Matters of Trust


Beth Knorr

Brand Story – Oregon Pacific Bank’s Trust Services helps customers plan for their family’s future.

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Beth Knorr recalls a couple she assisted in setting up an estate plan. Without warning, the worst happened and their family was stunned.

“They were taken from us very unexpectedly,” Knorr recalls. “Their family was devastated and at a loss, saying, ‘What do we do now?’”

Knorr, who is the Director of Trust Services at Oregon Pacific Bank (OPB), helped ease some of the family’s worries. “We were able to reassure them that there was a plan in place and that we would take care of everything,” she says.

Trust Services is in the business of helping people be prepared. As one of the few banks to have a full Trust Services department, Oregon Pacific Bank can serve clients in all matters of trust and estate planning.

Tami Calkin, a Trust Officer in Eugene, recently helped a customer who suddenly became incapacitated with a medical issue. Fortunately, he had a Living Trust in place.
“I was able to make sure his bills were paid and that he received the care he needed,” she says.

Calkin understands families’ concerns, especially considering her own experience. Her son has Down syndrome, and she wants to ensure that all of his future financial needs are met. A Special Needs Trust can help guarantee that.

OPBFrom left to right: Oregon Pacifc Bank Trust Officers Tami Calkin and Dea Ann Frazier, and Senior Trust Officer Lisa Amaral. Trust Service officers assist clients at each of OPB’s five branches, in Medford, Roseburg, Coos Bay, Florence and Eugene.

“The minute I became a mom, I realized I needed a plan beyond my lifetime,” she says.
Dea Ann Frazier, a Trust Officer in Florence, says it’s never too early to start thinking about establishing a trust for your loved ones.

“Most people don’t think about a trust until they’re older, but it would actually be a good idea for individuals who have young children,” she says.

OPB also can help those who don’t have family or trusted individuals nearby. Lisa Amaral, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer in Coos Bay, says the bank steps in to fill many roles and even helps clients get to medical and dental appointments.

“The reason I love my work, even though it can be very difficult at times, is, fundamentally, we are helping people.”

Knorr says the best part of her job is getting to know clients and helping them prepare. “We build relationships with our clients and with their families so that we really feel like we’re part of the team when we’re needed.”

 


Brand stories are paid content articles that allow Oregon Business advertisers to share news about their organizations and engage with readers on business and public policy issues.  The stories are produced in house by the Oregon Business marketing department. For more information, contact associate publisher Courtney Kutzman.