The IFB Beat 4-7 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello everyone! This week, The IFB Beat features a look at our recent Years of Service celebrations, and information on how to sign up for our IMPACT newsletter. We’re also sharing a few important reminders about dress code guidelines and upcoming Winston-Salem Trans-Aid informational sessions.

Quote of the week:

“I invite everyone to choose forgiveness rather than division, teamwork over personal ambition.” –Jean-Francois Cope

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Sign Up to Receive IFB IMPACT Newsletter
– Reminder: Dress Code Guidelines Reminders
– Last Call: Winston-Salem Trans-Aid Information Session
– Years of Service Celebrations – Asheville, Winston-Salem and Clemmons Facilities
– Employee Spotlight: Teresa Norway, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: Human Relations Committee
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Blaize Technologies Presents the Latest AI Updates

HR and Opportunities

– ComPsych® GuidanceResources®
– New Job Announcements

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

Sign Up to Receive IFB IMPACT Newsletter

Stay connected with IFB Solutions through our quarterly IFB IMPACT Newsletter, where we share the latest news and inspiring stories with the community. This is your chance to stay informed about the incredible work happening at IFB and how we’re making a difference.

Join us today—sign up and invite your friends and family to do the same! https://ifbsolutions.org/our-news/newsletter/  You can also read archived editions via the same link.
Follow us on:
📌 Facebook
📌 Instagram
📌 LinkedIn

 

Reminder: Dress Code Guidelines: Dressing for the Season while Staying Professional

As we welcome the warmer days of spring, it’s important to enjoy the change in weather while adhering to our dress code. Please take a moment to review our guidelines to ensure a respectful and comfortable work environment for all.

Production Environment

✅ Acceptable Attire:

• Pants, sweatpants, shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses
• T-shirts, pullovers, sweatshirts, athletic shirts, button-up shirts
• Work boots, tennis shoes, casual/athletic shoes, dress shoes

❌ Unacceptable Attire:

• Shorts, skirts, or dresses more than 3 inches above the knee when standing
• Stretch pants, leggings, stirrups
• Tank tops, strapless/halter tops, spaghetti straps, shirtless attire
• Sandals, open-toe or open-heel shoes, shoes with holes or spaces

Office Environment

✅ Acceptable Attire:

• Dress pants, khakis, corduroys, skirts, dresses
• Blouses, sweaters, polo shirts, dress jackets
• Dress shoes (with or without heels), loafers, slides, open-toe shoes, boots, dress sandals, tennis shoes

❌ Unacceptable Attire:

• Jeans, shorts, sweatpants, athletic attire, casual shorts, cotton or nylon sweatpants
• Stretch pants or leggings (unless paired with dresses or long tunics reaching the knee)
• Mini-skirts
• Tank tops, sweatshirts, T-shirts, halter tops, spaghetti straps
• Sheer, ripped, or revealing clothing
• Flip-flops, hiking boots, hiking sandals

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a professional and seasonally appropriate workplace!

 

Last Call: Winston-Salem Facility: Trans-Aid Information Session

To better serve IFB employees, Trans-Aid is planning an on-site information session for both new and existing riders. We are gathering a headcount of those interested to help coordinate the sessions with Trans-Aid and IFB.

Topics will include, but are not limited to:

• New technology updates
• Scheduling procedures
• Subscription services

If you’d like to attend, please sign up with your supervisor. We will share the date and time in a future edition of The IFB Beat. Stay tuned!

 

Years of Service Celebration – Asheville, Winston-Salem and Clemons Facilities

Winston-Salem and Clemmons Facilities

Join us on Tuesday, April 8, as we take a moment to honor our Years of Service Recipients for their dedication to IFB Solutions. The celebration will take place on the manufacturing floor at 11:00 AM, recognizing employees who have reached 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 years with the company.

Special remarks will be given by Dan Kelly, our President and CEO, followed by the recognition of our honorees. Each recipient will receive a plaque and IFB swag as a token of appreciation. Employees celebrating 10, 15, 20, and 40 years will also enjoy a special lunch with the executive team in the TADS room following the ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating these remarkable employees for their dedication, hard work, and years of service!

Asheville Facility

Join us on Wednesday, April 9, as we take a moment to honor our Years of Service Recipients for their dedication to IFB Solutions. The celebration will take place on the manufacturing floor at 11:00 AM, recognizing employees who have reached 5, 10, 15, and 20 years with the company.

Special remarks will be given by the leadership team, followed by the recognition of our honorees. Each recipient will receive a plaque and IFB swag as a token of appreciation. Employees celebrating a service milestone will also enjoy a special lunch following the ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating these remarkable employees for their dedication, hard work, and years of service!

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Teresa Norway

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Teresa Norway at the Winston-Salem Facility.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Waterford, Vermont, but I also lived in North Carolina for four years. I really love the weather here!

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for almost three years—three years in May! I actually heard about the job from an Uber driver who mentioned the company, and that got me interested.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I love to cook, especially grilling, and I enjoy making different types of casseroles.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy live music, dancing, and visiting vineyards. I love to socialize and meet new people!

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Pizza – it’s always a good choice!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love the people and learning about everyone’s different backgrounds.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Stay strong and be who you are.”

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights.

Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

IFB Programs Update: Human Relations Committee

The Human Relations Committee awarded S.E.E. kid Brandon a plaque at their annual awards banquet Thursday, March 27 for making a positive difference. Each of the 91 schools in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County district chose a winner to be recognized at this event. Brandon was chosen from Carter High School where he is a senior. Over 300 people from the greater Winston-Salem area were at the Benton Convention Center Embassy Suites ballroom for the chicken dinner, guest speakers, and the awards presentation. Congratulations Brandon and keep being the wonderful young man you are.

Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups:

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker for $37.95

Want to hear tunes or the news in the morning when getting ready for work? Put this speaker anywhere in your bathroom. It has an internal rechargeable battery. The charging cable is included. It works with Bluetooth and is waterproof!

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

 

From Our Community

Blaize Technologies Presents the Latest AI Updates

Submitted by David Goldfield, Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist

Curious about what’s happening in AI? Want more than just another news video? Join me LIVE every Friday at 5 PM as we break down the biggest AI news of the week—with a spotlight on accessibility and why it matters. It’s your chance to learn, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

Set a reminder, bring your thoughts, and let’s talk AI together.

Join The Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR85Kyborqk

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: ComPsych® GuidanceResources®

Life can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. It doesn’t have to. Your ComPsych® GuidanceResources® program provides confidential counseling, expert guidance and valuable resources to help you handle any of life’s challenges, big or small.

24/7 Live Assistance (855) 239.0743
Group Name – Industries for the Blind (DBA: IFB Solutions)
Group Number – 00056230

ComPsych Overview One Pager (3 Session Plan)

 

New Job Announcements

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

Production Assistant/Trainer – Cabo Rojo, PR Facility

Education and Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years sewing experience required.
• Previous training experience.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=129679&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=129680&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Production Supervisor – Cabo Rojo, PR Facility

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A minimum of three years’ production supervisory experience is required.
• A minimum of three years’ sewing experience is required.
• Knowledge in Lean Manufacturing is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=129687&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=129688&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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