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:<...

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 h...

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!!!

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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. 

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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!!

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This week Jill is pumped to chat with Alex (Alexandria) Eberhardt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. They discuss...

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. 

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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:

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.org

Thank 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:

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:

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… 

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 Info

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 Info

Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC)

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:

This week we chat with Emily Carlson, Agency Owner at We Do Travel Right. We discuss: 

GUEST CONTACT INFO:

Emily Carlson, We Do Travel Right 

Host Jill Monson shares about Dri Umbrellas. 

GUEST CONTACT INFO

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:

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 mo...

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:

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 INFO

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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:

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 President

Website:  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.com

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-stratton-63ab877

Connect 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...

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 bus...

"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 Communications

Common 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.org

The "413 Entrepreneur Spotlight" is a monthly event that shines light on our local entrepreneurs brought to you by Common C...

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:

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 AWARDEES

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:

Come back for PART TWO and learn about an exciting event they're bringing back to our community. 

Contact Info: 

Episode 12 - Part 2

Another 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. 

ABOUT: 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-ene...

Episode 12 - Part 1

Another 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. 

ABOUT: 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-ene...

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: 

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.