For the seventeenth consecutive year, Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker is proud to be the title sponsor of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF)induction ceremony, which was held October 12th, at the Alladin Theatre in Southeast Portland. The Oregon Music Hall of Fame honors Oregonians who have contributed to or significantly impacted the music industry’s evolution, development, and perpetuation.
One of the most significant outcomes of generous OMHOF sponsorship is the ability to offer yearly scholarships to selected graduating Oregon high school seniors who have exhibited serious pursuit and accomplishment in their personal musicianship and who are college-bound music majors. In seventeen years, OMHOF has provided approximately seventy scholarships to kids in the our community.
The fundraising effort this year included an auction of autographed guitars, including those of Peter Framptom, Everclear, Paul Stanley and Deadmen Walking, amongst others.
“Elliott Powell Baden & Baker Insurance has been our title sponsor for all seventeen years of our Annual Inductions of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame,” says Terry Currier, OMHOF Board President and Owner of Music Millenium in Northeast Portland.” They have made it possible for us to realize our goals of promoting and preserving the musical arts in Oregon, and their support of our organization is with us throughout the year as they continue to find other ways to support OMHOF. “
Marc Baker with Master of Ceremonies, Tony Starlight (L) and OMHOF Board President Terry Curier (r) The OMHOF Board of Directors; Marc Baker, Yvonne Lerch and Bill FrithEPB&B Is proud to be the title sponsor of the OMHOF Induction Ceremony for the seventeen consecutive year.
10/07/24
The Importance of a Fall Home Cleanup for Insurance Protection
As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop in The Portland Metro area, many homeowners shift their attention from summer fun to preparing for the colder months ahead. A thorough home cleanup is often an overlooked but crucial aspect of fall preparations. Not only does this help maintain the appearance and function of your property, but it can also protect your home from potential hazards that could lead to insurance claims.
Here’s why fall cleanup is more than just a seasonal chore; it plays a critical role in keeping your home safe and your insurance costs manageable.
1. Prevent Property Damage
Fall weather brings rain, wind, and eventually snow, all of which can wreak havoc on a poorly maintained home. A well-executed cleanup can help prevent damage to your property. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Gutters and Downspouts: Falling leaves and debris can easily clog gutters, preventing water from flowing correctly away from your home. This can lead to water damage, leaks, and even foundation issues. Regularly cleaning out gutters in the fall helps prevent these problems, saving you from filing costly insurance claims due to water damage.
Roof Inspection: As part of your fall cleanup, check your roof for missing or damaged shingles, flashing, or other weak points. Heavy snowfall or ice can worsen minor problems, leading to leaks or structural damage. Taking the time to address these issues now could save you from making a significant insurance claim.
Trim Trees and Branches: Overhanging branches can break off during windstorms or heavy snow, potentially causing significant damage to your roof, windows, or power lines. Fall is the perfect time to trim back any branches that pose a risk, ensuring that they don’t cause damage during winter storms.
2. Reduce Liability Risks
Fall cleanups are not just about protecting your home—they also help protect others. If a visitor or delivery person were to slip on wet leaves or trip over debris in your yard, you could be liable for their injuries. Homeowners insurance typically includes liability coverage, but it’s always better to avoid accidents in the first place. Rocking leaves, clearing pathways, and removing hazards can significantly reduce the chance of someone getting hurt on your property.
3. Prepare for Winter
A proper fall cleanup prepares your home for winter when heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can worsen even small maintenance issues. By cleaning up now, you’re setting the stage for a safer, more comfortable winter season.
Outdoor Equipment: Take the time to store away or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and tools to prevent rust or damage from cold weather. Failure to do so could result in damaged items or, worse, contribute to a hazardous environment around your home.
Drain and Protect Pipes: Fall is the ideal time to drain outdoor faucets, garden hoses, and sprinkler systems to prevent them from freezing and bursting in the winter. Frozen pipes are a common cause of water damage, and depending on the circumstances, homeowners insurance may or may not cover them.
A fall home cleanup is more than just a way to beautify your property—it’s an essential part of home maintenance that can protect your property from seasonal damage and reduce liability risks. By addressing key areas like your roof, gutters, and outdoor spaces, you’re preparing for winter and safeguarding your home and finances.
Is your homeowner’s Insurance winter-ready? Contact the team at EPB&B Insurance, and we will review and update your plan so you and your home are protected all year long.
10/02/24
Six reasons Oregon businesses need Cyber Liability Coverage
In today’s digital landscape, Oregon businesses rely heavily on technology to conduct daily operations, manage sensitive data, and communicate with clients. However, this reliance on technology also exposes them to various cyber risks. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, businesses’ cyber threats are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. At EPB&B Insurance, our team of cyber insurance professionals has the experience and knowledge to help put the right cyber liability coverage in place to help protect your business. Here is why having cyber liability coverage is not just an option but a necessity for businesses of all sizes.
1. Protection Against Data Breaches
Data breaches can be devastating for any business. They can expose sensitive customer information, financial records, or intellectual property, leading to significant financial losses and legal ramifications. The cost of a data breach can include legal fees, notification expenses, credit monitoring for affected customers, regulatory fines, and even potential lawsuits. Cyber security coverage helps mitigate these costs, providing financial support for legal defense, settlement fees, and the resources needed to respond to a breach effectively. This ensures that a data breach doesn’t cripple your business financially.
2. Managing Business Interruption
Cyberattacks, such as ransomware or denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, can disrupt business operations, leading to loss of revenue and productivity. For many businesses, even a few hours of downtime can result in significant financial losses. Cyber business interruption, data restoration and hardware replacement coverage can help cover lost income, additional operating costs, and expenses related to restoring your systems and getting your business back on track. This coverage ensures that a cyberattack doesn’t halt your business operations for longer than necessary and helps you recover quickly.
3. Covering Legal and Regulatory Expenses
With stringent data protection laws, businesses are now held to higher standards when protecting customer data. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and penalties. If your business suffers a data breach, you may face investigations, regulatory fines, and even lawsuits from affected parties. Cyber liability coverage can provide the necessary funds to handle these legal expenses, ensuring you comply with regulations and protect your business from further financial strain.
4. Reputation Management
A cyberattack can cause significant damage to a company’s reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust and loyalty. Rebuilding your brand image after a cyber incident can be challenging and costly, especially in today’s age of social media, where news spreads rapidly. Cyber liability insurance often includes coverage for public relations and crisis management services, helping you communicate effectively with customers, stakeholders, and the media. This support is vital to rebuilding trust and maintaining your business’s reputation in the aftermath of an attack.
5. Growing Threat Landscape
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, with hackers employing increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities. Small and medium-sized businesses are often targeted because they lack the robust cybersecurity infrastructure of larger corporations. This growing threat landscape makes it imperative for all businesses to have a safety net in place. Cyber security coverage provides that safety net, offering financial protection and expert assistance when dealing with a cyberattack.
6. Third-Party Liability
In some cases, your business may be held liable if a cyberattack affects third parties, such as customers, vendors, or partners. For example, if a breach occurs on your platform that results in the loss of sensitive data for another company, you could be sued for damages. Cyber liability insurance can be structured to respond to third-party claims, protecting your business from costly litigation and ensuring you have the resources to handle any legal disputes.
In an increasingly digital world, cyber threats pose a significant risk to businesses of all sizes and industries. While implementing strong cybersecurity measures is necessary, even the best defenses can’t guarantee complete protection against cyberattacks. This is why cyber security coverage is essential—Contact the cyber liability insurance team at EPB&B and we will help find the right insurance plan to help protect your business from the potentially crippling costs associated with cyber incidents.
