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While we try to fix all that has gone wrong in the world, we should take a moment to examine the opportunities the pandemic has forced upon us, and then decide how to incorporate any improvements into our post-pandemic lives.

Melissa Cote had planned to expand her beauty salon, but as the construction was wrapping up on her new Shrewsbury location, Gov. Charlie Baker put out his order on March 24 for non-essential businesses in Massachusetts to shut down in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Now we find ourselves in hunker down mode, facing a much higher unemployment rate on the other side of this crisis. But does that mean we should shut off that engine of growth for the region? We don’t think so.

Immediately, as our pandemic unfolded I found myself in a frenzied search for information! What would this mean for family or my business, already in a challenging position this year?

Whether inspired by a crisis like the COVID-19 outbreak or not, more companies are investing in corporate social responsibility efforts.

Now, in a world of social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and fear of human contact, I still believe human connection is necessary in business, more than ever.

Crisis situations call for strong leadership. This is not the time to act on emotions or fear. People need to feel confident the leaders of the organization are making well-informed decisions to keep everyone safe.

The pressure was too much. It felt good to cry, but I was angry and confused. I hated not knowing what was to come. But when I finally calmed down, I felt more determined than ever.

The necessity of staying far apart from others has become clear to restaurateurs that habits will likely change long after dine-in eating returns.

Four multigenerational Central Mass. businesses owners underscore the importance of mixing up both their goods and their services, as well as an overwhelming willingness to adapt to customer requests and market demands.