Ellard Insurance

06/01/2026

[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-tom-impact-6-1-2026" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://communityimpact.com/houston/conroe-montgomery/real-estate/2026/04/29/qa-har-ceo-president-rene-galvan-discusses-the-organization-houstons-real-estate-market?beehiiv_id=[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-tom-impact-6-1-2026

René Galvan was appointed the new CEO and president of the Houston Association of Realtors in February.

05/28/2026

Workers’ Comp Update: Texas Mutual 2026 Dividends
Texas Mutual recently announced its 2026 general dividend distribution—returning $300 million to qualifying policyholders across the state.
For many Texas business owners, this is a timely reminder that workers’ compensation isn’t just an expense—it can also be a long-term cost management tool when paired with strong safety practices and favorable loss history. The dividend program is designed to reward employers who prioritize workplace safety and keep claims under control.
This marks the 28th consecutive year Texas Mutual has issued dividends, reinforcing the consistency of the program and its impact on Texas businesses.
If you’re currently with Texas Mutual—or evaluating your workers’ comp options—it’s worth understanding how dividends factor into your total cost and strategy.
👉 You can read the full update here:
https://www.texasmutual.com/blog/posts/2026/05/2026-general-dividends?mkt_tok=MjgxLUZJVy0zNTcAAAGh5OJ7VA9voYjGjwCcaHkVw3esR0mjFMSWh24Apn4ixS7MU9bVmgH8PTaXk_Li2K31a_8Q_R6QE7nHQ2PiNiod2cQWS3M-2zh-uRgF91Z9

Need help understanding how dividends apply to your policy (or if you’re positioned to qualify)?
I’m always happy to walk through it in plain English and help you evaluate your current setup.
Chris Wehe
Commercial Insurance Advisor
Ellard Insurance
📞 281-827-0990
📧 [email protected]

We are the state's leading workers' compensation provider. See why over 80,000 business owners rely on us to meet the needs of their 1.5 million Texas workers every day.

05/27/2026

Colliers Montgomery County CRE Snapshot | Q1 2026

https://www.colliers.com/en/research/houston/q1-2026-montgomery-county

05/26/2026

Construction costs are rising again—and faster than most people realize.
A recent report showed construction input costs increased 6.2% in just the first 4 months of 2026, more than the previous three years combined.
https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/construction-development/construction-costs-up-62-in-first-4-months-of-the-year-134557?utm_source=outbound_pub_4&utm_campaign=outbound_issue_94425&utm_content=outbound_link_13&utm_medium=email
For commercial property owners, this matters more than it sounds.
Insurance is based on what it costs to rebuild, not what your property is worth on paper. And when rebuild costs rise this quickly, many buildings quietly become underinsured.
That can show up as:

Coverage gaps after a loss
Reduced claim payouts due to coinsurance
Unexpected out-of-pocket costs

The tricky part is this usually isn’t obvious… until there’s a claim.
If you haven’t reviewed your property values recently, it may be worth a quick check to make sure they still reflect today’s construction environment.
If helpful, I’m always happy to take a look and be a resource.
Chris Wehe
Commercial Insurance Advisor
Ellard Insurance
📞 281-827-0990
[email protected]

05/19/2026

Houston flood risk is changing—are businesses paying attention?
FEMA’s newly released draft flood maps show a significant expansion of high-risk flood zones across Harris County, reflecting updated rainfall data and changing conditions over the past two decades.
While these maps aren’t final yet, they signal what’s coming—more properties could eventually fall into zones where flood insurance is required for federally backed loans.
Here’s the bigger issue most business owners overlook:
👉 Flood damage isn’t covered under standard property policies. [fema.gov]
In a market like Houston, waiting until it’s required can leave a serious coverage gap.
The better approach is to understand your exposure now—and make an informed decision before the next storm, not after.
If you’d like a quick review of your current coverage or flood options, I’m always happy to be a resource.
Chris Wehe
Ellard Insurance
📧 [email protected]
📞 281-827-0990
🌐 www.ellardinsurance.com

[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-skl-impact-5-18-2026" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://communityimpact.com/houston/spring-klein/real-estate/2026/05/15/how-femas-draft-flood-maps-could-impact-insurance-requirements-in-the-coming-years?beehiiv_id=[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-skl-impact-5-18-2026

FEMA requires all property owners with a federally-backed mortgage living in a 100-year floodplain—areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding—to obtain flood insurance through private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program, known as NFIP.

05/19/2026

[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-wdl-impact-5-15-2026" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://communityimpact.com/houston/the-woodlands/real-estate/2026/05/14/retail-rental-rates-up-in-the-woodlands-area-as-of-early-may?beehiiv_id=[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-wdl-impact-5-15-2026

The office sector in The Woodlands area saw slightly higher occupancy in leasing this May compared to the previous year.

05/18/2026

[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-wdl-impact-5-18-2026" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://communityimpact.com/houston/the-woodlands/transportation/2026/05/15/7-road-projects-in-the-woodlands-area-to-watch-in-may?beehiiv_id=[email protected]&utm_source=newsletter.communityimpact.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=htx-wdl-impact-5-18-2026

05/18/2026

Don't forget the Business Advocacy Council event is tomorrow at Black Walnut Café—an opportunity to stay connected, informed, and engaged with the issues shaping our business community.

We’re excited to welcome the President of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, who will share insights on the current state of the energy workforce, emerging trends, and what they mean for businesses here in The Woodlands and beyond. It’s a great chance to hear directly from an industry leader and connect with fellow business professionals.
You can register here to attend:
https://business.woodlandschamber.org/events/details/business-advocacy-council-event-05-19-2026-18725

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $500 for those looking to further support and gain visibility at this event—please reach out if you’d like more details.

05/18/2026

✅ Successful Placement | Ellard Commercial Insurance
Another strong placement for a growing HVAC contractor, where the focus was building a coverage program that protects both the business and the team behind it.
Industry: HVAC / Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor
Coverage Structure:
• Business Owners Policy (BOP) with $1M / $2M liability limits
• Commercial Umbrella providing an additional $1M in protection
• Employment Practices Liability included
• Workers’ Compensation with $1M employer’s liability limits
• Coverage tailored for installation, service, and field operations.
Why This Matters:
Contractors face exposure on every job site—property damage, completed operations, employee injuries, and contractual obligations. This placement brings those pieces together into one coordinated program designed to protect the business from multiple angles while staying competitive on cost.
📍 The Woodlands, TX
📞 Chris Wehe | 281‑827‑0990
📧 [email protected]
👉 If you operate an HVAC or contracting business, I’m happy to be a resource—whether you’re reviewing your current coverage or just want a second opinion on your risk setup.

05/15/2026

What's your worst intersection?

Houston, known for its diversity, culture, growing economy, and urban landscape, is also home to some of the most dangerous streets in the state.