09/30/25

EPB&B Presents over $50,000 to two Portland community non profit organizations.

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s EPB&B Industry Open House and Fundraiser, held in September 2025, raised more than $50,000 for two incredible Portland-area nonprofits: Kim’s Place and Blooming Boutique .

Each year, a dedicated committee of EPB&B team members selects the beneficiaries of our fundraiser. Their focus is always on grassroots, local organizations that align with our mission of supporting nonprofits making a direct impact on the lives of people in our community. This year’s recipients— Kim’s Place, a sober living home that caters specifically to those who have left the life of the sex industry including trafficked women and Blooming boutique non-profit organization dedicated to giving a hand up by providing new clothing, shoes, bedding and personal care items to underprivileged children, are two organizations whose work inspires us and whose dedication to serving others makes a difference every day.

“Each year, the decision to choose our nonprofit recipients becomes harder and harder,” explains Sherri Sacconaghi, EPB&B Creative Strategist and Baker Family Foundation Vice President. “There are so many incredible organizations doing tremendous work right here in our community, and narrowing it down is never easy. We take this responsibility seriously, because we know the impact our support can have, and we want to make sure we’re lifting up those who align closely with our mission of giving back. This year, both Bloomin Boutique and Kim’s Place spoke to our hearts in a very real way. Their dedication to serving vulnerable members of our community with compassion, dignity, and hope truly inspired us, and we are honored to play a small role in supporting the important work they do.”

A Team and Community Effort

The Industry Open House is a special tradition at EPB&B. It brings together our employees, industry partners, and former non-profit recipients to celebrate and give back. But none of this would be possible without our generous sponsors, whose support makes this event shine year after year.

To our sponsors, partners, and everyone who attended, bid, and supported this event—thank you. Your generosity helps ensure that these funds go directly toward creating brighter futures for individuals and families in Portland.

Continuing the Tradition of Giving Back

At EPB&B Insurance, we believe that community is at the heart of everything we do. Through our annual Industry Open House, we’re proud to highlight and support organizations that share this vision of creating opportunity, hope, and meaningful change right here in Portland.

We couldn’t be prouder to support Kim’s Place and Bloomin Boutique this year—and we look forward to continuing this tradition of giving back in the years to come.

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.

None of this would have been possible without our generous sponsors who helped bring our mission of giving back to life. To them, and to everyone who joined us—we are so grateful.

09/29/25

EPB&B Insurance Named a Top Workplace in Oregon for 2025

EPB&B In The News

About EPB&B

We’re celebrating big news at Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker! For the eighth year, we’ve been recognized by The Oregonian as one of Oregon’s Top Workplaces—and this year we’re especially proud to share that we placed 9th in the small business category, the highest spot we’ve ever earned on the list.

This recognition means a great deal to us because it comes directly from the voices of our employees. It can’t be bought, it has to be earned through positive feedback and authentic experiences from the people who make EPB&B what it is every single day.

How the Award Works

The Top Workplaces award is based on a simple truth: when employees feel heard, valued, and appreciated, it shows. The survey, designed and conducted by Energage, asks team members about things that really matter in a workplace—pay and benefits, company direction, leadership, and whether they feel their work has purpose and meaning.

This year, more than 4,496 organizations were invited to take part in the survey, and 115 companies across Oregon and southwest Washington earned the honor of being named a Top Workplace. We are beyond excited to be counted among them.

“Top Workplaces awards are a celebration of good news,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “They exemplify the significance of a people-first workplace experience, reminding us that employees are the heart of any thriving organization.”

What This Means for EPB&B

At EPB&B, we’ve always believed that people come first—our employees, our clients, and our community. That belief is what guides us and what makes this recognition so meaningful. It’s proof that our culture of teamwork, respect, and appreciation is not only alive but thriving.

“I’ve been lucky enough to head up two departments at EPB&B and there is no doubt why we rated so highly next to many other fantastic employers. It’s our employees. From the front desk to the most tenured account managers, everyone is working towards the same goals: provide excellent customer service to our clients and take time for themselves and their families. Work/Life balance has never been more important. I’ve never been so proud to work alongside side such a fantastic group of hardworking people who want the best for each other as well as our clients and industry partners.” ~Human Resources Manager/Commercial Lines Manager, Kim Hawkins.

“This award is one of the most meaningful to us,” says EPB&B President Marc Baker. “I believe satisfied employees provide superior service, and that is something we strive for every day.”

A Shared Success

This milestone is more than a recognition for our company, it’s a celebration of every single person who makes EPB&B such a special place to work. To our team, thank you for showing up each day with passion and dedication. To our clients and community partners, thank you for trusting us and for your ongoing support.

Interested in joining our team? Contact us here or reach out to our HR Manager: Khawkins@epbb.com

09/22/25

EPB&B Open House raises over $50,000 for two local Portland non profit organizations

Community Involvement

September eighteenth we hosted our 18th Annual Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker Industry Open House—and thanks to our incredible community, we raised over $50,000 in support of two amazing Portland-area nonprofits: Kim’s Place and Bloomin’ Boutique.

Once again, we teamed up with OMSI to take advantage of their stunning outdoor arboretum, which set the perfect backdrop for a night of connection, fun, and giving back.

The purpose of our Industry Open House is twofold: to thank our industry partners for their collaboration and trust over the past year, and to channel that spirit of partnership into meaningful support for local nonprofits.

Our guests were entertained by the astonishing tricks of magician Craig Martin, snacked on local cuisine including treats from St. Cupcake and enjoyed guest favorite, Hubers Spanish coffee. Our silent auction was filled with an array of items from vacation getaways to autographed sports memorabilia and creative gift baskets, all in efforts to raise money for this year’s selected recipients: Kim’s Place, a sober living home that caters specifically to those who have left the life of the sex industry including trafficked women and Blooming boutique non-profit organization dedicated to giving a hand up by providing new clothing, shoes, bedding and personal care items to underprivileged children, empowering them to become confident, constructive members of their communities.

None of this would have been possible without our generous sponsors who helped bring our mission of giving back to life. To them, and to everyone who joined us—we are so grateful.

“What started as a small gathering of key insurance company partners and vendors eighteen years ago at our home office has grown to an event that this year raised over $50,000 for two amazing local charities in the OMSI Arboretum., “explains EPB&B President Marc Baker. “From discovering new grassroots nonprofits each year and building a growing sponsorship foundation to having the opportunity to say “thanks” to so many wonderful professional partners, I am grateful for the support that we receive each year and the financial results that we can pay forward to passionate visionaries working to make the Portland area a better place.”

Thank you to the generosity of this year’s sponsors. Many of these companies show up year after year to support EPB&B and the Baker Family Foundation in our mission of giving her and hope to those in need in our community.

TITLE SPONSOR: First Insurance Funding

DIAMOND: ISU Steadfast,, Ryan Turner Specialty, Portland Business Journal,

GOLD SPONSORS:,Echelon Protective Services Rothertinsurance, Crum & Forster Insurance, Western National Insurance, Umpqua Bank, ISG

SILVER SPONSORS: IPFS: Insurance Premium Financing Solutions, . CRC Group: Wholesale & Specialty Insurance, Hallmark Financial, Arrowhead Insurance

BRONZE- Philadelphia Insurance, Paul Davis Restoration, Mutual of Enumclaw, Oregon Mutual, Travelers Insurance, EMC, Cincinnati Insurance, Red Sheild Insurance The Hanover, Liberty Mutual, Safeco Insurance, NW Preferred, The Standard, UFG, Amtrust Financial, Matrix Network, Selective Insurance , The Hartford , Healthnet, Washington Trust, Pacific Source

2025 industry open house sponsor poster copy

09/08/25

SAIF declares $50 million dividend to policyholders

Uncategorized

Worker's Compensation

EPB&B is pleased to share the following press release from our trusted Workers’ Compensation partner, SAIF Corporation.

For the past twenty years, EPB&B has proudly served on the SAIF Agency Council. It has been, and continues to be, our privilege to partner with a company so deeply committed to its customers and to the health and safety of Oregon’s workers.

SAIF declares $50 million dividend To our agent partners:

Today, SAIF declared a $50 million dividend for policyholders. The dividend will be distributed in October to policyholders based on their premium for policies whose term ended in 2024. The entire dividend will be distributed pro rata based on premium.
Read the detailed dividend distribution process information in our FAQ.

This is the 16th year in a row SAIF has been able to offer a dividend, and the 28th dividend since 1990.

Our commitment to serving our customers will always be our most important focus. This year we carefully considered the current economic uncertainty and the rising trends we see in medical costs.
Despite those challenges, SAIF’s strong fiscal position, effective claims handling, and proactive safety programs make this year’s dividend possible. 50,757 policyholders will receive the dividend. Read more in the press release.

Dividend information will be available to agents through Business Online starting on September 17, and it will open up for policyholders on September 26.
Policyholders are not eligible for a dividend if they were in default status for nonpayment of premium at 12:01 a.m. today.

As with last year, if the policyholder has a current or past due balance on their account, SAIF will automatically apply the dividend toward that balance. If the dividend amount is greater than the current and/or past due balance, a check will be generated for the remainder of the dividend. This applies to both active and cancelled policies. Additionally, a letter will be mailed on September 17 to all cannabis and psilocybin related policyholders who will be eligible for a dividend, stating the amount and the ability to apply that as a future credit, if they choose. You will receive a copy of the letter.

Policyholders who do not have any current or past due balances as of the end of the day September 24 will receive a check for their full dividend amount. Employers should continue to pay premium amounts currently or past due. Interest will accrue on any overdue amounts at the rate of 1% per month. Payments and payroll reports may be filed by policyholders by logging into their account at saif.com.

We appreciate the continued contributions and assistance of you and all our agent partners.

As we look ahead, EPB&B remains committed to continuing our long partnership with SAIF and supporting their mission to protect customers while promoting the health and safety of Oregon’s workers. Contact EPB&B and we can help find the right workers compensation plan to protect your business and your team.

09/07/25

Top 7 Fall Home Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Homeowners Insurance

As the days get shorter and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time for Portland Metro area homeowners to prepare their homes for the colder months ahead. It is the perfect time to ensure you have the proper homeowners’ insurance in place in case of mishaps throughout the winter. A little proactive maintenance this fall can prevent costly damage, protect your investment, and keep your family safe through winter. Here are seven essential tips every homeowner should know:

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, pine needles, and debris can quickly clog gutters, causing water to back up and damage your roof, siding, or foundation. Take time to clean them out and check that downspouts direct water away from your home.

2. Inspect Your Roof

Autumn is the ideal season to check for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or other signs of wear before winter storms arrive. Addressing minor repairs now can help you avoid leaks and expensive damage later.

3. Service Your Heating System

Before the temperatures drop, have your furnace or heating system inspected by a professional. Regular servicing improves efficiency, lowers energy bills, and reduces the risk of breakdowns on the coldest days of the year.

4. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts not only make your home less comfortable,but they also drive up heating costs. Inspect weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors, replacing any that are cracked or worn.

5. Check Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you plan to use your fireplace, schedule a chimney sweep and inspection. Creosote buildup can pose a serious fire hazard, and ensuring proper ventilation helps keep your family safe.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall marks the beginning of heating season, which makes it critical to check your detectors. Replace batteries, test alarms, and consider upgrading to smart detectors for added peace of mind.

7. Protect Outdoor Plumbing and Irrigation

Shut off exterior faucets, drain hoses, and winterize sprinkler systems to prevent freezing and bursting pipes. A simple step now can prevent costly water damage in the months ahead.

Preparing your home for fall isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about protecting your biggest investment. At EPB&B Insurance, we help homeowners safeguard their property year-round. If you’re unsure whether your current policy covers seasonal risks like storm damage or frozen pipes, this is the perfect time for a coverage review.

Contact EPB&B today to make sure your home is fully protected this fall and beyond.