The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Melissa Clark recently moved from Seattle to Sisters -- and brought 20 years of experience in the insurance business with her.

"We moved to this area because my husband, Wayne, got hired as the golf pro out at Aspen Lakes," said Clark "He's been in the golf business for 25 years and we've been coming to Central Oregon all that time for golf vacations. When this job opened up, we jumped at the chance to live in Sisters."

An agent for State Farm Insurance for 12 years before working as a independent, Clark is now offering her services through High Desert Insurance and Financial Services, located at 411 E. Cascade Ave.

"Since I was new in town," Clark said, "I figured I'd have to meet everyone anyway -- so I decided to start my own insurance business."

Clark specializes in senior needs such as long term care, Medicare supplements, and estate planning. She also handles health insurance, offering her customers the gamut of insurance choices.

"I do comparison shopping for the customer," Clark said. "You give me the information -- I do the research. I have access to every carrier in Oregon."

Clark considers customer service one of her strengths.

"I strive hard to give personalized service -- the way it used to be," she said. "I'll meet people in their homes or businesses."

Sisters is a place she'd like to stay for a while.

"We love it here!" she said. "There's less rain than Seattle, and we love small towns. Everyone has been helpful and friendly. The people of Sisters have opened up their doors -- and arms -- to me."

Contact Clark at 549-1151, ext. 120.