413 here > https://www.innovate413.org

We sat down for a quick chat with Senator Adam Gómez during the "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight". This month it was a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this special Spotlight event features Unstoppable Latina, an initiative empowering Latina entrepreneurs and business professionals across the region.The "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" is a monthly event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs brought to you by Common Capital & Living Local 413. State Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield) is a lifelong native of western Massachusetts. He is a proud Boricua, a father of three, a former small business owner, former Springfield City Councilman, and a tireless advocate for Veterans and Black and Latino communities. He is also the first Latino from the Hampden District to serve in the Massachusetts Senate. Learn more about Senator Gomez here > https://adamgomezma.com or here > https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/A_G0.Also, you can contact Chris Gongora, Communications Director at [email protected]. The "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" is a monthly event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs brought to you by Common Capital & Living Local 413. It's made possible thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, Liberty Bank. They are truly living their tagline of being community kind... many, many thanks to them for their support! 

"413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" is a monthly event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs brought to you by Common Capital & Living Local 413. Check out this episode with Roberto Nieves, Common Capital, Director of Outreach and CommunicationsCommon Capital is an approved SBA Microloan and Community Advantage Lender, a member of Opportunity Finance Network, and is certified by the US Treasury.Learn more about Common Capital here > https://commoncapitalma.orgThe "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" is a monthly event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs brought to you by Common Capital & Living Local 413. It's made possible thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, Liberty Bank. They are truly living their tagline of being community kind... many, many thanks to them for their support! 

Host Jill Monson connected with Maura Lessard from Nurse Advocates to chat about a very important topic… What challenges do the aging population face while navigating the healthcare system? Whether you are aging yourself or taking care of a loved one we dive into some very critical things to consider. Today (10/9) is also her birthday. Happiest of days to you Ms. Maura!!!Connect with Maura:Maura Lessard, RN, BSN, CCM, CDP, Nurse Advocate,  Board Certified Case Manager, Aging Lifecare Advanced Professional & Certified Dementia PractitionerCell/Text: 413-237-5724 Email: [email protected]: www.NurseAdvocatesLLC.comResources: Read her feature in Longmeadow Neighbors MagazineAging Life Care Association® (ALCA):Search tool to find an Aging Life Care Professionalhttps://www.aginglifecare.org/Phone: 520-881-8008National Association of Healthcare AdvocatesSearchable directory to find an Advocatehttps://nahac.com/510-560-4352Greater National AdvocatesComprehensive National Search Toolhttps://gnanow.org/888-GNA-NOW1/888-462-6699

SEASON TWO'S FIRST EPISODE!Podcast host, Jill Monson, was thrilled to welcome Shannon Rudder, President & CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS). They cover A LOT (lol) in this two-part episode, if you missed PART ONE, make sure to check it out. In PART TWO learn about an exciting event MLKFS is bringing back to our community.... The Social Justice Impact Awards Luncheon happening on Saturday, October 18th. Learn about the recipients and about how to get tickets. 2025 SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT AWARDEESFaith-Based Leadership: Rev. Dr. Barbara Headley -, Zion Community Baptist ChurchImpact through Enterprise: Justin HaynesArts and Cultural Advocacy: Kaleigha Green, Springfield Cultural PartnershipArchitect of Equity and Expression: Sheldon Smith, Make-It SpringfieldRace Relations Leadership: Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery, Healing Racism InstituteHealth Equity Advocacy: Dr. Tyonne Hinson,Baystate HealthCivic Engagement Champions: Andrew Morehouse and The Food Bank of Western Mass Team , Food Bank of Western MassachusettsEquity in Education: Dawn DiStefano, Square OneTrailblazer Lifetime Achievement: Icie B. Jones, Real Estate/Housing/RetiredEquity in Economic Development: Maddy Landrau, MassMutualFor more about the event & to secure your tickets - click here. If you want to learn more about each awardee - their stories and impact - check out the  MLKFS YouTube Channel. Additional Contact Info: Shannon Rudder, President & CEOMartin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS)Website Email: [email protected] InstagramFacebook 

SEASON TWO'S FIRST EPISODE!Podcast host, Jill Monson, was thrilled to welcome Shannon Rudder, President & CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS). They cover A LOT (lol) in this two-part episode including in PART ONE:How MLKFS is working to build a “just, compassionate region”.Defining the term “no cap” Discussing who is welcome at MLKFSSharing about “Be Love” traveling tourWhat Shannon means by “purposeful partnerships”Come back for PART TWO and learn about an exciting event they're bringing back to our community. Contact Info: Shannon Rudder, President & CEOMartin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS)Website Email: [email protected] InstagramFacebook 

Episode 12 - Part 2Another episode is LIVE! This is a VERY special episode, live and IN-STUDIO with YPS President, Kara Bombard, and YPS Incoming President, Aiden McDonald and we’re chatting about a first-ever event hosted by Springfield YPS… the Up Next Summit. October 16, 202510:00am – 5:30pm with 5:30 – 7:30pm AfterpartyMGM SpringfieldTickets are on sale now! Go to > https://www.springfieldyps.com/upnextABOUT: The future belongs to leaders like you. Up Next is built for emerging professionals like you who are ready to level up their leadership. It’s a high-energy, one-day experience that delivers fresh tools, lasting connections, and the momentum to shape what’s next in your career. Your growth sparks community impact. Your future development drives what’s up next.The full agenda is on the website. Thanks to Up Next Partners: PeoplesBank The Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) Bacon & Wilson94.7 WMASAny questions about Up Next > email: [email protected] this episode Jill also chats a bit about Kara and Aiden’s “real” job with Visual Sound Productions as Sales & Marketing Manager and Media Director respectively. 

Episode 12 - Part 1Another episode is LIVE! This is a VERY special episode, live and IN-STUDIO with YPS President, Kara Bombard, and YPS Incoming President, Aiden McDonald and we’re chatting about a first-ever event hosted by Springfield YPS… the Up Next Summit. October 16, 202510:00am – 5:30pm with 5:30 – 7:30pm AfterpartyMGM SpringfieldTickets are on sale now! Go to > https://www.springfieldyps.com/upnextABOUT: The future belongs to leaders like you. Up Next is built for emerging professionals like you who are ready to level up their leadership. It’s a high-energy, one-day experience that delivers fresh tools, lasting connections, and the momentum to shape what’s next in your career. Your growth sparks community impact. Your future development drives what’s up next.The full agenda is on the website. Thanks to Up Next Partners: PeoplesBank The Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) Bacon & Wilson94.7 WMASAny questions about Up Next > email: [email protected] this episode Jill also chats a bit about Kara and Aiden’s “real” job with Visual Sound Productions as Sales & Marketing Manager and Media Director respectively. 

Our next “Beyond the Biz Card Series” special guest is Annie Keinath, owner of Juicy Cakes by Annie. Host, Jill Monson, and Annie went to school together - see how Jill described Annie back in the day, plus learn more about the baker behind the apron in this episode. A special shoutout to Annie's daughter, Ayden-Maeve Bradley, who reconnected these two East Longmeadow Spartans twenty-five or so years after graduation. Contact information: Juicy Cakes by Annie641 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA Website: http://juicycakesbyannie.comCall or Text: 413.485.8038 Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest 

We are LIVE at the first “413 Entrepreneur Spotlight” with special guest Dylan Pilon, Founder of Cloud 9 Marketing Group. The event, presented by Living Local 413 and brought to you by Common Capital, is now a monthly must attend event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs! 

Our first time BIZ BUZZ 413 goes live. We have special guest, Mark Ashe, CEO & President at MARX entertainment, and we are at Living Local’s first “413 Entrepreneur Spotlight” brought to you by Common Capital. It’s a monthly event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs! You don’t want to miss it. Sign up now for next month at > https://www.livinglocal413.org/413-entrepreneur-spotlight.

Our first "quick chat" guest is Jay Ash, President & CEO at Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and Former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development. We are together at the “413 Entrepreneur Spotlight” – Living Local 413’s monthly event brought to you by Common Capital, that shines light on our local entrepreneurs! For more information click here. 

This week’s guest is Pam Victor, founder and Head of Happiness at Happier Valley Comedy. On this episode: Find out about the experiment that started it allLearn who is famous for this quote, “Say yes then figure it out.”Pam does an improv exercise with Jill (how do you think Jill does??) Hear the BIG announcement!!!MORE INFORMATIONHappier Valley Comedy Let's Make the Happy Valley HAPPIER! Improv Shows *  Classes * Professional Developmentwww.happiervalley.comCheck out Pam’s TEDx Talk - an overview of the founding of Happier Valley Comedy Contact Pam at [email protected]

This week’s guest is Pam Victor, founder and Head of Happiness at Happier Valley Comedy. On this episode: Find out about the experiment that started it allLearn who is famous for this quote, “Say yes then figure it out.”Pam does an improv exercise with Jill (how do you think Jill does??) Hear the BIG announcement!!!MORE INFORMATION:Happier Valley Comedy Let's Make the Happy Valley HAPPIER! Improv Shows *  Classes * Professional Developmentwww.happiervalley.comCheck out Pam’s TEDx Talk - an overview of the founding of Happier Valley Comedy Contact Pam at [email protected]

We are joined by Lindsay LaBonte, Branch Manager at Applied Mortgage Team. We’re chatting about their new initiative, Love Local Days. She shares what it’s all about, plus a little background on the company and what it was like taking over the reins from her father. To learn more about Love Local Days click here > appliedmortgageteam.com/local-love-daysAnd to learn more about Lindsay or to connect: Applied Mortgage Team websiteHer LinkedIn Email> [email protected] 

Our guest is Michael Weber, Founder of North Star Technology LeadershipTogether we discuss Artificial Intelligence (aka AI). We chat about:  A 30K foot explanation of what it is?How does it affect local businesses?How can small businesses benefit from it?What should businesses do now or be aware of about AI?We also…Define SaaS (which I had no idea what it stood for LOL)Share an AI tool for making a PowerPointExplain what a hallucination is in the tech spaceRESOURCES MENTIONEDA link to a copy of the blog I wrote for Massachusetts Business NetworkEmployers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) 

It’s our VERY first ‘Behind the BIZ Card’ series guest!!! Today we chat with the amazing Meghan Rothschild, President & Chief Bad Ass at Chikmedia (and full disclosure, I’m the Associate Dir. of Marketing at Chik).A couple things that come up during our chat… Can two strong women work together?Why did I eat humble pie?Where the heck does her company name come from???Meghan will share briefly about what Chikmedia does and then, as promised, we dive in ‘Behind the BIZ Card’ and she shares answers to these questions and more:Describe herself in three wordsBest of the 413:Who’s someone she admires and why?Favorite 413 spot to grab a bite or relax?More about her familyWhen not bad-assing it up… what’s she up to? Something people are surprised to learn about herBiggest lesson learnedWhat’s next?Plus, we have fun with a RAPID FIRE round too. From the episode:Meghan's Instagram @outwithmeghanChikmedia's IG: @chikmedia_Link to the Springfield YPS blog mentioned

Episode 6 is a TWO part episode! (this is part 2)Special Guest: Scott Graves, Funding & Programs Director at Living Local 413 and  founder of SMGraves Associates.We’re chatting about “Powering the New American Dream: a $100 billion wealth creation strategy for the Pioneer Valley” - a white paper he co-authored with Dominic Endicott We share BIG news about a development project that Living Local is spearheading in the 413, including:Where is it happening? Why did you choose that location?How can you get involved?We also discuss the importance of interconnected strategies and Scott shares about some opportunities for YOU… including a brand new equity campaign and info about bringing a national accelerator program to operate in the regionYou can reach Scott at:[email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/smgraveshttps://www.smgravesassociates.com (info about his company & podcasts)Resource:“Knowledge Towns” by Dominic Endicott - available on Amazon

Episode 6 is a TWO part episode! (this is part 1)Special Guest: Scott Graves, Funding & Programs Director at Living Local 413 and  founder of SMGraves Associates.We’re chatting about “Powering the New American Dream: a $100 billion wealth creation strategy for the Pioneer Valley” - a white paper he co-authored with Dominic Endicott We share BIG news about a development project that Living Local is spearheading in the 413, including:Where is it happening? Why did you choose that location?How can you get involved?We also discuss the importance of interconnected strategies and Scott shares about some opportunities for YOU… including a brand new equity campaign and info about bringing a national accelerator program to operate in the regionYou can reach Scott at:[email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/smgraveshttps://www.smgravesassociates.com (info about his company & podcasts)Resource:“Knowledge Towns” by Dominic Endicott - available on Amazon

In this episode, host Jill Monson talks with Kimberly Crosta, Sustainability Advocate at Conklin Office Furniture in Holyoke. Yeah, if you didn’t know that is actually a job title. LOL! Join us for this fascinating conversation that explores how many tons of office furniture ends up in a landfill each year (wanna take a guess), an understanding of the concept of a linear versus circular economy, trends in office design, and more. Notes about items mentioned in the podcast: PFAS Explained by the EPA > https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) explained by the EPA > https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained Cyntex > a company Conklin works with on sustainability efforts > https://www.cyntex.comWhat can be done with all that plastic shrink wrap? Trex is a solution Conklin uses. https://www.trex.comTo reach Kimberly Crosta - email [email protected] the sustainability section on Conklin Office Furniture’s new website > https://www.conklinoffice.com/sustainability You can also find them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.