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Woodlands to Seek Legislative OK for More Authority

By John D. Harden

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Last November, angry and concerned residents in The Woodlands flocked to a morning Township board meeting to oppose a proposal to construct a gas station in a quiet patch of the community.

During that meeting, The Woodlands board members explained that they were powerless to ease the residents’ concerns, and could only listen to their frustrations. Created as a special type of government recognized by the state, The Woodlands and its leaders have to abide by what nearby municipalities want.

Local leaders have indicated they want more power and are hoping, once again, state lawmakers will agree.

“As a resident I can feel the frustration of having an elected board (that has) no power to do anything, and yet we’re an 110,000-resident community,” said Gordy Bunch, who sits on the board. “It frustrates the hell out of me, too.”

As leaders begin questioning whether the community should incorporate, their pending legislative efforts is another argument for the community to become its own city, observers say.

It’s a move that could further lead to The Woodlands ultimately releasing the grasp Houston, Conroe and Montgomery County have on the area.

“The justification for incorporation ties into quality of life and enhancement of property value with a stronger city government,” said Gary Brown, a Lone Star College government professor and Woodlands resident. “If having a full-time city government through incorporation strengthens the city council’s hand in controlling development and promoting quality of life, I’m all in.”

The Woodlands board and staff haven’t disclosed the types of changes they will pursue in Austin because those conversations are held in executive session.

Miles McKinney, legislative affairs manager for The Woodlands, would not elaborate on the changes sought.

But in recent meetings, officials have said they would like the ability to make ordinances, offering a clue to what the bill may look like.

Rules grandfathered

During an October meeting, board members expressed an interest in obtaining authority to create and enforce ordinances after a packed room of real estate agents came to the board to oppose a Montgomery County sign ordinance that prohibited them from placing open house signs in road right-of-ways.

The board echoed their desire for an ordinance-making ability later during the November meeting that involved the gas station.

Township board member Mike Bass said that gaining that particular ability may not solve The Woodlands problems because many of the rules that govern The Woodlands may be grand-fathered, meaning that they’ll be unlikely or difficult to change.

Bunch agreed. “The only thing we can do in the long term is to look at legislative agendas and (determine how) we might gain some ordinance making authority,” he said. “We are aware of our limitations, our weaknesses and what we need to be more self-governed than we currently are.”

The Woodlands board is limited in authority because the 110,000-plus master-planned community isn’t a city.

And by state statute, it’s technically not even a township. It’s a special improvement district, a special type of government recognized by the state.

These districts have limited governing authority but by state statutes can set and collect taxes for landscaping, constructing or improving sidewalks and streets, parking facilities, and installing art.

In some cases the state can grant additional powers.

The Woodlands previously has sought to expand its powers and authority to govern, expanding on its original purpose.

The district was created in 1993 by the 73rd Legislature “to promote health, safety, welfare and economic growth through the creation of jobs and facilitation of business development in south Montgomery County,” according to House Bill 3561.

Expanded in 2007

At that time, the district was confined to The Woodlands shopping, dining and entertainment hub, Town Center.

In 1997, the state amended powers, allowing the district to issue bonds, primarily for providing water, sewage or drainage facilities.

By 2007, state lawmakers expanded the improvement district to include all of The Woodlands 28,000 acres. That cleared a path for what’s now The Woodlands Township Board, consolidating functions of the master planned community into a single government service.

This was also the same year that SB 1012 passed, giving The Woodlands the authority to enter in a Regional Participation Agreement with Houston and Conroe to avoid annexation by the two cities until 2057.

Brown, the Lone Star professor, said it’s only natural for a government of The Woodlands size and influence to pursue additional powers and eventually be in charge of its own ordinances and regulations.

“Any full-fledged incorporated municipality wants its own city charter – or local constitution – to follow, rather than a book of covenants that only tell you how far up the driveway your kid’s in-ground basketball goal must be,” he said.

Bunch Contribution Supports President George W. Bush Honors Program at Lone Star Legends Benefit Dinner

THE WOODLANDS, TX, JAN. 16, 2015 – Michelle and Gordy Bunch will host a “Gift-of-Giving” table at the Lone Star Legends Benefit Dinner honoring special guest, the 43^rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, who will be present with his wife, Laura Bush. The event is the third annual dinner and discussion with a “Lone Star Legend,” sponsored by the Texas Southeast Division of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) to be held this year at the Omni Hotel in Dallas on February 5.

With gift levels ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, major sponsors, such as the Bunch’s, will begin the evening with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and an intimate discussion with President Bush.

The IICF special invitation states that the insurance industry group, of which Bunch is a recognized leader, has “the privilege of honoring President Bush for his leadership and service to our country and his tremendous efforts in global and philanthropic initiatives. The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation helps communities and enriches lives by combining the collective strengths of the industry to provide grants, volunteer service and leadership. The Foundation exists to provide and generate support for designated charitable organizations that help meet critical community needs and to reinvest funds in the communities from which they are raised. The 2015 effort will be focused on charities that provide services for Children, Education, and Veterans.”

Gordy Bunch is founder, president and CEO, of The Woodlands Financial Group whose Woodlands-based TWFG insurance services division was recently ranked 8^th of 38,000 agencies in the United States and first in personal lines premiums in Texas. He is also a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors and Chairman of The Woodlands Township Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For further Media Information:

Gordy Bunch – gordy@twfg.com: 281-466-1123 / 713-416-0789

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

Michelle and Gordy Bunch

TWFG Bringing Million-Dollar Convention to The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX, Jan. 8, 2015 – More than 250 high-producing insurance agents will be arriving in The Woodlands from 20 states when The Woodlands Financial Group stages its 2015 TWFG Insurance Services annual convention here from May 28 through 31. Gordy Bunch, TWFG president and CEO, announced that the success of TWFG’s initial convention here last year elicited overwhelming support from delegates 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.”

Activities at the 2015 convention will include a welcome reception and general session at the Marriott which will be followed by days of “jam-packed meetings and breakout sessions as well as an exhibit hall,” Bunch said. The convention will close on Saturday with an eagerly-anticipated awards dinner where recognition will be given to “Branch-of-the-Year,” “Rookie-of-the-Year,” induction of new President’s Club members, and “Agent-of-the-Year” awards in key categories.

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:

Gordy Bunch – gordy@twfg.com: 281-466-1123 / 713-416-0789

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

TWFG Supports Healthy Living and Active Lifestyles

The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG) and its founder, president and CEO, Richard “Gordy” Bunch III, based in The Woodlands, Texas, believe healthy living is the greatest contribution a company can make to its community and its residents. As a matter of business and community support, TWFG contributes to a general group of large and small charities. But TWFG specializes in supporting organizations and events that promote good health and active living. By sponsoring high-profile events that encourage physical fitness, TWFG also demonstrates that it is directly benefitting current and potential policy holders and their families. Gordy believes: “Doing well by doing good,” is a truism, as well as an axiom,”

Gordy practices what he preaches. At one time, “Gordy” (‘Gordo’ basically means ‘fat person” in the Spanish language), says he deserved the nickname as a child and even into young adulthood. After a four-year stint in the Coast Guard he recognized the benefits, as well as the necessity, of being fit. When he founded TWFG in 2001 with his life-savings of $10,000, he worked the hectic routine of a burgeoning entrepreneur to survive and build his business. Too often, he reverted to convenient “comfort food” when hurricanes, tornadoes, mold, floods and the tragedy of 9-11 all struck in the inaugural year of his TWFG insurance and financial services company. Gordy was already married with his first child at the time and knew he had to get back in shape for his own and his family’s sake. It was then that cycling and exercise entered his life. The new regimen helped him to become an Iron Man participant, and soon thereafter, he was able to finish the run-swim-cycle marathon. In Iron Man, the goal for most amateur athletes is not to win, but just to finish the grueling experience. Today, Gordy and TWFG are one of the sponsors of the Iron Man event held in the company’s headquarters home town community, The Woodlands, TX.

Gordy’s penchant for active living attracted him to become title sponsor for what is now the TWFG Gran Fondo bicycle race. The 2015 race will be staged in Montgomery County, Texas. TWFG Gran Fondo has a perfect profile to illustrate Gordy’s healthy lifestyle philosophy of giving. It offers a 103-mile challenge which prepares participants for the MS150-mile Houston-to-Austin ride, or the Ironman competition. It also includes 74 and 48 Challenge Rides with hills which is considered a tune-up for any of the bigger rides or those who are just achieving the higher limits of cycling. Finally, there is a 25-mile Family, School, and Recreational Ride for any and all ages. Gordy sees the TWFG Gran Fondo as a
“Triple Threat and Treat” because in addition to helping thousands of bicycle enthusiasts, proceeds benefit the Houston Medical Center Orchestra and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.granfondotexastmco.com

Another TWFG healthy-living event is the TWFG Muddy Trails Bash. Foot races and walks wind through the George Mitchell Nature Preserve located on 1,800 acres of Creekside Park in Harris County, Texas. There are 5k and 10k races for ages 10 and older. The Little Muddy Kids race is a one-mile Fun Run for children age 5 and up. There is even a Fun Run that participants can do with their dog! The post-race party includes crawfish plates and live Zydeco music for kids, parents, and whoever is in the park.

*Note: TWFG Muddy Trails Bash is named after Mud Bugs (aka: Crawfish) and is NOT a mud run. http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/index.aspx?NID=454

TWFG extends its interest in physical fitness to the annual Dragon Boat races in support of the local YMCA. In 2014, TWFG registered a team for the fifth consecutive year and won its race with dozens of its headquarters staff employees pulling oars and supporting their teammates instead of crunching actuarial tables and crashing computers.

The company’s overall slogan, which is also Gordy’s personal pledge to customers and employees, is “Our Policy is Caring.” Other beneficiaries of TWFG’s “Caring” policy are: American Heart Association, Susan G. Breast Cancer Foundation, Barnabus Group, Interfaith of The Woodlands, Toys for Tots, CASA Child Advocacy, College of the Ozarks, University of North Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Houston-Downtown Advisory Board; The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Texas Rush (Kid’s Soccer), Young Life, The Woodlands United Methodist Church, and JROTC.

Most recently, Gordy, who also contributes many hours of his personal and executive time as an elected and unpaid member of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, was contacted by The Women’s Center, a safe haven home for abused women. Seems the children who accompanied their mothers on their escape to the shelter, had nothing to do while their abused mother was rebuilding and rearranging her life in the communal home. The request was for used bicycles that the kids could ride around the grounds, getting out of cramped quarters and enjoying the fresh Texas air. Gordy recognized this as an opportunity to get the kids physically activity, while once again contributing to the good will of the community. Gordy asked his headquarters employees to bring in used bikes from their homes to donate. When the total count of bikes, tricycles, and scooters was not enough to take care of all the kids, Gordy called in a TWFG intern, handed him a credit card, and said “Go out and buy three brand new bikes.” The kicker to the whole exercise is that when the children leave for a new life with their mothers, they will be invited to take their bikes with them and Gordy will help The Women’s Center all over again. That’s what you do when your “Policy is Caring.” Nobody cares more about keeping everyone fit and healthy than Richard “Gordy” Bunch III, Founder, President and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group.

Richard “Gordy” Bunch

Founder, President & CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG)

Position One – The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

Chairman, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

Richard “Gordy” Bunch is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year for the Gulf Coast; and founder, president, and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group. He has twice been elected to The Woodlands Board of Directors at large, where he also serves as the board’s Treasurer. As chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau he leads programs that generate vital sales tax dollars to support community activities. Gordy launched “TWFG” in The Woodlands with $10,000 capital in 2001. Today, it has grown to rank as number 8 of the 38,000 largest insurance agencies in the nation and is the number one Personal Lines leader in Texas. Mr. Bunch and his wife, Michelle, and their three young boys have been residents of The Woodlands since 1995 where the boys attend CISD schools and the Bunch family attends The Woodlands United Methodist Church. Gordy and TWFG are title sponsors of TWFG Gran Fondo Bike Race for Multiple Sclerosis & The Medical Center Orchestra, TWFG Muddy Trails Bash for Kids, IronMan Triathlon in which Gordy is an active Participant, and TWFG is official insurance provider for The Woodlands Marathon. TWFG and the Bunch family also support or contribute to the Susan G. Breast Cancer Foundation, Toys for Tots, Interfaith of The Woodlands, YMCA Dragon Boat race, American Heart Association, CASA Child Advocacy, University of North Texas, Texas A&M, member of University of Houston-Downtown Advisory Board; Waterway Arts Council; Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Texas Rush Kid’s Soccer.

Profile Richard “Gordy” Bunch

How do you build an entrepreneur? Nurture him in the warm California sun? Teach him how to face challenges protecting our country in the United States Coast Guard? Plant his family roots in Texas, a land of uncommon opportunity? If this is the formula for success, it would help to explain Richard “Gordy” Bunch III and the remarkable achievements he is scoring in his business and community life. Certainly, his background, experience, and commitment to do the right thing are the guiding force in his life and the key to building a unique and successful professional career. At 42 years of age, Gordy is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran; an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist for the Gulf Coast; and is a director of probably the most efficient government entity in Texas. With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, he manages a rapidly-expanding national company as founder, president and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group.

Gordy Bunch did his insurance “basic training” as a Texas Farm Bureau agent, an Associate General Agent with American National, and as Manager of Financial Services and Retail Director with Prudential. In 2001, he launched TWFG, his insurance and financial services company in The Woodlands, with $10,000 capital. Today, TWFG is ranked among the Top 30 of the nation’s 38,000 privately-held Property/Casualty agencies. With more than $337 million in premium sales, TWFG holds the number one position as the largest Personal Lines leader in Texas. TWFG’s 300-plus retail branches operate in 21 states while affiliations with 3,000 independent agents serve 38 states. The company writes policies in 49 U.S. states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. TWFG is proud to have been honored by FEMA as a national award winner in the National Flood Insurance Program. Overall, Bunch credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success.

Bunch’s business acumen surfaced as a teenager when he became a manager of Little Caesars and then a McDonald’s restaurant in College Station, TX. At the onset of the first Gulf War, Gordy, age 19, drove with a friend to San Diego where they volunteered for active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. During his four years of service he improved his unit’s U.S. Coast Guard methods by helping to innovate purchasing and inventory systems. TWFG’s original business model, which combines both wholesale and retail products, is creatively fine-tuned to take advantage of new product opportunities. TWFG’s innovative approach resulted in a 25 percent growth rate in 2013, and Bunch is projecting another 25 percent growth for the current year with a long-term plan of reaching one billion dollars in sales. His entrepreneurial success prompted the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) to appoint him to the Advisory Council of its Insurance and Risk Management Center serving the UHD College of Business.

Gordy was elected to the board of directors of his local government in 2012 and is running unopposed for reelection in 2014. The Woodlands Township is a community of close to 108,000 people and 2,000 businesses. He has been instrumental in consistently lowering taxes for residents, setting a rate that is one of the lowest in Montgomery County, along with the reduction of $14 million in public debt resulting in a savings of $5 million in interest charges. He applied his expertise to the Township’s insurance coverages enabling an annual savings of $800,000 with expanded protection. His board elected him its Treasurer and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau board named him its Chairman in January, 2014. Gordy and his wife, Michelle, have been residents of The Woodlands since 1995 where they are raising three young boys while sponsoring and participating in multiple community organizations. As an IronMan participant and sponsor, Gordy believes in physical fitness so TWFG favors the Gran Fondo bicycle race with its support, the Muddy Trails Bash for kids, and a host of organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Susan G. Breast Cancer Foundation, Toys for Tots, Texas A&M University, Interfaith, and more. The family attends United Methodist Church of The Woodlands.

TWFG Surges in National Agency Rankings; Tops All Insurance Agencies

The Woodlands, TX – Nov. 20, 2014 – The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG) Insurance Services is now ranked in the top 10 of the nation’s privately-held “Top 50 Personal Lines” insurance agencies, according to an industry ranking source, Insurance Journal. Richard “Gordy” Bunch, TWFG president and CEO, received notice that TWFG is ranked number eight of the 38,000 Property and Casualty agencies in the U.S. and number one of all comparable agencies in Texas based on its total P/C revenue of $40,690,500 in 2013.

Bunch has grown The Woodlands Financial Group from an original investment of $10,000 in 2001 to a $337 million company in 2013 with more than 300 branches in 21 states plus affiliates in 38 states serving 250,000 customers. TWFG writes policies in 49 U.S. states from its headquarters in The Woodlands.

The TWFG strategy calls for placing conveniently located TWFG licensed agents and branches into communities across the nation, focusing on homeowners and their autos plus small businesses. Each branch offers the full range of insurance products from close to 300 companies. TWFG operates with Gordy’s personal slogan as a pledge to customers and employees: “Our Policy is Caring.”

The growth in Texas has been a distinct focus of TWFG’s strategic plan. With more than 1,000 people a day relocating to Texas from around the world, Gordy Bunch reports that he has just expanded his business again with 15 more branches in Texas, two additional in California, and another in the state of Washington, which is also enjoying rapid growth. Texas now has 210 TWFG branches in 77 cities and towns of the Lone Star state.

For further media information:

Gordy Bunch   713-416-0789   gordy@twfg.com

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

TWFG BRANCH LOCATIONS IN TEXAS

Note: There are 210 TWFG locations in 77 Texas Cities

Addison

Alvin

Amarillo

Arlington

Austin

Beaumont

Bellaire

Benbrook

Brownsville

Bryan

Carrollton

Cedar Hill

Clute

Conroe

Coppell

Corpus Christi

Cypress

Dallas

Edmond

Elgin

Flower Mound

Fort Worth

Friendswood

Frisco

Garland

Grand Prairie

Hallettsville

Hallsville

Houston

Huffman

Humble

Huntsville

Irving

Katy

Keller

Kingwood

Lake Jackson

Lewisville

Longview

Lufkin

Lumberton

Lytle

Mabank

Magnolia

McAllen

McKinney

Missouri City

Montgomery

Nacogdoches

Nederland

Odessa

Orange

Pasadena

Pearland

Pflugerville

Port Arthur

Porter

Princeton

Richardson

Robinson

Rockport

Royse City

Sachse

San Antonio

Sherman

Sinton

Spring

Sugar Land

The Woodlands

Tomball

Tyler

Waxahachie

Weatherford

West Columbia

White Oak

Wichita Falls

Willis

TWFG Insurance Keeping Pace with Texas’ Growth

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Nov. 12, 2014 – With more than 1,000 people a day relocating to Texas from around the world, Gordy Bunch, president and CEO of TWFG Insurance services, says he is expanding his business again with 15 more branches in Texas, two additional in California, and another in Washington, which is also enjoying rapid growth.

“The Lone Star state is anything but alone,” Bunch says. Texas added more than 387,000 residents between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2013, and more than 1.3 million since April 1, 2010, significantly more than any other state, according to estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau. “Our focus on the Texas market is simply a matter of follow-the-opportunity,” he explains. “Texas remains second only to California in relocation statistics and surpasses almost every other state in population percentage increases – its 5.18% increase in 2013 is surpassed only by the oil boom’s 7.55% in North Dakota according to the U.S. Census Bureau.”

The TWFG strategy calls for placing TWFG licensed agents and branches offering the full range of insurance products from close to 300 companies, all conveniently located in communities with homeowners and their autos, plus small businesses that could be devastated if unprotected.  The new branches further expand the company that Bunch started with just $10,000 in 2001 and that now generates more than $337 million in premium sales. TWFG has 320 retail branches operating in 21 states and affiliations with 3,000 independent agents serving 38 states. TWFG writes policies in 49 U.S. states from its headquarters in The Woodlands.

The new TWFG branches and their locations are:

TWFG – TEXAS

Felipe Mejia-Houston TX

Thai Hoang-Wichita Falls TX

Michael Trinh-Houston TX

Kimberly Zimmerman-Spring TX

Bentley Fitch-Carrollton TX

Erika Miranda-San Antonio TX

Alla Mokritsky-Houston TX

Chris Holland-Montgomery TX

Clayton Rote-Dallas TX

Mason Grillo-Beaumont TX

David Deases-Sinton TX

Jatinder Kaur-Union City TX

Wendy Tran-Houston TX

Cherie Johnson-Donie TX

Douglas Rodriguez-Houston TX

TWFG – CALIFORNIA

Robert Diaz-Daly City CA

Robert Wells-Redlands CA

TWFG – WASHINGTON

Michael Pedrelli-Gig Harbor WA

For further media information:

Gordy Bunch   713-416-0789   gordy@twfg.com

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

Gordy Bunch Garners Corporate & Community Honors

The Woodlands, TX, November 10, 2014 – Richard “Gordy” Bunch, founder, president, and CEO of TWFG Insurance Services, was re-elected during the November 4 General Election to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors at position one. As the only unopposed candidate in the four-position election, Bunch received 16,045 votes, the most for any single Township director since the Township’s founding in 2010. He also serves the nation’s premier master-planned community as chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau which reported mid-year sales tax results of $30,915,238 and Hotel Tax revenues of $4,657,172.

On Sunday, Bunch began his day at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where he led the official greeting to Houston for Lt. Colonel Oliver North, best-selling author and combat-decorated U.S. Marine. Colonel North was the guest speaker at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center at a fund-raising dinner benefiting the non-profit Junior ROTC Foundation programs in Houston area schools and throughout Texas.

As a Gulf Coast Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in 2014, Bunch will depart on Tuesday for Palm Springs, California as an invited guest at the EY Strategic Growth Forum along with chief executive officers of many of the nation’s top corporations. Corporate executives from throughout the nation will assemble to “hear fresh ideas, powerful insights, and strategies that work from those who are guiding and demonstrating strategies for success.”  Forum leaders will include the CEO of AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Archer Daniels Midland, the co-authors of the popular business book, “Freakonomics,” and major sports and entertainment celebrities.

On the health and recreation front, Bunch has been recognized as sponsor of what is now known as the TWFG Gran Fondo bicycle race. He announced to the Township that he is planning with the event’s organizers to bring the event to The Woodlands, Lone Star College, and Montgomery County, Texas at the end of March 2015. More than 2,300 riders participated in 2014 with $187,000 being donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Texas Medical Center Orchestra over the past four years. He also renewed sponsorship of the Muddy Trails Bash for Kids, and the IronMan competition in which he is also a participant.

He will return to The Woodlands in time for the previews of The Woodlands Ice Rink at Town Center next weekend on November 15 and 16. His TWFG Insurance Services Company is also a sponsor of the popular recreational facility.

“Gordy,” as he is familiarly known to his constituents and employees, launched TWFG, his insurance and financial services company in The Woodlands in 2001 with $10,000 capital. Today, TWFG is ranked among the Top 30 of the nation’s 38,000 privately-held Property/Casualty agencies. With more than $337 million in premium sales, TWFG holds the number one position as the largest Personal Lines leader in Texas. TWFG’s 300-plus retail branches operate in 21 states while affiliations with 3,000 independent agents serve 38 states. The company writes policies in 49 U.S. states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. Overall, Bunch credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success.

For further media information:

Gordy Bunch   713-416-0789   gordy@twfg.com

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

Bunch Records Multiple Corporate & Community Achievements

The Woodlands, TX, November 7, 2014 – Richard “Gordy” Bunch, founder, president, and CEO of TWFG Insurance Services, was re-elected during the November 4 General Election to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, as the only unopposed candidate in the four-position election. Bunch earned 16,037 votes from residents of the country’s premier master-planned community. He also serves the community as chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau which reported mid-year sales tax results of $30,915,238 and Hotel Tax revenues of $4,657,172.

Next week, he departs for Palm Springs, California, as an invited guest at the EY Strategic Growth Forum along with chief executive officers of many of the nation’s top corporations. Bunch was a Gulf Coast Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. More than 2,000 corporate executives from throughout the nation will assemble to “hear fresh ideas, powerful insights, and strategies that work from those who are guiding and demonstrating strategies for success.”  Forum leaders will include the CEO of AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Archer Daniels Midland, the co-authors of the popular business book, “Freakonomics,” and major sports and entertainment celebrities.

On the health and recreation front, Bunch has been recognized as sponsor of what is now known as the TWFG Gran Fondo bicycle race. He has planned with the event’s organizers to bring the event to The Woodlands, Lone Star College, and Montgomery County, Texas at the end of March 2015. More than 2,300 riders participated in 2014 with $187,000 being donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Texas Medical Center Orchestra over the past four years. He also renewed sponsorship of the Muddy Trails Bash for Kids, and the IronMan competition in which he is also a participant.

“Gordy,” as he is familiarly known to his constituents and employees, launched TWFG, his insurance and financial services company in The Woodlands in 2001 with $10,000 capital. Today, TWFG is ranked among the Top 30 of the nation’s 38,000 privately-held Property/Casualty agencies. With more than $337 million in premium sales, TWFG holds the number one position as the largest Personal Lines leader in Texas. TWFG’s 300-plus retail branches operate in 21 states while affiliations with 3,000 independent agents serve 38 states. The company writes policies in 49 U.S. states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. Overall, Bunch credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success.

For further media information:

Gordy Bunch   713-416-0789   gordy@twfg.com

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