EPBB President Marc Baker with actor Ben Stein at the 2012 WPMA conference. Ben was the keynote speaker this year.

Thefts from parked automobiles, otherwise known as, "smash and grab" losses are on the rise in the Portland and Vancouver Metro Area. 

Even a smart insurance agent is no match for a clever auto thief with time to kill.  Just ask EPB&B President, Marc Baker, who has been the victim of two such losses in the past few months.  "Don't leave ANYTHING in your car" says Baker.  Even if you try your best to hide items left in your car, a thief will break the window for something as insignificant as some loose change or a gym bag.   Experts say it takes only a couple of seconds to smash the window, reach in and grab whatever is lying on the seat.

 Smash and grab thieves have been known to hide out and watch places like golf courses and trailheads where they know folks are likely to leave valuables in the car for an extended period of time.  They know that they have plenty of time to get in and get the good stuff before you are likely to return to your vehicle.

EPB&B held our 5th annual holiday open house on Friday December 2nd to benefit the Oregon Food Bank.  Over $2400 in cash and several tons of food were collected for the worthy local charity.  This event has become a tradition that we look forward to every year.  We invite insurance company representatives to join us for an open house that features Huber's famous Spanish coffee and hors d'oeuvres in addition to a silent auction and raffle to benefit Oregon Food Bank.  Thanks to everyone who attended and helped us reach our goal.  A special thanks to the fine folks from Ron Rothert Insurance!!

Windstorms are common in the Northwest and can cause significant damage whenever they occur.  Storms lashing the area can leave downed trees, debris and thousands of homeowners can be left without power.  Don't be left in the dark when it comes to your insurance coverage for damage following a windstorm.

Depending upon your coverages, you can rely on your insurance company to shoulder much of the cost to repair any damage to your home or vehicle.

Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker Insurance offer these tips to help speed the process of getting your life back to normal if your home or vehicle are damaged during a wind storm.

5th Annual Concert & Induction Ceremony - Saturday, October 8th. 

Come join The Crazy 8's and Johnny & The Distractions for a night of music and fun.  Bid on one of several signed guitars during the massive live auction.  Proceeds from Oregon Music Hall of Fame benefit music programs and education in schools.

Health coach and friend of EPB&B, Sherri Sacconaghi, will provide a free lunch series on healthful eating during the holidays.  Each teleclass will include a Q&A and plenty of specific information to help you navigate the holiday madness and ease into 2012 feeling happy and healthy.

10/12/2011 - Noon - 1:00 PM - Learn how to get rid of those sugar cravings and listen to your body - just in time for Halloween.

11/16/2011 - Noon - 1:00 PM - Gain insight into mindful eating, as well as some tips for managing the holiday parties and buffet tables.

12/14/2011 - Noon - 1:00 PM - Diet strategies that make a difference - no resolutions needed.  Gain the tools to make life-long lasting changes.

These teleclasses are FREE but space is limited so register by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

After a series of company failures, (think Enron) stockholders have begun to hold directors and officers of companies accountable for their failure to exercise management reviews and oversight.  Increasingly stockholders have seen litigation as the way to recoup losses and punish management for their failure to fulfill their obligations.

Enter the world of directors and officers liability insurance, often referred to as D&O coverage.  Check out Portland Business Journal's Guest Columnist, Marc Baker and his thoughts on the world of D&O coverage.

The Portland Business Journal