The Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon last week, welcoming members and guests to the Rimrock for "It's Just Lunch" on Wednesday.

Dennis Spurlock with Alera Group insurance of Plains spoke to the more than 20 community members about insurance. He has been an insurance agent since 2008.

Spurlock said that insurance companies have been mapping the western United States for wildfire risks, and they are seeing some companies pull out of states altogether because of the risks.

"For every $1 taken in, companies are paying $1.30 in claims," Spurlock said of the insurance industry. "Things in other states affect everybody across the board." Spurlock said that with commercial property, consumers can expect to see at least a 15% increase in premiums and for personal insurance, companies are averaging about a 30% increase. "Consumers and insurance agents need to have conversations," Spurlock encouraged. He said consumers need to talk with their insurance agents regularly to make sure value adjustments are happening. "People have to protect themselves."

Chamber board member JJ Hunsekker highlighted benefits of Chamber membership. "We want ideas on how to connect the whole county, not just Thompson Falls," he stated. The Chamber is working on welcome packets for new residents featuring information from Chamber members, and they are working on a project to redesign banners along Main Street.

The Chamber board meets the last Friday of the month at 9 a.m. at the Clark Fork Professional building in Thompson Falls. For more information, visit http://www.thompsonfallschamber.org.