FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions
nducouer@ifbsolutions.org or 304-685-2393

 

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Sept. 16, 2021) – IFB Solutions, a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem and the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country, announced today that its long-time CEO David Horton will retire effective December 31, 2022.

Horton joined IFB in 2001 as Controller and was promoted to Sr. Vice President of Operations before being named Executive Director in 2008 and later President and CEO in 2015. While at the helm, he has guided the organization through unprecedented mission growth while navigating challenges. Under his leadership, IFB saw its sales more than double from $80 million to $200 million and, closer to Horton’s heart, grew its employment to nearly 1,000 with the majority of positions held by people who are blind or visually impaired. IFB is headquartered in Winston-Salem with additional facilities in Asheville, N.C. and Little Rock, Ark. Horton oversaw the merger and integration of the Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind operations into the IFB Solutions family in 2014, which helped grow additional job opportunities for people who are blind in Arkansas.

“David has been a transformational leader in our organization,” said Bob Newell, Chair of the IFB Solutions Board of Directors. “He has led us through periods of great change, including adding new locations and opening new businesses all while keeping the mission intact of creating life-changing opportunities for people who are blind.”

Recognizing that many people who are blind do not live near an organization like IFB, Horton also led the establishment of IFB’s Workforce Services division in 2011 which provides remote work opportunities for people who are blind all over the country. He also helped IFB create additional jobs with the expansion of its BSC (Base Supply Centers) division in Maryland, Illinois and Florida. The BSC division manages and staffs office supply retail stores serving military bases and government locations.

Another significant driver of IFB’s employment growth is “job conversion” which Horton has championed since joining the organization. By re-engineering manufacturing operations, equipment and services previously limited to sighted workers and making them accessible to those who are blind or low vision, IFB has created new and often ground-breaking opportunities for its employees.

“David’s passion and commitment to IFB Solutions is clearly evident from the first time you meet him,” said Brenda Diggs, incoming Chair of the IFB Board of Directors. “He has an unwavering drive and determination to make a positive difference by raising awareness for the critical importance of providing meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.”

Horton’s leadership also is evident in the growth of IFB’s community involvement and programming. The organization’s Community Low Vision Centers have expanded beyond Winston-Salem to include locations at its campuses in Asheville and Little Rock. IFB’s S.E.E. (Student Enrichment Experience) program works with children in grades K-12 who are blind or visually impaired to build their confidence and independent living skills. Under Horton’s leadership, the program was given a permanent home when Tracy’s Little Red School House opened its doors in Winston-Salem in 2012. Since then, S.E.E. has expanded to serve children and families not only in Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Asheville, but all over the country reaching kids through summer camps and after-school programs.

On a state and national level, Horton is a recognized leader. He works closely with National Industries for the Blind and served on the board of the National Association for Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB). In North Carolina, Horton served until very recently as Board Chairman of the NC State Commission for the Blind, which is a governor-appointed position and serves as an advisory council to the NC Division of Services for the Blind.

Prior to retirement, David will continue to build out IFB’s manufacturing and services capability developed over decades of working with the federal government and The AbilityOne Program, and strategically expand IFB’s footprint into emerging opportunities to serve new commercial business channels.

IFB Solutions and its Board of Directors have appointed a search committee from the board representing diverse leaders with a long history of service to the organization. The search committee, which is chaired by current Board Chair Bob Newell, has engaged a search firm and expects to make a selection in the 3rd quarter of 2022.

ABOUT IFB SOLUTIONS
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

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For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Nicole Ducouer

nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (August 24, 2021) – Wise Eyes Family Eye Care is now open at 631
Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem with a special connection to its next-door neighbor Twenty200
Eyewear operated by local nonprofit IFB Solutions. IFB Solutions is the largest employer of people
who are blind in the country.

Wise Eyes optometrist Dr. Lindsay Totten wants her practice to have a broader community impact
by making it convenient for her patients to purchase stylish and affordable eyeglasses and also
help create local jobs for people who are blind. Eyeglasses purchased at Twenty200 Eyewear are
made by IFB Solutions employees at the nonprofit’s optical lab just a few miles away on the IFB
campus off Silas Creek Parkway.

“When I began planning for my own practice after many years of working for larger eyecare
companies, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the community,” said Dr. Totten. “As someone
who cares deeply about vision, I cannot think of a better local partner than IFB Solutions who is
doing so much for children and adults who are blind or low vision.”

Dr. Totten is currently taking new patients and encourages all adults and children to have regular,
annual eye exams. Information about her practice can be found at www.WiseEyesOfWinston.com
or by calling Wise Eyes Family Eye Care at (336) 830-8061. In addition to providing primary eye
care, Wise Eyes specializes in emergency eye care, eye disease and contact lenses.

“The pandemic has strained all of us mentally and physically, and that is especially true for our
vision,” she said. “For students who spent so many months as virtual learners and adults working
remotely, it’s very hard on the eyes to stay focused on screens for long periods of time. I’m seeing
more patients with headaches from eyestrain as well as those who now need corrective lenses.”
Many people have put off their annual eye exams creating delays in early detection of eye
diseases and conditions. “I’m a strong proponent of early detection,” said Dr. Totten. “Every Wise
Eyes patient receives a baseline scan using specialized equipment designed to identify cellular
changes to the eye otherwise not visible to the naked eye. By catching eye diseases early, we can
begin treatment and save a lot of vision.”

ABOUT WISE EYES FAMILY EYE CARE
Wise Eyes Family Eye Care is located at 631Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem and provides
comprehensive eye care for the entire family, including pediatrics, contact lenses, and ocular
emergencies. Independent optometrist Dr. Lindsay Totten specializes in managing ocular diseases
such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, and dry eyes. Dr. Totten is trained in the areas of
primary care optometry, emergency eye care, ocular disease, contact lenses and pediatrics. She
believes that the best health care relationships are built on mutual trust and strives to involve patients in
personal decisions about their care. To book your appointment, call (336) 830-8061. Wise Eyes Family
Eye Care is open 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m., Monday through Friday. More at www.WiseEyesOfWinston.com.

ABOUT TWENTY200 EYEWEAR
Twenty200 is a brand of IFB Solutions that offers a range of eyewear in approachable styles with a
focus on kind, patient service. The Twenty200 name reflects the mission powering the brand: while
20/20 is perfect vision, 20/200 is the threshold for legal blindness. Our brand is a proud declaration of
our purpose: supporting your vision while creating opportunities for people who are blind.
Our available lens brands include Varilux®, Transitions®, Crizal®, with Kate Spade®, RayBan®, Oakley®, and Costa® frames. Eye exams available next door at Wise Eyes Family Eye Care. Located at 631
Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem. twenty200.org.

ABOUT IFB SOLUTIONS
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and
services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind
in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and
Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and
producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and
operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well
as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps,
afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services
through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org
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For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Nicole Ducouer

nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

IFB Solutions Names Milliken & Company Partner of the Year

SPARTANBURG, SC (June 15, 2021)—Milliken & Company has been named Partner of the Year by IFB Solutions. In its 15th year, the prestigious award is given to the partner who has stood out as an organization that has gone beyond the board room to support opportunities for people who are blind. Milliken was selected from more than 400 IFB vendors.

“It’s an honor to receive an award of this caliber from a partner like IFB,” said Chad McAllister, executive vice president of Milliken & Company and president of the Textile Division. “IFB has shined a light on how to do business for good, going above and beyond to positively impact their community. We are honored to call them a partner and look forward to continuing to support their mission for years to come,” he adds.

Milliken has been working with IFB, a US-based manufacturer who provides employment to people who are blind or visually impaired, since 2008 as a U.S. military fabric supplier. Since then, the partnership has provided more than 245,000 hours of work for people who are blind or visually impaired. In addition to the business relationship, Milliken has donated more than $30,000 to IFB over the years to support jobs, training, and services for the blind.

“All of us at IFB Solutions are incredibly grateful to the Milliken & Company team for their contributions to our mission. As a non-profit, our mission is to provide opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired in need of training, employment, and services. For more than a decade, our partnership with Milliken has provided countless opportunities for adults and children who are blind all over the country resulting in thousands of lives changed for the better,” said David Horton, president, and CEO of IFB Solutions.

 

About Milliken & Company Textile Division

Drawing on more than 155 years of award-winning research and development, the Textile Division of American-based Milliken & Company offers a diverse portfolio of technical textiles serving a broad range of global markets, including apparel, automotive and transportation, building and infrastructure, hospitality, industrial, military, specialty interiors, and protective workwear. Focused on enhancing the performance, heightening the protection, and advancing the sustainability of fabrics, Milliken manufactures superior solutions and develops leading innovations that add value to everyday life. We are textile innovators focused on game-changing technologies and materials that impact lives and transform industries. Learn more at textiles.milliken.com.

 

About IFB Solutions

IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs, and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Ducouer

nducouer@ifbsolutions.org, M 304-685-2393

Winston-Salem, NC (May 25, 2021)—IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the U.S., recently recognized its Employees of the Year, partners and volunteers who play a vital role in the nonprofit’s mission of employment, training, and services.

Diana Soto of Winston-Salem named overall IFB Solutions Employee of the Year. Diana, who is from Puerto Rico, works as a sewing machine operator in IFB’s Winston-Salem manufacturing facility. With IFB since 2018, she volunteers as a translator during company-wide events, teaches English to Spanish-speaking employees, and is a writer for IFB’s company newsletter. During the Covid pandemic, she volunteered at IFB’s Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse to help care for employees’ children when school was closed and no childcare was available, allowing several Spanish-speaking employees to come to work and earn a paycheck.

Jason Denton named IFB Solutions Asheville Employee of the Year. Jason exemplifies “Mission Possible,” an IFB core value—jumping in to help whenever a job comes his way. A sewing machine operator in the Fuel Handler Coverall department, he joined IFB in 2017. Since then, Jason has worked on several production lines, including t-shirts, belts and paper. He focuses on doing quality work and spreads that work ethic among his peers.  Jason has Retinitis Pigmentosa; he has night blindness and has lost peripheral vision but doesn’t let that slow him down. He loves doing improv and stand-up comedy.

Terrail Richardson named IFB Solutions Little Rock Employee of the Year. Terrail joined IFB in 2015 and has worked in every department in the Little Rock facility. He’s earned promotions three times since joining IFB and currently sets collars in t-shirts which is a difficult job for sighted employees let alone for someone who is visually impaired. Terrail’s positive, upbeat attitude makes him the perfect person to participate in IFB’s Buddy Program helping new employees who are blind become familiar with the facility.

Joseph Rehmatullah of Asheville named IFB Solutions Indirect Labor Career Achiever of the Year. Joseph is completely blind and works in the Asheville facility as an Assistive Technology Trainer. He has earned four master’s degrees and previously owned a language and computer center in Pakistan. Starting in IFB’s Contract Cutting department in 2013, Joseph also worked in sewing and Impulse Merchandise. He began teaching computer skills to co-workers, then broadened to teach children across North Carolina who are blind to use technology through IFB’s S.E.E. program.

Shawn Sims of Little Rock named IFB Solutions Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award. Shawn started at IFB in 2011 as a sleeve machine operator in t-shirts, then was promoted to production assistance and supervisor. She now supervises two departments setting goals focused on quality and process. She is vital to IFB’s Covid-19 safety protocols, assisting in health screenings and helping the medical staff. Shawn, who is sighted, also rallies the team to help fellow employees in need.

Charlie Pine honored with Kathryn Garner Volunteer of the Year award. This award recognizes someone who gives personal time to raise funds, enhance programs and services and raise awareness to support IFB’s mission. Charlie has served on IFB’s Asheville Advisory Council since 2009, including chairing the council from 2011-2014. He also served on the IFB Solutions Board of Directors. In 2010, Charlie played a major role in IFB’s capital campaign, helping raise nearly $1 million to build a Community Low Vision Center at the Asheville facility along with a multi-purpose room, cafeteria and more. He’s a strong advocate for IFB, leading tours, bringing in new Advisory Council members, and introducing customers to the Community Low Vision Center.

Mark Doughton honored as IFB Solutions Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award recipient.  This award is named for the late Commodore Funderburk who was blind, deaf and mute and worked for IFB for 40 years without missing a day. Mark is a long-time member of the IFB Solutions Board of Directors and served as Board Chair. He also was as a member of the IFB Solutions Foundation Board and has played an integral role in IFB’s fundraising efforts including growing community awareness and helping IFB pursue a number of grant opportunities. A dedicated philanthropist, Mark is president of the Stephen Doughton, Jr. Foundation for Leukemia Research (named after his son who is in remission) raising more than $100,000 for research.

 

Milliken and Company named IFB Solutions Partner of the Year. Milliken is a research, design and manufacturing company founded in 1865. The company has partnered with IFB Solutions since 2008 and sponsors the annual IFB Solutions golf tournament, shares business acumen with IFB leadership and provides constant philanthropic support. A long-time advocate for IFB’s mission of jobs, training and services, Milliken has helped secure employment opportunities for people who are blind in N.C. and across the country.

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ABOUT IFB SOLUTIONS

IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

 

 

 

IFB Solutions One of Two Winston-Salem Companies to Win BBB Ethics Award

Media contact:

Nicole Ducouer

nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

May 18, 2021 – Greensboro, NC – Better Business Bureau (BBB) congratulates two Winston-Salem
businesses for winning a 2021 Torch Awards for Ethics:
– IFB Solutions – Winston-Salem
– Frank Myers Auto Maxx – Winston-Salem

The Torch Awards for Ethics is the most prestigious honor BBB can present to a business. Being a
recipient indicates the business not only believes in the high standards of honesty, integrity and
transparency promoted by BBB, but also consistently acts on these standards and continuously
integrates them into its daily practices.

“The Torch Awards for Ethics is not a popularity contest. An independent panel of judges reviews
each nominee and evaluates the company’s demonstrated commitment to business practices that
build trust with employees, customers, and vendors in the marketplace. The winners exemplify
TRUST in the community,” said Brad Huffstetler, Executive Director of the BBB Education
Foundation of Central & Northwest NC.

A three-judge panel evaluated the businesses on four criteria to determine which ones best exemplify TRUST in the community. The criteria are:
1. Character: As CEO, President, Owner, or Executive Director your leadership character sets the tone for your entire organization. As a leader, explain how you behave intentionally and
communicate with your leadership team, employees, customers, and stakeholders in a way
that is consistent with your beliefs.
2. Culture: Illustrate how your organization works toward a culture of trust through clarity of
purpose, empowering employees, and opportunities for growth.
3. Customers: Give examples of internal practices your organization uses to build better
customer relationships.
4. Community: Display organizational programs, contribution, and activities that return value
to and support your community.
In choosing IFB Solutions as a 2021 Torch Award winner, one judge wrote, “It was refreshing to
read about the “Contagious Character” IFB Solutions has been able to maintain over the last 85
years. Their meetings begin with the needs and recognition of their staff before any discussion of spreadsheets. They remind themselves of their mission before they speak about money, and they focus on their advocacy efforts before any other item on their agenda. These employees and
community-focused efforts solidified my vote for IFB Solutions.”

Judges picked Frank Myers Auto Maxx as a winner for their commitment to ethics. One judge
wrote, “Frank Myers ethical-conduct class for employees and its step-by-step guidelines for ethical
customer service offers car buyers a hassle-free experience.”

The finalists up this year are:
-Trinity Solutions, Inc. – High Point
-Go-Forth Pest Control – Greensboro
-Global Contact Services – Salisbury
-Brod Disability Law – Greensboro
-Pat’s Body Shop – Winston Salem
-Xterior, LLC – High Point
-Xtern Software – Greensboro
-The Vineyard Camp and Retreat Center, Inc.- Westfield

The two winning businesses can now compete in the International Torch Awards for Ethics.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2019, people turned to BBB more than 132
million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million businesses and Charity Reports on
11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. BBB of Central & Northwest NC serves 19
counties. This office is one of 108 local, independent BBBs across North America