The IFB Beat 1-6 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello, everyone! I hope this week’s edition of The IFB Beat finds you energized and ready for a fantastic week ahead! Here’s what’s happening:

• We’re excited to welcome back a valued team member to the Winston-Salem plant this week.
• Leadership Essentials: Don’t forget to submit your application by January 10 if you’re interested in this opportunity.
• Mammogram Screenings: Mark your calendars for February 4 and take advantage of this important health service.

Thank you for staying connected with The IFB Beat. Wishing you a productive and wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Welcome Back to the IFB Team!
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Students Enjoy ‘A Christmas Carol’
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Celebrate the New Year at Kaleideum!
– Cord Cutter News: You Can Now Call ChatGPT & Ask Questions on The Phone

HR and Opportunities

– WS and Clemmons Annual Mammogram Screenings – February 4, 2025
– Reminder: W-S 2025 Leadership Essentials Training Class – Sign Up Today!
– New Job Announcements

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

Welcome Back to the IFB Team!

Please join us in welcoming Norissa Lee, who will be rejoining IFB as an assembler/packer in the markers department. Norissa previously worked with us from 2019 to 2024, and we’re excited to have her back on the team. She will be working under the supervision of Tina Jolly. We look forward to her continued contributions and success here at IFB!

 

IFB Programs Update: S.E.E. Students Enjoy ‘A Christmas Carol’

The S.E.E. kids Enjoyed the play “A Christmas Carol” at the Milton Rhodes Community Theater. We had our picture taken with Bob Cratchit after the show. The director and cast were great in allowing us to meet the players, touch some props, feel the fabric of their costumes, and listen to some of the sounds that might be startling. What a wonderful evening!

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Jumbo Print Calendar 2025 for $8.95

Bold, black numbers on white background with room to make notes in each box. This low vision calendar also includes pages for users to write notes and track appointments at top of each page. Opens to a large 22 x 17-inch size.

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

 

From Our Community

Celebrate the New Year at Kaleideum!

Submitted by Kaleideum Winston-Salem

Kaleideum After Dark: Mad Mixtures
Saturday, January 11
6:30-9:30 pm

We’re stirring up science with spirits, playing with non-Newtonian fluids, and making our own slime during this hands-on 21+ event that is delightfully entertaining. DJ Heck Yeh and Karaoke in the Dome will keep the party going.

$20 online, $25 at the door. Ticket includes two drink vouchers for beer and wine. There will be a full cash bar, signature cocktails, and a food truck out front.

 

Cord Cutter News: You Can Now Call ChatGPT & Ask Questions on The Phone

Submitted by Lawrence Carter, President Raleigh/Wake, American Council of the Blind

You Can Now Call ChatGPT & Ask Questions on The Phone

In a move to increase accessibility, OpenAI has announced that its popular AI assistant, ChatGPT, is now available on landlines and WhatsApp. Users can call 1-800-CHATGPT to access the service or text ChatGPT through the messaging app.

“OpenAI’s mission is to make artificial general intelligence beneficial to all of humanity,” said Kevin Weil, OpenAI’s chief product officer, during a livestream. “Part of that is making it as accessible as possible to as many people as we can. Today, we’re taking the next step and bringing ChatGPT to your telephone.”

The landline experience mirrors OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode, allowing users to engage in real-time conversations with ChatGPT and ask questions or request tasks like language translation. U.S. users receive 15 minutes of free calling, after which standard carrier fees may apply.

The WhatsApp integration offers a text-based interaction with ChatGPT, providing a simple back-and-forth exchange. While lacking the customization options of the official ChatGPT app, this method allows users to engage with the AI without needing an account. However, a daily usage limit applies, prompting users to download the app or use the web version upon reaching the limit.

OpenAI plans to enhance the WhatsApp experience with features like image analysis and web search in the future.

These expansions mark a significant step in OpenAI’s efforts to make AI more accessible to a wider audience, including those who may not have access to smartphones or prefer alternative communication methods.

This move has generated excitement among those who see the potential benefits of increased AI accessibility. However, it also raises concerns about potential misuse and the ethical implications of widespread AI adoption. As AI technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into daily life, it is crucial to consider both the potential benefits and risks.

https://cordcuttersnews.com/you-can-now-call-chatgpt-ask-questions-on-the-phone/

 

 

HR & Opportunities

WS and Clemmons Annual Mammogram Screenings – February 4, 2025

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5644. 

Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer, and Novant Health Breast Center is making it easy to get your annual mammogram.

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the mobile unit will be at the Winston-Salem location. Manufacturing employees please notify your supervisor to submit a ticket requesting an appointment. Admin and salaried employees contact Tammy Whitmire-Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org or call 336.245-5644 for an appointment.

Spaces are limited.

 

Winston-Salem 2025 Leadership Essentials Training Class – Sign Up Today – Deadline January 10

For more information, reach out to Brent Burkholder, bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org. 

IFB Solutions is pleased to be partnering once again in 2025 with Guildford College to offer a training opportunity for our associates. The training will be titled Leadership Essentials. The target audience for this training opportunity is open to the following associates:

• Past participants of the Business Essentials training offered with Guildford College
• Hourly IFB associates in Winston Salem who meet all criteria set forth on the Leadership Essentials Application
• Those associates that work in a supervisory role that meet all criteria set forth on the Leadership Essentials Application.

Some topics that will be covered in this participant focused training include:

• DAC Framework for Effective Leadership – Train your people in how to build and achieve direction, alignment, and commitment — a requirement for effective leadership.
• Conflict Resolution – Address conflict in a more productive way at your organization. Upskill your team’s conflict resolution skills so they’re willing to step up to conflict.
• Influence – Influence is about the business of getting things done. Develop your team’s influencing skills so they can drive priorities forward more effectively.
• Feedback That Works – Help your leaders give and receive effective, direct, and timely feedback with a leadership development workshop on feedback that works.

To be eligible to participate in this course, associates must meet the following course requirements:

• Submit A completed Leadership Essentials Application which can be found at the link below.
• Submit A copy of the applicants resume via email to Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.
• All associates must be employed with IFB for at least 6 months
• All participants must have satisfactory attendance and job performance
• All associates must have their computer skills assessed by the Workforce Development team (HR will scheduled and coordinate this assessment).
• All associates must be recommended by their supervisor to participate in this training (HR will obtain recommendation).

Applications are available at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NUN0RPUTk5U1YyTFM1WDdZSFlCRTk5SkxLUy4u

The deadline to have the application and all supporting materials submitted for consideration is Friday January 10, 2025. All supporting documents should be submitted to Brent Burkholder via email at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org. For more information or questions please contact Brent at 336.245.5611.

 

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.

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929