FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         

Contact: Melissa Stanz

melissa@twobpr.com

M (828) 768-1202

 

Asheville, NC (June 10 2019)—Harold Schutte, M.D., served the Asheville community for more than 50 years until his retirement. Thousands of Asheville children called him Dr. Schutte, and parents of those children depended on him to help their children get well and stay well.

 

Dr. Schutte recently received the Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award presented by IFB Solutions, the largest U.S. employer of people who are blind. The award is named for the late Commodore Funderburk who was blind, deaf and mute, and who worked at IFB for 40 years without missing a day of work.

 

Dr. Schutte, also the former State Medical Examiner for Buncombe County, became involved with IFB Solutions in October of 2005 as a member of the IFB Asheville Advisory Board. He’s been instrumental in IFB’s growth over the past nearly 15 years, including the nonprofit’s 20/20 Capital Campaign that raised nearly a million dollars to add a cafeteria and the Community Low Vision Center at the Asheville facility. Dr. Schutte serves on the IFB Solutions Asheville Advisory Board, and he and his wife Margie continue to be involved in IFB’s fundraising and community awareness events in the Asheville area.

 

“Harold Schutte exemplifies the spirit of Commodore Funderburk. Both men dedicated themselves to their cause and both men never, ever considered anything less than total commitment,” said Randy Buckner, Director of Operations, IFB Solutions Asheville. “One of the greatest gifts Dr. Schutte and his partner Dr. Bryan gave us was donating a building on South French Broad adjacent to our former location. That enabled us to sell our facility there and buy the one on Sardis Road.”

 

“Since we were next door to each other on South French Broad I made friends with Randy Buckner and he showed me what they were doing. I believe strongly in their cause,” said Dr. Schutte.

 

Dr. Schutte has a long tenure in the Asheville community. For decades he taught physicians as head of MAHEC family practice teaching program. He was also on the faculty at UNC Chapel Hill and at Duke University. He also spent years at Mission Hospital, where he was Chief of Staff for a time—a rare honor for a pediatrician. He retired from practicing pediatrics in 2002, then trained for and became State Medical Examiner for Buncombe County until 2018.

 

“Receiving this award was very emotional and totally surprising,” said Dr. Schutte. “I’m just so proud of what they do there and continue to support them in any way I can.”

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Apr. 23, 2019) – IFB Solutions recently honored its employees, volunteers, and vendors for their commitment to helping IFB Solutions provide jobs, training, and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. IFB Solutions, a nonprofit corporation with manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Little Rock, Ark., is the nation’s largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired, and provides a broad range of services, including its Community Low Vision Centers, Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse, and SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) after-school and summer camps for children.

Lynn Drake of Winston-Salem was named the overall IFB Solutions Employee of the Year. Lynn joined IFB Solutions almost ten years ago and has worked on 13 different manufacturing operations. She also served as a Low Vision technician at IFB’s Community Low Vision Center. Today, Lynn works as a sewing machine operator on the Physical Training Uniform line and, along with her guide dog, Kenny, is a popular stop on IFB’s regular community tours of its facility.

Charles “Chuck” Gilbert was named the IFB Solutions Employee of the Year for the Asheville facility. He began working for IFB Solutions in 2014 and was joined two years later by his wife who is also blind. A skilled sewing machine operator, Chuck has worked on several production lines including poncho liners, the Extreme Weather Outer Layer garment, and the fuel handler coveralls. His love for his job makes him a natural for welcoming new hires and assisting with training.

Quatisa East was named the IFB Solutions Employee of the Year for the Little Rock facility. She works as a sewing operator of the T-shirt line with exceptional results. Not only is her work of the highest quality, but she consistently increases her production numbers. Quatisa demonstrates a tenacious spirit for doing her absolute best each and every day.

Varnard Lewis of Tampa, Fla., received IFB Solutions’ Milton J. Samuelson Career Achiever Award. Varnard, who is legally blind, oversees the Hazmat Pharmacy operated by IFB Solutions at its Base Supply Center on MacDill Air Force Base. He began his career with IFB in 2002 as part of the customer service team. He left in 2006 to care for his parents before returning to work in 2010. In addition to supervising the Pharmacy team, Varnard is a certified trainer in the Enterprise Environmental Safety and Occupational Health (EESOH) system.

William “Jo Jo” Lindsay of Winston-Salem received IFB Solutions’ Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award.  Jo Jo began working for IFB Solutions in 2015 and is a supervisor in the T-shirt department. In his addition to his duties on the manufacturing floor, Jo Jo routinely volunteers to drive employees to company and non-company events and provides a steadying presence in any type of emergency situation. Jo Jo’s great sense of humor is matched by his unending enthusiasm for IFB’s mission of building life-changing opportunities for people who are blind.

Judy Phillips of Little Rock received IFB Solutions’ Kathryn W. Garner Volunteer of the Year Award.  Judy first became involved with IFB Solutions in 2014 when she was elected to the council for Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind which later became part of IFB. She put her talents to work in creating the IFB Solutions Little Rock’s annual Bingo for Bags fundraiser and has served as the event’s chairperson for the past four years. Bingo for Bags has since generated close to $200,000 in philanthropic dollars for IFB’s employee training and community programs in Little Rock such as the Community Low Vision Center. Judy’s strong belief in IFB’s mission continues to inspire volunteers and donors from across Arkansas and beyond.

Dr. Harold Schutte of Asheville received IFB Solutions’ Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award. The award is named for the late Commodore Funderburk who was blind, deaf and mute, and who worked at IFB for 40 years without missing a day of work. A retired pediatrician and former State Medical Examiner for Buncombe County, Dr. Schutte became involved with IFB Solutions in October of 2005 as a member of the IFB Asheville Advisory Board. He’s been instrumental in IFB’s growth over the past nearly 15 years, including the nonprofit’s 20/20 Capital Campaign that raised nearly a million dollars to add a cafeteria and Community Low Vision Center at the Asheville facility. Dr. Schutte serves on the IFB Solutions Asheville Advisory Board, and he and his wife Margie continue to be involved in IFB’s fundraising and community awareness events in the Asheville area.

Shelco with offices in Winston-Salem and headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., received the IFB Solutions Vendor of the Year Award. Over many years, Shelco has assisted IFB Solutions with numerous expansion and facility projects, including the construction of Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse on IFB’s Winston-Salem campus. This building was carefully designed and built to serve as an exceptional independent living-learning resource for adults and children who are blind or visually impaired. Shelco’s attention to detail during every phase of this project was unparalleled.

In addition to the employee, community and vendor awards, IFB Solutions recognized employees for years of service and perfect attendance. Eleven employees were honored for more than 20 years of service including five employees who reached special milestones. Howard Patterson and Ronald Richardson were recognized for 30 years of service, Clarence Kinard for 40 years of service and Maudeva Willis for 45 years of service.

ON-SITE CONTACT: Alli Romero, SEE Program Coordinator
M (980) 230-9454

CHILDREN WHO ARE BLIND GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH CLASSICAL MUSIC AT THE CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY’S ORCHESTRA OLYMPICS

Local children who are blind or visually impaired are heading to the Orchestra Olympics, a youth-focused program offered by the Charlotte Symphony. The children are part of SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) Charlotte, a new resource in the Charlotte area offering weekend experiences, after-school program and summer camps.

SEE Charlotte program coordinator Alli Romero keeps the activities varied and fun so that the children and their families have a special time to build relationships and share experiences. She also wants the children to participate in the Charlotte community by bringing them to events like the Orchestra Olympics and joining with service projects such as making clay bowls for the upcoming fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank.

SEE Charlotte is run by nonprofit IFB Solutions, based in Winston-Salem and the largest employer of people who are blind. The SEE program is completely free thanks to the generosity of IFB donors and grants. IFB began the SEE program in Winston-Salem more than a decade ago with expansions over the years to Asheville and now Charlotte.

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 more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible the SEE program for children who are blind or visually impaired, IFB Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark., and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem. www.ifbsolutions.org

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

 

MORE THAN 85 OF NORTH CAROLINA’S BEST BLIND BOWLERS COMPETE MARCH 16 IN WINSTON-SALEM TOURNAMENT

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – More than 85 of the best bowlers across North Carolina who all happen to be blind are converging on Winston-Salem for one of the best tournaments of the year on March 16th.

Avid sports fans may think college basketball is the marquee event for this Saturday with the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte, but North Carolina’s bowlers would argue it’s the Charles E. Roane Invitational Tournament in Winston-Salem hosted by the Forsyth County Blind Bowlers.

Clayton Sanders, a sewing machine operator at IFB Solutions in Winston-Salem, is one of the event organizers. Clayton lost much of his vision following a premature birth at less than two pounds. He joined IFB Solutions 10 years ago and joined Forsyth County Blind Bowlers five years ago as a stress reliever. He enjoys the team camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Clayton was IFB’s Employee of the Year in 2017, and frequently speaks about the organization to groups across the country.

More than 85 blind bowlers representing teams from Greensboro, Durham, High Point, Forsyth County, Raleigh and eastern parts of the state are expected.

The Forsyth County team includes many employees of IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, with headquarters in Winston-Salem.

 

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

 

IFB SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ED VEST AS CONTROLLER

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Mar. 19, 2019) – IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, announces the appointment of Ed Vest as Controller.

Vest joins IFB after 25 years with BB&T. He served as BB&T’s Corporate Controller for seven years and most recently was the company’s Corporate Strategy and Funding Manager. Prior to BB&T, Vest worked for Deloitte & Touche.

In his new role at IFB Solutions, Vest will be responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the non-profit’s accounting operations. IFB Solutions generates more than $150 million in sales primarily through contracts with the U.S. government, and employs nearly 1,000 individuals across its three manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark. IFB also operates more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. Through private donations and grants, IFB funds employee training and services as well as community programs such as its Community Low Vision Centers, Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse and the SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) after-school and summer camp programs.

“We are very fortunate to have Ed joining our leadership team,” said IFB President and CEO David Horton. “Our organization continues to grow as we work to create employment opportunities for people who are blind, and it also is very complex with our portfolio of products, government contracts and crucial community programs.”

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

 

LOCAL SCHOOLCHILDREN TO RECEIVE FREE EYEGLASSES WITH 3D LENS TECHNOLOGY AS IFB SOLUTIONS AND LUXEXCEL CELEBRATE FIRST YEAR OF PARTNERSHIP

WHAT: Nearly 20 local schoolchildren will receive a free pair of eyeglasses as local nonprofit IFB Solutions and technology developer Luxexcel celebrate one year of partnership. The eyeglasses will feature lenses made with IFB’s 3D printer developed by Luxexcel. It is the world’s first commercial 3D printer of ophthalmic lenses.

For several of the children, this will be their first pair of eyeglasses and something both IFB and Luxexcel hope will help them in the classroom. According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-age children have vision problems that, if left untreated, can affect learning ability, personality and adjustment in school.

“One of our biggest challenges in public education is meeting all the needs of children. Their medical, health, and physical needs happen beyond the classroom, but those needs are critically important to a child’s educational success. That’s why we are so grateful to have community partners like IFB and Luxexcel. Their gift of eyeglasses gives these students the gift of vision, something we could never do alone. At school and at home, vision is a vital part of a child’s overall well-being,” said Michael Pesce, WS/FCS Director of Social Work.

Prior to receiving their eyeglasses, most of the children were seen at IFB’s optical center to determine their current vision and select the frame of their choice. (Photos from exam day are attached and included at end of alert.)

IFB and Luxexcel have been partners in bringing 3D printing to the optical industry. Luxexcel spent several years optimizing the technology for the ophthalmic market with IFB coming on board in late 2017 to install the first commercial equipment in its optical lab. IFB uses the technology to help service its optical contracts with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. IFB’s optical lab, staffed primarily by individuals who are blind, averages nearly 1,200 pairs of eyeglasses per day with the majority going to military veterans and their families.

“The children will now be able to see what is happening on the board and have greater clarity when they are reading,” said Dan Kelly, Chief Operating Officer for IFB Solutions. “Plus, they will have bragging rights that their lenses were printed with this very cool 3D technology.”

WHO: Dan Kelly, IFB Solutions; Guido Groet, Chief Commercial Officer for Luxexcel;
students and social workers from WS/FCS

WHEN: Thursday, March 7, 2019, 12 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Official cake-cutting ceremony at 12:15 p.m.

WHERE: IFB Solutions, 7730 North Point Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Enter at the Community Low Vision Center on the left wing of building with blue awning

   

MORE: 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 more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible the Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark., and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem. www.ifbsolutions.org

Luxexcel is the only company in the world with technology which can 3D print custom ophthalmic lenses. The company has optimized its 3D printing technology for prescription lenses allowing the ability to create customized ophthalmic products and to provide a prescription for smart eyeglasses. Along with eliminating operational inefficiencies and providing an eco-friendly solution. www.luxexcel.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allyson Pittman Gattin
501.590.7657

LITTLE ROCK (Feb. 28, 2019) – IFB Solutions Little Rock, formerly known as Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, announced that Curtis Chase has been promoted to director of operations for the Little Rock facility of the nation’s largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired.

As director of operations, Chase will be responsible for running the Little Rock facility. He will oversee a staff of 140, with 75% being blind or visually impaired, in all manufacturing functions to produce production lines including paper products and textiles.

“Curtis has dedicated nearly 19 years with the company and has a tremendous amount of operational experience,” said president and CEO David Horton. “Over the past four years since IFB Solutions acquired Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, Curtis has served the organization through periods of change and growth. He represents the values of the organization and has a passion for creating more jobs for people who are blind.”

Chase joined Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind as plant engineer in 2000. In his nearly 19 years with the organization, he has held multiple positions. Most recently, he served as production manager where he oversaw engineering guides of workstation layouts, and the creation of special guides and fixtures to adapt sewing and cutting equipment making it efficient and safe for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

 

IFB Solutions EARNS 13^TH NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AWARD

ASHEVILLE, NC (February 20, 2019) – Local nonprofit IFB Solutions was honored with the 2018 Employment Growth Award for its efforts to increase employment retention, growth and upward mobility for people who are blind. This is IFB’s 13^th award, which is presented by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) to recognize agencies who are increasing employment and economic opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

In 2018, IFB added 63 jobs for people who are blind, and promoted eight individuals from direct labor to indirect labor positions. The Asheville facility hired 10 of those employees. Across its three locations in Asheville, N.C., Winston-Salem, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., IFB employs nearly 500 people who are blind or visually impaired making it the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country.

“IFB Solutions plays a vital role in drawing people to this area,” said David Horton, IFB Solutions President and CEO. “Many of our 63 new hires were individuals who relocated to Winston-Salem because they could not find jobs in their own communities. And for nearly one-third of our total workforce, IFB is their first job opportunity. We cannot emphasize enough the importance that these jobs play in changing the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.”

Jake Padalino, Supervisor, Poncho Line, was hired in the Asheville facility in 2017. Padalino is legally blind, the result of a genetic condition. He’s an avid outdoor person who paddleboards and enjoys whitewater rafting. He was initially hired in Asheville to work in the plant’s sewing department making Extreme Weather Outer Layer and poncho garments for the military. Not long after he was promoted to supervisor through the Upward Mobility program.

“Working at IFB has been a life changing experience for me. As a legally blind person I have always experienced some level of discrimination in the workplace. IFB has provided an opportunity for meaningful employment in a non-discriminatory environment with competitive compensation and excellent benefits, as well as avenues for promotion. When I was promoted to supervisor I was able to discontinue all government assistance and begin providing a comfortable living for myself,” said Padalino.

According to NIB, 70 percent of working-age Americans who are blind are not employed. The success of agencies like IFB Solutions in creating and sustaining employment opportunities for people who are blind is key to changing this statistic.

“IFB Solutions is doing an outstanding job of creating U.S.-based career opportunities for people who are blind,” said NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch. “This is a great example of the unlimited capabilities of people who are blind working across the country.”

IFB Solutions’ local footprint in Asheville includes large-scale manufacturing operations and a Community Low Vision Center.

 

About IFB Solutions (IFB)

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 more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible the Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark., and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem. www.ifbsolutions.org

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

 

IFB Solutions Earns 13th National Employment Growth Award

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Jan. 28, 2019) – Local nonprofit IFB Solutions was honored with the 2018 Employment Growth Award for its efforts to increase employment retention, growth and upward mobility for people who are blind. This is IFB’s 13^th award, which is presented by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) to recognize agencies who are increasing employment and economic opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

In 2018, IFB added 63 jobs for people who are blind and promoted eight individuals from direct labor to indirect labor positions. Across its three locations in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., IFB employs nearly 500 people who are blind or visually impaired making it the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country.

“IFB Solutions plays a vital role in drawing people to this area,” said David Horton, IFB Solutions President, and CEO. “Many of our 63 new hires were individuals who relocated to Winston-Salem because they could not find jobs in their own communities. And for nearly one-third of our total workforce, IFB is their first job opportunity. We cannot emphasize enough the importance that these jobs play in changing the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.”

Anastasia Powell, IFB’s Adult Program Coordinator, knows firsthand the transformative impact of a job with IFB, and her subsequent promotion through the Upward Mobility program. “Fourteen years ago, as a blind, single mother, I needed a way to support my kids. IFB Solutions not only opened their arms and gave me a job, but they also invited me to take part in the Upward Mobility program which encourages personal and professional growth,” she said. “I went from sewing machine operator to manager of programs. Now I give back to the community that accepted me from the start. I feel whole again and can take care of my children and that means the world to me.”

According to NIB, 70 percent of working-age Americans who are blind are not employed. The success of agencies like IFB Solutions in creating and sustaining employment opportunities for people who are blind is key to changing this statistic.

“IFB Solutions is doing an outstanding job of creating U.S.-based career opportunities for people who are blind,” said NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch. “This is a great example of the unlimited capabilities of people who are blind working across the country.”

IFB Solutions’ local footprint in Winston-Salem includes large-scale manufacturing operations, a comprehensive optical lab, Community Low Vision Center and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse which houses its SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) programs for children in grades K-12.

“Our mission is to provide opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired in need of training, employment, and services,” said Horton. “Everything we do is guided by our belief that all people who are blind or visually impaired have the right to succeed in every area of life.”

 

About IFB Solutions (IFB)

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 more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible the Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark., and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem. www.ifbsolutions.org