Advertise on podcast: BusinessTalk

Chambers of commerce have evolved over the years, and they are in many ways smaller than they were decades ago, in terms of both membership and staff. But their mission remains vital, and in many ways, chambers are more important now than ever. That’s one observation from Diana Szynal, president and CEO of the Springfield Regional Chamber, as she talked with Contributing Writer George O’Brien for the latest installment of BusinessTalk. The two sat down to discuss everything from the upcoming schedule of events, starting with the annual Outlook lunch, to the chamber’s rebranding efforts, to the way it provides a strong, clear voice for businesses of all sizes. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Much of Ayanna Crawford’s work has been built on the importance of education, from her public school teaching days to her creation of the youth public speaking initiative called Take the Mic; from the growth of the Parent Villages nonprofit to her new role on the Springfield School Committee — and more. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Ayanna sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar for a wide-ranging discussion about all this, plus her consulting business, her community advocacy as chief of staff for a state representative, her experience being named one of BusinessWest’s Women of Impact, and why it’s important to prioritize self-care in order to keep making an impact in the world. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Meg Talbert says she and her dedicated staff and volunteers at Dakin Humane Society bring a lot of love and joy to their work, even though they’re dealing with animals — and families — facing difficult issues. And while Dakin’s services — from adoption and fostering to medical care and pet loss support groups, and many more — help thousands of people and animals each year, the need has never been greater. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Meg, Dakin’s executive director, sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar for a wide-ranging discussion about how Dakin is meeting those evolving needs, how people in the community can support this work, and what’s around the corner as the nonprofit puts together a strategic plan for the future. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical discipline: it’s a cornerstone of business, law, and civil society,” Sean O’Brien said recently, and businesses of all sizes and sectors are grappling with that new reality. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Sean, the director of Cybersecurity at Bay Path University, sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar for a wide-ranging discussion about how cyberthreats have evolved — with AI being just the latest disruptive wrinkle — but also how defenses are being sharpened with the same technology, as well as how this field will continue to be fertile ground for young people seeking to forge careers in a realm where change is constant and talent is in demand. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Every single month, through its roughly 200 partners, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts helps about 125,000 people in the 413 access more than 1 million meals. Among the roles of Director of Development Jillian Morgan and her team are to execute fundraising activities, boost engagement through volunteering, and develop strategies to raise awareness about this nonprofit’s critical mission — one that has been challenged this year by everything from federal funding cuts to the recent SNAP disruption. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Jillian sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar to talk about all of that, plus the 16th annual March for the Food Bank, which engages a sea of participants in a four-county effort to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s must listening — and certainly food for thought — so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Chelsea Kline has long had a passion for helping people who are struggling, and found the perfect outlet for that as executive director of Cancer Connection, the Northampton-based nonprofit that offers a raft of services — from support groups to integrative therapies to the all-important model of ‘befriending’ — to people dealing with a cancer diagnosis, as well as their families and caregivers. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Chelsea talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the many community connections that make it all happen, her committed team at Cancer Connection, the many ways people can support the mission, and why it’s so gratifying to be named to BusinessWest’s Women of Impact class of 2025. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest on both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Aaron Vega calls it the next logical progression in a career that has taken him from freelance film editing to directing the Office of Planning & Economic Development in Holyoke. He was referring to the role of president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council after prevailing in a nationwide search that attracted more than 100 candidates; he will assume that role in January. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Aaron discusses his plans and goals with BusinessWest Contributing Writer George O’Brien. Among other things, he wants the region to do a better job of telling its story, grow the inventory of shovel-ready land for developers, create a blueprint for population growth, and make the EDC even more of a “convener and connector.” It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest on both audio and video platforms and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Tony Worden’s long career in the finance world, most of it in commercial lending, eventually led to his assuming the presidency of Greenfield Cooperative Bank in 2021. There, he continues to grow not only the bank’s business, but its impact on the community. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Tony talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about his passion for community banking and the economic opportunities and challenges he sees on the horizon, but focuses much of the discussion on how his team helps customers understand the risks of cybercrime, check fraud, and other threats, which have become more sophisticated in recent years. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest on both audio and video platforms, and now sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Rick Sullivan's 11-year tenure leading the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council has been one of both challenge — the region has dealt with everything from shifting economic tides to a pandemic — and opportunity; indeed, during that time, the EDC has grown, programming has expanded, and membership has doubled. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Rick talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all that and more, including his advice for the next president and CEO; the organization's continuing importance in growing the business landscape in the 413; and what he values most from his time serving this region as a mayor, in the governor's office, and with the EDC. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

The Springfield Thunderbirds enter their 10th season next month riding a series of highs — soaring attendance that has the team selling out the MassMutual Center on a regular basis and season ticket sales that have exceeded expectations, a robust program of community outreach, the opening of a new parking garage and event space outside the arena, and more. But team President Nate Costa says there’s always room to improve, both on the ice (not only wins and losses, but the fan experience) and off. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Nate talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all that and more, including his own experience leading this franchise for the past decade, and the T-Birds’ cultural and economic importance to Springfield’s downtown and the entire region. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

Gene Cassidy understands that the Big E generates traffic jams outside the fairgrounds — and sometimes traffic jams inside the grounds as patrons flock to new attractions and food vendors. What he can’t understand is why some can’t look past those ‘good problems to have’ and see the annual fair as a true economic engine for the region, bringing money into the 413 and helping several sectors of the economy directly. This is one of many points he made in a wide-ranging discussion with BusinessWest contributing writer George O’Brien on the next episode of BusinessTalk. He also talks about the weather (as it pertains to the fair’s bottom line), the prospects for the 2025 edition, and what’s new — and old — for the show this year. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

Emily Carlson was a teacher who decided to make the jump in 2022 into a new career: travel — specifically, helping other people arrange great vacations. As the owner of We Do Travel Right, she has grown the agency to have a nationwide reach, connecting clients with destinations across the globe, with a particular specialty in Disney trips. Her philosophy — life is short, take the trip — was born from the losses people experienced, and the isolation they felt, during the pandemic, and her belief that the time to enjoy life is now. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Emily talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about why travel agents are still important in the internet age, how she tries to provide deluxe experiences with a local feel, and why it's gratifying to help people have a magical day. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

With almost 20 years of experience in the mortgage lending industry, Lindsay LaBonte (a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2018) has become one of the Western Mass. region’s most prolific loan originators. But it’s about more than numbers, she says, emphasizing elements of her job like relationship building and financial education for clients who are often navigating the homebuying process for the first time — at a particularly challenging time for buyers, for many reasons. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, LaBonte, branch manager and senior loan officer with HMA Mortgage, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the many aspects of her job, how she and her team prioritize community involvement in myriad ways — from philanthropy and volunteerism to a new program called Local Love Days — and why it’s still so ratifying to help people achieve the dream of homeownership. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

On his fourth time as a finalist, and 17 years after being named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008, Jeffrey Fialky was named BusinessWest’s Alumni Achievement Award winner for 2025. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Jeff talks to BusinessWest’s George O’Brien about his expansive role as managing shareholder at Bacon Wilson, the changes and challenges taking place these days in the law sector, and his longtime commitment to community service. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

It’s called ‘Odyssey.’ That’s the art installation placed this summer in Tower Square Park in Springfield — the one featuring three pigeons around a Campbell’s soup can. It was placed there to turn some heads, generate talk, activate a space, and bring people to the downtown. And it’s doing all of that and more, according to Michelle Grout, executive director of the Springfield Business Improvement District. Overall, ‘Odyssey’ represents just one of the ways the BID is getting creative in its efforts to promote downtown, create vibrancy, and generate economic development, as Grout explains on the next episode of BusinessTalk, hosted by contributing writer George O’Brien. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.