Month: January 2021

01/27/21

3 Mood Boosting Must Haves To Beat The Winter Blues

General Interest

If the rainy weather and darker days are causing you to feel down, you are not alone. It is not uncommon this time of year to feel fatigued, distracted, and sad. 

These feelings are temporary for many, but here are three lifestyle changes that can help lift you when you are feeling down. 

  • Dial It Down. COVID, politics, and violence are all over the news, and while it is essential to stay informed, so much of what we see and hear can add to winter stress and sadness. Try limiting the time spent listening to the news to an hour or less. (And hey, there’s always something lighthearted on Netflix).
  • Boost It Up. Right now, you may not be concerned about your six-pack abs, but no time like winter to adjust your diet. For a natural mood boost, try adding complex carbs like whole grains and veggies and vitamin C rich foods such as spinach and oranges. Omega 3’s are a mood-boosting must too. Foods like salmon, nuts, and leafy greens are not only good for your body but can do wonders for your mind. 
  • Double Team. We all know exercise is good, but the winter blues can leave us feeling lethargic and unmotivated. Don’t go it alone. Even in a COVID quarantine, you can buddy up and get moving. Schedule a phone walk and talk at lunch hour or sign up for a virtual yoga class with your partner or friend. Exercise and companionship is a double whammy when it comes to beating the blah’s.  

You can’t change the weather, but you can make choices that will help you have more energy, focus, and fun this winter.

01/20/21

EPB&B Helps Fulfill A Birthday Wish

Community Involvement
General Interest
Local
Non-Profits

Sixty-six coats for her sixty sixth birthday. That was the request of Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker’s, CFO/HR Manager Christ Harte. And boy, did she get her wish.

On January sixth, after seeing a post in her local Facebook group about three Gresham businesses teaming up to collect new and gently used coats for charity, Chris was inspired to do her part to help the cause. She made calls to friends, sent emails to coworkers, and posted her birthday challenge on social media. Her goal was to collect Sixty-six coats for donation to local nonprofits.

“I was worried I might have trouble getting that many coats,” Chris said with a chuckle, but I thought I’d try.” 

To date, Chris has collected over 150 coats that she plans to donate to two local nonprofits,  Bradley Angle and Blanchet House. Most impressively, however, is that ninety of those coats have been donated by her own team members at EPB&B.

“I am so blown away, “ Chris said, “ people want to give, sometimes they just need a conduit.” 

Happy birthday Chris,and thank you for your inspiring generosity.

Never hurts to ask, right? EPB&B’s Chris Harte sits with her birthday bounty.

01/13/21

EPB&B Makes Portland Business Journal’s Book Of Lists

EPB&B In The News
Local
Recognition

The Portland Business Journal recently published its annual Book of Lists which provides a comprehensive analysis of people and companies shaping the economy of the Portland area, and once again, Elliott, Powell, Baden and Baker is honored to be included.  This year EPB&B has been recognized  as one of the metro area’s top commercial insurance brokerages (#7) and as a top corporate philanthropist (#5).

“Year after year Portland Business Journal’s Book of Lists continues to be a valuable resource highlighting local successful businesses”, says EPB&B president, Marc Baker, “and the opportunity to stay current with local evolving business is of real value.”

Thank you to our employees, customers and partners who have played a part in helping EPB&B achieve this special recognition. 

The team at EPB&B couldn’t be more excited to receive this special recognition.

01/06/21

Owning A Small Business: 3 Tips For a Successful New Year.

Insurance for Businesses
Small Business

This past year took its toll on many small businesses, and here at Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker we are so happy for those who weathered the storm. With 2020 in the rearview mirror, now is the time to look ahead to a prosperous 2021, starting with shoring up the basics for any successful small business.

  1. If You Build It, They Will Come. A website is a must have for any business in this day when consumers want information with a click of a button. If you don’t currently have a site, now is the time. It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With do-it-yourself platforms such as WordPress or Wix, you can easily set up a site to promote your brand and script your message. If you already have a website in place, give it a facelift with new photos and content.  
  2. Be Social. Love it or not, social media is essential to business, especially in this socially distant world in which we live. Using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is one of the most effective ways to deliver your message and connect to potential customers.
  3. Give Back. You are in the business to make money, but giving back can pay off in many ways. Donate your product or service to a local charity, get a team of employees together to serve meals to those in need, or sponsor a local youth team. People support the businesses that  invest in the community in which they live. Plus it feels good to give back.

And, as always, Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker is here to assist you in making sure your small business is adequately insured, protecting you and your assets as you go forth and conquer 2021.