Business

Giving Back to The World Is Good for Business, Says Sir Richard Branson

Published

10 years ago

May 31, 2016

MELBOURNE, Australia, (FNN NEWS) – If you want to succeed in business, there is an increasing need to consider what you have to give back to the world, according to serial entrepreneur and business legend Sir Richard Branson.

He believes people are tired of seeing businesses simply focus on making profits and want to spend their money with companies that make the world a better place.

Sir Richard Branson was in Australia to launch the Global Corporate Challenge (GCC) — a 100-day corporate well-being experience focused on improving employee health and productivity.

The event just kicked off; with almost 400,000 participants from more than 1,500 organizations in 185 countries expected to participate in 2016. It is the first year the event has taken place since GCC joined the Virgin Pulse family in February this year. Virgin Pulse is the leading provider of software solutions designed to engage employees in improving their well-being, build workplace culture, and drive productivity across organizations around the world.

Sir Richard Branson said, “I’m excited to be in Australia for the launch of the 2016 GCC. It’s my strong belief that business owners have enormous power to do good and this event has been founded on a desire to change people’s lives for the better.”

“Bringing the GCC into the Virgin Pulse family is part of our broader vision to create healthier, more productive workforces. We have already collectively changed the lives of more than 5 million people and together, we aim to improve the lives of millions more.”

GCC CEO Tom Sermon said the GCC’s mission was unabashedly about changing lives and said its growth and expansion were proof that socially responsible goals were good for business.

“The GCC has grown year-on-year since inception and this year’s event is our biggest in history,” he said.

“We have always been very ambitious about reaching as many people as possible with this concept and by joining forces with Virgin Pulse, we’ve massively expanded our potential to do that. Over the past 12 years, the GCC has been rolled out in 185 countries worldwide.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that together with Virgin Pulse and Sir Richard Branson, we have the opportunity to change the lives of an unprecedented number of people and expand at a pace and scale that we previously could only have dreamed about.”

Founder and President of GCC Glenn Riseley said, the secret to the program’s success was not only the positive outcomes but the fact that it’s incredibly entertaining to do.

“The GCC was always intended to be about taking people on a journey to better health and wellbeing in a way that’s so fun and engaging, they don’t even notice it’s good for them,” he said.

“We knew early on that you can’t bore people into making life changes, it has to be enjoyable so we’ve really focused on that. We’ve helped over 2 million people change their lives for the better over the past 12 years and we are looking forward to seeing that number grow dramatically in the years to come.”

“It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling coming to work every day knowing that what we do is going to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

The GCC features a 100 Day virtual journey as part of a 12-month program. A second challenge will be held in September for those who missed the May event.

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Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker

Published

5 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

$Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker$

BOYNTON 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 ago

June 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

DAVIE, 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 ago

April 19, 2026

Willie David

Credit ORRA: Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando

ORLANDO, 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.