IFB Beat – Week of August 21, 2023

A Message from the Editor

This week’s issue is packed with reminders, updates, community opportunities, and fun summer treats! Be sure to read articles below regarding IFB’s substance abuse policy, a Popcorn Party at each manufacturing location thrown by our HR team, and information about how to sign up for the September 13 blood drive in Winston-Salem.

I’d like to extend a special thanks to all who helped make the Winston-Salem mayor and city council visit a huge success – they were very impressed, as was the media who covered the event! You can read the Winston-Salem Journal’s article here, and maybe even spot yourself in a photo. Great job Winston-Salem facility on putting our best foot forward!

Thanks for strolling The IFB Beat and have a great week.

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager

apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace Part 5: Substance Abuse Policy Reminder
– What’s Happening on The Floor: Asheville Facility Installs New CNC Cutters
– The HR Department Invites You to A Popping Good Time!
– Asheville Facility Candy Station
– See what S.E.E. is Doing
– Adult Support Group Meetings
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– Benefit of the Week
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

New this Week

Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace: IFB Solutions Substance Abuse Policy Reminder

IFB Solutions is committed to protecting our employees by creating and maintaining a workplace free of substance abuse. As a reminder, IFB Solutions has a policy regarding the illegal use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol that we believe best serves the interests of all employees including part time and temporary employees. Our policy can be found in your Paycom portal under the Guide of Ethical Conduct Document. Our policy formally and clearly states that the illegal use of drugs or the abuse of alcohol or prescription drugs will not be tolerated.

This policy was designed with two basic objectives in mind: (1) employees deserve a work environment that is free from the negative effects of drugs and alcohol and the problems associated with their abuse, and (2) IFB has a responsibility to maintain a healthy and safe workplace. As a means of maintaining our policy, IFB implements pre-employment and random active employee substance abuse testing. All employees are required to submit to drug testing if his or her name is randomly selected.

To assist us in providing a safe and healthy workplace, IFB Solutions maintains various resources of employee assistance in our community, including but not limited to drug and alcohol abuse programs. For more information regarding resources, contact Brenda Livingston Human Resources Manager at blivingston@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5694. An immediate resource we encourage employees to use is LifeWorks, our Employee Assistance Program. LifeWorks can help, and it’s confidential. No one at work or at home will know that you’ve contacted them unless you tell them. You can call any time, 24/7, to speak with a caring, professional consultant who can help you Access educational resources, and understand treatment options. They can be reached at 1-800-433-7916 or log in to login.lifeworks.com, (username: wsifb, password: eap).

An employee whose conduct violates our Company’s Substance Abuse Policy may be disciplined up to and including termination. If an employee voluntarily asks for treatment prior to being selected or required to take a drug screen (either randomly or for cause), they will be given the opportunity for treatment known as a “second chance.” Under these circumstances, the company reserves the right to periodically test for a minimum of two years. Should the employee refuse a test during this period or receive a positive result when tested, the employee will be terminated. Employees are given only one “second chance” during his or her career with IFB.

It is important that we all work together to continue make IFB a substance-abuse-free workplace as part of our continual efforts to provide a safer and more rewarding place for everyone to work. Thank you for your cooperation in our efforts.

What’s Happening on The Floor: Asheville Facility Installs New CNC Cutters

The IFB Solutions of Asheville facility is in the process of replacing one of two outdated CNC cutters in the contract cutting department. Recently installed was the latest and greatest Pathfinder Cutter used for cutting specific patterns from material so it can be sewn. Asheville has been cutting materials for Mt Rogers, The Federal Prison Industries, as well as cutting materials to be sewn in Asheville and Winston Salem since 2007. Contract Cutting produces about 9000 cut materials per week and the new Pathfinder Cutter will increase cutting capacity by 25% which will provide more opportunities for blind and visually impaired employees in packaging and machine operations. Mark Grasty (Legally Blind Operator) will be operating this cutter. Mark states, “I am proud, and it is encouraging to provide more work for blind employees.” Way to go! It’s awesome to see the Contract Cutting department getting it done one cut at a time!

The HR Department Invites You to A Popping Good Time!

The HR Department is throwing a Popcorn Party at all locations! Come socialize with friends and coworkers and enjoy popcorn during your last break in the cafeteria. Office staff are encouraged to attend!

Please see dates below for the party at each location.

• Little Rock– 8/23
• Puerto Rico – 8/23
• Winston Salem – 8/23
• Asheville – 8/30

 

Asheville Facility Candy Station, a sweet way to start the day!

What started as a Christmas treat at Asheville is now a monthly event. In December, Donna Dean, Asheville’s Trainer, decorated a small table at the edge of the training area in a Christmas theme complete with a basket of candy. It was such a hit with employees, she has continued to change the decoration theme each month and keeps the candy flowing. She’s decorated for Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and more. This month’s decoration includes a sign stating: “PS, you’ve got this!” and another stating: “Sometimes you forget you’re awesome, so this is a reminder”.

Other employees have joined in with theme suggestions as well as by donating candy. Since the training area is on the aisle by the cafeteria, all the employees have access and enjoy the candy. This simple Christmas gesture by Donna continues to brighten the days of many Asheville employees!

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing

The S.E.E. campers had a great time playing with bubbles and bubble wands making different shapes to pop on their hands and arms in the schoolhouse playground.  Of course, they had to spray silly string on the fence before coming back inside to the air conditioning.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

• Monday, August 21 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
• Tuesday, August 22, Glaucoma support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.

 

CLVC Item of the Week:

3 Set Jar Openers for $5.95. This set includes 2 flat grips which can be used for jars and a one cone shape grip for small bottle tips.

If you are interested in purchasing Low Vision Equipment through our Loan Program (3rd Party), please contact a Low Vision Coordinator for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Insider Corner

This section is edited by Faith Harding. Have something to share? Email Faith at fharding@ifbsolutions.org. 

Raise Your Sleeve and Save A Life!

Winston-Salem Red Cross Blood Drive Hosted by AAA Committee will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Your donations assist with heart surgeries, revitalizing accident victims, organ transplant recipients, and patients needing lifesaving procedures. So, will you raise your sleeve and help someone have a second chance in life?

When: September 13, 2023
Where: Tad’s Room (Winston-Salem)
Time: 10:00 am-2:30 pm, Contact your supervisor to set up an appointment to donate.
Admin contact: Shonn Redmond at sredmond@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5782.

Introducing Winston-Salem Facility AAA Committee Leaders

AAA’s mission is to serve as a liaison between employees who are blind or low vision and management to improve the workplace environment through Advocacy, Advancement and Awareness.

Meet our committee:

• President: Shonn Redmond
• Communication Chairman: Faith Harding
• Support Group Chairman: Shonn Redmond
• Community Outreach Chairman: Lee Hartline
• New Hire Orientation Chairman: Art Saunders

As a reminder, Adult Support Groups are managed by IFB’s AAA Committee. The AAA Committee still has an open call for members – read more here: https://ifbsolutions.org/ifb-beat-week-of-august-7-2023/#two-c.

 

HR & Opportunities

Your Benefit of the Week

This section is a weekly feature supported by IFB Solutions Benefits Supervisor Ciara Frenette. Reach her at cfrenette@ifbsolutions.org.

Need to change or update your beneficiaries to your Profit Sharing Retirement plan? You can call Newport at 844-749-9981 or create your own portal to at www.firstcitizens.com/retirement. For first time account users: your username is your social security number (no dashes), and password is date of birth (MMDDYYYY). Once logged in, you will be required to update your password.

New Job Announcements

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

Lead Production Trainer – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and work experience:

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• At least 5 years’ experience as a trainer in a manufacturing environment

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=69828&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=69829&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Hazmat Coordinator – MacDill AFB

Education and work experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledgeable of EESOH-MIS program
• Two years of related experience.
• Must have a valid Drivers License and a safe driving record
• Must complete forklift certification within 30 days of hire
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR card
• Receive RCRA training and respirator certification within 90 days of hire

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=69916&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=69917&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For more information about any employment opportunities with IFB Solutions please contact Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org or X5611.

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576

 

Assistive Technology Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/94434630872?pwd=aXFYSHYyWkh1SE1tWDNOdDIwVURwUT09

Meeting ID: 944 3463 0872
Passcode: 924496

+13017158592, 99434630872, #, # US (Germantown)

+13126266799, 99434630872, #, # US (Chicago)