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ERC5 East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce

Living Local 413 Launches “BIZ BUZZ 413” Podcast

CommunityHuman InterestChamberGeneral News ArticlePress Release

Four-Part Pilot Explores Main Streets as Economic Engines Across Western Massachusetts
 
Western Massachusetts — Living Local 413 proudly announces the launch of BIZ BUZZ 413, a dynamic new podcast under its Living Local 413 nonprofit platform which is dedicated to revitalizing the Western Mass economy through community-driven business development, local engagement, and place-based initiatives. The podcast aims to amplify this mission and was created to elevate local voices, spark regional insight,  and highlight the people, places, and possibilities shaping the Western Massachusetts economy.
 
Hosted by local entrepreneur and owner of POP!more, Jill Monson, BIZ BUZZ 413 is an authentic, insightful, and accessible audio experience for anyone invested in the vitality of our region. Known as a community champion with decades of experience building connections across the nonprofit and business sectors, as well as many years behind a microphone at local radio stations, Monson brings curiosity, clarity, and community spirit to every conversation.
 
“I had a nugget of an idea,” shares Bill Cole, President of Living Local 413, “And then I met with Jill, and well if you know Jill, the next thing you know we had a show. I am beyond excited by the topics we have planned including women’s healthcare and the changes in our area, Artificial Intelligence (AI) – friend or foe, women in local government/politics, workforce, succession planning, business resources, and much more.”
 
The four-part pilot episode is now live and available at LivingLocal413.org/bizbuzz. This episode is focused on offering listeners an in-depth look at how each of the four counties in Western Massachusetts is fueling growth through its Main Streets. Each segment features a different Western Mass county with these special guests lending their expertise: 
 

  • Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire, speaking on Berkshire County
  • Xiomara Albán DeLobato, Vice President and Chief of Staff at the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC), on Hampden County
  • Jacob Robinson, Executive Director at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, on Hampshire County
  • Hannah Rechtschaffen, Director of the Greenfield Business Association (GBA), on Franklin County
 
During the conversations, each guest was asked to share their insights regarding Main Street in the county they represent, as well as the challenges the community faces. 
 
“Main Streets are the heartbeat of our local economies,” said Monson. “This series lets us hear directly from leaders who are working every day to build stronger, more connected communities across Western Mass.”
 
New episodes will be released regularly and are available on the Living Local website BIZZ BUZZ page and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. The LivingLocal413.org platform invites listeners to explore regional trends, discover unsung heroes, and join the conversation around what makes Western Massachusetts thrive. For more information about Living Local 413, the BIZ BUZZ podcast, or to inquire about being a guest, visit the website or email bizbuzz@livinglocal413.org. 
 
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About Living Local 413:
Living Local 413 is a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the Western Massachusetts economy through community-driven business development, local engagement, and place-based initiatives. Its three pillars—Living Local Villages, Living Local Accelerators, and 413 Online—support thriving communities and resilient local businesses. Through initiatives like BIZ BUZZ 413, Living Local 413 continues its mission to inform, connect, and uplift the region.

Living Local 413 Launches “BIZ BUZZ 413” Podcast