Podcasts: The Western Mass. Business Show
The Western Mass. Business Show
Entrepreneurs undertake risk and responsibility, in order to solve problems, contribute their passions and talents to society, and make the world go round. Our success and survival depends on them, and they depend on you. Hear their stories, perspectives, and inspirations every week, as they reveal themselves in a conversation with Tara Brewster. Saturdays at 11AM and Sundays at 2PM on The Western Mass Business Show.
Western Mass Business Show on 10.3.26 – Mike Ekblom Vice President and General Manager of the Northampton Media Group and the Springfield Rocks Media Group
Join us as we hear from Mike Ekblom about his journey into radio. As the vice president and general manager of the Northampton media group and the Springfield rocks media group he cut his teeth in sales before earning that title. With a background in sales, he can train and coach the team in a myriad of ways that other people not having his background might not be able to do. How has radio changed since Covid and how is a small local radio station like the ones he manages making it through these tough times. With important stations like WHMP and WRSI rock 102 laser 99.3 rewind and pure oldies, there is a big mix of opportunity within this umbrella. As a station under the saga communications family, navigating all the changes in the radio, and the way people buy their media this role has been an enormous undertaking, but one that Mike and the teamt are uniquely suited for in western Massachusetts. They work hard to be visible in the 413 and they provide important services for nonprofits through PSA’s and airtime with the hosts. Their revenue has been climbing because of relationships. Please go to the website for more information on how you can join the team at our family of stations or get help figuring out a media buy through an important meeting with the sales team. Thank you so much Mike for all that you do. And thanks to the listeners for listening. Don’t stop. Community radio rocks!
Western Mass Business Show on 9.26.26 – Cutchins Programs for Children & Families
Join us as we speak with Gina Krosoczka the Director of Development and Jennifer Bogin, Vice President of Neurodiversity Services and Field Center Program Director at Cutchins Programs for Children and Families. Listening as we talk about this almost 50 year-old nonprofit organization based in Northampton and Belchertown Massachusetts. With many programs like: Northampton Center for Children & Families, Three Rivers, New Directions School, The Children’s Clinic, Flexible Support Services, and the Fields Center, there are many different options for children and teens that are struggling with mental health and abuse. Dr. Tina Champagne’s training has refocused the organization to use a combination of OT and PT modalities at the core of their work. Listen in as we discuss the organization and the upcoming Superhero Run on October 4th. Join us for the fun. www.cutchins.org
Western Mass Business Show on 9.19.26 – Bill Hines Westfield State University
Join us as we talked to Bill Hynes, the Executive Director of institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Westfield State University Foundation. Bill has a strong volunteer and philanthropy background. Having attended UMASS and AIC he joined the Americore Program and was drawn to service and nonprofit work. Westfield University is 187 years old and draws many students from the region and state. Tune in as we learn about fundraising and why it’s important to be able to tell a donor no, when it’s the right thing to do. Their annual auction is coming up on October 12-17 and is one way to support Bill’s efforts to fundraise for the school and student needs. This auction is not to miss. Be sure to go to their website to learn all about the one of a kind items and experiences, you woon’t be disappointed. As Nester says, Give a Hoot!
www.westfield.ma.edu
Western Mass Business Show on 9.12.26 – Nicole Blais ED of HCS Head Start Inc.
Join us as we speak with Nicole Blais, the Executive Director of Headstart Holyoke Chicopee Springfield. Having been with the organization for over 30 years, she is a testament to why Headstart is so important in the lives of children and families across this nation. In their annual report it shows a picture of Nicole when she was graduating from HCS Headstart many years ago. The fact that she is now their executive director is an incredible testament to the work and the importance of these programs. HCS is a multiservice agency, focusing on early childhood education, preschool with part day and full day program options. Additionally, there are programs for parents and varied wraparound services that help this agency thrive. Headstart began in 1965 and that’s exactly when HCS Headstart opened as well. Nicole has done an amazing job along with her team to grow the organization and is proud of the work they are doing. One of the issues they see is staffing and so they have created a program that’s called Tomorrow’s Teachers in conjunction with other agencies in the area to get more people involved in participating. Join in and listen as we learn from her sage wisdom over the many years that she has participated in the program. Thank you for listening.
www.hcsheadstart.org
Western Mass Business Show on 9.5.26 – Hampshire County Farm Bureau
Join us as we hear from the Hampshire County Farmm Bureau. They are a subgroup of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, which was started in 1915. The Farm Bureau focues on the the farming community, food supply chain, advocacy, and events. They are a member organization that focuses on climate and agriculture, farm labor and immigration, and encouraging the next generation of farmers. Listen to Richard Jeske from Pine Brook Farm and and Meg Jennings who is a lecturer of animal science at UMASS as they talk about farming in the region and how the Hampshire County Farm Bureau supports farmers, agriculture, and production in Western Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation is the largest farming organization in Massachusetts with over 2000 members. They are the voice of agriculture. You can find more about them at www.mfbf.net. Attend their event on 9/27/26 from 10-3 at the Young Men’s Club in Hadley to raise funds for the future farmers scholarship fund. Thank you for listening.
Western Mass Business Show on 8.29.26- Ruth Griggs Northampton Jazz Festival
Ruth Griggs is a local phenom. Growing up in Western MA leaving for NYC and returning as an adult gave her a unique perspective of how amazing this place is. Having founded RC Communications and BWC Group a marketing, branding, communications, PR, and strategy agency enabled her to connect with others and realize that partnerships are the way to success. In 2011, she began to search for her people, and she found them at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the Northampton Jazz Festival. Now as President, she oversees the festival and yearlong programming to schools and the region. Join us at the Festival on September 25-26th in downtown Northammpton. To learn more go to www.northammptonjazzfest.org. Listen in as we talk about all things community, collaboration, and how music is a common pulse for so many of us. Thanks for listening.
Western Mass Business Show on 8.8.26 – Easthampton Neighbors
Join us as we hear from Mary McCarthy and Sharon Tilbe, who are the President of the Board and the Volunteer Coordinator respectively at Easthampton Neighbors. They serve 55+ in the Easthampton community who need a little help from their friends to get by. With so many people aging in place it is important to have safety nets like EN so that people can get to appointments, the grocery store, have a small repair done, get computer assistance, or just have a friendly face to check in on them. The village-to-village network has taken off across the state and county with many nonprofits like EN right here in the 413. Listen in on how you can help with becomming a member, volunteer, or board member. Save the date for the Cow Plop Derby on 9/13 at Fletchers Farm in Southampton, MA. Sounds like a fun time for everyone. Thanks for listening to the WMBS.
www.easthamptonneighbors.com
Western Mass Business Show on 8.1.26 – Tides for Reproductive Freedom
Join us as we meet Feyla McNamara, Co-founder and Co-executive director and Dale Gaddes, Director of Development for Tides for Reproductive Freedom. Founded in 2018, and staffed up in 2023, Tides as an abortion fund led by people who have had abortions and queer folks. Tune in as we learn what an abortion fund is and how this small grassroots network can help over 700 people last year alone. We discussed how hard it is to do the work in these times but how in these times the work is the most essential effort that they produce for humanity. How Roe was not the ceiling, but the floor and the rebuilding must be done better and for more people in the future. For more information about Tides please visit www.tidesforchange.org. Thank you for listening.
Western Mass Business Show on 7.4.26 – Easthampton Council On Aging
Join us as we have a robust conversation about the Easthampton Council on aging and enrichment center. We are joined by their Director Cynthia Tarail. She talks about how their programming is a two-way street and how they invite contribution, engagement, and leadership into everything that they do. A participant at the center Ron Contois talks about his experience of coming back to Easthampton and finding community at the center. We are also joined by Katya Shapiro, the Easthampton Public Library Director and Tom Geryk the veteran’s agent for Easthampton and Westhampton. Listen as we hear how they partner together and work concurrently to support the residents of the greater Easthampton area. Thank you for listening.
