Before you click “purchase” for that new coffee maker, consider this: statistics show that every dollar spent at a locally owned business generates roughly three times more economic activity than the same dollar spent at a national franchise. Additionally, the revenue from shopping locally boosts area employment, and the taxes support schools and emergency services. Furthermore, shopping locally can also save you time and money. Gas is expensive, and shipping and handling fee...

Most of us probably remember the massive information breach at Target in late 2013. For many who shopped at the mega retailer between November and December 2013, the holidays werent so merry that year as their personal information was compromised. Its estimated that some 70 million records were stolen in the breach, which resulted in $40 million stolen from the company. As of January 2015 it spent $252 million in costs related to the data breach, which was partially offset by $90 million i...

If you’ve been at all connected with social media in the past few weeks, you’ve likely heard about the Pokémon Go craze. It’s everywhere -- and small businesses are joining in! Simply put, Pokémon Go is a game that uses your phone’s GPS and clock to detect where and when you are in the game and make Pokémon "appear" around you (on your phone screen) so you can go and catch them. As you move around, different and more types of Pokémon wi...

By now, we’ve all heard about the Pokémon Go craze; recently, headlines have shifted to the myriad accidents this cyber game is causing. From fender benders to falls, catching Pokémon has become quite dangerous! Whether you’re behind the wheel or your business’ counter, insurance can help protect you as you capture Pikachu. Homeowners/Renters Insurance This insurance protects your home while you’re away — so if there’s a break-in or fir...

If youre a business owner, tax time is likely causing you quite a headache. Getting all your expenses/receipts in order, knowing what tax breaks you qualify for and what you can deduct... the list goes on. While were not accountants, we are insurance experts -- so we can help you out with one particular deduction. Namely: Can I deduct my business insurance? Yes. Yes you can. According to IRS.gov, business expenses are the cost of carrying on a trade or business. These expenses are ...

There are lots of ways technology can be seen as a negative: smartphones are to blame for the recent increase in car accidents, robocalls flood our phone lines, consumers have to worry about online identity theft, the list goes on. However. Insurance is a very personal industry, and technology has complimented and enhanced tactics that agents have been using since the beginning of time insurance. Dont believe us? Here are 4 ways technology makes the insurance industry better - and how clien...