IFB Beat – Week of December 11, 2023

A Message from the Editor

Greetings all! Thank you for utilizing The IFB Beat this year to stay informed with updates, activities, and the many changes the company has seen.

Change is a continuous aspect in each of our lives, and as we move forward in time, we understand life daily is filled with change. IFB employees – you’ve accepted the change needed for our company’s future and you are the reason we have seen our transition blossom! So, continue to stroll the IFB Beat to learn what you need to know to keep things rolling!

Here’s what to know this week:

Holiday celebrations reminder

  • Construction in the Winston-Salem facility update
  • IFB Solutions 2023 Partner of the Year visits IFB
  • Do you like helping others? If so, please consider applying to be an IFB mentor for new hires
  • IFB Solutions/Winston-Salem is offering Business Essentials training. Apply today!

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager

apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Visit on Tuesday from IFB 2023 Partner of the Year, Gore
– Construction in the Winston-Salem Facility
– Holiday Hams and Celebrations Details
– Twin City Host Lions Club and IFB Solutions Blind/VI Holiday Celebration
– What’s Happening on the Floor: On-Time Delivery Performance
– See what S.E.E. is Doing
– Adult Support Group Meetings
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– Mentorship Program at the Winston-Salem Facility
– Business Essentials 2024 – Winston-Salem Facility
– Benefit of the Month – Mammogram Signup
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

Congratulations to the 2023 IFB Solutions Partner of the Year!

W. L. Gore & Associates has been named IFB Solutions 2023 Partner of the Year. Gore is a core vendor partner for IFB and plays a critical role in many department of defense garments. Specific to IFB, Gore is our core fabric provider for the Fuel Handler Suit (FHS) and the Extreme Weather Outer Layer Garment (EWOL). Gore is a specialist in highly technical fabric designed with the users safety and performance in extreme conditions. We have enjoyed a long running partnership with Gore and we will be excited to see the FHS line produced at all 3 locations (Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Puerto Rico). John Barrasso, Tim Quinn and Stewart Gantt from Gore will visit the Winston-Salem facility on Tuesday December 12th to receive their award. Let’s be sure to give them a warm IFB welcome as our Partner of the Year has gone beyond the boardroom to support opportunities for people who are blind.

Construction in the Winston-Salem Facility

Beginning Monday, December 12, Shelco will begin construction to update areas of the IFB Solutions Winston-Salem Campus. First priority will be the demolition of the majority of the mezzanine (above the mattress area) to make space for warehouse racking. For the next few weeks, the walkway that runs along the mattress department will be CLOSED. If you have questions or concerns, please ask your supervisor.

Holiday Hams and Celebrations Details

Asheville Facility:

Get ready to have a ton of fun celebrating this holiday season! We will be distributing Christmas hams at the end of the day on Thursday, December 14th. Distribution details will be announced soon.

On December 21 employees will be treated to a Christmas lunch from Boxcar Grille. Prior to lunch there will be several door prize drawings. We also look forward to a week of festivities starting on Monday, December 18!

  • Monday, December 18 – Wear Your Christmas Colors Day
  • Tuesday, December 19 – Wear Your Christmas Accessories Day (jewelry, scarves, socks, hat, etc.)
  • Wednesday, December 20 – Wear Your Pajamas Day (within the IFB dress code, please)
  • Thursday, December 21 – Ugly Sweater and Ugly Hat Day

** There will be a workday early dismissal on December 21. Dismissal will be at 1 pm and all employees who clock out no earlier than 1 pm will be paid for the remainder of the scheduled workday. Mountain Mobility has been notified of the early pickup time.

Winston-Salem Facility:

Happy Holidays! We will be distributing Christmas hams on Thursday, December 14th. Supervisors will distribute hams to their departments and admin staff will pick up hams on the plant floor between 10am and 11am (location will be announced).

We will be celebrating the holidays ALL MORNING on Thursday, December 21st!! Festivities will include holiday music, cookies & hot chocolate during your regularly scheduled first break, and giftbags for EVERYONE! We will also have 3 contests: best Ugly Sweater, best Santa Claus, and best Dressed Elf. If interested in participating in any of the contests, please let your supervisor know by December 18.

** There will be a workday early dismissal on December 21. There will be no lunch breaks. Dismissal will be at 12:30and all employees will be paid for the remainder of the scheduled workday. For all those to which this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly.

 

The Twin City Host Lions Club and IFB Solutions Blind/VI Holiday Celebration!

On Wednesday, December 13, the Twin City Host Lions Club will bring a little holiday cheer to our blind and low vision employees. They will arrive at 3:30 to deliver Food Lion gift cards and candy and fruit bags! Employees will also be greeted with Christmas songs by our S.E.E. instructor Charity Hampton. This will be a walk-through event. Supervisors have been notified and will inform all blind and low vision employees when it is time to report to the TADs room for the celebration. Thanks, and happy holidays!

 

What’s Happening on the Floor: On-Time Delivery Performance

IFB Solutions continues to improve its on-time delivery performance, one delivery at a time!

IFB Solutions commodities business lines (consisting of markers, rags, wipes, scissors, staples, staplers, and paper) are packaged and assembled at all manufacturing facilities. On a rolling 3-month average, IFB produces and ships over 350,000 units of products for our longstanding customers. These include commercial wholesalers and distributors such as LCI, S.P. Richards, and Essendant. Other customers include various Base Supply Centers located on military and government sites and AbilityOne.com. The Supply Chain and Manufacturing Production team work hard every day to make sure the finished goods are on the shelves to ship. After commodity products are assembled and packaged, our Clemmons Distribution Center is responsible for prompt deliveries.

Holding all agencies to a high standard, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) issues quarterly reports recognizing on-time performance. Our on-time rate, as defined using the AbilityOne policy of 15 days after receipt of order is at 90.6%. 90.6% is the best score we’ve achieved, and this figure includes paper orders from Little Rock. In 2 months, the paper orders will not fall in the three-month window of the report and our on-time percentage using the 15-day policy will climb to 98.7%. IFB’s diligence to improve on-time performance has resulted in all orders being shipped, and no backorders on any order placed prior to October 31.

Dale Baker, Clemmons Distribution Center Manager states, “We are always striving to improve every day. Everyone’s hard work is making a difference, and we are seeing the benefits of all the hard work!!!” Dan Carson, Program Director, Consumer Products states, “we are doing GREAT. Thank you all for your stick-to-it-iveness, and let’s keep it up!!!”

Congratulations to everyone for working hard to get it done! Your thoroughness, cooperation, and determination is the driving force behind IFB’s core value of Mission Possible in action!

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing

S.E.E. students add ornaments to their tree

The S.E.E. program is getting ready for Christmas. We put up our tree, covered the stand with a bright red tree skirt, then hung decorations of gold on its branches. The final touch was to add scented ornaments we made from cinnamon and applesauce in shapes of star, ball, candy cane, gingerbread man, stocking, angel, and snowman.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

Upcoming Support Group Meetings

  • Monday, December 11 NFB meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room
  • Tuesday, December 12 Sight Adjustment support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room
  • Wednesday, December 13 Blind Ambitions support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room

CLVC Item of the Week:

Reizen Extra Large Button Talking Alarm Clock

Reizen Extra Large Button Talking Alarm Clock for $18.95. At the mere press of its extra-large white button, this Reizen Talking Alarm Clock announces the time and date with a loud, high-quality English-speaking voice.

The Community Low Vision Center is celebrating the holiday season with great sales and discounts!

Come on in during your breaks and check off the items on your Christmas Wish List. All Transactions over $100.00 will receive a 5% discount and purchases over $200.00 will receive a 10% discount. All orders can be paid directly or through payroll deductions.

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. Reach out to her at fharding@ifbsolutions.org. 

Molly Burke named Forbes 30 under 30 for 2024!

Molly Burke is a blind speaker, digital creator, author, and advocate who inspires millions of people with her story and content. She says “I am shocked and grateful to be named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2024! As a blind woman who didn’t see myself represented as a child, this not only feels like a huge moment for me, but for every young person today who still doesn’t feel seen or heard. Progress is being made and while we still have a long way to go, I know we’ll get there. Thank you to Forbes for recognizing the work I’ve done, for celebrating diverse voices, and for recognizing that success looks different for all of us. Thank you to my incredible family, amazing team, and to all of you for supporting me in achieving my dreams. It’s an honor to be on a list alongside so many talented people whose work I admire so much and who inspire me to keep pushing forward to create change. Congrats to all my fellow 30 Under 30 honorees! ” Learn more on her Facebook page here.

New Winston-Salem Support Group for Persons with Blindness or Low Vision

There is a new support group for the blind and visually impaired forming in Winston-Salem! The Winston-Salem Council of the Blind is hosting an informational meeting Friday, December 15, from 11:30 to 1:00, at the Solutions for Independent Living conference room. The address is 7740 North Point Boulevard, 27106. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP, send contact information to info@blindpowercompany.org.

WSCB is an affiliate chapter of the North Carolina Council of the Blind and The American Council of the Blind.

State Library NC Accessible Books and Library Services Program

Have you ever wondered where some talking books come from? If so, you should join the National Library Service’s Patron Engagement Section for their quarterly Patron Corner on Monday, December 11th, at 7 PM ET! This informative 90-minute program will focus on the life cycle of the talking book featuring the NLS Collections Division who is responsible for book selection, production, and distribution.

To take a peek behind this curtain, be sure to register here.

 

HR & Opportunities

Mentorship Program at the Winston-Salem Facility

Do you like helping others? If so, please consider applying to be an IFB mentor for new hires. A mentor is someone who will help a new employee learn all about IFB Solutions. This includes showing them where things are located in the facility such as the time clocks, Canteen, bathrooms, supervisor’s desk, and where to meet transportation. Please note that being a mentor would take some time away from your production, but the goal is for the mentor to help the new hire become comfortable and independent in navigating his/her new surroundings.

If you are interested, please contact Brenda Livingston at blivingston@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5694 or Kim Shoffner at kshoffner@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5669. The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 21.

Business Essentials 2024 – Winston-Salem Facility

IFB Solutions is pleased to be partnering once again in 2024 with Guildford College to offer Business Essentials. The target audience for this training opportunity is open to hourly IFB associates in Winston-Salem who meet all criteria set forth on the Business Essentials Application. Please note this class will be held in person at the Winston-Salem facility.

Some topics that will be covered in this participant focused training include:

  • Business: What, Why and How
  • Deciding to be a manager
  • Money Matters
  • Marketing
  • Motivating and Leading People
  • Ensuring Quality

To be eligible to participate in this course, associates must meet the following criteria:

  • An application must be completed in full at the below link.
  • An updated copy of the applicant’s resume must be submitted to Brent Burkholder via email at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.
  • All associates must be employed with IFB for at least 6 months.
  • All participants must have satisfactory attendance and job performance.
  • All associates must have their computer skills assessed by the Workforce Development team (HR will schedule and coordinate this assessment).
  • All participants must be recommended to participate in this class by their supervisor. (HR will obtain recommendation).

Applications are available at:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NUN09ITzFOTjgxUVRNNFVWQVRTOUZDN0pPUC4u

The deadline to have the application and all supporting materials submitted for consideration is Friday January 6, 2024. For more information or questions please contact Brent Burkholder at 336.245.5611 or bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Benefit of the Month

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

Early detection is the best defense against cancer. The American College of Radiology recommends that women over 40 have an annual mammogram.

The mobile mammogram unit will be onsite at our Winston-Salem location Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 9AM to 4 PM. An appointment is required to get your mammogram. To schedule an appointment contact Ciara Frenette in the benefits department at cfrenette@ifbsolutions.org.

Please note that the minimum age for a mammogram screening is 35 years of age recommended by the American College of Radiology. You will need to bring your insurance card (if applicable) and driver’s license or picture ID on the date-of-service and must have an active primary care provider. The mobile is for screening patients only. If you are experiencing problems (pain, lump, six-month follow-up, etc.), you will need to be seen at the Breast Clinic.

 

New Job Announcements

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

Employee Relations Specialist – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and work experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field preferred and/or equivalent experience required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in an HR role required.
  • Knowledge of HR law and regulatory requirements preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=79018&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=79019&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For 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)