Member Column
Do You Have Enough Coverage to Rebuild Your Home?
 Imagine how devastating it would be to lose your home in a fire. Now imagine not being able to rebuild it completely because you didn’t have the correct amount of insurance.
Selecting the proper amount of coverage is the single most important decision you can make with your Homeowners policy. Without it, you may not have enough coverage to rebuild after a total loss. This is called “insurance to value.” Below are some explanations and tips to help you make the right choices for your needs — and remember, if you need help, we’re just a phone call away!
What is insurance to value?
Insurance to value is the relationship between the amount of coverage selected (typically listed as “Coverage A” or “Dwelling Coverage” on your policy declarations page) and the amount required to rebuild your home. Insuring your home for anything less than 100 percent insurance to value could mean you wouldn’t have enough coverage to replace your home in the event of a total loss
Why is the cost to rebuild different from the market value?
A home’s market value reflects current economic conditions, taxes, school districts, the value of the land and location, and other factors unrelated to construction cost. The cost to rebuild your home is based only on the cost of materials and labor in your area. It is important that you insure your home based on its reconstruction cost, NOT its current market value
Why is reconstruction more expensive than new construction?
New-home builders typically build many homes at once, and solicit bids from various sub-contractors to receive the best pricing. Their business model is based on economies of scale. For example, they may purchase 20 bathtubs at once, securing a lower unit cost. These economies of scale don’t exist when building a single home.
How can I make sure I have the correct amount of insurance?
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Work with your agent to provide detailed information at time of purchase to be sure that you receive a thorough and accurate quote.
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Ask us about additional coverage options that may be available.
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Review your insurance to value calculation on a regular basis with your agent.
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Tell your agent about any changes or improvements that you make to your home.
For more information, contact Fred Gerke at the Insurance Center at 541-382-8822.
Copyright © 2011. All Rights Reserved. The materials herein are for informational purposes only. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Not available in all states. Eligibility subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria
A Few Thoughts for Business People
Please stay with me now; this is so important that it just might change your life or at least re-energize what you are presently doing. Why were you born, to do what, create what, influence what or whom, invent what, be parents to whom, make a lasting impression where and how? What is your real legacy supposed to look like?
We were all given access to a set of talents that could be, if we chose, developed into strengths. Yet, sadly we often take advantage of our other gift, free will.
Do you realize 95 percent of all people reaching age 65 have a net worth of only $50,000. If you ask the same folks why they were put on this earth you would receive a blank stare.
I have been there. I was not utilizing the talents I was given. For too many years the goal was to make a living, support a growing family, and get to the end of the month on one paycheck. I knew early in life what I was meant to do, but I ignored my “Why” and joined the herd. I was awakened a few years ago, when asked by a stranger, “What is your Real Passion?” I only had to think for a moment as I knew it was public speaking and coaching business people. This was something I had done for 40 years as a businessman, but usually within my own businesses.
When you are choosing to start a business or checking to see if you have made the right choice, ask yourself if you are in “Your Passion Zone?” Sometimes we need to have a little push or guidance along the way, and that’s where a good mentor, consultant, or coach comes in. I know I did.
If you are in need of a mentor or a coach, search for one today. This way you can keep moving forward with your goals and find your passion, like me.
For more information contact Bob Schuster, at bob@robertschuster.com, 541-480-0222 or go to www.sagebusinessadviser.com. Schuster is a certified coach for small businesses and individuals.
What's New
Business Success: A Central Oregon Company Goes Global
The current state of the economy is enough to give any business owner pause. But by carving out the right niche, businesses can succeed. One such business, is Bend Mailing Services. They have expanded beyond direct mail to include online bill paying services for clients and that has greatly enhanced their client profile. Just this fall they have expanded beyond the US to England and Ireland with the new product.
“Online billing was a natural progression from paper statements. Right now eighty percent of the company is paper and the other 20 percent is online, but we’re growing,” Sam Di Spaltro notes. After only one year of implementing their online payment service, Nick Di Spaltro estimates 50,000 online users have registered and 20,000 online payments are processed each month. An added bonus of the paperless option is it saves Bend Mailing Services and their clients money by eliminating postage, envelope and printing costs.
Currently, Bend Mailing sends out approximately 700,000 statements a month. With the overseas clients and the online billing option the company hopes to reach 1 million statements per month in the first part of 2012.
Make A Commitment for Reaching a Healthy Weight
When making a decision to improve one’s health, one of the most dramatic improvements that can be made as a first step is to commit to reaching a healthy weight. Most people know this both empirically as well as anecdotally.
What many people may not be aware of is that weighing on the scale does not tell the whole story. The ideal goal is not necessarily just weight loss, but improving overall body composition. Weight loss can come from several sources. Water is lost. Fat is lost. Muscle tissue is lost. A certain amount of all three will be lost in any weight loss attempt. The trick is to minimize the loss of muscle tissue, maximize the loss of adipose (fat) tissue and reach healthy overall proportions of each.
Dan and Kathleen Ward of Forward to Health/Take Shape for Life offer a FREE body composition analysis and report which will help you to know specifically what your percentages are currently and then give you suggested goals and how you might reach them. If you would like to know more about their programs or talk to one of their free personal health coaches, please contact Dan or Kathleen at forwardtohealth@gmail.com.
QUOTA International of Central Oregon Announces Scholarship
QUOTA International of Central Oregon is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship that recognizes the achievements of area high school students. The $500 college scholarships, available to high school seniors, were created to support students with hearing impairments and encourage those seeking a career working with the hearing impaired.
The scholarship is open to Central Oregon high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education at a community college or a four-year institution of higher education. Applicants are evaluated on hearing impairment, career plans in hearing impairment, community service, leadership, activities, and scholastic record. Qualified students are encouraged to apply.
The deadline for completed applications is April 1, 2012. Details and applications are available at Central Oregon high school counseling offices, or on the web at http://www.quotaofcentraloregon.org/Downloads.html
February at High Desert Museum
February 18 - Spirit of the West Day - The High Desert has always been a rugged and challenging environment. Meet the region’s determined pioneers, hear their stories, and take part in their daily activities, with special interactive fun for children. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 18 - Solar Viewing - Our nearest star, the Sun, provides energy for nearly every process on Earth, supporting life in countless ways. Take a good look at our greatest celestial benefactor, using safe viewing techniques made possible by volunteers from Pine Mountain Observatory and Sunriver Nature Center. It all happens just steps from the Museum’s doors, in our meadow (weather permitting). 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 25 - Mid Oregon Credit Union Free Family Saturday - Enjoy the High Desert Museum for free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Mid Oregon Credit Union.
February 27- A Hidden History: Why Aren't There More Black People in Oregon? - Have you ever wondered why the black population in Oregon is so small? Oregon has a history of black exclusion and discrimination, but also of a vibrant black culture that helped sustain many communities throughout the state – a history that is not taught in schools. Portland State University adjunct professor Walidah Imarisha leads participants through an interactive timeline of black history in Oregon and will also discuss how history, politics, and culture shape the landscape for black Oregonians. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free, at Wille Hall, Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, Bend. (www.cocc.edu)
Mid Oregon Credit Union Reports Positive Loan Volume Growth
Mid Oregon Credit Union has saved its members millions in finance costs over the past 55 years and recently announced that it has surpassed the $100 million mark in loans again despite the economic challenges. While 2011 showed a decline in loan demand, Mid Oregon Credit Union turned that trend around and attributes much of its lending growth to their ability to provide flexible lending to help people and the community with consumer and business loans. Another reason for the strong lending activity is a new mortgage accelerator loan introduced in the fall of 2011.
The mortgage accelerator loan is a short-term, limited-fee mortgage that was designed to help homeowners pay off their mortgage quicker. Many homeowners have low balances on their current mortgages, but might be discouraged from refinancing due to the many fees incurred in a traditional mortgage refinance. Mid Oregon Credit Union offers an accelerator mortgage with low interest rate, shorter flexible terms, and one affordable fee.
Bend Women’s Scholarship Fund
QUOTA International of Central Oregon is now administering the Bend Women’s Scholarship Fund.
The Bend Women’s Scholarship Fund was founded by the women in the Leadership Bend Class of 1994. The fund is intended to increase and expand the educational opportunities for women in Central Oregon. Scholarships are awarded based upon need to women who are changing careers, re-entering the marketplace (after raising a family), or wish to expand their current career. Qualified students are encouraged to apply. The goal is to award a minimum of five $1000 scholarships annually.
The deadline for completed applications is May 2, 2012. Details and applications are available at COCC, Bend high school counseling offices, or on the web at http://www.quotaofcentraloregon.org/Downloads.html
Historical Landmarks Commission Seeks Volunteer Members
Deschutes County seeks three new volunteer Historical Landmarks Commission members and is accepting applications until Friday, February 24. Commissioners serve four-year terms beginning in April.
While specific qualifications are not required to serve on the commission, expertise in history, architecture, architectural history, archaeology, or related fields are encouraged. Deschutes County Planning Director Nick Lelack said, “Most importantly, commissioners should be interested and committed to protecting historic and cultural resources that directly contribute to the tangible and educational assets of Deschutes County’s heritage.”
Residents interested in volunteering may receive a Historical Landmarks Commission application from the Deschutes County Community Development Planning Department at 117 NW Lafayette Ave. in Bend. The application is also available at www.deschutes.org/cdd or through Deschutes County Community Development Department Planning Director Nick Lelack at (541) 385-1708 or by email at nickl@co.deschutes.or.us.
The Nature of Words Receives Grants from Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation and the Herbert A. Templeton Foundation
The Nature of Words (NOW) is pleased to announce two 2012 grant awards in support of its year-round creative writing programs for youth.
The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation (CCUIF) awarded $5,000 to The Nature of Words in support of NOW's year-round creative writing programs for youth: The Storefront Project and Words Without Walls. These grant funds are part of the $462,491 CCUIF awarded in January 2012 to nonprofit organizations in seven counties in southwestern Oregon.
In addition, NOW was fortunate to receive a $7,000 grant from the Herbert A. Templeton Foundation, also earmarked for support of year-round creative writing programs for youth, including The Storefront Project and Words Without Walls.
MountainStar Awarded $33,000 in Grants
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is extremely pleased to announce they are the recipient of several grant awards from private foundations and government sources totaling $33,000. The generous donations will help support core early childhood abuse-prevention services, MountainStar’s crisis intervention program, and the “Together We Can” program aimed at preventing depression in immigrant mothers.
Following are the grants received:
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The Oregon Community Foundation awarded at total of $25,000 through the Robert W. Chandler II Fund, Betty Lou Roberts Fund, David and Marlene Amato Guasco Fund, and the Ruth Eva Renfroe Fund
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Jubitz Family Foundation awarded $5,000
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The Office of Women’s Health awarded $3,000
50+ Beautiful Faces of Central Oregon Seniors Photo Contest
Central Oregon Council On Aging (COCOA) announced the second annual photo contest opportunity called “50+ Beautiful Faces of Central Oregon Seniors.” The contest will run until February 29, 2012 and area residents may submit photos of any community seniors (age 50+). Top prizes will be awarded in both an amateur and professional category. Photos can be in any setting as long as it includes a senior from Central Oregon. Winners will be selected by an independent panel and announced by April, 2012.
Photos can be submitted by individuals or on behalf of organizations. Photographers grant COCOA and its sponsored partners the rights to freely use the images for educational, promotional, and other purposes.
Photos should be submitted electronically to admin@councilonaging.org by February 29, 2012. Name/age of subjects, name and contact info of photographer must be included. Questions should also be directed to the same email.
Saving Grace Celebrates 35 Years in Central Oregon
For 35 years, Saving Grace has played an active role in the Central Oregon community, providing the only confidential women’s shelter for those seeking safety from domestic violence and sexual assault. In its inception in 1977, Saving Grace’s founding group of volunteers implemented the area’s first 24-hour hotline, taking 80 calls in the first year. Since then, Saving Grace’s efforts has expanded beyond a shelter and 24-hour hotline, with a variety of services that over 5,000 Central Oregonians benefited from last year alone.
Saving Grace is pleased to announce PacificSource as the 35th Anniversary Sponsor for Saving Grace. Their commitment to a healthy community makes Pacific Source the perfect community partner and sponsor as the organization celebrates its 35 years in the Central Oregon community.
In 2012, Saving Grace will be launching several new and innovative programs to expand its reach in the community. One of Saving Grace’s new projects, Leading Men, Preventing Gender Violence aims at engaging men to prevent violence so that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The goal is to form a group of male leaders who take a stance against violence and the mistreatment of women.
The Shepherd's House Writers to Read Their Poetry on February 24
The Nature of Words (NOW) will host a poetry reading by residents of The Shepherd’s House participating in NOW’s creative writing workshops. The reading takes place on Friday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. at NOW’s literary arts center, 224 NW Oregon Ave. The reading is free and open to the public. The Shepherd's House provides shelter during the day to men, women, and children; at night it offers beds to men who have nowhere to sleep. It also offers three meals a day to the hungry, and warm clothing, and basic hygiene items to those in need.
The Shepherd’s House writing workshops are an ongoing weekly series focused on poetry, taught by NOW’s Programs Director and author/instructor Jamie Houghton. Houghton stated, “The writing these men are producing is sophisticated and fed by a wellspring of life experience. I have come to admire each of them a great deal.” She added, “The habilitation program they are working on bleeds through into their writing. They are more willing than most to think critically about themselves and their experiences, and are committed to constantly improving.”
5 Fusion to Host Benefit For Deschutes Children's Foundation
On Monday, February 27, please join 5 Fusion and their special Guest Chef Bryan Tremayne of Primal Cuts Meat Market for a five course dinner to benefit Deschutes Children's Foundation.
The cost to attend is just $100 per person - fully inclusive of wines and gratuity! All net proceeds will be donated to Deschutes Children's Foundation in support of their vital work in building a community of services for local children and their families. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Jacob at 541-388-3101. Remember - seats are limited!
Contemplating Divorce? Don’t Miss this Informative Panel Presentation!
This presentation will give you tools to make important decisions about divorce. Feature presenters include Janine Curtis, Family Law Attorney; Matilde Konigsberg, Marriage and Family Therapist and Co-Parenting Specialist; and Eileen Fredrickson, Vocational Expert.
Times and places:
Saturday, February 18 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Redmond Public Library. (Presentation begins promptly at 12 pm) Saturday, February 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bend Public Library (downtown) (Presentation begins promptly at 3 p.m.)
Free Family Saturday at The High Desert Museum
Free admission to the High Desert Museum, courtesy of Mid Oregon Credit Union, is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2012. Museum Free Family Day hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The “Free Family Saturday” complimentary admission program supports the educational mission of Mid Oregon Credit Union by providing the community with the opportunity to explore wildlife and living history right in Central Oregon’s backyard. The museum is located five minutes from Bend on south Highway 97.
“This event is a high spot for us each year,” said Kyle Frick, vice president of Mid Oregon Credit Union. “The staff members who volunteer at the event come back with great stories about the families who visit the museum on the free days. It is amazing to see the smiles and energy of all the people who enjoy the museum on Free Family Saturday!”
Traveling Science Programs Coming to School Children in Bend
Wells Fargo is bringing educational programs from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland to local elementary students in Bend.
A $10,000 grant will fund the OMSI outreach to four schools in Oregon, including Buckingham Elementary in Bend, that have a large number of low-income students. The other recipient schools are in Lebanon, McMinnville and Seaside.
OMSI has a large number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs designed to engage and educate children. The museum’s Traveling Program offerings range from one-hour classroom presentations to all-school assemblies and even a portable planetarium.
The potential subjects include biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, engineering, and space science. Each school benefitting from the Wells Fargo grant will have the opportunity to schedule the programs of their choice in 2012, based on their students’ and teachers’ needs.
“We are grateful for Wells Fargo’s generosity,” said OMSI President Nancy Stueber. “This gift will enable us to extend our hands-on science learning programming to students who might otherwise not have the means to visit OMSI.”
Free Small Business Counseling at the Downtown Bend Public Library
Avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes by learning from someone who’s “been there, done that.” Continuing in February, SCORE business counselors will be available every Tuesday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for free one-on-one small business counseling in the Hutchinson Room of the Downtown Bend Library. Individuals who operate or wish to start small businesses can discuss business planning, organization and start-up, finance, marketing and other critical business issues with SCORE volunteers in private, confidential sessions. No appointment necessary.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. They are a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and have been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years. For more information about Central Oregon SCORE please visit their website at www.scorecentraloregon.org.
Session Dates:
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Mid Oregon Credit Union Reaches $75,000 Milestone for Funding Local School Projects
Mid Oregon Credit Union, known for its support of education, has awarded grants to local teachers totaling more than $75,000. Mid Oregon Credit Union, originally established in 1957 by a group of teachers in Central Oregon, is in its twelfth year of providing funding directly to local educators. Their Mini Grant program helps fund small classroom projects and events in the following school districts: Bend-La Pine, Redmond, Jefferson, Crook County, Culver and Sisters.
Mid Oregon’s longstanding philosophy is that financial education begins at a young age, and because of this dedication increased preference is given to Mini Grant requests that incorporate financial literacy. The flexibility of this program allows teachers to integrate in their projects, imaginative ideas that include a financial factor. This simple approach has helped to bring increased awareness of financial matters among our students.
“A core credit union principle is to advocate financial literacy,” said Mid Oregon’s vice president, Kyle Frick. “The focus of our Mini Grant program challenges teachers to embrace creative projects that help students learn about money and develop sound financial habits.”
The Future of Business Communications and IT Services
Is your business in the cloud? If not... lLearn why it should be. Attend an informative free presentation from industry experts who can show you the future of business communications and IT services.
Especially for the small to medium size businesses, learn how cloud services can impact your business for the good regardless of the state of the economy.
There is no commitment to buy anything nor is anything sold at this event. We hope you can attend a fun after hours event with great speakers, drinks, appetizers and prizes awarded.
This informative event will take place at The Riverhouse on February 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. Please rsvp and register for the event at rionetworks.com/rsvp.
5 Fusion and Sushi Bar Begins Lunch Service
As of Monday, February 13, 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar is now open for lunch, offering the greater Bend community a tempting new mid-day sit-down option, as well as a complete menu to go. The contemporary fusion restaurant will serve lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
5 Fusion will offer a complete menu of inspired entrees for lunch, including the “Peking Pizza” with smoked duck, white cheddar and arugula; a Shitake Soba with fresh buckwheat noodles, shitake and scallions swimming in a savory soy dashi broth and a Spicy Pork Bulgogi, featuring thick-sliced pork, onions and peppers in a zesty Korean sauce. Signature sushi and items from Five Fusion’s regular dinner menu will also be available to afternoon diners. Prices range from $4 per plate for small bites, $8.95 for a full lunch plate with salad and $11.95 for larger plates with sushi rolls and/or sashimi.
5 Fusion is located at 821 NW Wall. For more information, please call 541-323-2328 or visit the website at www.5fusion.com.
Commercial Building Sold!
1002 NW Bond building sSold on February 1, 2012. Brokers; Becky Breeze, Principal Broker Becky Breeze & Company Real Estate and Peter Lowes Broker facilitated the sale. The new owner is Sports Vision. Terms of sale were not disclosed.
OAS Hosts 5th Annual “Heroes In Sisters” Event
Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) is hosting the 5th Annual “Heroes in Sisters” event. The weekend includes use of specialized equipment and lessons, adaptive instructors and volunteers, meals, and two nights lodging at the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge.
OAS, Hoodoo Ski Area, Disabled Sports USA, and Warfighter Sports along with local businesses are contributing to make this event cost-free for our veterans.
The weekend begins at 7p.m., Friday, March 2 at Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters for a “Meet-n-Greet” with the OAS volunteers and staff. This happy hour-type event is open to the public for anyone who would like to support and celebrate our servicemen and women for their sacrifices while protecting our country. The event continues at Hoodoo Resort on Saturday, March 3 and concludes Sunday morning, March 4.
Please call 541-848-9390 to participate. OAS is also seeking volunteers and sponsors to help support the event. For more information, go to www.oregonadaptivesports.org.
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