Asheville IFB Solutions trainer Tammy Watson was in a meeting at IFB Solutions (formerly IFB Asheville) when discussions began about helping fund a walking trail adjacent to the building for employees who are blind or visually impaired. Those discussions sparked an idea.

Watson works with many IFB Solutions employees who are blind, teaching them to sew, and she understands the importance of having a blind-friendly trail so people can get outside and walk. As Webmaster for WNC Wheels, a local car club, Watson knew her club raised funds for many worthy causes. So she approached the club to do a fundraiser to help get the trail built, and the response was overwhelming.

“I took this idea to help build a trail for our employees to the club, and we decided to have a car, truck and motorcycle show to help. The club voted unanimously to do it,” said Watson. “We hope to have 200-250 vehicles on display, and all the funds we receive will go to help build the walking trail.”

Watson approached Asheville Outlets marketing experts who agreed readily to host the show. The car, truck, and bike show will be June 11 from 1-4pm at their outdoor location next to Field & Stream.

There is no preregistration to enter, and a $7 fee allows participants to display their vehicles. Each entrant receives a window placard and ballet. Trophies will be awarded for the top five vehicles and Sponsor’s Choice. All proceeds will go to IFB Solutions, formerly Industries for the Blind Asheville.

Watson is asking people to bring their antique or new vehicles, and says that each entrant will receive a goody bag with coupons and other items.

The walking trail requires a special surface so employees who are blind can use their canes to feel the difference between it and the surrounding grass. IFB Solutions Asheville hopes to add some benches, interpretive signage in braille, and a sensory garden in the future, but the immediate need is to get the trail built soon.

To learn more about the event on June 11, contact Tammy Watson at 828.640.4165 or Cory Mihalik, club treasurer, at 828.702.2740. To donate funds to support building the walking trail, visit IFBSolutionsfoundation.org.

IFB Solutions recently honored its employees and volunteers for their commitment to helping IFB 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. In October 2016, the organization announced its name change from Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind to IFB Solutions.

Clayton Sanders of Winston-Salem was named the overall IFB Solutions Employee of the Year.  Clayton was born premature with damaged retinas that left him blind in one eye and with very limited vision in the other.  A native of South Carolina, he heard about IFB Solutions while attending a computer class at the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.  Struggling with employment opportunities in his home state, Clayton moved to Winston-Salem in 2009 to take a job with IFB as a sewing machine operator.  He is active at work and in the community serving as chairman of IFB’s Transportation Committee and representing the more than 100 IFB employees who depend on the local para-transit system.  An avid bowler, Clayton also is a member of the Forsyth Blind Bowlers and the American Bowling Association.

Heather Hoffman was named IFB Solutions Employee of the Year for the Little Rock facility.  Heather joined IFB in 2009 and currently works as a sleeve machine operator in the   T-shirt department.  She regularly sews more than 3,000 T-shirt sleeves each day. Prior to joining the T-shirt team, Heather worked in the bandoleer and paper departments, and also fills in as the facility receptionist.

Grant Weathers was named IFB Solutions Employee of the Year for the Asheville facility as well as the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achiever Award.  A former golf professional, Grant became legally blind in his 20s due to Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.  The vision loss was sudden, and Grant was unable to work for two years.  A friend referred him to IFB Solutions’ Asheville facility, and he was hired in the Impulse Merchandising department.

Grant was promoted to low vision technician for IFB’s Community Low Vision Center (CLVC) in 2016. As a low vision technician, Grant manages the CLVC retail store and works with clients to assess, fit and demonstrate low vision technology to help maximize their vision.  The confidence Grant gained since joining IFB has encouraged him to step back into the world of golf.  Last year, he competed in the American Blind Golf National Championship and is a regular participant in IFB’s Tin Cup Classic golf fundraisers.

Timothy Payne of Winston-Salem received the Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award.  Tim joined IFB Solutions in 2009 working on machinery before joining the mattress department.  He then joined the facilities team where he is actively involved with safety, inspections and ensuring employees have transportation for off-campus activities. As a first responder, Tim also provides first-aid assistance.  He is often recognized for the special care he takes in maintaining the safety and well-being of his IFB Solutions colleagues.

Hannah Ainsworth of Winston-Salem received the Kathryn W. Garner Volunteer of the Year Award for her service to the IFB Community Low Vision Center.  Currently a student at Wake Forest University, Hannah regularly volunteers her time assisting the low vision team and helping with events such as the IFB Solutions After Dark Gala.

W. Robert Newell of Winston-Salem received the Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award. He is chief executive officer of Franklin Street Partners and former president of Wachovia Trust Company. During his 15 years of service to IFB Solutions, Bob has been instrumental in the nonprofit’s growth. He chaired IFB’s capital campaign to expand the Winston-Salem facility in 2002 and guided the organization through the acquisition of Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind in 2013.  He joined the board in January of 2003 and has served numerous terms over the years.  He recently completed a term as chairman of the board and now serves as an ex-officio member.  He also lent his financial expertise as a member of the Investment Committee and the Finance Committee.

In addition to recognizing these six individuals with organization-wide awards, IFB Solutions celebrated numerous service milestones. Fourteen employees received service awards for 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years, and 32 employees were recognized for 10 years of service.

Pre-race festivities and packet pick-up on June 16 include fun activities for the entire family at the Foothills Brewery Tasting Room.

Runners, walkers and volunteers are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 5^th annual A Brighter Path Race on Saturday, June 17 with 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run distances.  The event is hosted by IFB Solutions, formerly known as Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, and its supporting IFB Solutions Foundation.

More than 200 runners are expected to participate, including several IFB employees who are blind. The 10K begins at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 7:45 a.m. and the 1 Mile Fun Run at 9:00 a.m. T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 300 registrants. Runners and volunteers can visit www.abrighterpathrace.org for complete event details. The course begins and ends at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds with free parking available through Gate 5 on Deacon Boulevard.

Runners and walkers who are blind or visually impaired, and their guides, participate for free. All other participants pay $35 for the 10K and $25 for the 5K. The 1 Mile Fun Run is free of charge for everyone. Online registration closes June 14 at midnight.

Packet pick-up and pre-race festivities will be held from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16 at the Foothills Brewery Tasting Room at 3800 Kimwell Drive in Winston-Salem, N.C.

IFB Solutions will host activities and share information about its community programs and services. All IFB community programs are provided free of charge to adults and children who are blind or visually impaired, with funding provided by events like A Brighter Path Race and the annual After Dark Gala held in September.

IFB Solutions, formerly Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, will host its annual Little Rock On The Links Golf Tournament on Monday, May 8 at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will support IFB’s programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The tournament will be formatted as a four-person scramble. Players can register as a foursome ($900) or individually ($250). Individuals will be paired with other players.

SCHEDULE

• 11 a.m. – Registration and Mulligans; Driving Range Open; Putting in the Dark
• 11:20 a.m. – Lunch at Mixed Foursome Grill
• 12 p.m. – Welcome at Clubhouse
• 12:30 p.m. – Shotgun Start at Clubhouse
• 4:30 p.m. – Reception and Awards at Mixed Foursome Grill

PUTTING IN THE DARK

While there are many golf tournaments in central Arkansas, this event is unlike any other because it features a special opportunity to directly connect with the mission of the host organization. Little Rock On the Links will feature Putting in the Dark, an opportunity for players to test their golf skills without utilizing their sight. While putting, participants will wear a pair of glasses that simulates what it is like to be blind. A guide will use auditory cues to direct them to the hole.

Prizes will be awarded for:

• First Place Overall: $100 to the Pleasant Valley Country Club Pro Shop
• Second Place Overall: $75 to the Pleasant Valley Country Club Pro Shop
• Third Place Overall: Golf Balls
• Longest Drive: $50 to Outback Steakhouse
• Closest to the Hole: $50 to Outback Steakhouse

Registration is open now and will run through the day of the event. To register online, visit https://ifbsolutions.org/event/little-rock-on-the-links-golf-tournament/.

Corporate, individual and team sponsorship opportunities are available. Donations are welcome and appreciated. For more information and to inquire about becoming a sponsor, contact Ronda Lewis at rlewis@ifbsolutions.org or (870) 489-2481.

IFB Solutions, formerly Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, was recently honored with a 2016 Employment Growth Award for its efforts to increase employment retention, growth, and upward mobility for people who are blind. Presented by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), this award recognizes IFB’s commitment to increasing employment and economic opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

IFB Solutions has received this national award in prior years, and is the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country. Across its three locations in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., IFB Solutions employs more than 450 individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

The Employee Growth Award highlights the importance of creating and sustaining employment opportunities. According to NIB, there is a 70 percent unemployment rate for working-aged Americans who are blind, so all efforts to create jobs help are vital to changing this statistic and providing economic and personal freedom for people with visual disabilities.

“This award reflects the tireless efforts of our team to create jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired – many of whom have never had the opportunity to bring home a paycheck,” said David Horton, CEO of IFB Solutions. “Through quality jobs, specialized training and a wide-range of services, we are fostering greater independence and improving the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired.”

Horton highlighted IFB’s success in growing its Optical division as a key contributor to the organization’s employment record in 2016. Across all of its divisions, IFB Solutions grew Blind Hours Worked by more 43,000 hours in fiscal year 2016, which equates to 21 additional jobs. In late 2016, IFB joined forces with the Department of Veterans Affairs in court proceedings to protect the non-profit’s right to pursue optical contracts.  Without a favorable court ruling, IFB’s Optical jobs could be in jeopardy.

Employment Growth Award recipients are awarded cash payments from a fund created to recognize and encourage NIB-associated nonprofit agencies that grow or sustain employment for people who are blind.

“It is an honor for me to recognize IFB Solutions with an Employment Growth Award for 2016,” said Kevin Lynch, president and CEO of NIB. “IFB continues to lead the way in creating employment and high-growth career opportunities for people who are blind.”

IFB Solutions, formerly Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, announces promotions across several of its business areas.

Ken Edwards has been promoted to Vice President of Integrated Supply & Logistics. He oversees all functions of IFB’s supply chain management. Edwards joined IFB Solutions in 2014 as Senior Director of Consolidated Supply. A Greensboro native, Edwards is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Laura True has been promoted to Director of Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development. She is responsible for hiring, HR compliance, & training/development of the visually impaired at all of IFB’s manufacturing, retail, optical and distribution facilities. She joined IFB Solutions in 2012 as a Recruiting Specialist. True, a resident of Bermuda Run, is a graduate of Norwich University.

Sheryl Cooks, Teresa Miller and Shannon Martin were promoted in IFB’s Base Supply Center (BSC) division that operates retail outlets at military bases and other government locations. Cooks was promoted to BSC Senior Account Manager focusing on customer relations and business development. She joined IFB in 2006 as an Assistant Manager at IFB’s Base Supply Center at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Fla. Miller was promoted to BSC Sales Manager overseeing the strategic direction of the BSC sales initiatives. She joined IFB in 2016 as Key Accounts Manager. Martin was promoted to BSC District Manager – Military Stores. She joined IFB in 2007 as a Cashier at IFB’s Gearin’ Up store at McGuire AFB.

Crystal Alexander was promoted to Site Supervisor for the IFB Optical location in Birmingham, AL where she will oversee the daily operations. She joined IFB in 2014 as an Optician.

IFB Solutions Foundation, the supporting fundraising arm for IFB Solutions, received a grant from the Reynolds American Foundation for its Student Enrichment Experience (SEE) Afterschool Program. The grant of $47,000 will be used to fund specially-trained teaching instructors for the year-round program that works with area K-12 students who are blind or visually impaired.

The SEE program was conceived by a team of employees at IFB Solutions, formerly Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, as an extension of its adult services focused on independent living skills, training and personal development. Today, SEE is housed at Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse on the IFB Solutions campus, which features classrooms, a computer center, arts & crafts room, outdoor garden and playground. Buses, funded by Winston-Salem-based Miracles In Sight eye bank, provide transportation for the students from their respective elementary, middle and high schools.

The SEE program operates throughout the school year with each student working with a team of teachers to build independent learning and living skills. IFB Solutions collaborates with the Winston-Salem Forsyth County school system to reach all students potentially eligible for its services. A 3-week SEE Summer Camp, overnight SEE Adventure Camp and other programs round out SEE’s calendar.

“We are extremely grateful to the Reynolds American Foundation for helping us fund the teaching staff at the SEE program,” said David Barnwell, President of the IFB Solutions Foundation. “Our services are bridging gaps for young students in the local community who are blind or visually impaired, while also improving their independence and self-confidence.”

SEE’s certified teachers guide the students through a wide range of activities gaining independent living skills such as orientation & mobility, computer literacy, communication and socialization skills.

In addition to the Student Enrichment Experience, IFB Solutions and the IFB Solutions Foundation support Community Low Vision Centers in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Chapel Hill that provide training and assistive technologies needed to maximize an individual’s remaining vision; Focus on Literacy, a program that connects school-age children with assistive technology for at-home learning; and A Brighter Path Programs, a curriculum of learning and recreational offerings for adults who are blind or visually impaired from computer and internet literacy to arts & crafts and sports.

David Barnwell, president of A Brighter Path Foundation, and David Horton, president/CEO of Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB), were recently elected to leadership roles for the N.C. State Commission for the Blind. Barnwell will serve as the commission’s chairman, and Horton will serve as vice chairman. Members of the commission are appointed by the governor. The N.C. State Commission for the Blind works jointly with the N.C. State Rehabilitation Council to foster greater employment opportunities and independent living skills for people who are blind or visually impaired.

As president of A Brighter Path Foundation, IFB’s supporting organization, Barnwell oversees the funding of numerous statewide activities and training to build personal independence and job skills, including IFB Community Low Vision Centers in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Chapel Hill, and the Student Enrichment Experience (SEE) program for youth with programs in Winston-Salem and Asheville.

Horton has served as IFB’s executive director and now president/CEO for nearly a decade as the organization has grown to being the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country. He is a strong advocate of IFB’s mission to provide employment, training and services for its employees and in the larger community.

“The N.C. State Commission for the Blind plays an important role in ensuring that all state agencies involved with serving people who are blind are aligned so that we maximize our resources and funding,” said Barnwell. “I’m looking forward to leading this group of talented and passionate advocates as we pursue innovative ways to enhance training, employment and quality of life opportunities statewide.”

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) 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 or visually impaired 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 also provides outreach through A Brighter Path Foundation, which operates Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem.