Jeanne Yocum, who has spent a number of years living in Western Mass., is the author of The Self-Employment Survival Guide: Proven Strategies to Succeed as Your Own Boss, (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018). She’s been a self-employed public relations consultant since 1989. When she wasn’t ghost-writing books along the way, she co-authored a few of her own. You can find out more about Jeanne and her books at www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com.
Kim Lee – a career spent in public service in Western Massachusetts.
Kim Lee begins a new chapter in her life’s work in human services with the Mental Health Association of Springfield.
From Square One, The United Way and the Center for Human Development, Kim Lee becomes the Vice President of Resource Development and Branding at the MHA.
In this program, you will learn more about this organization and what it means to many in this area, and why Kim has elected to dedicate her life to serving the people of Western Mass.
Michael Harrison, publisher of TALKERS, the leading trade publication in the American talk media (radio, TV and internet) industry, served as keynote speaker at the annual breakfast of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce held Tuesday morning (6/12) at Chez Josef in Agawam. Harrison, a 32-year resident of Longmeadow, is also president of Pioneer Valley Radio. Accompanied by Pioneer Valley Radio’s show hosts Bernadette Duncan and the legendary Brad Shepard, Harrison delivered a fascinating 35 minute address on the impact today’s rapid changes in media and technology are having on small business as well as all of society. He explained how the term “fake news” has evolved during the past two years and emphasized the importance of local business, media and politics as composing the foundation of a healthy society. He further discussed freedom of speech and emphasized the fundamental role the First Amendment plays in maintaining American democratic principles. Other speakers included Chamber executive director Robin Wozniak, Chamber co-chairs Frank Palange and Ryan McLane as well as Agawam Mayor Bill Sapelli and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. The first-class event was attended by approximately 75 local business people who collectively expressed a feeling of energetic optimism about the current direction and future of Agawam, West Springfield and all of Western Massachusetts.
Amy Cohen has written a fact-based work of fiction called Pacific Street (CreateSpace, 2016), inspired by research on her family genealogy. The story focuses on characters Isadore and Gussie who assimilate to life in New York City in 1899 and deal with the challenges of being immigrants. As Amy points out, this experience sheds light on current events. To learn more about the book by this retired Western New England University School of Law professor, click here.
Listen in again as America’s Money Answers Man takes you through the North Korean-Trump summit, the G7, the resulting trade war, and the overall effect on YOU!
Oil and gas prices are also under review, with a shocking prediction of how much you’ll be paying at the pump by the end of the summer.
It’s all here as Brad Shepard probes the mind of Jordan Goodman, “America’s Money Answers Man.”
Western Mass.’ top performer, Lisa Carter, famous for her Cher tribute shows, has a great show for Father’s Day!
Lisa, along with Dave Colucci and four dancers, bring you their interpretations of Cher, Marilyn Monroe, Bobby Darin, Barry Manilow and Roxie and Velma from “CHICAGO!”
This exciting show shimmers its way into West Springfield’s Majestic Theater on Sunday, June 17th – Father’s Day – with performances at 2:00pm and 7:00pm!
Listen in as Lisa joins Brad Shepard to let you know what to expect! Dad will thank you!
The late Jim Madigan, an irreplaceable and towering figure in the history of Springfield media, is remembered in this special program by Springfield-based international political consultant Tony Cignoli.
For years, Jim Madigan presided over debates featuring some of the most famous political figures of the times, including Ted Kennedy and Mitt Romney, right on through to Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren.
Class, intellect and integrity defined the man, cut from the cloth of Russert, Lehrer, and Cronkite, and remembered in this intimate portrait.
Organized soccer is alive and well in the Pioneer Valley for young people of all ages. Michael Harrison talks with Ludlow High School boys varsity coach Greg Kolodziey who also serves as GM of the Pioneers.
Springfield-based public relations wizard Mark Auerbach shares tips for authors on how to get the word out on their books. Find out more about Mark on Facebook at Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations.
Wells Fargo has provided a sizeable grant to Junior Achievement of Western Mass.
The funds will support a special project of JA to help young people develop skills toward meaningful employment.
In this conversation, Brianna Curran of Wells Fargo outlines the specifics of the grant, and why Junior Achievement of Western Mass. has been chosen!
In this visit, “America’s Money Answers Man” continues to deconstruct the trade war we have entered into with China, and its far-ranging effects.
Also, as graduation season is upon us, students leaving college and entering the workforce would benefit from Jordan’s information on handling potentially crushing college loan debt!
You will also hear some suggestions on low-risk, high-yield investments!
Westhampton-based poet Patricia Lee Lewis is one of the founding members of Straw Dog Writers Guild who have proudly produced Compass Roads, Poems about the Pioneer Valley, (Levellers Press, 2018).
To find out more about the guild or the poetry collection, go to www.strawdogwriters.org. To learn more about Patricia and her award-winning books, check out writingretreats.org.
From fifteen different countries, and fifty different orchestras, internationally famous Maestro Kevin Rhodes makes Springfield his home, as the seventeen-year Music Director and Conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
Come inside the SSO as Kevin talks at length about his fascinating career spanning concerts, opera and ballet.
Find out what it is like to conduct orchestras in Springfield, Michigan and Boston!
Listen as Kevin talks about the joy in weaving pop culture music with the symphony’s more established fare.
Hear his exciting plans for this season and the next!
Casa Pizzeria in Ludlow is making a huge splash in the competitive universe of pizza!
Winning a reader’s poll as the number one pizza maker in the entire state has brought in enough business to cause them to shut off the phones!
Why the excitement?
Join Brad and his special guest, “Casa Pizzeria Jimmy,” as he presents his quest to bring Brooklyn-style pizza to Western Mass.!
Just what is “Brooklyn-style pizza”?
Listen in and find out!
On Pioneer Valley Radio, it’s time once again for “America’s Money Answers Man,” Jordan Goodman!
For the first time since 1930, a trade war seems to be quite possible.
The Trump administration and China are locked in a high stakes standoff.
Teetering on this brink not only causes a corresponding reaction in the stock market, but also has a possibly devastating effect on markets, prices, products and many other financial instruments.
Hear Jordan’s breakdown of trade war cause and effect in this very important program!
The Hofbrauhaus, a signature Western Mass. restaurant, has shut down after some 83 years.
Joe Stevens made the decision, and joins us now on Pioneer Valley Radio to tell us why.
As a career restaurateur, he has given us some insight as to why other iconic restaurants in our region have also ended their run.
What’s next for Joe?
Listen in!
Lisa Carter is busier than ever!
Western Massachusetts premier “Cher” tribute artist has new shows planned for top spots in the region!
Lisa chats with Brad Shepard about performing as Cher, but also about the other side of her career – simply being herself, a fine vocalist, and performing with music partner Matt in her show called “Table For Two.”
Far from being typed only as ‘Cher,” Lisa allows audiences to enjoy her finely honed abilities as a singer, performing a perfect program of great songs for a night out!
Self-employed and doing business in Western Mass,, the many talents of special guest Joe Saimeri extend from building health and strength to singing out and entertaining!
As the owner of the All American Gymnastic Academy in Wilbraham, Joe is a highly skilled physical trainer and gymnast.
Yes, he is certainly a “workoutaholic” but also a man dedicated to helping families, and certainly children, realize their full physical fitness potential.
You will hear how, although fitness is taken very seriously, everyone, especially the children, has fun in the process!
Western Mass audiences are also finding out that this fitness specialist is an amazing vocalist!
The rise in violence in American schools, as well as the threat of violence, is a national issue.
It is here in the Pioneer Valley as well, as threats within the last couple of weeks have occurred in Springfield, Holyoke, and in Chicopee.
In Chicopee, this issue is taken seriously.
In this program, Chicopee Schools Superintendent Richard Rege responds to Brad Shepard’s questions and in great detail outlines a series of protocols designed to ensure student safety and prevent violence.
Paul Federici is a busy man at all times of the year, but particularly now.
In addition to serving on the governing board of the Town of East Longmeadow, Paul is busily preparing tax returns at the firm of Holden Associates in East Longmeadow.
Here, Paul takes time out to talk about your taxes for 2017.
Listen in for some helpful advice!