Local Insurance Group Takes on New Partner & New Identity

The new year has brought some significant changes to the local insurance landscape. Two of Bend’s most established and respected agencies – Century Insurance Group and Deschutes Insurance – have joined forces in Century’s offices in the Old Mill District.

Century Insurance, Bend’s largest locally owned and operated insurance agency, is excited to add the expertise of Stormi Bettiga, who owned Deschutes Insurance and has more than three decades in the business.

“We’re very excited to welcome Stormi Bettiga into our family,” said Jason Epple, principal with Century Insurance Group. “Her vast understanding of the insurance industry and proactive management of customers fits right in with Century’s core values.”

Bettiga originally agreed to join Century just to ensure a smooth transition with her valued clients from Deschutes. But she soon found that a long-term position with Century was exactly what she was looking for.

“As the owner of Deschutes Insurance, I was wearing a lot of different hats,” said Bettiga. “But I didn’t really enjoy all the hiring, firing and day-to-day management.”

“In my new role as client development specialist with Century, I can focus on what I do best. I love working directly with existing clients to make sure they have the appropriate coverage for their health, homes, vehicles and businesses.”

With Bettiga’s thorough insurance reviews revealing uncovered areas and potentials for risk that affect many businesses these days, clients are noticing the extra emphasis on customer relationships, which was already a strong suit at Century.

Another thing people are noticing is a fresh company logo and a new marketing campaign that supports Century’s emerging brand image.

“The merger with Deschutes coincided with our decision to switch to Nationwide as our primary carrier for home and auto coverage,” said Epple. “So it was an important time for us to step up our marketing efforts and make sure they effectively communicate not just who we are, but what makes us unique.”

Century commissioned Bend graphic designer Elissa Davis of Davis Design to create the logo. Davis’ goal was to capture Century’s energetic and friendly atmosphere with a mark that’s modern, sophisticated and eye-catching. The clear favorite was one that had a broad colorful arc above the name. The arc suggests an umbrella – a metaphor for complete coverage – with vivid green and orange colors that are an unmistakable nod to the many Duck and Beaver fans that cohabit the office.

As the logo was being finished, Epple called on Cam Davis of Wordplay Creative Copywriting & Campaigns to tell the brand story via a tag line and a cohesive ad campaign. The tag they chose: When things are at their worst, we’re at our best, reflects each agent’s special ability to not only provide the right coverage, but help clients put their lives back in order by staying calm in the face of disaster.

This theme became the inspiration for a series of humorous TV spots written by Davis and produced by KTVZ/KFXO. Davis also wrote and produced a pair of radio spots with the help of Tim Underwood Productions, and worked with Davis Designs to create print ads currently running in the Cascade Business News.

“We couldn’t be happier with the new logo and marketing campaign,” exclaimed Epple. “We’ve gotten extremely positive comments and great response already. Happily, the merger with Deschutes has put us in the perfect position to serve our existing clients and grow in the coming year. In other words, we’re better insured to insure others.”

Locally owned and operated for over 20 years, Century Insurance Group specializes in coverage for business, auto, home, health, life, general liability, property and casualty. Named for the century of collective experience the principals had at the time it was founded, Century has now accumulated more than 500 years of insurance expertise.

“Every day of the year, we work to ensure that you and those you care about most are protected, while providing exceptional customer service that’s a rarity in today’s market,” explains Epple. “Our team of experienced professionals is not only dedicated to helping you find a policy that fits your needs and budget, we’re committed to supporting the local community as well. To have one of our insurance professionals start working for you, please give us a call.”

Century Insurance Group, 815 SW Bond Street, Suite 130, Bend, OR 97702, 541-382-4211, centuryins.com