IFB Beat – Week of June 3, 2024

A Message from the Editor

Hello everyone! In this edition, we’re thrilled to present round two of Coffee With the CEO, welcome our new hires and introduce two more members of the HR Team. Please remember: 2024 Benefits Enrollment is now open. Lastly, Winston-Salem employees: don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the NFB Second Chance Prom.

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
– Welcome to our new hires!
– 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!

Just a friendly reminder: 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.

Last week, we were excited to roll out round two – thanks to all that participated in the first session. Going forward, this will be an opportunity for Dan Kelly to meet new hires, hear your updates, and share his vision for the future of IFB Solutions, all in a small group setting. 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 highlight Brent Burkholder, HR Project and Recruitment Manager and Amber Frederick, HR Representative/Recruiter.

Brent Burkholder: HR Project and Recruitment Manager

Brent Burkholder has been an integral part of IFB for the past 11 years. His journey with the organization began through his participation in the NIB Fellowship for Leadership Development Program, which introduced him to IFB’s impactful mission.

As the HR Project and Recruitment Manager, Brent leads recruitment activities across all IFB locations and business lines, ensuring a smooth process from posting positions to onboarding new employees. He develops and nurtures relationships with community partners nationwide, aiming to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind. Additionally, Brent manages all HR-related projects within the organization. Amber Frederick, HR Representative/Recruiter reports directly to Brent, benefiting from his leadership and guidance.

Reflecting on his experience at IFB, Brent shares, “It has been a true joy to work at IFB. As someone who is blind, I have a passion to support our mission through spearheading efforts to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind.”

Outside of his professional life, Brent enjoys college football, golf, and sports in general. He loves traveling, particularly to the beach, and above all else, he cherishes spending time with his wife, rescue dog, and family. In Brent Burkholder, IFB has found a true leader to drive IFB’s mission of employing people who are blind!

Amber Frederick: HR Representative/Recruiter

Amber Frederick has been with IFB for a few months, joining the team after learning about the company while it was a client of her previous employer. In her role as an HR Representative and Recruiter, Amber is dedicated to finding and recruiting qualified individuals for open positions within IFB. She also extends her recruiting expertise to other departments, including administrative and workforce services.

Amber is a vital part of the HR team, contributing to the growth and success of the company. Reflecting on her experience at IFB, she shares a favorite quote: “The expert in everything was once a beginner,” which encapsulates her approach to both her own professional development and her recruitment philosophy.

Amber is married and enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her bonus son and two dogs. In her free time, Amber loves to dance, travel, and watch her favorite TV show, “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”. We are glad to have Amber as a part of the HR Team!

 

Welcome to our new hires!

Mack Kelleher

We are delighted to welcome Mack Kelleher back to IFB Solutions! We are thrilled to have him rejoin our team as a sewing machine operator, under the supervision of William Lindsey. With his expertise and dedication, we are confident that Mack will make valuable contributions to our operations. Welcome back, Mack!

Demetrious Hardy

We are pleased to extend a warm welcome to Demetrious Hardy as she joins IFB Solutions as a Customer Service Representative. Under the guidance of Shannon Satterfield, Demetrious will play a pivotal role in ensuring excellent customer service to our customers. We are confident that Demetrious will be a beneficial asset to our team. Welcome aboard, Demetrious!

 

IFB Solutions Support Groups:

 

Last Call! The Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation for the Blind invites you to the Second Chance Prom!

Dance the night away all over again! The Forsyth chapter of the NFB is hosting the Second Chance Prom! This is a fun opportunity for you to enjoy a night of dancing, food, and prizes! It’s a formal affair so, dress your best!

When: Saturday, June 8, 2024

Where: Hampton Inn & Suites Winston-Salem Downtown Hotel, 235 Cherry St.

Time: 7:00pm

Cost: $35 per person

Tickets are on sale now! To purchase contact NFB president Angela Hanes (ACS department) or any NFB member.

Reminder: 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

Coming Soon: Sale with Great Discounts!

On Wednesday, June 12th, we are offering 20% off large face and talking clocks in stock in TAD’s Room in Winston-Salem and in the Low Vision Center in Asheville. Spread the word and come take advantage of the sale!

CLVC Item of the Week:

Corn on the Cob Kernel Stripper Zipper for $4.95

This handy kitchen tool is a must-have for grilling season and picnics! No cook should be without one. If you have a picky eater in your family who likes corn, but not on the cob, here is the easy way to satisfy them!

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

Accessible Pharmacy Presents: Blindness and Mental Health Summit

Friday, June 14, 2024, at 12:00PM ET

Join them for the first annual Blindness and Mental Health Summit! The Summit is the largest online gathering of organizations and consumers sharing information, resources, and services focusing on mental health in the blindness, low vision, and disability communities.

• 100% virtual
• ASL interpretation
• CE credit available

The Summit is a 2-part event:

• Part 1 – Speaker Series
• Part 2 – Exhibit Hall

Register for free to learn from our growing list of thought leaders in the blindness and mental health communities:
American Council of the Blind Mental Health and Wellness Committee

Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)

• Be My Eyes
• Eye2Eye Peer Support Program for Vision Loss
• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Helen Keller Services
• Intuitive Counseling and Wellness
• Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• National Federation of the Blind Human Services Division
• Prevent Blindness
• Thriving Blind Academy
• World Blind Union
• 988 Crisis Prevention Hotline

Register here: BLINDNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT 2024 – ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

 

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
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Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576