IFB Beat – Week of May 28, 2024

A Message from the Editor

Greetings all! On Memorial Day we honor military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. To those who gave the ultimate sacrifice – thank you.

With the Monday holiday, this shorter week is still a busy one! In this week’s issue:

Thanks for reading the IFB Beat and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager

apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Round 2 of Coffee with the CEO is Here!
– Meet IFB’s HR Team
– See what S.E.E. is Doing
– IFB Support Groups
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– Benefits Enrollment is NOW OPEN
– Reminder: Apply for the Tina Bess and Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship for 2024-2025 Academic Year
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

Round 2 of Coffee with the CEO is Here!

Dan Kelly Headshot

After the successful completion of round one, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your active participation in the Coffee with the CEO. Your honesty and feedback were greatly appreciated.

Starting the week of March 27, we are excited to roll out round two. This is another chance for Dan Kelly to meet our new hires, hear your updates in small groups, and share his vision for the future of IFB Solutions. It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions that arose from the first round and to get to know the CEO better.

The format remains conversational, with each session lasting forty-five minutes and including eight to ten employees. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. Stay tuned for your scheduled time to talk to the CEO, which will be coordinated with your supervisors!

 

Meet the HR Team!

In the next few editions of the IFB Beat, we will introduce you to the IFB Solutions HR department. This week we start with Luyann Ledesma, Director of Human Resources and Angela Jordan, Director of Compliance, Environmental Health, and Safety.

Headshot for Luyann Ledesma

Luyann Ledesma: Director of Human Resources

Luyann Ledesma has been a dedicated member of the IFB team for eight years. She discovered IFB through a friend from church, and since then, she has been deeply committed to the organization’s mission and values.

As the Director of Human Resources, Luyann oversees all HR operations, including recruiting, employee relations, benefits, payroll, and HR compliance. Her role is crucial in ensuring that the HR department runs smoothly and efficiently, supporting both the organization’s goals and the needs of its employees.

Reporting to Luyann is a talented team, including Angela Jordan (Director of Compliance, Environmental Health, and Safety), Brent Burkholder (HR Project and Recruitment Manager), Cheryl Krest (Payroll Supervisor), Mary Hunter (Employee Relations Manager), and Tammy Powers (Benefits administrator). Together, they work diligently to create a positive and inclusive work environment.

Reflecting on her experience at IFB, Luyann shares, “It is a blessing working for a cause and making a difference in employees’ lives at IFB. Being able to help and work with people who are blind and visually impaired has been an extremely rewarding and humbling experience.”

Outside of her professional life, Luyann is a proud graduate of Salem College and a devoted mother of two active children. She enjoys supporting her kids in their various activities, cuddling with the family dog, spending time with friends and family, dancing the night away, and traveling the world.

Luyann’s commitment to IFB and her passion for helping others make her an invaluable asset to the organization and a cherished leader among her colleagues.

 

Headshot for Angela Jordan

Angela Jordan: Director of Compliance, Environmental Health, and Safety

Angela Jordan has been a dedicated member of the IFB team for over 12 years, recently celebrating her impressive tenure with the organization. She discovered IFB through a job posting she stumbled upon while searching the internet for a position in her field.

As the Director of Compliance, Environmental Health and Safety, Angela’s primary responsibilities include ensuring employee safety and maintaining HR compliance with various regulatory agencies. She takes pride in being a supportive teammate, collaborating with others in any capacity needed to benefit the organization.

Angela oversees a team that includes Claudia Molinero, Canteen Expediter, and Harvest Williams and Michael Baker, Van Drivers. Her leadership style is marked by a blend of professionalism and approachability, fostering an environment of trust and accountability within her team.

Reflecting on her experience at IFB, Angela shares, “You know I have jokes, right? 😊 In all seriousness, when I think of my time here at IFB, and life in general, it’s to take nothing for granted and bloom where you are planted.”

Outside of work, Angela enjoys traveling and cherishing moments with family and friends. In Angela Jordan, IFB has found a compassionate leader and a true team player. Her unwavering commitment serves as an inspiration to all within IFB.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

This picture expresses our feelings in this place of wonders. Picture – a projection of a rainbow with the words “Happy day” underneath

Once again, the S.E.E. After School kids explored the hands-on stations at Kaleideum where learning is reimagined. From creating structures in By Design to racing Lego cars they built In Motion, we enjoyed water tables, theater, and storytelling, plus a snack in the Canteen. This picture expresses our feelings in this place of wonders.

 

IFB Solutions Support Groups:

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Support Group Update

Attention Winston-Salem facility employees! The IFB Solutions Programs Team is looking for a volunteer from the manufacturing floor to lead the RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) support group. This group offers a wonderful opportunity to gather, share resources, and discuss experiences. We meet monthly on the first Wednesday at 12 PM in Tad’s room.

If you’re interested in leading this group, please reach out to Kim Shoffner at kshoffner@ifbsolutions.org or call 336-245-5669. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 5 at 12 PM in Tad’s room.

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

Operating Hours Update

The Winston-Salem Community Low Vision Center will be operating from 8:00am until 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 29. Note, this is the only day the hours will be altered. If you have any questions, please contact Low Vision associate Toni Fraser at 336-245-5672.

CLVC Item of the Week:

Talking Typing Teacher – Standard

Talking Typing Teacher – Standard for $99.95. Screen Reading Software Helps You Learn to Type

Discover Talking Typing Teacher, a revolutionary new typing program that’s ideal for the blind and visually impaired. At home or in the classroom, Talking Typing Teacher is the perfect software solution for anyone who wishes to learn how to type.

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Insider Corner

Scenic description app developed by Honda and Perkins School for the Blind Howe Innovations

Submitted by Kim Shoffner

Honda Introduces Scenic Audio: New AI-Based App for The Visually Impaired (Audio Descriptions) | Honda | YouTube.com | April 13, 2024

Learn more about how Honda has developed an innovative web application utilizing AI technology to help expand the joy of the journey to the blind and visually impaired. See how Honda Scenic Audio achieves this by creating and narrating nuanced real-time scenic audio descriptions of the world outside the car window. Developed in partnership with the Perkins School for the Blind’s Howe Innovation Center, Scenic Audio is the first AI-powered accessibility app built to enhance journeys in cars and other modes of transportation for the visually impaired.

From “Top Tech Tidbits” May 9, 2024

 

HR & Opportunities

2024 Benefits Enrollment is NOW OPEN

2024 Benefits Open Enrollment is May 27, 2024 – June 7, 2024. Take advantage of this chance to review and update your benefits. Please note, this is a passive enrollment period; however, medical, and dependent flexible spending account elections from last year will NOT carry over.

View the Benefits Guides via the links below:

  • For Hourly Employees, click here.
  • For Hourly Admin and Salaried Employees, click here.

Action is required if:

  • You want to enroll in the Medical Flexible Spending Account or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • You need to drop one or more benefit(s)
  • You want to add one or more benefit(s)
  • You want to qualify for the Wellness Incentive Program
  • You need to add or remove a dependent to/from one or more plans
  • You need to add or remove a beneficiary and change beneficiary designations

How do I enroll?

  • Paycom Employee Self Service
  • Email twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org to be assigned a one-on-one meeting session for assistance with entering your Open Enrollment changes. Please put “OE Meeting Request” in the subject line of the email.
  • Manufacturing Employees – Inform your supervisor you would like to request a meeting with HR at your location

Wellness Incentive Reminder

Planning to enroll in our medical benefits? Benefit-eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Incentive Program on an annual basis. This program offers discounted premiums for our medical plans if the employee and spouse meet the wellness goals. For additional information on the Wellness Goals and Proof of Physical requirements, please refer to the documents below. Proof of physical exams, lab work, and dental cleanings may be emailed to twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org by June 7, 2024. You may also give the documents to your supervisor to bring them to the benefits area. To qualify, physical exams and dental cleanings must have occurred between January 1, 2023 and June 7, 2024.

2023-2024 Wellness Incentive

Medical Routine Preventative Care Form

Dental Routine Preventative Care Form

 

 

Reminder: Apply for the Tina Bess and Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship for 2024-2025 Academic Year

IFB offers its employees two scholarships to further their post-secondary education. The Tina Bess Scholarship and Daniel J. Boucher scholarship are offered to our employees and direct dependents to continue their education in accredited universities or colleges and is described below. There is a formal process that individuals must follow to be considered for a scholarship also described below:

  • The Tina Bess Scholarship is for blind, visually impaired, or sighted employees – who are full-time, are in good standing and have completed 1 year of service. Tina Bess was employed at IFB for 30 years as a Production Assistant. She was recognized as the 2001 Career Achiever and twice honored as the employee of the year. Tina was best remembered by her peers as a mentor, advisor, and friend. Tina did not allow her vision impairment to hold her back from being independent, instead using her circumstance to maintain a steadfast level of determination, perseverance, and courage. Countless employees during her time at IFB have told stories of Tina’s personal generosity, commitment, and loyalty to them and the organization. Tina’s excellence and inner drive to perform was the priceless personal character contributor to all who came in contact with her.
  • The Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship is for blind, visually impaired, or sighted employees and their direct dependents – the employee must be full-time, in good standing and have completed 1 year of service. Mr. Boucher served as the IFB President from 1996-2008 prior to working in the role of Executive Chairman from 2008 through 2016. During his time as President, he led IFB through tremendous growth establishing new business lines including Optical, BSC store locations, and services, resulting in tremendous growth of blind employment nation-wide. This scholarship was established by a friend of Mr. Boucher’s to honor his legacy and provide opportunities for continued professional development for those Mr. Boucher worked with and held in the highest regard.

To be considered for either scholarship, each applicant must submit a completed application, an acceptance letter from the college or university, a copy of the student ID (front and back), and documentation of the tuition and associated costs.

The deadline for submitting applications and all supporting materials indicated above is Friday, June 7, 2024Supporting materials should be submitted to Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org in an encrypted format. All applications should be completed at the following links:

Tina Bess Scholarship Application: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NURE5WQVY4NlBFSlJQTExHRUNaNVJSNE9OQS4u

Daniel Boucher Scholarship Application: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NUM1Y5RzFGQ0w3VlQ2UDFIQUROVlhQM1lLQS4u

Once all applications and supporting materials are received, the committee will consider each applicant for an award. If chosen, the recipient must show proof of class attendance and must complete all classes with at least a “C” to be considered for future funding. The amount of the scholarship awarded depends on tuition costs submitted, how many applicants are being considered for scholarships and funds being available in each scholarship fund.

For more information, please contact Brent Burkholder at 336-245-5611 or bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.

 

New Job Announcements

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576