BOSTON — While times are tough for many nonprofit organizations, Boston-based Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries is expanding, opening new thrift stores, which are popular with price-conscious shoppers. As part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy, WBUR’s Bob Oakes visited Goodwill’s headquarters to speak with President and CEO Joanne Hilferty.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club saw its first-quarter profits this year rise nearly 42 percent. To find out how the warehouse-style model is boosting profits in the recession, WBUR’s Bob Oakes went to the Framingham store to speak with CEO Laura Sen, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — When it comes to high technology, Massachusetts boasts one of the deepest talent pools in the country — and some industry leaders say innovation could drive Massachusetts out of the economic doldrums. WBUR’s Bob Oakes visits the Cambridge Innovation Center in Kendall Square to speak to its president and CEO Tim Rowe as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

BOSTON — A forecast for the tourist season ahead shows less corporate business and fewer foreign visitors, but more travelers from close to home. WBUR’s Bob Oakes went down to Fan Pier to speak to Boston Visitors Bureau President and CEO Pat Moscaritolo as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

BOSTON — Americans are cutting back on dining out in this recession, and that’s hitting the restaurant industry hard. WBUR’s Bob Oakes sat down with Legal Seafoods President and CEO Roger Berkowitz, to talk about how his seafood chain is holding up, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

BOSTON — The economic crisis has hit all financial firms hard, but for Putnam Investments, trouble started even before the meltdown. WBUR’s Bob Oakes speaks with Putnam President and CEO Robert Reynolds about the firm’s ambitions to grow, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

BOSTON — The recession has resulted in a major increase in circulation and visitors for public libraries, but it’s also forcing cuts in hours and services. WBUR’s Bob Oakes speaks to Boston Public Library President Amy Ryan about the importance of libraries in difficult times, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

BOSTON — The recession is having a major impact on private colleges, which have become unaffordable for many families. To find out how some area colleges are navigating the admissions process this year, WBUR’s Bob Oakes spoke with Wheelock College President Jackie Jenkins-Scott, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — While many auto dealers are struggling in this recession, Herb Chambers is expanding. He owns 44 franchises, and is building or renovating several more. WBUR’s Bob Oakes spoke to Chambers at his corporate headquarters, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

BOSTON — Red Sox ticket prices are frozen this season for the first time in 14 years. To find out just how deeply the recession is affecting the team, WBUR’s Bob Oakes headed to Fenway Park to speak to Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.

BOSTON — The Museum of Fine Arts is laying off 4 percent of its staff, instituting a salary freeze for the coming year, and cutting pay for some top executives. WBUR’s Bob Oakes speaks with MFA Director Malcolm Rogers, as part of our series of conversations with Boston business leaders in the down economy.