12/12/24

EPB&B presents a $5,000 matching gift to Stone Soup PDX

Community Involvement

If you donate to Portland based non profit Stone Soup Elliott, Powell, Baden, and Baker will match your gift, That was the promise the team EPB&B made to the community, and we always try and keep our promises.

For the third consecutive year, as part of the Willamette Week Give/ Guide! EPB&B partnered with Stone Soup , offering a matching donation for every dollar raised up to $5,000. And thanks to the generosity of so many people in the community that goal was quickly met, and today we happily presented a check for $5,000 to Stone Soup.

Stone Soup empowers individuals to feed communities. The money donated goes toward training in workforce development and hands on culinary expertise for people who might otherwise be facing homelessness. Their participants learn the skills necessary to obtain gainful employment by making tasty, healthy and fresh meals for shelter guests, all within a trauma-informed environment. Participants not only get the training for free, but Stone Soup pays them a stipend to train as well. The more funds raised, the more people they can help develop skills that can give them tools to earn a living.

“A million more thanks to EPB&B for helping us to reach our 2024 Give!Guide goal and beyond. The success of this end-of-year campaign is integral to our planning for 2025 and the ability to expand our impact to even more Portlanders facing barriers to employment, says Stone Soup Development Director, Christina Putterman.

And there is still time for community member to donate to Stone Soup.

“Our initial goal was $35,000 and with over two weeks to go in the campaign, we’ve set a stretch goal of $40,000,” Christina explains. “That extra $5,000 might not sound like a lot, but it equates to shoes, pants, and start up tools for over 40 program participants or meals for 100 individuals facing food insecurity for an entire year.

“The matching donation promotion for Stone Soup is a fun way to support this wonderful non profit,” says EPB&B President, Marc Baker. “ The dedication of the people at Stone Soup to their mission of giving training and hope to people at risk for homelessness is inspirational and we are proud to be an ongoing part of their support network.”

From Left: Stone Soup Marketing Director, Julia Granet; Stone Soup Executive Director, Ellen Damschino; EPB&B President, Marc Baker; EPB&B IT Assistant, Jarrett Eggenberger; Stone Soup Development Director,Christina Putterman; EPB&B Producer Frank Baccellieri.

12/09/24

Hosting holiday parties: Five ways to address liability risk

Homeowners Insurance

Insurance for Individuals

Are you planning to rock around the Christmas tree with friends and family this season? Along with the fun and festivities, when hosting people for a holiday party, there is always a risk of unexpected liability concerns. With some pre preparation and a thorough review of your homeowner’s insurance policy some of this risk can be mitigated. Here a five risks hosts should be aware of to ensure the safety and well-being of their friends, family and property.

Alcohol Consumption:

Social Host Liability: In some cases, hosts may be held liable for injuries or damages caused by guests who have consumed alcohol at the party. It’s important to be aware of any guest who has has had one too many and avoid serving alcohol to minors.
Designated Drivers: Encourage responsible drinking and make sure guests have alternatives for transportation, such as designated drivers or Uber/Lyft. .

Property Hazards:

Maintaining a Safe Environment: Ensure that your property is free of hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery walkways, uneven surfaces, or tripping hazards like cords or area rugs. Take steps to address any potential dangers before the event.
Supervision of Activities: Be attentive to activities taking place on your property to prevent accidents. This includes monitoring any reindeer games that may pose risks.

Food Safety:

Foodborne Illnesses: Practice proper food handling and storage to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Ensure that perishable foods are stored at the correct temperatures and that food preparation areas are clean and hygienic.

Security and Guest Behavior:

Security Measures: Depending on the size of the party, consider implementing security measures to ensure the safety of guests. This may include checking guest lists, having a designated security person, or coordinating with local law enforcement if necessary.
Addressing Disruptive Behavior: Be prepared to address any disruptive or unruly behavior among guests promptly to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Accommodating Guests with Special Needs:

Accessibility: Ensure that your venue is accessible to all guests, including those with mobility challenges. This may involve providing ramps, accessible bathrooms, or other accommodations as needed.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Inquire about guests’ allergies and dietary restrictions when planning the menu and/or label buffet food items with ingredient list to prevent allergic reactions.

Insurance Coverage:

Contact EPB&B insurance to review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to understand your liability coverage. Some insurance policies may offer protection in case of accidents or injuries that occur on your property during a social event.

Wishing you and your family a fun and festive and safe holiday season.

12/01/24

Eight essential steps for safe online shopping

Cyber Security

General Interest

Cyber Monday has become a highly anticipated event for online shoppers, offering steep discounts and exclusive deals across various platforms. However, the convenience of online shopping comes with risks, including potential scams, identity theft, and cyberattacks. To make the most of your Cyber Monday shopping experience while safeguarding your personal and financial information, it’s important to adopt certain safety measures. Below are some practical tips to protect yourself when shopping online this Cyber Monday.

1. Shop on Secure Websites

The first step to ensuring your online safety is shopping on reputable and secure websites. Look for websites that start with “https://” instead of “http://.” The “s” stands for secure, indicating that the site encrypts data to protect your personal and financial information. Additionally, verify the authenticity of the website by checking reviews, looking for customer feedback, and avoiding unfamiliar or suspicious sites.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your online shopping accounts is essential. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make your passwords difficult to guess. Avoid using easily guessed information, such as your name or birthdate. If remembering multiple passwords seems daunting, consider using a trusted Password manager
to store and generate strong passwords securely.

3. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information. These scams often come in the form of fake emails or ads that mimic legitimate retailers. Be wary of unsolicited emails promoting “too good to be true” deals or asking you to click on suspicious links. Always navigate to the retailer’s website directly rather than clicking on links in emails, especially if you are unsure of their legitimacy.

4. Monitor Your Financial Transactions

Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit card transactions during and after Cyber Monday. Report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions immediately to your bank or credit card provider. Many financial institutions offer alerts for purchases, which can help you quickly detect any fraudulent activity.

5. Use Credit Cards Instead of Debit Cards

Credit cards generally offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards. When using a credit card, your liability for unauthorized charges is limited, and the card issuer is more likely to resolve disputes. Additionally, consider using virtual credit card numbers or payment services like PayPal to add an extra layer of security.

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

While it may be tempting to shop online using public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or mall, this can expose you to cyber threats. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. If you must shop while on the go, use a virtual private network VPN to encrypt your connection or wait until you are on a secure, private network.

7. Update Your Devices and Software

Ensure that your devices, browsers, and antivirus software are up to date. Updates often include critical security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities. Using outdated software can leave you exposed to cyberattacks.

8. Stick to a Budget

Beyond cybersecurity, protecting yourself from overspending is equally important. The allure of discounts can lead to impulse purchases. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it to avoid financial strain.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of Cyber Monday shopping while minimizing the risks. Remember, a little caution can go a long way in ensuring a safe and stress-free online shopping experience. Stay alert, stay secure, and make the most of the deals responsibly!

Businesses to are at risk more than ever for cyber attacks and data breaches and Elliott, Powell, Baden and Baker has a team dedicated to Cyber Liability Insurance. Whether a national company or a small start up, contact us and we will find the right insurance to protect your business.