PLENTY
The Luttmer Legacy Grows
Personalized insurance solutions to keep families and assets safe
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media
For those living in Corvallis and Sweet Home, the name Travis Luttmer may be a familiar one. Born and raised in the area, Travis has served these communities in one aspect or another for most of his life. After leaving a career in law enforcement in 2018, he soon began a second career in the insurance industry. His friends and family tease that he went from protecting people on the streets to protecting them in their homes and vehicles, but that’s just the kind of person Travis is! When you buy coverage from him (and COUNTRY Financial), you are partnering with a man who has devoted literally every working hour to serving and protecting the communities he cares so deeply for. If you are interested in purchasing new insurance coverage, changing carriers, or delving into any of the other services that COUNTRY Financial offers, look no further than Travis Luttmer.
Insurance companies are one of our society’s institutions that sometimes receive a bad rap. The truth is though, when disaster strikes, they are the ones swooping in to save the day, protecting us from financial ruin. To be fair, not all insurance companies are created equal, but that’s true in every industry, and simply underscores the importance of exercising due diligence in choosing the right agent/carrier for you. For Travis, the decision to work for COUNTRY Financial was an easy one. After 25 years of personal experience with them as a client, he came to the educated conclusion that they were among the industry’s finest. He was not alone in that assessment either. In 2024, Forbes named COUNTRY Financial the #1 life insurance provider in America as well as one of the best insurance companies overall. It was a perfect match.
In 2019, Travis opened his first office in Corvallis and hit the ground running. Already, since then, he has opened a second location in Sweet Home and won multiple awards: The COUNTRY Financial Agent of the Year (Western Region), The COUNTRY Financial Agent of the Year (Market 1—which is here locally), and for four consecutive years, the Willamette Valley COUNTRY Insurance Agent of the Year. Travis’s warm, affable demeanor, combined with his extensive knowledge of the business and his steadfast commitment to helping the community has positioned him at
the top of his game. Generally speaking, agents of Travis’s caliber are more often found in larger cities. How fortunate for us – he is that rare hometown hero who has stayed close to home!
Travis, through COUNTRY Financial, offers most types of insurance coverage: Auto, Property, Small Commercial, Farm, Life & Health, Crop, and even Pet Insurance! Life insurance is a specialty through COUNTRY Financial, so if you are interested in that, Travis is your best resource. He also offers a wide range of investment opportunities and educational systems to help you plan for your future. That said, whether you hire him or not, Travis’s primary objective is to make sure every person who walks through his doors is educated on all aspects of the coverages offered.
That means learning specifically what is covered and what is not; what is required and what is offered for additional peace of mind. People are often roped into paying for coverages they don’t fully understand — which is why they feel betrayed when they are not covered on a claim. Travis works diligently towards alleviating that problem by taking the time to explain every option to every customer so they can make an informed decision.
Travis is a born-and-raised Oregonian. This community, our community in the Corvallis and Sweet Home region, is his home. Not only has Travis spent his life serving the people who live here, but he also regularly gives back by sponsoring multiple school sports teams, donating to non-profits, and being an active member of the
Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce. His Sweet Home location was established as a means of expanding but also as a way to employ residents of that area (he now has five full-time and three part-time employees staffing that office). If you are seeking an insurance agent who genuinely has your back in case of a disaster, there is no one you can trust more than Travis Luttmer. And he has been awarded the status of “Master Agent” through COUNTRY Financial, meaning he can provide a more streamlined process for those with especially complex requirements. Don’t wait another day! Contact Travis Luttmer at 541-757-0008, check out his website: luttmer@ countryfinancial.com, or come by one of his offices: 728 NW 4th St. in Corvallis or 1001 Long St. in Sweet Home.
More security
Protecting the life you love in Sweet Home
As a Sweet Home local myself, I’m here to make sure your insurance does more to protect you. That way, you can focus on the moments that make your life full.
Travis Luttmer
Travis.Luttmer@countryfinancial.com 541-757-0008
The Parker Family Clients since 2009
A Call to Action for Our Planet
The ongoing challenge of sustainability and climate action
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year on April 22nd, millions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day, a day commemorating environmental protection and raising awareness about our planet’s well-being. But how did Earth Day come about? The story of Earth Day is both fascinating and inspiring, a testament to how a collective push for change can have a lasting impact.
The Spark of the Movement
Earth Day actually dates back to the late 1960s when environmental concerns swelled across the United States. Issues of water pollution, air quality, pesticide use, and the loss of wildlife were looming large in the public consciousness. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring had already brought to light the dangers of pesticides, and a growing concern for the environment was beginning to take root.
It wasn’t until 1969, however, that the idea of Earth Day began to form. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin — alarmed by the lack of political attention to environmental issues —vowed to take action. He envisioned a nationwide teach-in focused on the environment to engage the public and pressure politicians to embrace the environmental cause. Nelson drew inspiration in part from the student protests of the 1960s, which demonstrated how grassroots movements could galvanize the public and bring about real change.
The First Earth Day: A Massive Success
Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970. Nelson, with the assistance of activist Dennis Hayes, mobilized an astonishing 20 million Americans across the country — about 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time — who came together in rallies, teach-ins, and protests. The movement was not just about protesting, but about generating a dialogue around the need for environmental regulation and conservation.
The first Earth Day was a monumental success. People from all walks of life came together, including students, teachers, scientists, and activists. For the first time, environmental issues were discussed on a grand scale, clearly showing that protecting the Earth was no longer a niche concern but one that deserved national attention.
The Birth of Environmental Legislation
The success of Earth Day extended far beyond rallies, however. Significant changes in U.S. policy resulted from this event. In the wake of the first Earth Day, Congress passed major environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was also created in 1970. It was clear that public opinion had shifted, and lawmakers took notice.
Earth Day Goes Global
Although Earth Day was born in the United States, its message resonated around the world. In 1990, Earth Day went international, with 200 million people in over 140 countries participating. Since then, Earth Day has continued to grow. Events now take place in countries across the globe, with the Earth Day Network actively coordinating the activities.
A Day for Action and Reflection
Today, Earth Day is more relevant than ever. As the planet grapples with climate change, deforestation, and diminishing biodiversity, Earth Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment.
So this April 22nd, whether you’re planting a tree, cleaning up a local park, or simply recycling a plastic container, remember that Earth Day is a day to celebrate the planet we all share, ensuring that it continues to be a healthy and enjoyable place for generations to come!
Legacy of Trust and Service
Your dedicated real estate partner in Linn County and beyond
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Photos by MJ Media Productions, Active Media
Oregon Real Estate Professionals has established itself as a trusted name in real estate. Todd Branson founded the agency in 2019 and brought decades of dedication and experience in the real estate industry with him. Todd’s expertise and genuine love for the great outdoors have shaped how he helps clients carve out their own slice of heaven in this beautiful region. Whether guiding his team of real estate professionals or enjoying time hunting, fishing and camping, Todd remains committed to his community and the people he serves.
Each team member at Oregon Real Estate Professionals brings unique skills and a deep understanding of market trends, neighborhood dynamics and pricing strategies, enabling them to meet the specific needs of every client. The team’s focus on building lasting relationships and commitment to excellence set them apart as trusted advisors in the local real estate market.
For buyers, the process begins with a personalized consultation to understand their specific preferences, budget and goals. The team takes the time to learn about each client’s vision, whether it’s finding a cozy home, securing a
commercial property, or discovering the perfect recreational retreat. Oregon Real Estate Professionals also provides buyers with comprehensive access to the Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service, which offers an extensive range of listings across residential, commercial and recreational properties.
Sellers gain a competitive edge through Oregon Real Estate Professionals’ detailed approach to pricing and marketing properties. The team carefully evaluates market trends, the property’s standout features, and the client’s desired timeline to develop
a customized plan for each listing. For clients seeking a quick sale, they suggest strategies to generate immediate interest. At the same time, sellers who are open to making improvements will receive expert guidance to maximize their property’s value. Complimentary property evaluations are offered to provide an accurate assessment of the home’s market value so sellers can price competitively and appeal to the right buyers.
Oregon Real Estate Professionals is more than a business: it’s a community partner dedicated to delivering exceptional service. Their mission is to guide clients through every step of their real estate journey with professionalism and care. The team believes in building lasting relationships and treating every client as a valued member of their extended family.
Whether buying your dream home or selling your property, Oregon Real Estate Professionals will guide you every step of the way. Call (541) 258-6100, visit their website at www. oregonrealestateprofessionals.com, or stop by the office at 2345 S. Santiam Highway in Lebanon.
