Business
“GE Appliances Elf-gineers Adapt 100+ Toys for Children with Disabilities This Holiday Season”
Published
2 years agoon
- “GE Appliances Elf-gineers Adapt 100+ Toys for Children with Disabilities This Holiday Season”
- “How GE Appliances Engineers Are Making Play More Accessible for Kids with Disabilities”
- “Inclusive Play: GE Appliances’ Elf-gineers Bring Joy to Children with Disabilities”
GE Appliances ‘Elf-gineers’ Adapt Over 100 Toys for Children with Disabilities
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— This holiday season, GE Appliances, a Haier company, introduced a heartwarming initiative led by its innovative team of ‘Elf-gineers.’ These dedicated employees used their engineering expertise to modify more than 100 toys to make them accessible for children with disabilities. The mission: ensure every child can experience the magic of play, regardless of their abilities.
Key Highlights:
- Customized Toys for Accessibility: Many children with disabilities struggle to use toys with buttons, sounds, and movement. Adapted toys with special switches and tailored features provide these children with the chance to play independently.
- The ‘Elf-gineers’ Workshop: GE Appliances’ mechanical and electrical engineers transformed the company’s air conditioning lab at its Kentucky headquarters into a whimsical elf workshop. Here, they modified over 100 toys to meet the unique needs of local kids.
- Community Impact: The adapted toys are being distributed to non-profits and schools across Louisville, including:
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Visually Impaired Preschool Services
- Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
- Employee Passion in Action: “Our employees have the freedom to explore their passions at work and the ‘Elf-gineers’ choice to use their skills to make a difference for kids in our community is just one way our culture comes to life,” said Rocki Rockingham, Chief Human Resources Officer at GE Appliances.
- Ongoing Commitment to Inclusion: GE Appliances’ commitment to inclusion extends beyond holiday efforts. Other impactful initiatives include:
- The Access Kit: A tactile offering for blind and low-vision appliance owners.
- Collaboration with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast: Revolutionizing milk donation tracking and measurement.
About GE Appliances
GE Appliances, a Haier company, is committed to creating “good things, for life” through innovation and inclusion. Recognized for excellence in diversity and employee engagement, GE Appliances develops a wide range of home products under well-known brands such as Monogram®, Café™, GE Profile™, GE®, Haier, and Hotpoint. The company’s appliances are found in half of all U.S. homes, and it continues to innovate and make a difference in local communities.
For more information on GE Appliances, visit GEAppliancesCo.com.
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Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
Published
6 days agoon
July 6, 2026BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.
Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.
“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”
Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.
Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.
According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.
Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.
Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.
Business
U.S. Marine Veteran Receives Refurbished Vehicle Through NABC Recycled Rides Program
Published
4 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.
Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation
The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.
“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”
From Military Service to Civilian Life
Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.
After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.
With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.
Industry Partners Make a Difference
Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.
Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.
Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
Published
3 months agoon
April 19, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
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