Apr 28, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Amazon Business
Amazon Business’s Buy Local program makes it easy for counties to identify and purchase from local and regional suppliers directly through their Amazon Business account.
By surfacing products from small and local businesses, the program helps counties reinvest taxpayer dollars back into their own communities — supporting local jobs, strengthening regional supply chains, and aligning procurement with community-first values. It’s a simple, built-in way to prioritize local economic impact without sacrificing the convenience, pricing, and transparency that Amazon Business provides. Ready to start buying local?
Reach out to Maddie Smart at cmaddie@amazon.com — she’ll connect you with your dedicated Amazon Business account executive to help set up automated buy local preferences and tracking for your county. It only takes a few minutes to configure, and you’ll be able to see exactly how much of your spend is going back into your local community.
Free Amazon Business Prime
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is providing all Oregon counties free Amazon Business Prime (up to $3,499 value/year).
In addition to Amazon’s fast and free shipping with Business Prime, participants also receive:
- Pay by Invoice
- $5,000+ line of credit
- +25% off thousands of essential products
- Office, IT, MRO, and JanSan supplies
- Tax exemption
- Dedicated Account Executive
We encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity!
Activation Steps:
- Click on this link
- Login to your Amazon Business account
- Enter this code: EEAUPB
- Activate Business Prime $0 (or “switch” to a $0 and receive a prorated refund)
Maddie Smart
Government Partnerships
678-314-9762
cmaddie@amazon.com
Mar 30, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partners: NACo and Nationwide
For the 26th consecutive year, the National Association of Counties (NACo) Deferred Compensation Program, in partnership with Nationwide, is offering a remarkable scholarship opportunity for high school seniors. This initiative aims to support the educational aspirations of the children and grandchildren of county employees who participate in the NACo Deferred Compensation Program.
Scholarship Details
The NACo Deferred Compensation Program is awarding four $2,500 college scholarships to high school seniors. This initiative underscores NACo and Nationwide’s commitment to supporting the families of county workers.
Applications for this scholarship will be accepted between March 1st to April 30th, 2026 so make sure you check your Plans website after March 1st, 2026 for submission details. There, you will find comprehensive information on the application process, ensuring that all potential candidates have the necessary details to apply.
Investing involves market risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or program can guarantee to make a profit or avoid loss. Actual results will vary depending on your investment and market experience. Neither Nationwide nor its representatives give legal or tax advice. Please consult with an attorney or tax advisor for answers to your specific questions. Nationwide Retirement Specialists are Registered Representatives of Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA, Columbus, Ohio.
Mar 30, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: CIS
(Photo: CIS Executive Director Patrick Priest congratulated Wallowa County Commissioner Lisa Collier for the County winning the CIS Excellence in Safety Award.)
County leaders from across Oregon gathered in Eugene on Nov. 20 for the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Annual Business Meeting, where CIS honored three counties for exceptional safety leadership. As a member-owned risk pool, CIS operates solely for Oregon cities and counties — not shareholders — and for 45 years has stood alongside local governments like family, offering unwavering support in good times and challenging ones. These awards celebrate how counties are turning that partnership into real-world improvements that protect employees and strengthen communities.
“Creating safer workplaces means creating stronger communities,” said CIS Executive Director Patrick Priest. “These counties set the standard for what it looks like to lead with intention.” AOC President and CIS Board Chair John Shafer joined Patrick in presenting the honors.
Wallowa County — Excellence in Safety
Wallowa County earned the Excellence in Safety Award for its outstanding record in reducing injuries and preventing hazards. Over the past four years, the county logged just nine time-loss days and $60,960 in total paid workers’ compensation claims — an exceptional achievement for any local government employer.
The Safety Committee, led by Ashley Immoos, drove improvements that focused on rapid response, preparedness, and access to safety resources. Safety kits and grab-and-go first aid supplies in county vehicles support faster response to injuries in the field, while escape ladders and emergency paging improve evacuation and communication during emergencies. A centralized SharePoint site ensures employees can quickly access safety procedures and training materials, reinforcing consistent practices across departments. Commissioners Lisa Collier and John Hillock accepted the award. Wallowa County sets the standard for safety leadership, proving that proactive planning pays off.
Umatilla County — Excellence in Best Practices
Umatilla County earned the Excellence in Best Practices Award for transformational progress in reducing claims and strengthening safety systems. The county scored 82% on CIS’ Best Practice Survey and cut workers’ comp losses dramatically: paid claims dropped from $229,176 in the 2022-23 coverage year to $83,225 in 2024-25, and time-loss days fell 75%, from 425 to 108. Key initiatives focused on preventing injuries and strengthening day-to-day safety practices. Ergonomic assessments helped identify and correct workstation hazards, lowering the risk of repetitive-motion injuries and strains. Expanded CIS training reinforced safe work practices across departments. Upgraded building security — including fob access and cameras — reduced the risk of workplace incidents, while an electronic hazardous materials system ensures employees can quickly access critical safety information during emergencies. The County also installed an air-filtration system to help alleviate smoky indoor air caused by a nearby building fire. Director of Administrative Services Dan Lonai played a pivotal role for the County’s improved safety efforts, and Commissioners John Shafer, Cindy Timmons, and Dan Dorran accepted the award. Umatilla County’s results show what happens when prevention becomes a priority.
Wasco County — CIS Innovation Award
Wasco County received the CIS Innovation Award for its creative, collaborative approach to safety. Since joining the CIS Servicing Group powered by SAIF, the county has kept workers’ comp losses exceptionally low — just 22 time-loss days and $15,515 in total paid workers’ compensation claims over the two most recent coverage years. It also scored 92% on the Best Practice Survey and cut its experience mod from 1.31 to 0.70. Innovations included department-level safety committees, biannual safety reports, a new Health and Safety Manual, countywide safety bulletin boards, quarterly in-person training, and a formal Fleet Management Program. Together, these efforts embedded safety into daily operations, improving hazard recognition, reinforcing accountability, and reducing preventable injuries across departments. HR Director Fiona Ferguson accepted the award, reflecting a culture that prioritizes employee well-being — even in collective bargaining agreements. Wasco County’s innovative approach reflects a culture of resilience and care for its workforce.
Congratulations to Wallowa, Umatilla, and Wasco counties. These achievements show that safety leadership isn’t just compliance — it’s about building resilient organizations and stronger communities. CIS is proud to stand with AOC and its members in this work, continuing a partnership built on trust and shared responsibility. Together, we’re building safer, stronger, and healthier communities.
Mar 30, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Technology Solutions
Most county incidents start the same way: a login that shouldn’t have worked. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is essential—but it’s no longer the finish line. Counties can reduce account takeover risk significantly by adding a few practical identity controls that fit real-world staffing and budgets.
Here are five high-impact improvements to layer on top of MFA:
1) Conditional access (smart sign-in rules)
Block or challenge sign-ins from risky locations, unknown devices, or impossible travel.
2) Least privilege (limit admin power)
Make sure admin access is rare, time-bound, and tied to role—not convenience.
3) Separate admin accounts (no daily work as admin)
Administrators should have a dedicated admin account, not “one account that does everything.”
4) Reduce legacy authentication
Disable older login methods that bypass modern protections.
5) Monitor risky sign-ins + create a simple response routine
Set a cadence to review risky sign-ins and respond quickly (reset credentials, remove access, verify device health).
Quick win: run a 30-minute review of “Who has admin access today?” and remove anything that doesn’t match current responsibilities.
Want a structured way to implement these controls over time? Explore Fortify or start with a Security Score Assessment to baseline your current exposure.
Want to go deeper? Read the full guide at https://covenant-tech.net/blog/identity-controls-county-government-microsoft-365/
Feb 24, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: CIS
CIS has a new look, and it tells our story in a single glance: CIS is Oregon’s risk pool. This isn’t just a design update — it’s a clearer expression of who we are, how we operate, and why Oregon’s cities and counties trust CIS as a long-term partner.
For years, explaining CIS to new staff or elected officials could be challenging. We’re not a for-profit company. CIS is a member-owned risk pool made up of Oregon’s cities and counties, operating much like a nonprofit. Our purpose is simple: to help Oregon’s cities and counties manage risk and protect public resources. Every decision we make is by and for our members. That’s the essence of a risk pool — local governments joining together to share costs, stabilize budgets, and strengthen one another against unexpected challenges. Today, CIS serves nearly all of Oregon’s cities and most of its counties — a level of participation that reflects our role as Oregon’s risk pool and the trust local governments place in the model.
As part of this update, CIS is also formally retiring the use of “Citycounty Insurance Services.” While the organization shortened its name years ago, the full name — and variations like “CCIS” — have remained a long-standing source of confusion. Going forward, we are simply CIS, which better reflects who we are today and aligns with how members, partners, and staff already refer to us.
The new logo reflects that identity. It’s clean and contemporary, anchored by Oregon’s silhouette to show our roots and our commitment to communities statewide. The words “Oregon’s Risk Pool” appear prominently, leaving no doubt about who we are and what we do. It’s a visual cue that reinforces what members already know: CIS is about partnership, not profit.
Several design elements were intentionally chosen to reflect both our mission and our connection to Oregon. The primary green used in the logo was inspired by Oregon’s evergreen forests — while the bold, modern lettering gives the mark a contemporary feel without sacrificing the strength and stability members associate with CIS.
At its heart, the refreshed logo reflects the relationship CIS has built with its members over decades — one grounded in ownership, financial strength, and expertise. It represents our shared commitment to providing stability, defending against complex claims, and investing in prevention. Just as important, it reinforces CIS’ role as a collaborative resource, offering comprehensive coverages and services tailored to public entities, from liability and property protection to employee benefits, HR support, and risk management consulting. While the look has evolved, our commitment to serving Oregon’s cities and counties with integrity and care remains unchanged.
Members will see the new logo across CIS communications, publications, and signage. It’s a fresh look, but the promise behind it remains the same: CIS stands with Oregon’s cities and counties in good times and bad — providing stability, partnership, and long-term protection for the communities you serve.
Jan 28, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Technology Solutions
Counties don’t need a “perfect” cybersecurity program to make meaningful progress—they need a roadmap that fits real life: limited staff, tight budgets, and services that can’t pause.
Here’s a simple 3-stage approach we use with Oregon counties to move from uncertainty to steady improvement—without turning every meeting into a fire drill.
- VISIBILITY (Know what you’re protecting)
- Confirm your “crown jewels”: email, finance/payroll, public safety systems, records, and backups.
- Run a baseline check: exposed credentials/dark web, email spoofing risk (DMARC), and basic security posture.
- Make sure you know who has admin access—and why.
- HARDENING (Shut the easy doors)
- Lock down identity: strong MFA + conditional access, remove stale accounts, tighten admin roles.
- Patch what’s most exploited first: internet-facing systems, remote access, high-risk devices.
- Ensure backups can restore—test one critical restore, not “someday.”
- CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (Stay ready)
- Set a cadence: weekly alert review, monthly access review, quarterly tabletop exercise.
- Track leadership-friendly metrics: restore success, downtime avoided, phishing risk reduced.
Quick win for January: schedule a 30-minute “Crown Jewels + Admin Access” review. It’s the fastest way to reduce risk and clarify priorities.
Want the full roadmap? Read the expanded guide here: https://covenant-tech.net/blog/county-cybersecurity-roadmap-2026/
Want to see how this roadmap maps to a structured solution? Explore Fortify.
