TWFG National Convention in The Woodlands on Thursday

THE WOODLANDS, TX, May 25, 2015 – More than 250 high-producing insurance agents have begun arriving in The Woodlands from 20 states as The Woodlands Financial Group begins its 2015 TWFG Insurance Services annual convention here from Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31. Gordy Bunch, TWFG president and CEO, announced that the success of TWFG’s initial convention here last year elicited overwhelming support for a return to The Woodlands. He estimates that 2014 convention spending by TWFG and its attendees reached up to one million dollars in expenditures, and that it will be equaled or exceeded in 2015 by the company’s branch owners, top producers, guests, and staff. They will be joined by representatives from major national insurance carriers.

In 2015, TWFG agents from Texas will be joined by agents and brokers spanning the nation from California to Florida. The convention will again be staged at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This will be the second TWFG national convention held in The Woodlands. Previous conventions were assembled in major convention destinations like Las Vegas and San Diego. Bunch said: “My pride in our hometown and the success we have achieved here makes it a natural decision to bring all our various parts together at our headquarters location. I started this business here with an original investment of $10,000 in 2001 and we now register $337 million in premiums with more than 300 branches in 21 states plus affiliates in 38 states serving 250,000 customers.”

TWFG writes policies in 49 states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. Bunch is an elected member of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors and Chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also serves as The Woodlands Township’s treasurer. He credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success with customers, agents, and employees.

For further Media Information:

Alex Bunch – alex@twfg.com: 832-331-0390

Gordy Bunch – gordy@twfg.com: 281-466-1123

Paul Lazzaro – plazzaro@comcast.net: 281-728-5704

Woodlands Fundraising Sizzles: “Go Red for Women” Luncheon Attracts More Than 700, Raises $300,000

By Shelby Hodge

5.17.15|1:03 pm

Babu Varughese and Dr. Annie T. Varughese, luncheon chair and sponsor.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Allegra Blanchard, from left, Sondra Ruhman and Tracy Wilken.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Kim Koehn, from left, Casey Gillespie and Michele Shifflett.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Honoree Monette Smith.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Dr. Kozhaya Sokhon and Margaret Merz.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Brian Salby, from left, Dr. Ann Snyder, Lonny Soza and Dean Burden.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Dr. Bud Frazier, from left, Dr. Annie T. Varughese and Dr. Reynolds Delgado.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Allegra Blanchard and Tracy Wilken.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Honoree Jill Barber and Dr. Sakina Davis.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Gordy and Michelle Bunch.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Jason Higham and Ray Larson.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Mary Ann Young and Kelly Holt.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Jason Stanfield and Tim Putthuff.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

Dr. Annie T. Varughese.Photo by Susan Lee Photography

The enthusiasm with which Houston has embraced community philanthropy for many decades is today running full-force in The Woodlands with charitable fundraisers growing at a rapid pace. Most recently on the north-of-Houston dance card was the American Heart Association Montgomery County Division “Go Red for Women” luncheon.

More than 700 community leaders gathered in the ballroom of the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel for the event that surpassed its $300,000 goal. The success was thanks in part to luncheon chair and sponsor Dr. Annie T. Varughese, cardiologist for Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center.

Playing on Varughese’s Indian heritage, ballroom decor by Gayelene and Linda McIngvale’s A Memorable Event evoked Indian traditions while the physician’s daughter, Nicole Varughese, and the Masala Kids performed a flash mob Bollywood dance.

KHOU Channel 11 meteorologist Chita Johnson served as emcee and introduced three women spotlighted for personal successes — Monette Smith, AHA volunteer Jill Barber and HeartSaver Hero Award recipient Elizabeth Nuno.

Entertainment included a Macy’s fashion show and a rendition of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” sung by Dr. Varughese in memory of a young patient who died as a result of a congenital heart defect.

Guests included Dr. Bud Frazier, Babu Varughese, Dr. Kozhaya Sokho, Margaret Merz, Michelle and Gordy Bunch, Darla and Dean Burden, Kim Koehn, Lonny Soza, Courtney Gillespie, Michelle Shifflett, Dr. Reynolds Delgado, Mary Ann Young and Kelly Holt.

Gordy Bunch Named Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year

HOUSTON, MAY 14, 2015 – EY today announced the finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 in the Gulf Coast Area. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The Woodlands’ Gordy Bunch was selected as one of the business leaders chosen by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala on June 25, 2015 at the Hilton America’s Houston.

Bunch launched The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG) in The Woodlands with $10,000 in 2001. Today, TWFG is a multi-faceted $337 million business offering property and casualty insurance, personal lines, finance, and agency software technology. His business model is based on the fact that, as an independent insurance agency, he can offer clients more choices from 200 different carriers; which often results in better rates for the insured because of the competitive nature of multiple carriers. It is also an improvement in personalized service to consumers because “captive agents” are only allowed to sell their company’s branded products. He continues to emphasize personal care through TWFG’s familiar logo “Our Policy is Caring,” a slogan he considers his personal pledge both to customers and employees.

TWFG has become a national leader in its industry being ranked as number eight in Property and Casualty lines out of 38,000 independent agencies and number one in Texas for Personal Lines insurance (Home and Auto). There are more than 300 TWFG offices in 21 states with affiliated agencies expanding representation into 38 states. Bunch says he covers close to 250,000 clients in 49 states through the TWFG network. More than 40 of his agents are members of the TWFG Million-Dollar Producers Club who will join more than 200 TWFG branch managers here May 28^th – 31^st, 2015 for their annual convention at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Bunch also serves on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors where he was elected its Treasurer. He also serves his community as Chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau which generates vital sales and hotel taxes to The Woodlands Township. His business acumen has served to assist the board in cutting property tax rates for three consecutive years while augmenting recreational and resident services.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2015 in the Gulf Coast Area

Now in its 29th year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities in 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year national program.  Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2015. The US Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco, June 2016. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year Award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence at the national level. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

For further media information:

Paul Lazzaro    281-728-5704

plazzaro@comcast.net

PKWY Magazine Behind the Wheel

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the premiere issue of PKWY magazine!

PKWY is a professional business publication that provides

our readers with a unique resource for local business

news, insight, trends, happenings, fundraising, galas,

hot spots, and introductions to extraordinary business

men and women across Montgomery County.

Whether you are a business owner, executive, entrepreneur

or corporate climber, PKWY magazine provides local and

nationally relevant content that is innovative, interesting

and entertaining.

I invite you to cruise the pages of our new magazine

or visit us online at pkwymag.com and enjoy the

diverse content that our talented team of graphic

designers, developers, web designers, copywriters and

social media gurus have compiled for your reading and

viewing enjoyment.

Our tagline says, “for the who, what and where of

Montgomery County, take the PKWY.”

Enjoy,

Cathy Mogler

Publisher

Award-Winning Automation and

Technical SuppoKING | AUTOMATION

SECURITY MONITORING

ON RAMP AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Gordy Bunch Nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 27

Richard “Gordy” Bunch, founder, president,

and CEO of The Woodlands Financial

Group, has received his third nomination as

Gulf Coast Entrepreneur of the Year in the

2015 search for a national EOY recipient.

The Entrepreneur of the Year program is

designed by Ernst & Young to give recognition

and visibility to entrepreneurial leadership

by honoring a leader of a public or private

company who is responsible for the financial

performance and culture of a company.

Regional award winners will be inducted into

the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame

and become eligible for the national awards.

Bunch launched TWFG with $10,000 in

2001 in The Woodlands. Today, TWFG

is a multi-faceted $337 million business

offering property and casualty insurance,

personal lines, finance, and agency software

technology.

TWFG has become a national leader in its

industry, being ranked as number eight in

Property and Casualty lines out of 38,000

independent agencies and number one in

Texas for Personal Lines insurance (Home and

Auto). There are more than 300 TWFG offices

in 21 states with affiliated agencies expanding

representation into 38 states. Bunch says

he covers close to

250,000 clients in

49 states through the

TWFG network. More

than 40 of his agents

are members of the TWFG Million-Dollar

Producers Club. They will join more than

200 TWFG branch managers here in

May for their annual convention at The

Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and

Convention Center.

Bunch also serves on The Woodlands

Township Board of Directors where

he was elected its treasurer. He also

serves his community as chairman of

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors

Bureau which generates vital sales and

hotel taxes to The Woodlands Township.

His business acumen has served to assist

the board in cutting property tax rates for

three consecutive years while augmenting

recreational and resident services.

EY announces Finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2015 in the Gulf Coast Area

HOUSTON, May 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — EY today announced the finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 in the Gulf Coast Area. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. These business leaders were selected by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala on June 25, 2015 at the Hilton America’s Houston.

The finalists are:

Now in its 29th year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities in 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2015. The US Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco, June 2016. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year Award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence at the national level. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are sponsored nationally by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America. In the Gulf Coast Area sponsors also include Lockton Companies, LLC, BBVA Compass, Colliers International, DLA Piper, SolomonEdwards, ADP, Pierpont Communications, Smart Business Network.

Company Boilerplate

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

About EY’s Strategic Growth Markets practice

EY’s Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) practice guides leading high-growth companies. Our multidisciplinary teams of elite professionals provide perspective and advice to help our clients accelerate market leadership. SGM delivers assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services to thousands of companies spanning all industries. EY is the undisputed leader in taking companies public, advising key government agencies on the issues impacting high-growth companies and convening the experts who shape the business climate. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/us/strategicgrowthmarkets, or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, an EY member firm serving clients in the US.

SOURCE EY

Dual roles of Woodlands Board Members Raise Questions

As an elected board member of The Woodlands Township, Gordy Bunch helps decide how tax dollars are spent in the master-planned community of 108,000. As the chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, he strives to promote the community as an entertainment and dining destination.

Sometimes, those dual roles overlap, such as when he advocates on The Woodlands board for the nonprofit visitors bureau, which gets about $3 million a year in tax revenue from the township. Bunch acknowledges that this advocacy role can give him pause because he is a voting member of both entities.

“It’s self-serving,” he said. “But it’s the way the bylaws are written, they require that three members of The Woodlands are required to serve on the (nonprofit). So legally the bylaws require it. Still, it’s questionable.”

Bunch isn’t the only Woodlands board member wearing multiple hats. Each Woodlands board member sits on another committee or government entity, raising questions about whether elected officials should hold outside positions that have a direct tie to the board. Some residents also feel they don’t have enough opportunity to provide input at Woodlands board meetings, even though the township was established to give a stronger voice to residents.

Richard Murray, a University of Houston professor, said limited public participation in government affairs creates a potential for conflicts without accountability.

“The Woodlands is sort of a half-hybrid, unique to Texas in my experience – not a regular home-rule city – but possessing some of the powers of such,” he said. “With a special legislative approved status, they can operate more below the radar than a regular city of such size.”

The Woodlands Township began as a community improvement district in 1993 and expanded to an elected board of directors in 2010. It currently oversees more than $100 million in revenue from sales and property taxes to do everything from enforcing deed restrictions to maintaining the parks and greenbelts.

For years, The Woodlands has funded the visitors bureau’s budget through a hotel occupancy tax and program revenue generated by event sponsorships, booth sales, water taxis and the ice rink.

“And because of this, the Township has historically appointed members to serve so that the Township maintains a controlling interest,” said Don Norrell, president and general manager of The Woodlands Township. “The Township’s appointees then select the remaining CVB director positions, historically drawing on various private sector members of the tourism/business community within the Township who work diligently to stimulate hotel occupancy tax and sales tax dollars into the community.”

The Texas attorney general’s office says the arrangement doesn’t run afoul of any conflict-of-interest or ethics laws.

Questions have come up in the past about other Woodlands board members serving multiple roles.

In July 2014, some board members questioned if board member Mike Bass should be appointed to the Woodlands Road Utility District, which can issue bonds, enact a property tax and authorize major roadway and bridge projects. Bass also serves on a transportation committee established by the board that’s responsible for developing action plans,

“I’m having a little bit of trouble with government officials being appointed to another government entity,” board member Peggy Hausman said in July.

State law allows elected officials to serve on two separate government entities if they have a mutual agreement, said Mike Page, legal counsel for the township.

The board approved Bass’ appointment in December. He told board members he could remain objective in favor of residents just as he is during board and committee meetings.

Still, Page said he wouldn’t go so far as to say serving two roles wouldn’t present a moral dilemma.”

Also, in 2010, many questioned whether a resident could sit on a homeowners association and on The Woodlands board, which oversees many of the associations’ responsibilities.

At that time a few board members sat on the boards of the township and their homeowners associations, and it was advised at the time that township board members abstain from voting on or discussing a topic if it posed a conflict of interest.

Jonathan Smaby, executive director of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics, said generally that officials shouldn’t wear multiple hats.

“It seems a little unusual,” he said. “When you’re serving in a role you have to make sure it can’t be compromised. Most would say there’s too great of a risk.”

Gary Brown, a Lone Star College government professor, said the township is a young governmental body that is still maturing, and that as the population continues to grow, the government will also evolve. For now, it may be good to have a few steady hands guiding the local government.

“Professional local officials, not citizen local officials, know better the ins and outs that could lead them down the primrose path of wrongdoing, unethical behavior and misconduct,” he said. “We don’t want to become like New Jersey where some full-time elected officials often end up involved in bribery and graft …”

Gordy Bunch Nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year 2015

Houston, April 7, 2015 – Richard “Gordy” Bunch, founder, president, and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group has received his third nomination as Gulf Coast Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2015 search for a national EOY recipient.

The Entrepreneur of the Year program is designed by Ernst & Young to give recognition and visibility to entrepreneurial leadership by honoring a leader of a public or private company who is responsible for the financial performance and culture of a company. Regional award winners will be inducted into the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame and become eligible for the national awards.

Bunch launched TWFG with $10,000 in 2001 in The Woodlands. Today, TWFG is a multi-faceted $337 million business offering property and casualty insurance, personal lines, finance, and agency software technology. His business model is based on the fact that, as an independent insurance agency, he can offer clients more choices from 200 different carriers; which often results in better rates for the insured because of the competitive nature of multiple carriers. It is also an improvement in personalized service to consumers because “captive agents” are only allowed to sell their company’s branded products. He continues to emphasize personal care through TWFG’s familiar logo “Our Policy is Caring,” a slogan he considers his personal pledge both to customers and employees.

TWFG has become a national leader in its industry being ranked as number eight in Property and Casualty lines out of 38,000 independent agencies and number one in Texas for Personal Lines insurance (Home and Auto). There are more than 300 TWFG offices in 21 states with affiliated agencies expanding representation into 38 states. Bunch says he covers close to 250,000 clients in 49 states through the TWFG network. More than 40 of his agents are members of the TWFG Million-Dollar Producers Club who will join more than 200 TWFG branch managers here in May for their annual convention at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

Bunch also serves on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors where he was elected its Treasurer. He also serves his community as Chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau which generates vital sales and hotel taxes to The Woodlands Township. His business acumen has served to assist the board in cutting property tax rates for three consecutive years while augmenting recreational and resident services.

For further media information:

Paul Lazzaro    281-728-5704

plazzaro@comcast.net

Statement by Title Sponsor of TWFG Gran Fondo

I was very disappointed to hear that the Gran Fondo steering committee found it necessary to cancel the 2015 race due to the lack of availability of viable routes through Montgomery County. As title sponsor I looked forward to attracting and reaching thousands of cyclists to The Woodlands and Montgomery County. As a participant I will miss the camaraderie, the physical tests, and the opportunity to enhance our cycling skills. But, most of all, I regret that the Texas Medical Center Orchestra and National Multiple Sclerosis Society will be deprived of donations that amounted to $74,000 last year. TWFG has a multi-year contract to sponsor the Gran Fondo, so we look forward to being title sponsor of the 2016 race.

Gordy Bunch

President & CEO

The Woodlands Financial Group

713-416-0789

February 11, 2015

http://www.granfondotexastmco.com/

Welcome to The Woodlands

As Chairman of the Chairman of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau I would like to extend a warm welcome to Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and Top Teens of America.  Congratulations on convening your 44^th conference here and  thank you for choosing The Woodlands Waterway Marriott to host your event.  We are excited about sharing with you all the exciting activities happening every day here in The Woodlands.

It is our hope that while you are here you will take time to enjoy the abundance of wonderful amenities available in The Woodlands – thanks to Mother Nature and award-winning master-planning. The Woodlands is home to several four- diamond hotels, world-renowned shopping, and more than 100 highly-rated restaurants featuring every imaginable cuisine.  Several of our seven golf courses are available for public play. Our 111 parks and 150 miles of trails recall the odes to nature written by legendary poets. In addition, expansive Lake Woodlands offers canoeing; The Woodlands Waterway is perfect for a stroll or a boat ride on one of its cozy cruisers; Waterway Square show fountains and so much more are here – all nestled among 28,000 acres of forest preserve. You may want to return to The Woodlands for another season of world-class shows at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion featuring performances and stars like Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga together in concert on April 24.

We hope that you will enjoy your stay here and return often to experience all that we have to offer here in The Woodlands, Texas, USA.  I sincerely thank you for your community service efforts that do so much to enhance and enrich the lives of youths and adults.  Best wishes for a successful conference!

Thanks for visiting,

Welcome to The Woodlands

Welcome to The Woodlands

Welcome visitors, friends and families to The Woodlands, Texas. I am Gordy Bunch, the Chairman of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. One of my most pleasant responsibilities as a volunteer is to welcome visiting runners and athletes from across the country and abroad to our hometown. We are excited about sharing with you all the exciting things happening every day here in The Woodlands.

It is our hope that while you are here, in what some people call “The Enchanted Forest,” you will take time to enjoy the wonderful amenities we have to offer thanks to Mother Nature and award-winning master-planning. The Woodlands is home to several four- diamond hotels, world-renowned shopping, and more than 100 highly-rated restaurants featuring every imaginable cuisine.  Several of our seven golf courses are available for public play. Our 111 parks and 150 miles of trails recall the odes to nature written by legendary poets. In addition, expansive Lake Woodlands offers canoeing; The Woodlands Waterway is perfect for a stroll or a boat ride on one of its cozy cruisers; Waterway Square show fountains and so much more are here – all nestled among 28,000 acres of forest preserve. You may want to return to The Woodlands for another season of world-class shows at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion featuring performances and stars like Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga together in concert on April 24.

During your next visit you will find more national hotels bearing The Woodlands name alongside their own special hospitality brand. The 302-room Woodlands Westin by Starwood Hotels and Resorts along with the new Embassy Suites home-away-from home 205 all-suite accommodations are underway. We hope that you will enjoy your stay here and return often to experience all that we are have to offer here in The Woodlands. Best wishes on The Woodlands Marathon – your hard work and determination deserve to be celebrated in an atmosphere of warm Texas hospitality.

Thanks for visiting,