The Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker team is proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the Path Home Family Reunion annual fundraiser. This event is a night of games, food, and connection to support families at risk of homelessness in our community.
From serving meals to families when Path Home was just a small non-profit to sponsoring significant fundraising events, EPB&B is honored to enjoy a long-standing relationship with this essential and unique nonprofit organization.
Path Home provides trauma-informed, culturally competent services to over 350 families annually (over 1,200 kids and their parents). Their services aim to build dignity, restore power, and promote autonomy. Path Home is proud to use trauma-informed care in their programmatic practice with families and in designing their buildings, which are designed using trauma-informed design and architecture.
“EPB&B is a proud supporter of Path Home and the vision of support that Executive Director Brandi Tuck Provides,” says EPB&B President Marc Baker. “From their humble roots of helping eight families with food and shelter to now offering support to roughly twenty percent of the homeless population in Portland, the Path Home team rocks.”
The EPB&B team presents a sponsorship check to Path Home Executive Director, Brandi Tuck and Development Director Ali Duncan (pictured front center).
Here is more about the local Portland area non profits EPB&B so proudly supports.
08/29/23
Team EPB&B takes on Portland to Coast to raise cancer awareness
This past weekend, eight EPB&B team members, along with several of their family and friends, headed out to tackle the 128-mile Portland To Coast relay, otherwise known as the most popular and largest walking relay race in the world, annually drawing participants from over 40 countries and all 50 states.
This is the second year EPB&B has had a team enter the relay in support of cancer awareness, thanks to the organizational efforts of Personal Lines Account Manager, Donna Jones.
“ I wanted to do a team again this year in honor of cancer awareness, because both my parents passed away from cancer 35 years ago and several of my friends, plus myself, have battled cancer as well,“ Donna explains. “ I have become more involved with fighting to find a cure to help everyone who is battling with this disease. There are so many types of cancers out there, and a cure is needed for all of them.
This year the team walked in memory of one of our own long time EPB&B team members, Lori Johnson , who lost her fight with cancer last September. Look closely at the t-shirts, and you will see a camel, Lori’s favorite animal.
Walking was not required to join the fun, as several employees and friends served as volunteers on the course, providing support, guidance, and cheering on the team.
“I go for the overall experience and getting to know people on a deeper level” says Commercial Lines Account Manager, Tina Dehut. “When you combine a lack of sleep, adrenaline, and cramped quarters, you really get to know who people are and how they handle themselves when out of their comfort zone.”
And how did Tina and her van mates pass the time when not on the course? “Our van found ways to entertain ourselves when without cell service,” Tina shares. “Don agreed to be ‘Siri’ so we asked ‘Siri’ random questions. Great way to relive old style road trips when you don’t have technology getting in the way, so we talked, laughed, and took a couple ‘scenic routes’ and learned about each other along the way.”
Following the race the team celebrated at a Seaside beach house for rest and team bonding.
Congratulations to team EPB&B for a race well walked.
Team EPB&B: Back row left to right: Claudia Peason; Bethany Sutherland, Don Renalds, EPB&B Health/Life Account Manager, Jennifer French; Joe Astrue; EPB&B Commercial Lines Account Manager; Tina DeHut; Personal Lines Account Manager, Olivia Astrue. Bottom row left to right; EPB&B Commercial Lines Assistant, Rose Peterson; Alex Peterson; EB&B Commercial Lines Account Manager, Leeann Harmon; EPB&B Personal Lines Account Manager, Donna Jones; Michelle Price; IT Manager, Jeff Bruss.
In today’s interconnected world, where technology and communication have reached unprecedented heights, scams have evolved and adapted, becoming even more sophisticated. Here, are five common scams that continue to plague individuals, businesses, and even governments.
Phishing Scams: Phishing is a cybercrime that involves tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by posing as a trustworthy entity. These scams often occur through deceptive emails, text messages, or websites that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. Phishers employ psychological tactics, urgency, and social engineering to manipulate recipients into taking action, compromising their personal information.
Advance Fee Fraud: Also known as the “419 scam” this classic con involves the scammer promising a large sum of money in exchange for a small upfront fee. Victims are lured with tales of inheritances, lottery winnings, or business opportunities, only to be asked for various fees to facilitate the transaction. In reality, the promised windfall never materializes, and the victims are left with significant financial losses.
Tech Support Scams: In this type of scam, individuals receive unsolicited calls or pop-up messages claiming that their computer has a virus or technical issue. The scammers impersonate tech support representatives and convince victims to grant remote access to their computers. Once in control, the fraudsters may install malware, steal sensitive data, or demand payment for “services” that were never actually needed.
Investment and Ponzi Schemes:Fraudulent investment schemes promise unrealistically high returns to attract investors. Ponzi schemes, rely on new investors’ money to pay returns to earlier investors. As long as new investments keep flowing in, the scheme appears to be successful. However, when the flow of new funds slows down, the scheme collapses, leaving most investors with substantial losses.
Online Shopping Scams: The rise of e-commerce has also led to an increase in online shopping scams. Scammers set up fake online stores, often selling popular products at deeply discounted prices. Unsuspecting customers make purchases, only to receive counterfeit or substandard goods, if they receive anything at all. Additionally, these fraudulent sites may collect customers’ payment information, leading to identity theft or unauthorized transactions.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, several preventive measures can be taken:
Education and Awareness: Staying informed about common scams and their evolving tactics is crucial. Individuals should be cautious when dealing with unsolicited communications or offers that seem too good to be true.
Verification: Before sharing personal or financial information, it’s essential to independently verify the legitimacy of the source. This can involve directly contacting the institution or company through official channels.
Secure Online Practices: Implementing strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication for online accounts can greatly enhance security. Regularly updating software and using reputable antivirus software can also help prevent falling victim to phishing and malware attacks.
Critical Thinking: Maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way. Scrutinize offers, requests, and messages that evoke urgency or pressure to make quick decisions.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam or suspicious activity, report it to relevant authorities, such as local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or a consumer protection agency.
Scams continue to exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals and institutions through various means, ranging from digital deception to classic cons. Staying informed, adopting secure online practices, and cultivating a critical mindset are essential strategies in the ongoing battle against scams. By taking proactive measures and sharing knowledge, we can collectively work to reduce the impact of these fraudulent activities on society.
ThisAARP site mapallows you to see current scams reported in your area and allows you to report a scam as well.
08/21/23
Ten ways to protect your health from wildfire smoke
The threat of wildfire smoke poses a significant risk to public health. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of delicate particulate matter, gases, and toxic compounds that can adversely affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Protecting your health from wildfire smoke requires proactive measures to minimize exposure and safeguard your well-being.
1. Stay Informed: Monitoring local air quality is crucial during wildfire events. Many online resources and mobile apps provide real-time air quality updates. Respond to air quality index (AQI) readings, which indicate pollution levels and associated health risks. Plan outdoor activities when air quality is better, and consider postponing non-essential activities during periods of poor air quality.
2. Create a Clean Indoor Environment: To minimize exposure to wildfire smoke, create a safe indoor space. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. Use air conditioning units with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to help filter out smoke particles. Avoid using fans to draw outdoor air inside.
3. Use Air Purifiers: Invest in HEPA air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. Place them in commonly used rooms, such as bedrooms and living areas. Portable air purifiers can effectively remove smoke particles and reduce exposure.
5. Limit Outdoor Activities: During periods of poor air quality, it’s best to limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. If outdoor activities are necessary, try to schedule them during times of lower pollution levels.
6. Properly Seal Your Home: Protect your home to prevent smoke infiltration. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and other potential entry points for smoke.
7. Maintain Hydration and Nutrition: Wildfire smoke can irritate the respiratory system, causing dehydration and inflammation. Stay well-hydrated and consume foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
8. Use N95 Masks: If you need to be outdoors during heavy smoke, wearing a properly fitted N95 mask can provide some protection. These masks are designed to filter out fine particles and can reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants. Remember that N95 masks should be used cautiously and are not suitable for everyone.
9. Stay Prepared: Create an emergency kit that includes N95 masks, medications, and other essentials in case of prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions.
10. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you experience any health issues or discomfort due to wildfire smoke exposure, seek medical advice promptly. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain should not be ignored, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Protecting your health from wildfire smoke requires a combination of vigilance, preparedness, and proactive measures. Staying informed about air quality, creating a clean indoor environment, using air purifiers, limiting outdoor activities, and maintaining proper hydration and nutrition are all essential to safeguarding your well-being during wildfire events. By taking these measures seriously, you can reduce exposure to harmful pollutants and mitigate the potential health risks of wildfire smoke.
Visit SAIF for more information on wildfire preparedness, health, and safety tips and requirements for keeping your employees safe this wildfire season.
A student has a lot to think about before heading to college. Parents too. As you register for classes and secure living accommodations, don’t forget about protecting yourself and your belongings with a Renters insurance policy.
It may seem like a college student does not have a lot in terms of valuables, but laptops, TVs, jewelry, shoes, and art supplies can add up to thousands of dollars. Money that the average student may not have the means to replace.
“When a student is living off-campus, even if it’s not required by the landlord, Renters Insurance protects personal property from theft, fire, and water damage,” explains EPB&B Personal Lines Account Manager Denice Nelson. “Renters policies also carry personal liability in case of injury on your property.”
As a student, having Renters coverage protects you from an injured party going after your parent’s liability too. If a student accidentally damages the rental property or causes harm to someone within it, liability coverage can help cover legal expenses and potential damages. This can be especially important in shared living situations, where accidents might happen more frequently. In addition, the loss of use coverage offered in a Renters policy also includes additional living expenses that may occur if your home becomes unsuitable to live in due to a covered loss.
A typical Renters policy also referred to as an HO4, consists of 4 main coverages,
Personal property
Loss of use
Personal Liability
Medical
“A $500 deductible is fairly standard, and depending on the amount of content chosen, they can run as low as $10 a month,” says Denice.
A good investment for great piece of mind allowing you to focus on academics (and some fun) at school.
For assistance on Home, Auto, Renters and other Personal Insurance needs contact:
Denice Nelson, Personal Lines Account Manager
DNelson@epbb.com or 503-225-5204
08/10/23
EPB&B welcomes a new member to our commercial lines team
Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker welcomes our our new Commercial Lines Account Manager, Dawn Williams to our diverse team of insurance professionals. Dawn brings twenty years of experience in the industry on both the carrier and agency side making her a great asset to our team and our customers. Here is more about Dawn, her experience and her career path.
What is your background in the insurance industry? I have been in the Insurance Industry for twenty years. I started in the claims department and went to the agency side. After that, I transferred to underwriting commercial lines for both Admitted and Non-Admitted carriers and all companies in Scottsdale, Arizona.
What do you like most aboutworking inthe insurance industry?What I like most about the Insurance Industry is that you can never know it all and are constantly learning new things.
What made you choose EPB&B as the next stop on your career path?I moved here in 2020 to help with my family. I then obtained my P&C License in 2021 and started working as a Personal Lines Policy Service Representative in another agency in Portland. Decided I wanted to work in Commercial Liines and submitted my application at EPB&B, which the website indicated was the Top Workplace in Oregon, and now I’m here.
What would you like to share to tell people about you? I grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Arizona in 1989 with friends. I have two adult children living back in Arizona.
Welcome to the team Dawn.
08/07/23
RATS: Nine strategies to keep your home rodent-free
Rats may be seen more this time of year; in fact, an estimated thirty percent of Americans have had a rodent problem in their home.* Deterring rats from invading your home is essential to protect your property, prevent potential health risks, and maintain a safe living environment. Rats can cause significant damage to structures and spread diseases, so taking proactive measures to keep them away is crucial. Here are some effective strategies to help you prevent rat infestations and keep your home rodent-free.
Seal Entry Points: Rats can squeeze through small openings, so inspect your home thoroughly for any cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, doors, windows, and foundations. Seal these entry points with sturdy materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal plates to prevent rats from gaining access.
Keep a Clean Environment: Rats are attracted to food sources, so ensure your home is tidy and free of crumbs, spills, and food debris. Regularly clean kitchen, dining, and storage areas to eliminate potential food sources. Store food in airtight containers, and keep pet food securely sealed.
Proper Waste Management: Dispose of household waste in tightly sealed bins. Avoid leaving garbage bags outside overnight and maintain proper waste management practices to reduce potential rat attractants.
Trim Vegetation: Overgrown shrubs, trees, and bushes near your home can serve as hiding spots for rats. Keep vegetation trimmed and maintain a clear perimeter around your property.
Store Firewood Smartly: If you store firewood, keep it away from the house and elevated from the ground. Rats may use the woodpile as a nesting area, so limiting their access to it will help deter them.
Use Rat-Repellent Plants: Certain plants like mint, lavender, and marigolds have natural repellent properties against rodents. Plant these around your home’s perimeter or near potential entry points to discourage rats from coming close.
Secure Bird Feeders: Bird feeders can attract rats and other pests. If you have bird feeders, use ones with rat-resistant designs and regularly clean up any fallen seeds. Do not leave bird seed in the feeder when rats are most active at night.
Employ Traps and Bait Stations: Traps and bait stations can be effective in controlling rat populations. Place them strategically in areas where rat activity has been noticed, but keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Adopt a Cat: Cats are natural predators of rats and can help keep their numbers in check. If you’re an animal lover and can care for a pet responsibly, having a cat can act as a deterrent.
Install Motion-Activated Devices: Motion-activated lights or ultrasonic-repellent devices can startle and discourage rats from approaching your home.
Consult Professionals: If you’re dealing with a severe rat infestation or need expert advice, consider contacting a pest control professional. They can assess your situation, recommend appropriate measures, and use safe methods to eliminate the rats. Multnomah County Vector Control has more great tips on how to get rid of rodents.
Remember, using humane and eco-friendly methods to deter rats from your home is essential. Poisonous baits and harsh chemicals can be harmful to the environment, other animals, and potentially humans, so try to avoid them whenever possible. Combining multiple strategies and being diligent can significantly reduce the likelihood of rats invading your home and maintain a clean, safe, and rodent -free living space
As business at Elliott, Powell, Baden and Baker continues to thrive we keep the needs of our customers on the forefront . Our ability to be innovative, responsive and nimble is a key component to our success and that is largely due to our top notch IT department. At EPB&B we are committed to having internal IT support instead of being third party dependent for our information technology. This week we welcome Jarrett Eggenberger as our first ever IT Assistant. Jarrett will be joining our magical IT Manager (aka, King of IT), Jeff Bruss and together they will continue to keep our technology and our team fast, and efficient. Here is more about Jarrett, his background and his wine IQ.
What is your background in IT? This is my first job as an IT professional, but I have worked closely with computers for most of my life. My father worked for Intel while I was growing up, so I was constantly using, building, maintaining, installing, and learning all of the latest technologies and the language around them. I am very excited to finally be working with computers and using the knowledge I have gained over the years to help others. I am still new to the field, however, so I have much to learn and am looking forward to the challenge.
What do you like most about working in the field of IT? Helping people is something I feel passionate about, and while I won’t be helping anyone solve the world’s problems, I believe working as an IT professional will help satisfy that passion. I also derive joy from problem-solving, which is a very big part of this position.
What made you choose EPB&B as the next step in your career path? I believe EPB&B holds the values of integrity, respect, and community that align with my own values and who I want to be in this life.
Is there anything you’d like to share to allow people know more about you?My last career was in the wine industry, so I’m your guy if you ever want to know more about wine or how to pair a wine with a meal.
