BusinessWest

09/03/2026

ReVision Energy Continues to Grow Its Regional Presence

James Manzer of ReVision Energy shares how solar, battery storage, heat pumps, employee ownership, and customer education are helping homeowners and businesses across New England take control of their energy—and build greater energy independence.

Read the full BusinessWest story here: https://businesswest.com/blog/revision-energy-continues-to-grow-its-regional-presence/

James Manzer has long had an interest in sustainability — well before he came to ReVision Energy in Maine in 2014. “It’s always been my passion to do what I could to benefit the planet as best as I could,” said Manzer, regional vice president for ReVision Energy, an employee-owned renewable ...

09/02/2026

Beacon Bank is building its brand across Western Massachusetts and Connecticut, combining big-bank resources with a strong community focus. Learn more about the bank’s regional growth strategy and what’s ahead.

Read Full Article Here: https://businesswest.com/blog/beacon-bank-looks-to-build-its-brand-in-the-region/

Jim Hickson calls it “the best of both worlds.” He was referring to what has resulted from the merger of Berkshire Bank and three other institutions — Brookline Bank, Bank of Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank — to create Beacon Bank. Specifically, it’s a $22 billion institution operating in five...

09/01/2026

🎙️ New BusinessTalk episode!

Dawn Creighton shares how the Liberty Bank Academy for Small Business helps entrepreneurs build the skills, connections, and confidence they need to succeed—from marketing and record keeping to risk management and so much more.

Tune in to the latest BusinessTalk, presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Click for full episode:

With new episodes airing every other Monday, BusinessTalk features in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders who offer thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachusetts economy and the many business […]

08/26/2026

Who deserves to be recognized as a Woman of Impact? 👏

Now’s the time to shine a light on the women making their mark — through leadership, innovation, service, and more.

Submit your nominations by September 3rd at 5 p.m.

https://businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations/

Sponsorships and advertising opportunities available! Contact us today! 413.781.8600

The team at BusinessWest created the Women of Impact awards in 2018 as a way to honor the women in the region that are making an impact. When selecting a […]

08/25/2026

A major development in the proposed replacement of Springfield’s Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse: Hampden Superior Court Judge David Hodge has denied a request to pause the state’s nearly $2 billion, 40-year lease with the Liberty Junction Team.

Read the full story from BusinessWest: https://businesswest.com/blog/superior-court-judge-backs-liberty-junction-team-in-courthouse-lawsuit/

Don’t miss BusinessWest’s top stories and latest updates.

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Superior Court Judge David Hodge denied a motion on Monday for a temporary restraining order against the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and […]

08/24/2026

🎙New BusinessTalk Podcast, Presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank, is now Available! Bay Path University

Let's not Fight. In the latest episode, Joshua Weiss discusses conflict resolution, communication, empathy and finding common ground- valuable skills for both the workplace and everyday life.

🎧 Listen to full episode here: https://businesswest.com/blog/businesstalk-with-joshua-weiss-lets-not-fight/

08/21/2026

Room(s) for Growth 🏡

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are gaining momentum in Western Massachusetts, offering new possibilities for multigenerational living, aging in place, and addressing the region’s housing shortage.

From backyard cottages to converted basements, ADUs could become an increasingly important part of the local housing landscape.

Read the full BusinessWest article to learn more about the opportunities—and challenges—behind this emerging market.

👉 Click here to read the full article: https://businesswest.com/blog/the-market-for-accessory-dwelling-units-is-emerging/

Room(s) for Growth RJ Chapdelaine calls it the ‘barndominium.’ That’s an industry term of sorts — one he uses but doesn’t particularly like — that is deployed to describe a […]

08/20/2026

Building the Brand 🏀

Events are helping the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame drive revenue, expand its reach, and strengthen its connection to basketball communities.

From enshrinement and college games to high-school tournaments and community events, the Hall’s evolving event strategy is creating both financial and brand-building opportunities.

Read the full BusinessWest article here:

Building the Brand Since it opened in 1968 in a small space on the campus of Springfield College, the Basketball Hall of Fame has been a shrine to the game […]

08/19/2026

From corporate events and music festivals to international travel, Rider Productions has built a remarkable family business around creating memorable experiences.

Sally and John Rider’s journey is one of entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and family — evolving through changing technology, COVID, and a constantly shifting events industry.

Today, their three sons are part of the business, carrying the Rider legacy into its next chapter.

Read the full story here: https://businesswest.com/blog/rider-productions-is-all-about-the-experience/

08/18/2026

Your journey to caregiving starts here.

The BusinessWest 2026 Senior Planning Guide is now available!

Inside you will find valuable insights and resources from local businesses and organizations committed to helping you navigate these important stages of life.

Explore the BusinessWest 2026 Senior Planning Guide here:

BusinessWest 2026 Senior Planning Guide