http://www.gurryandrogers.com/blog/View Gurry and Rogers Insurance's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.gurryandrogers.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:cfc90785-8ece-49f6-a548-1308a8514cecurn:uuid:890965f5-09b1-44d3-a7e3-06111ae79728<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/ap_seattle_snow_ice_wy_120118_wblog.jpg' align='left' /> One of the most frequently asked questions Gurry &amp; Rogers gets in times like this current winter storm is:&nbsp; &ldquo;Should I make a claim on my policy?&rdquo; This is not always an easy question to answer: &nbsp;but, the guidelines &nbsp;we ...Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:35:21 -0600<p style="line-height: 200%;"><img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/ap_seattle_snow_ice_wy_120118_wblog.jpg" style="border:1px solid #000000;width: 300px; height: 200px;" /><br /> One of the most frequently asked questions Gurry &amp; Rogers gets in times like this current winter storm is:&nbsp; <strong>&ldquo;Should I make a claim on my policy?&rdquo;</strong> This is not always an easy question to answer: &nbsp;but, the guidelines &nbsp;we use to help clients with the right advice are the following:<br /> <br /> Keep in mind Insurance provides the protection we all need if things go severely wrong. &nbsp;<strong>This is general advice.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone&rsquo;s circumstance is unique for a variety of different reasons. If you have claims questions,&nbsp;<strong><a href="mailto:insuranceteam@gurryandrogers.com?subject=Seeking advice regarding making a claim" style="font-family: arial !important; color: #0000ff !important; font-size: 9pt !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">please contact us</a></strong>; &nbsp;we will be glad to help you with the<strong>&nbsp;right advice</strong>. &nbsp;<br /> <br /> </p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border:1px solid #000000;text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap;"><strong>Your Question</strong></td> <td style="border:1px solid #000000;text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap;"><strong>Your Answer &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /> </td> <td style="border:1px solid #000000;text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap;"><strong>Our General Advice</strong><br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Is the damage to your property severe? &nbsp;<br /> </td> <td><strong>Yes</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /> </td> <td>Make the claim. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><strong>No&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br /> </td> <td>Pay for it with cash or credit lines.<br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Have you had previous claims? &nbsp; &nbsp;<br /> </td> <td><strong>No &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> </td> <td>If severe, &nbsp;make the claim. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><strong>Yes &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><br /> </td> <td>If &ldquo;<strong>highly</strong>&rdquo; severe: make the claim. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td>if &ldquo;<strong>moderately</strong>&rdquo; severe (eg&nbsp; $1,000-$5,000): &nbsp;examine the possible implications of using lines of credit.. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>urn:uuid:125bdf47-95a5-4f4d-ba31-5e7ac424bb2e<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/seattle%20snow.jpg' align='left' />With Seattle now experiencing it&rsquo;s own unique few days of "Winter Extreme&rdquo;,&nbsp; it highlights to us at&nbsp; Gurry&amp; Rogers the strengths and weaknesses our businesses processes have&nbsp; in regards to disaster planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;...Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:36:02 -0600<p style="line-height: 200%;">With Seattle now experiencing it&rsquo;s own unique few days of "Winter Extreme&rdquo;,&nbsp; it highlights to us at&nbsp; Gurry&amp; Rogers the strengths and weaknesses our businesses processes have&nbsp; in regards to disaster planning.&nbsp;&nbsp; Due to the weather, we have closed the office.&nbsp; On the strong side, we are well prepared to respond to our client&rsquo;s inquiries.&nbsp; With cell phones and texting, the staff is in good, constant communication.&nbsp; However, our processes can be improved dramatically with relatively simple steps.&nbsp;&nbsp; Let&rsquo;s not wait for a much greater disaster to be our learning experience.&nbsp; Be P<a name="_GoBack" target="blank"></a>repared.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/seattle%20snow.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; border-width: 1px;border-style: solid;" />&nbsp;&ldquo;<br /> <br /> </p>urn:uuid:47c5c99d-f967-488e-9f8e-30791ab5f622<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/ricky-gervais-office_thumb.jpg' align='left' />One of the most enjoyable traditions during the holidays is the office party&hellip;.It makes us laugh just to think about some of the ones we at Gurry&amp;Rogers have attended over the years. &nbsp;However, being the insurance advisors that we are, ...Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:27:15 -0600<p style="line-height: 150%;">One of the most enjoyable traditions during the holidays is the <strong>office party</strong>&hellip;.It makes us laugh just to think about some of the ones we at Gurry&amp;Rogers have attended over the years. &nbsp;However, being the insurance advisors that we are, we want every owner of every small business to be careful with the exposure of <strong>too much merry-making</strong> and <strong>too many guests driving in unsafe conditions</strong>. &nbsp;There are plenty of good ways businesses can make sure that everyone is safe; one of the best solutions we have seen in the past is a small business that arranged a <strong>taxi service</strong> for employees.&nbsp;&nbsp; Another business we know hired a van with a <strong>designated driver</strong> to transport everyone to and from the event site.&nbsp;&nbsp; Use your imagination; there are lots of ways to be safe and have a good time. &nbsp;Last but not least, make sure your business insurance and your personal umbrella protects you with <strong>&ldquo;host liquor liability&rdquo; protection with limits of no less than $1million</strong>.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/ricky-gervais-office_thumb.jpg" style="border:1px solid #7f7f7f;" /></p>urn:uuid:1e0e3428-b51f-4ba2-a4ec-55a50c1a1388Winter driving creates all sorts of hazards that most of us can say we can handle.&nbsp; However, when there is an unexpected storm, a severe accident on the road, or the car itself breaks down, &nbsp;there is the possibility of getting stuck on the ...Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:55:28 -0600Winter driving creates all sorts of hazards that most of us can say we can handle.&nbsp; However, when there is an unexpected storm, a severe accident on the road, or the car itself breaks down, &nbsp;there is the possibility of getting stuck on the road for an extended period of time.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> <br /> To be prepared for such an event, keep a good Safety Kit in your car.&nbsp; This is especially important whenever you are on a long trip or crossing the mountain passes. &nbsp;A good basic Safety Kit consists of:&nbsp;<br /> <br /> - Drinking water<br /> - Nonperishable food (protein/granola bars are great for this!)<br /> - Warm blankets or emergency blankets<br /> - Rain poncho<br /> - Light source (flashlight, light sticks, etc.)<br /> - First aid kit<br /> - Multi purpose knife<br /> - Ice scraper / snow shovel<br /> - Road flares<br /> <br /> This list courtesy of <a href="http://beprepared.com/article.asp?ai=28">BePrepared.com</a>. For further resources, the <a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/?utm_source=RCO_ShopOurStorePage&amp;utm_medium=RCO_WebSite&amp;utm_campaign=RCO_ChannelPage">Red Cross store</a> has basic supplies for all kinds of emergency situations.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/Car%20Emergency%20Kit%20001_thumb.JPG" />urn:uuid:1fbfcd34-577e-470f-9a33-41611c25874f<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/winter%20streetlight_thumb.jpg' align='left' />Stay safe when the temperatures drop and the roads get nasty.&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep your employees, your&nbsp; family members, and yourself safe during the upcoming winter months.&nbsp; Be prepared and take 5 very easy precautions with your routine vehicl...Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:29:02 -0600<p style="line-height: 150%;">Stay safe when the temperatures drop and the roads get nasty.&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep your employees, your&nbsp; family members, and yourself safe during the upcoming winter months.&nbsp; <strong>Be prepared</strong> and take 5 very easy precautions with your <strong>routine vehicle maintenance</strong> this season.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">1. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Consider winter tires or all weather tires.</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">2. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Make sure your car battery is in good shape.&nbsp; Consider keeping jumper cables in your vehicles.</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">3. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Keep your gas tank at least half full, especially on long trips and over the mountain passes.</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">4. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Replace your windshield wipers.</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">5. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Keep an emergency kit in your vehicles.</p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">* Also, check your personal auto insurance policy and make sure you have towing coverage&hellip;Just in case!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/winter%20streetlight_thumb.jpg" /></p>urn:uuid:e5e6f819-2646-45c0-8eea-d3e154b64856<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/keep%20calm_thumb.jpg' align='left' /> Here comes Thanksgiving and we can&rsquo;t believe how fast it seems to be arriving&hellip;.Everyone of us here at Gurry&amp;Rogers wants to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.&nbsp; Also, we hope that throughout all of this past year we effectively expr...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:08:23 -0600<p _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">Here comes Thanksgiving and we can&rsquo;t believe how fast it seems to be arriving&hellip;.Everyone of us here at Gurry&amp;Rogers wants to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.&nbsp; Also, we hope that throughout all of this past year we effectively expressed <strong>our appreciation for your business, your friendship, and your referrals</strong>.&nbsp; We are blessed with a clientele that is the envy of the insurance world.&nbsp; Our clients are fun, interesting and a pleasure to serve.&nbsp; </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">As we approach Thanksgiving facing the continuing challenges of running our businesses and dealing with busy personal lives, we would like to encourage you to reflect on those things for which you can be personally grateful.&nbsp; One of the best ways is to take 5 minutes at the end of every day and write down <strong>5 things for which you are truly grateful</strong>. Write them down on a yellow pad, the back of an envelope, an email to yourself &hellip; anywhere, it doesn&rsquo;t matter.&nbsp;&nbsp; List the things that come right off the top of your mind.&nbsp; It might be the fact that you went to a good college. Or, maybe it&rsquo;s that your kids got to study at a great college.&nbsp; It might be that your office manager is sharp as a tack.&nbsp; Perhaps your partner is super at keeping the whole crew focused on critical business goals.&nbsp; Or, you just might be glad that you live in the Pacific Northwest.&nbsp; Write down five things. Why do this?&nbsp; It will get you in touch with the people and things in your life that are the most important;&nbsp; it will make you feel more confident; and, studies have shown that people who cultivate an <strong>attitude of gratitude</strong> come closer to attaining their goals, and have higher levels of well-being.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!</strong></div> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Brian Gurry &amp;&nbsp; John Rogers</strong></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Kari DiJulo&nbsp;&nbsp; Joe Kenny&nbsp;&nbsp; Kellie Duffy</strong></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Margy Henthorn&nbsp;&nbsp; Katy Juranty</strong></p> <p _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></p> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/keep%20calm_thumb.jpg" style="border:2px solid #7f7f7f;" /></span></div> <br />urn:uuid:a395107c-7ec8-4348-a5ec-91aa8824e347<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/beach_thumb.jpg' align='left' />One problem the owner of a small business can have is the obligation they feel to work 7 days a week and any number of hours a day. To some, especially those newly in business, this may sound like a virtue. However, without setting strict limits on t...Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:30:31 -0600<p style="line-height: 150%;">One problem the owner of a small business can have is the obligation they feel to work 7 days a week and any number of hours a day. To some, especially those newly in business, this may sound like a virtue. However, without setting strict limits on the time a business owner spends working in their business, there is a big danger of getting bogged down and lowering personal productivity.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> <br /> During the last few years there have been numerous studies pointing to the fact that the most productive people in business are the individuals who have <strong>created balance</strong> in their lives.&nbsp;&nbsp; It&rsquo;s very important to remind ourselves that we have priorities in our lives other than our businesses.&nbsp; We have our families, our health, our friends, our community, etc.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> So, avoid personal burnout and maximize personal productivity.&nbsp; Set up a structure where you:&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> 1. Identify your important priorities</strong>, and, <a name="_GoBack"></a>&nbsp;<strong>2. Schedule specific times and/or days devoted strictly to those priorities</strong>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Another big benefit:&nbsp; You will be a lot more fun to be around!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/beach_thumb.jpg" style="border:3px solid #595959;" /></p>urn:uuid:e54a6800-9e45-4817-a183-2b36e30423c5<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/iphone_google_thumb.jpg' align='left' />Experienced owners of businesses learn over a period of time the clear difference between sales and marketing. &nbsp;Simply put, Sales is the process of presenting your product or service to a prospect and asking him or her to make a purchase.&nbsp; ...Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:45:19 -0600<p style="line-height: 150%;">Experienced owners of businesses learn over a period of time the clear difference between sales and marketing. &nbsp;Simply put, <strong>Sales</strong> is the process of presenting your product or service to a prospect and asking him or her to make a purchase.&nbsp; <strong>Marketing</strong> is entirely different.&nbsp; It is the process of presenting yourself, your service, or products to the world in a way that explains <strong>who you are, what you do, and how you benefit the world.&nbsp; </strong></p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">Due to technology and the changing habits of consumers, one of the methods of marketing that every owner of every business needs to become skilled in is <strong>Mobile Marketing</strong>.&nbsp; Google estimates that more than <strong>50% of online searches will be done from mobile devices in 2012</strong> (who am I to argue with Google?). That means it's more important than ever to be found where customers are looking.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">So where do you begin?&nbsp; Two sources that Gurry &amp; Rogers has found to be helpful are Manta.com and Hubspot.com.&nbsp; Each one of them has good tips that can take a mobile marketing rookie and put them on a course toward effective, strategic marketing.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">Good Luck with your marketing.&nbsp; We would love to hear from you what good experiences you may have had.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/iphone_google_thumb.jpg" /><br /> <a name="_GoBack"></a></p>urn:uuid:afdbfa83-b854-40ec-9aea-8aa22ea3e862<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/autumn%20trees_thumb.jpg' align='left' />There are a lot great reasons for living in the Pacific Northwest.&nbsp; However, most people would agree that November weather is not one of them.&nbsp; Even though the temperatures are usually quite mild, we get lots of rain with some very high win...Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:14:24 -0500<p style="line-height: 150%;">There are a lot great reasons for living in the Pacific Northwest.&nbsp; However, most people would agree that November weather is not one of them.&nbsp; Even though the temperatures are usually quite mild, we get lots of rain with some very high winds that can cause some big time expenses to everything we own and love.&nbsp; So the trick is to <strong>be prepared</strong>.&nbsp; </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">Most people who own homes and buildings don&rsquo;t need much of a reminder to prepare their properties by cleaning gutters, raking up leaves, and keeping drains free from debris.&nbsp; Likewise, most drivers (but not all) in the Pacific Northwest learn to adjust their driving habits to match the wet slippery roads.&nbsp; However, <strong>the <a name="_GoBack"></a>hazards that continually slam us with expensive destruction are falling trees and falling large branches</strong>.&nbsp; </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">To avoid the problem, do an inspection of the trees that are on you property and watch for <strong>5&nbsp;signs of trouble</strong>:&nbsp; 1. Trees with a significant lean,&nbsp; 2. Trees with multiple trunks, &nbsp;3. Weakly attached branches, &nbsp;4. Cavities and decay pockets in the trunk, 5. Cracks in the trunk and the larger branches.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">Be aware that <strong>most insurance policies have limited coverage for the damages and the expenses involved with a fallen tree</strong>.&nbsp; Our advice: <strong>check out your trees</strong> and <strong>review your insurance policy </strong>with your broker.&nbsp; Get a good handle on your risks before a storm, instead of after a storm.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/autumn%20trees_thumb.jpg" style="border:3px solid #7f7f7f;width: 350px; height: 233px;" /></p>urn:uuid:d81adccb-527e-4cf4-81a7-3656f8f2e06e<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/corrys_thumb.jpg' align='left' /> In 1976, John Rogers was referred to the owner of a small dry cleaning business on Lake City Way.&nbsp; His name was Corry Bakker and the name of his business was Corry's Dry Cleaning.&nbsp; When John stopped by Corry's store for his first introduc...Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:06:30 -0500<img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/corrys_thumb.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <p style="line-height: 150%;">In 1976, John Rogers was referred to the owner of a small dry cleaning business on Lake City Way.&nbsp; His name was Corry Bakker and the name of his business was Corry's Dry Cleaning.&nbsp; When John stopped by Corry's store for his first introduction meeting, he found Corry outside his store washing and vacuuming out a car.&nbsp; Corry sheepishly told John that he knew he wasn't going to make any money with this job, but the owner was a good customer and the car really needed to be cleaned. &nbsp;That personal and business philosophy along with lots of hard work helped build that one little dry cleaner into one of Seattle's most successful small businesses. Currently working out of six&nbsp; locations, their services have expanded to include not only laundry and dry cleaning, but also upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning, oriental rug cleaning, wedding gown cleaning, fire and flood restoration, and yes, even auto detailing services.</p> <p> </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">This is a family business that Corry and his wife Janet started in 1971. &nbsp;The day to day operations are now run by their two sons, Simon and Corry, Jr. &nbsp;Gurry &amp; Rogers has been both grateful and proud to be their insurance broker and we encourage you to go to their website www.corryscleaning.com and/or stop by one of their store locations to learn about how they can help you.</p> <p><br /> </p>urn:uuid:15fde0ee-d447-46dd-a86f-a764f1a8aeb5All sorts of small businesses today possess the "personally identifiable information" of the people with whom they do business: patients, clients, customers, employees, vendors, and contractors.&nbsp;&nbsp; This information needs to be well guarded -...Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:03:23 -0500<p style="line-height: 150%;">All sorts of small businesses today possess the "personally identifiable information" of the people with whom they do business: patients, clients, customers, employees, vendors, and contractors.&nbsp;&nbsp; This information needs to be well guarded - otherwise, the financial consequences can be painful!</p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">Personal information involves any number of items that are a combination of a person's name, social security number, driver's license number, credit card numbers, etc. &nbsp;We now have data privacy laws requiring companies to protect personal information, impose notification requirements, and levy fines in the event that this information is improperly released or stolen from the company.&nbsp; Many companies today have established controls to safeguard personal information. However, an improper dissemination of personal information can occur and leave the business with a host of expenses, such as: the cost to notify affected individuals, investigation expenses, credit monitoring expenses, and legal expenses.</p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">There are insurance policies designed to provide protection for these exposures. In creating the insurance policy, it is critical to arrange the coverage properly. Every business has its own unique exposure to "personally identifiable information". Please contact us if you wish to review your exposure and your insurance options.&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:8520f439-42cf-46f1-b9a1-f9679a30d63a<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/faultline_thumb.jpg' align='left' />During the month of September we at Gurry &amp; Rogers spent a good deal of time helping our business clients and friends focus their attention on Disaster Preparedness.&nbsp; Preparedness can seem like a daunting and overwhelming task. &nbsp;However...Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:41:06 -0500<p style="line-height: 150%;">During the month of September we at Gurry &amp; Rogers spent a good deal of time helping our business clients and friends focus their attention on <strong>Disaster Preparedness</strong>.&nbsp; Preparedness can seem like a daunting and overwhelming task. &nbsp;However, in our pursuit to be of value to you, one of the most useful resources we discovered is <strong>Agility Recovery</strong>.&nbsp; This is a business that helps other businesses with the <strong>nitty-gritty work</strong> of Disaster Preparedness and the recovery from a disaster.&nbsp; During the month of September, Agility Recovery presented four educational webinars to help their clients face the prospect of a disastrous flood, earthquake, etc. &nbsp;Follow this link to one of their free educational webinars&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/660249057" style="font-family: arial !important; color: #0000ff !important; font-size: 9pt !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/660249057</a><br /> <br /> Check them out. <a href="http://www.agilityrecovery.com">www.agilityrecovery.com</a> .</p> <p style="line-height: 150%;"><img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/faultline_thumb.jpg" /><br /> <a name="_GoBack"></a></p>urn:uuid:1d07b621-6f5a-47a2-936d-c5a1f0cffc4a<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/checklist.jpg' align='left' />Update your Beneficiaries Whenever you set up a life insurance policy, enroll in a 401-k or 403-b plan, set up an IRA, or buy an annuity, you will always be asked to declare both a &ldquo;primary beneficiary&rdquo; and a &ldquo;secondary beneficiary...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:02:51 -0500<p style="line-height: 150%;"><strong>Update your Beneficiaries</strong><br /> <br /> Whenever you set up a life insurance policy, enroll in a 401-k or 403-b plan, set up an IRA, or buy an annuity, you will always be asked to declare both a &ldquo;primary beneficiary&rdquo; and a &ldquo;secondary beneficiary&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp; Usually people will set up their beneficiaries to help those who would most benefit from receiving the funds <span style="text-decoration: underline;">at the time the plan was established</span>.&nbsp;&nbsp; However, over a period of years things do change: children grow up, people get divorced, <a name="_GoBack" re_target="null" target="_blank"></a>financial situations change.&nbsp; So if you haven&rsquo;t reviewed your beneficiary arrangements in the last few years, do it now.&nbsp; Keeping your beneficiaries current will potentially avoid a lot of unnecessary expense, confusion, and heartache. &nbsp;And, it&rsquo;s easy to do!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/checklist.jpg" style="border:1px solid #7f7f7f;width: 200px; height: 183px;" /></p>urn:uuid:84a82d96-ef4e-412d-969d-6486afaeed47<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/kv_komen_logo.gif' align='left' />October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.&nbsp; &nbsp;Our mantra at Gurry&amp; Rogers Insurance is &ldquo;Protecting What Matters Most&rdquo;.&nbsp; What could matter more than the ones we love? &nbsp;Encourage every woman in your life to get screene...Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:57:16 -0500<p style="line-height: 150%;"><strong>October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month</strong>.&nbsp; &nbsp;Our mantra at Gurry&amp; Rogers Insurance is &ldquo;Protecting What Matters Most&rdquo;.&nbsp; What could matter more than the ones we love? &nbsp;Encourage every woman in your life to get screened. &nbsp;No excuses! &nbsp;Spread the word: the <strong>five year survival rate</strong> when caught early is <strong>98%</strong>. When it&rsquo;s not caught early, the survival rate drops to 23%.</p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">As an added incentive, when you send us a referral, we will make a donation to the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This is our way of saying <strong>thank you</strong> and <strong>supporting the fight</strong> against breast cancer.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/kv_komen_logo.gif" /></p>urn:uuid:784862af-c848-4bc8-8edd-5c6f9236c491<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif' align='left' />Every small business is dependent on electricity, gas, telecommunications, water, sewer, and other utilities.&nbsp; What would happen to your business if your utilities were disrupted for an extended period of time? &nbsp;Plan ahead and speak with yo...Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:22:06 -0500<p style="line-height: 150%;">Every small business is dependent on electricity, gas, telecommunications, water, sewer, and other utilities.&nbsp; What would happen to your business if your utilities were disrupted for an extended period of time? &nbsp;Plan ahead and speak with your utility service providers about any potential alternatives and identify back-up options. &nbsp;Learn how and when to turn off your utilities.&nbsp; Consider the need for portable generators. &nbsp;Consider your communication needs.&nbsp; If you think cell phones are a valuable resource, how will you recharge the phones if the electricity is down for 3 or 4 days?&nbsp; If refrigeration is an issue, identify a vendor in advance that sells ice and dry ice.&nbsp; Every business will have its unique and specific exposures. &nbsp;Last but not least: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">review your insurance policy with your broker</span>.&nbsp; Both your business personal property and your business income can be insured to help protect you during an extended utility interruption.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif" /></p>urn:uuid:9a71b51a-a963-4a76-896b-30566af3e841<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif' align='left' />Preparing a small business for a possible disaster like a flood, earthquake, or a serious fire can be a daunting task.&nbsp;&nbsp; Where do you begin???&nbsp;&nbsp; The best first step is to start the discussion with your employees.&nbsp; Include peo...Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:52:39 -0500<p style="line-height: 150%;">Preparing a small business for a possible disaster like a flood, earthquake, or a serious fire can be a daunting task.&nbsp;&nbsp; Where do you begin???&nbsp;&nbsp; The best first step is to start the discussion with your employees<a name="_GoBack"></a>.&nbsp; Include people from all levels and departments.&nbsp; The different perspectives of what&rsquo;s at risk and what resources you already have will be invaluable.</p> <p> </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">&nbsp;Then take the following 3 three steps:</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Produce a Written Plan:</span>&nbsp; Include specific procedures of what to do in case of a fire, in case of an earthquake, in case of a flood, in case of a cyber attack.&nbsp; </p> <p> </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Produce Communication Procedures:</span>&nbsp; Detail how you will contact employees, family members, customers, and suppliers, both during and after a disaster.&nbsp;&nbsp; Teach your people how to text!</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Practice the Plan:</span>&nbsp; Drills and exercise will help you be prepared.&nbsp; Go back and review your written plan for updates and revisions.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif" /></p> <p><br /> </p>urn:uuid:ace07963-eb70-42bd-9027-44d99ee4b7cd<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/picture%20source.png' align='left' /> Check out one of our great clients.&nbsp; As the insurance broker specializing in insurance needs for small businesses, we have had the pleasure of getting to know a lot of fantastic people.&nbsp; One excellent example is John Hoyt , the owner of P...Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:20:15 -0500<p> </p> <p style="line-height: 150%;">Check out one of our great clients.&nbsp; As the insurance broker specializing in insurance needs for small businesses, we have had the pleasure of getting to know a lot of fantastic people.&nbsp; One excellent example is John Hoyt , the owner of Picture Source.&nbsp; Just like HP, Google, and Facebook, &nbsp;John started his business in 1975 in the living room&nbsp; of his Seattle area apartment. He has since built Picture Source into a national company providing art for furniture stores, healthcare and hospitality clients.&nbsp; With a production facility in Seattle, and showrooms in Seattle, High Point NC, and Atlanta, Picture Source offers art consultation services, custom framing, and original art.&nbsp; Check out their website at: <a href="http://www.picture-source.com/">www.picture-source.com</a>.&nbsp; And by the way, for a limited time Picture Source is now holding their annual sale on their inventory of art works with up to 40% off the original price!</p> <p ><img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/picture%20source.png" /></p>urn:uuid:7fb6f494-abac-440a-9f42-1d5e812d1c80<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif' align='left' />When it comes to protecting the assets and earnings of a small business from the losses caused by an earthquake, a flood, windstorm or a fire, we at Gurry &amp; Rogers recommend 5 important steps: 1. &nbsp; &nbsp; Evaluate carefully the sources (ea...Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:53:48 -0500<p>When it comes to protecting the assets and earnings of a small business from the losses caused by an earthquake, a flood, windstorm or a fire, we at Gurry &amp; Rogers <a name="_GoBack"></a>recommend <strong>5 important steps</strong>:<br /> <br /> </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. &nbsp; &nbsp; Evaluate carefully the sources (earthquake, wind, wild fires) of losses that you are exposed to in your particular area.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. &nbsp; &nbsp; Review your insurance policies with your broker annually - make sure the limits and coverage provisions meet your specific needs.&nbsp; </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. &nbsp; &nbsp; Prepare for extended utility disruptions both during and after a loss.</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. &nbsp; &nbsp; Take steps now to secure property for all the potential sources of loss.&nbsp; </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5. &nbsp; &nbsp; Protect your data and computers with backups and offsite resources.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif" /></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal helvetica;"></p> <p><br /> </p>urn:uuid:33ac8e90-eb91-4129-b63c-3285ce06aa7a<img src='http://www.gurryandrogers.com/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif' align='left' />Are you aware that September is &ldquo;National Preparedness Month&rdquo;? &nbsp; After watching the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the mantra here at the Gurry &amp; Rogers Insurance Agency is: &ldquo;Be Prepared&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp; As insurance brok...Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:07:40 -0500<p>Are you aware that September is &ldquo;National Preparedness Month&rdquo;? &nbsp; After watching the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the mantra here at the Gurry &amp; Rogers Insurance Agency is: &ldquo;Be Prepared&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp; As insurance brokers, our daily activities are helping business owners, their employees, and families with the insurance planning for all sorts of losses, such as a natural disaster or a serious car accident.&nbsp; But we admit that as owners of our own business, it is a daunting task to do the necessary Risk Management steps that go beyond insurance to help <a name="_GoBack"></a>prepare ourselves for an event like Irene.&nbsp; Fortunately, there are excellent resources that can save all of us a ton of time. In our experience, two of the best resources are FEMA and Agility Recovery (<a href="http://www.agilityrecovey.com">www.agilityrecovey.com</a>).&nbsp; For the last 7 years, they have partnered in a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies. &nbsp;All throughout the month of September, FEMA and Agility are offering free educational webinars, tools, and resources that can help business owners and their employees &ldquo;Be Prepared&rdquo;. &nbsp;Check out <a href="http://www.ready.gov">www.ready.gov</a> for more information.</p> <p style="margin: 0px; font: 12px helvetica;"><img alt="NPM 2011.ashx.gif" src="/img/~www.gurryandrogers.com/NPM%202011.ashx.gif" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:467e4b1a-1ea3-4d30-8096-83041eed0824<img src='webkit-fake-url://715E9D76-77B6-462D-90E9-712AC887D3B5/File-Hurricane_Irene_Aug_24_2011_1810Z.jpg" alt="File-Hurricane_Irene_Aug_24_2011_1810Z.jpg' align='left' />After a weekend being glued to the Hurricane Irene warnings, updates, and recovery photos on the Weather Channel, I am contemplating how the Pacific Northwest has been spared this year. Unlike almost every other part of the U.S., we have avoided the ...Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:31:51 -0500<p>After a weekend being glued to the Hurricane Irene warnings, updates, and recovery photos on the Weather Channel, I am contemplating how the Pacific Northwest has been spared this year. Unlike almost every other part of the U.S., we have avoided the pains of unbelievable winter storms, floods, draughts, tornadoes, or the shock of newly discovered fault lines. We have been fortunate; but we cannot afford to be complacent or unprepared. We know only too well how susceptible we are to natural disasters, and this last weekend should be our wake-up call to be prepared.</p> <p>There are three things we should do now. </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Develop a plan of communication for your business and home. Involve all employees and all family members. Become a skilled texter; we&rsquo;ve learned that these lines of communication are sometimes more open than others. We will be a lot safer if we can all be connected. </p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Prepare a survival kit for both your business and your home. Set up autos with emergency survival clothing and equipment.</p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. &nbsp; &nbsp; * Contact your insurance broker and review your business insurance and your home coverage. Make sure you are covered not only for loss of property but also for the loss of your business income.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal helvetica;"><img src="webkit-fake-url://715E9D76-77B6-462D-90E9-712AC887D3B5/File-Hurricane_Irene_Aug_24_2011_1810Z.jpg" alt="File-Hurricane_Irene_Aug_24_2011_1810Z.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p> <p><br /> </p>urn:uuid:46f38a66-b1c7-4eaa-9ae4-05ba1fb00ac6<img src='webkit-fake-url://6AE771F8-0C3A-4B5E-973E-A6583300BCD3/e5d3476d97e9da4abd4c498a6b952dfdf3e6078c_254x191.jpg" alt="e5d3476d97e9da4abd4c498a6b952dfdf3e6078c_254x191.jpg' align='left' /> As the owner of my own business for over thirty years and as the business insurance broker helping&nbsp; thousands of other business owners over those years, I have come to believe that one of the key elements to the success of a business is what I...Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:07:15 -0500<p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As the owner of my own business for over thirty years and as the business insurance broker helping&nbsp; thousands of other business owners over those years, I have come to believe that one of the key elements to the success of a business is what I refer to as &ldquo;passionate vision&rdquo;. &nbsp;It is a critical element that enables business owners &nbsp;to face and overcome&nbsp; the unique&nbsp; frustrations, challenges, and risks that come our way. &nbsp;If you and your team members need an energy boost to your &ldquo;passionate vision&rdquo;, check out the TED Talk presented by&nbsp; Jeremy Gilley. &nbsp;Watch the full 18 minute video. &nbsp;You will be both humbled and inspired.</span><br /> </div> <p><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_gilley_one_day_of_peace.html" re_target="null" target="_blank">TED Talk - Jeremy Gilley - One Day of Peace</a><br /> <br /> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal helvetica;"><img src="webkit-fake-url://6AE771F8-0C3A-4B5E-973E-A6583300BCD3/e5d3476d97e9da4abd4c498a6b952dfdf3e6078c_254x191.jpg" alt="e5d3476d97e9da4abd4c498a6b952dfdf3e6078c_254x191.jpg" /></p> <p><br /> </p>urn:uuid:fa60c063-9e63-45f7-b1da-9315937f3a45If you own a business and have been watching the sickening destruction that has been taking place in London, think about your own business and ask yourself: &ldquo;Could this ever happen to me?&rdquo;. &nbsp;If your business is located in any major m...Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:10:06 -0500<p><span style="font-family: tahoma;">If you own a business and have been watching the sickening destruction that has been taking place in London, think about your own business and ask yourself: &ldquo;Could this ever happen to me?&rdquo;. &nbsp;If your business is located in </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-family: tahoma;">any</span><span style="font-family: tahoma;"> major metropolitan area anywhere in the world, the &nbsp;answer is &ldquo;Yes&rdquo;. &nbsp;So, protect yourself. &nbsp;Review your business insurance and make sure you are covered for the destruction of your buildings, business personal property, and business interruption. &nbsp;The best policies will be &ldquo;All Risk&rdquo; policies; they will have exclusions and conditions so review them carefully. &nbsp;What we have all been witnessing in London is a social problem that business owners have virtually no control of: but we can control the process of protecting ourselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>