The IFB Beat 4-21 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Happy Easter from all of us! 🐣🌸

Spring is in the air, and we’re celebrating new beginnings—both in the season and here at IFB! This week, we’re excited to introduce you to two more members of the BSC team, as well as new hires who are ready to bring their talents to the table. We’re also celebrating employee promotions and shining a light on the On the Spectrum support group in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.

Be sure to check out this week’s Employee Spotlight, featuring Tileka Porter from our Winston-Salem facility—her story is one you don’t want to miss!

And since it’s Easter, here’s a little fun for you:

🐰 Easter Riddle Time!
Q: What kind of stories does the Easter Bunny like best?

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Easter full of renewal, laughter, and maybe a chocolate bunny or two!

Quote of the week:

“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” ~ Steve Jobs

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

– Meet the IFB Solutions BSC Team: Part 2
– Winston-Salem and Clemmons Facilities: Promotion Announcement
– Welcome to our New Team Members!
– Employee Spotlight: Tileka Porter, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: April is Autism Awareness Month
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– NFB Activities and Events

HR and Opportunities

– Your Wellness Matters!
– New Job Announcements

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

Meet the IFB Solutions BSC Team, Part 2

In the next few editions of The IFB Beat, we will introduce you to the IFB Solutions BSC department. This week we highlight James Caliendo, District Manager – BSC Tactical Stores and Tracye Miller, Sales/Business Development.

James Caliendo

District Manager – BSC Tactical Stores

James Caliendo first discovered IFB Solutions while living in New Jersey, near one of the organization’s locations. Intrigued by the work being done, he joined the team seven years ago and now serves as District Manager of BSC Tactical Stores. In his role, James oversees store operations and personnel, managing Store Managers and the Rock Island Buyer to ensure excellence across all locations.
With a rich and varied career path—including five years in the U.S. Air Force flying a KC-135 aircraft and 11 years as a vice cop in New York—James brings discipline, leadership, and real-world experience to his role. He later transitioned into retail, holding leadership positions with companies like Circuit City and Toys-R-Us in the New York City area. (And no, their closing was not his fault—just ask his boss!)
Reflecting on his time at IFB, James shares:

“After an extensive background in outside retail, I have never experienced the passion that exists here for our mission as a company. It is truly part of all that we do.”

When he’s not leading operations or sharing a good-natured joke about his eclectic resume, James enjoys making the most of life’s adventures and spending time with his beautiful wife, who is the love of his life, and who somehow manages to put up with him!

Tracye Miller

Sales/Business Development

Tracye Miller brings eight years of passion and commitment to her role in Sales and Business Development at IFB Solutions. Her journey with IFB began in Guantanamo Bay, where she discovered the Base Supply Center and became a loyal customer—never imagining she’d one day play a pivotal role in expanding its reach.

Today, Tracye is focused on growing IFB’s impact through the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) program by opening new Base Supply Center (BSC) stores—currently working on exciting opportunities with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. She also builds strategic vendor partnerships, searches federal contract opportunities, provides competitive quotes, and is planning the 2025 Customer Appreciation Events across all 12 BSC locations.

Driven by purpose, Tracye shares, “Mission-driven IFB Solutions has been a dream company for me. Knowing that a successful day on the job may potentially result in making the lives of our blind employees better is the pinnacle of satisfaction. I’m always proud to tell a new customer the IFB story.”

Outside of work, Tracye and her husband are avid camping enthusiasts with a goal to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks. Their adventures are made even more special with their loyal 100-pound Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Buxton, by their side.

Winston-Salem and Clemmons Facilities: Promotion Announcement

We’re excited to share that Frank Ellison has been promoted to Maintenance and Facilities Manager, effective April 16. Frank moves into this role from his previous position as Maintenance Lead.

Frank has been a dedicated member of the IFB Solutions team for 27 years, playing a key role in keeping our equipment running smoothly and supporting building maintenance. In his new position, he will continue those duties while also taking on full responsibility for facilities maintenance at both our Winston-Salem and Clemmons locations. He will continue to report directly to Winston-Salem Plant Manager, Travis Guerra.

Please join us in congratulating Frank on this well-earned promotion!

 

Welcome to our New Team Members!

We are excited to announce the following new hires:

FHS Department- as a Presser/Tester
Under the supervision of Bill Dennis:

• Elia Patino De Martinez (temp-to-perm)
• Bir Tamang

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Tileka Porter, Winston-Salem Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Tileka Porter.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 23 years. I came here through the Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, where I learned many valuable skills that helped me transition to working at IFB. I was also referred by Services for the Blind in Winston-Salem.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I’m funny, laid-back, and very hands-on. I also have a good heart!

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love spending time with my son, especially taking him to places like Urban Air or Dave & Buster’s on the weekends.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Seafood and salads.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy getting along with everyone and working to the best of my ability. I also appreciate the opportunity to work across different operations and learn new things.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Be true to yourself, and God shall pass you.”

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: April is Autism Awareness Month

A time to celebrate neurodiversity, foster understanding, and promote inclusion for those on the autism spectrum.

One of the most powerful ways IFB is coming together around this cause is through the On the Spectrum support group, led by President Winter Robinson. Winter works passionately to create thoughtful and engaging programs for each monthly meeting, with the goal of raising awareness and educating attendees about the many experiences of people on the autism spectrum.

Each session includes a rich variety of learning tools—from videos, books, and music, to crafts, puppets, and open discussions. One important focus is how people with autism are portrayed in the media—both the good and the not-so-good—and how those portrayals shape public understanding.

Every meeting offers a new opportunity to grow in knowledge and empathy. Whether you’re on the spectrum, love someone who is, or simply want to learn more, you’re invited to join the conversation.

Come be a part of On the Spectrum support group —a welcoming, supportive group that meets on the third Thursday of every month.

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:

Pocket Money Brailler for $7.95

Identify paper currency quickly and easily. Small, convenient and easy to use. Carry it on your keychain to always have with you.

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

 

From Our Community

NFB Activities and Events

Submitted by Angela Hanes, Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

Treat Yourself to a Great Cause!

The Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is selling delicious cake slices all month long in April—just $2 each!

Each week will feature a new, mouthwatering flavor.

Craving a slice? Connect with one of our NFB members:

• Angela Hanes (ACS Department)
• Teresa Norway (T-shirts)
• Winter Robison (Markers)

Support a great cause and satisfy your sweet tooth!

You’re Invited: Second Chance Prom

The Forsyth Chapter of The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) presents a night to remember—Pretty in Pink! 🌸✨

📍 Location: The Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center (420 High St., Winston-Salem, NC)
📅 Date: June 7 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $40

💃 Enjoy an evening filled with:
🎶 Live music by EZ Groove Band & DJ Mix Match from Oaks 95.3
🎁 Exciting door prizes
🍽️ Delicious Taste of Jamaica cuisine—back by popular demand!
🍹 Cash bar available

Get your tickets today! 🎟️ Contact:

• Angela Hanes (ACS Department)
• Winter Robison (Markers Department)
• Terry Norway (T-Shirt Department)

All proceeds support NFB educational and outreach services.

 

HR & Opportunities

Your Wellness Matters

Stay on track with your preventive care to meet the 2025 wellness goals—for you and your covered spouse.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Catch health issues early
• No out-of-pocket costs for physical and labs (100% covered)
• Build a strong relationship with your doctor
• Save on medical premiums

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO QUALIFY:

1. Complete a routine physical with labs
2. Schedule and attend a preventive dental cleaning
3. Submit proof of both medical and dental visits (receipt, confirmation letter, or Proof of Physical form) to Tammy Powers’ office, or email them to twhitmire-powers@ifbsolution.org.    Both forms are required to meet the wellness goal.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: MAY 31, 2025

 

New Job Announcements

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

Training Assistant/Sewing Machine Operator III

Education and Work Experience

• • Prior experience operating single and double needle machines
  • Prior experience training others

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=131913&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Administrative Assistant – Asheville, NC Facility

Education and Work Experience

• • Must be able to effectively use Microsoft Word and Excel.

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=131916&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