Western Mass Business Show on 10.12.24 — Robin Bialecki & Pat Brough

Join us as we hear from Robin Bialecki ED of the Easthampton Community Center about her dedicated approach to helping the community meet it’s needs. Under her leadership (since 2008) the ECC has grown to helping all four counties reach the gaps that they have in their respective needs. From food insecurity, housing, job loss, relocation, and more, the ECC has risen to the level that the clients demand (open 7 days). Robin and her team have a hard time saying no and as a result have steadily increased their capacity to serve more and more clients for over 46 years. As one of the only gluten and allergy free pantries in WMA they get many requests for food specific and sensitive care products. Robin gets this done through her over 200 volunteer staff that help throughout the year, including Pat Brough, Sales and Marketing Director for Finck & Perras Insurance. 10 years ago, he helped co-create the much beloved event Give Em the Bird 5K which is a benefit for the ECC. In 2015, they raised 10,000 and they now hope to raise more than 35,000 this year. With over 55 sponsors, I think they have a shot at having their best year ever.

Western Mass Business Show on 10.5.24 — Jon Schaefer, Head Maple Sugarer at Berkshire East

Join us as we speak with Jon Schaefer, Head Maple Sugarer at BE and beyond in Charlemont, MA. Having grown up in the outdoor recreation business Jon was a top skier in his younger days and learned from his dad how to work with the land in WMA. With ties to BC in Canada, Hermitage Club, Bosque, Middlebury, and Catamount, you will see why Jon is a go to industry name for the adventure sports industry. With so many options to choose from at BE, it’s hard to choose one. Give a listen and then head up for the BrewFest on 10/13 or perhaps the Halloween Party on 10/26. See you on the trails.
www.berkshireeast.com

Western Mass Business Show 9.21.24 — Kara McElhone, ED of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County

Join us as we hear about the state of children in Hampshire County. Kara McElhone, ED of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County discusses her experience with children who have been abused or sexually exploited in our community. We are blessed to have a CAC in HC and their partnership with DA Sullivan and many other partners in this hard work. Having been in existence for 26 years the CAC is having a recent growth spurt and recently opened an office in Belchertown and is hiring new staff to keep up with community demand. In those years, they have helped over 3,000 kids but many never report and others take a long time to ever speak up about the abuse they experience. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be abused before they turn 18. This is not done by strangers but by people they know love and trust. Protect our children by being a trusted adult and when something doesn’t feel right to you, report it. Even if you are wrong, and that is for DCF to decide, you may save a child from present or future harm. Listen in so you too can have the information that will help a child from this horrible experience that shouldn’t happen to begin with.
www.cachampshire.org

Western Mass Business Show on 9.14.24 — Provisions’s Benson Hyde and Bruce McAmis

Join us as we discover the Provisions legacy from one of the OG (original) founding owners Benson Hyde. He is joined by his partner Bruce McAmis who joined at the fortunate time of late 2019 replacing then owner Alex Feinstein. What began in 2011, with one store has grown into a 4-location operation. Listen in as we hear about the ups and downs of a small but growing business and how focusing on smaller producers, good employees, and community gets them through the tough times. Special shout out to Toni DeLuca the stores wine buyer (and Benson’s partner) and Elena the Cheese Monger for having such important roles in the business model. Tune into hear why Provisons was voted Business West’s Top Entrepreneur of 2022.

Western Mass Business Show on 9.7.24 — Megan Allen and Christina Webster of The Sphere and Community Classroom

Join us as we learn about the Sphere in Northampton (er, Florence) and how the Co-founders came up with the need for a co-working, networking space dedicated to women and non-binary business owners. What began as a connection with another Florence business that Megan Allen started at Community Classroom, when she hired Christina Webster to be a teacher has blossomed into a new non-profit. Allen and Webster make a great team at the Sphere which has been hosting salons and get together for the past year in preparation for their co-working space to open on September 15 from 3-6PM on Maple Street in Florence. Listen in as we discuss the offerings and opportunities that will be created through the Sphere and go to www.spherenorthampton.com to learn even more. Thanks for listening.

Western Mass Business Show on 9.1.24 — Michelle Wirth, co-owner of Mercedes Benz

Join us as we speak with Michelle Wirth co-owner of Mercedes Benz (with her husband Peter). They moved here 7 years ago from New Jersey and have quickly made WMA their home with their 4 kids. As we know, Covid was a big disrupter to many businesses and seeing that MB was only in its 2nd year the need to hustle and pivot was essential. In addition to shoring up the dealership, Michelle also felt called to create a new business based around shopping local and Feel Good Shop Local was born in 2021/2022 at the Big E. Go to www.feelgoodshoplocal.com to learn more about the business and how over 70 businesses have joined the platform. How we think about supporting local, small businesses and the impact that we can have if we divert just a small amount of money away from Amazon and big box shopping, matters. Listen in as we hear an update from Michelle on her businesses and what events you should be on the lookout for in the fall of 2024.

Western Mass Business Show on 8.24.24 — Taylor Haas, Executive Director of the 3 County Fair

Join us as we meet Taylor Haas the new Executive Director of the 3 County Fair in Northampton. She is a native of PA and came to the area just before Covid in 2019 with her family. She grew up in a farming community around horses and livestock and has put that to good use in her role at the fair. Her background in marketing has also helped her find early success and strong community outreach regionally. The fair runs from August 30-September 2 and is $15 for adults and free for kids 11 and under. Also, free parking is a draw along with free concerts, performances, activities, competitions, and more. Taylor can’t do it alone, with over 100 volunteers to make the fair happen it’s no wonder why it’s the longest running fair in the county. In it’s 207th year, it’s quite impressive to be able to say that they began in 1818. Other events include the Paradise City Arts Festival, the Morgan Horse Show, and All Sport Indoor Soccer Arena. Join us as we meet Taylor Haas and learn why we too should be at the fair this end of summer. Thanks for listening. 

Western Mass Business Show on 8.17.24 — Mischa Roy, Owner of Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary

Join us as we hear about Mischa Roy’s journey into being the CEO and Owner at Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary in downtown Northampton. Drawing on her visual arts background she has created an intentionally curated shop that draws on the arts, creative, mystical, spiritual, beautiful, and local perspectives to make the products and space unique. Open 7 days and featuring crystals, tarot, books, jewelry, tea, and candles. Hand poured in the store the candles are a big source of pride and income for the business which is quite the family affair. Tune into hear which events you need to be at this fall, including, Full Moon and Mingle, Wheel of the Year, Harvest and Haunting, Block Parties, and more. Check out www.spilltheteasis.com while you listen in. 

Western Mass Business Show on 8.10.24 — Leslie Gould-Barkman of Ladybug Body Mind Healing

Leslie Gould-Barkman is a lifelong learner. Drawing on many years of education and practice she has created a practice of soul centered somatic caretaking. With an MSW, hypnotherapy, bodywork, and arts background, Leslie has created her own approach to healing. Her work is body focused through the musculoskeletal system which helps patients with mental health, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She addresses what’s the root cause of one’s problems and goes after what’s stuck in the body and energy field. Join us as we discuss her experience and unique approach to healing people through energy work.

www.ladybugbodymindhealing.com

Western Mass Business Show on 8.3.24 — Susan Elena, Director of the Iyengar Yoga Center of Western MA

Join us as we speak with Susan Elena who is the Director of the Iyengar Yoga Center of Western MA. Located on the Parsons Block in Florence in the former Herlihey’s women’s clothing store. As we learned, it is not an easy feat to be designated as a Center and Susan-Elena has put her time and effort into learning the practice of Iyengar. Go to IYCWM.com for more information about the practice and her studio. Susan-Elena’s training as a dancer and artist helped her find the path of studio ownership along with the help of her studio administrator Sarah LeBeouf, they create an atmosphere for learning and growth in Florence. From a beginner to Rohan Bopanna’s path to Olympic Gold, Iyengar has been helping people find their strength and path to healing. Find out about upcoming events and Open Houses, how no 2 classes are alike, and how technology plays an important role in the classes at 76 Maple Street in Florence. Listen in as we discuss health and wellbeing from an ancient Indian tradition of fitness and wellbeing.