IFB Beat – Week of May 13, 2024

A Message from the Editor

Greetings all! Are you considering advancing your higher education? Apply today for the Tina Bess and Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship (details under the HR section). In this edition you’ll also find:

• Reminder: don’t miss out on the chance to contribute to “The Gift of Life” at the Asheville blood drive.
• Attention, veterans: the Veterans’ Support Group will resume this month
• Last, IFB, don’t forget to extend your congratulations to our Winston-Salem Employees of the Month winners!

Have a great week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager

apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Congratulations to Winston-Salem Facility Employees of the Month for February, March, and April!
– Reminder: Asheville Facility Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, May 15, 2024
– What’s Happening in the Field: April BSC Visit
– See what S.E.E. is Doing
– IFB Support Groups
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– APPLY NOW: Tina Bess and Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship for 2024-2025 Academic Year
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

Congratulations to Winston-Salem Facility Employees of the Month for February, March, and April!

February Runner-Up – Steven Stanley (Vinyl)

Steven Stanley has been a dedicated member of IFB Solutions since 2009. He exemplifies the core value of commitment to excellence. He consistently demonstrates initiative, as he is always willing to go the extra mile and help as needed. Steven continues to have a positive impact within his department by his dedication to IFB Solutions.

February Winner – Syreeta Lilley (ACS)

Syreeta Lilley is a true embodiment of IFB’s Commitment to Excellence. With nearly five years of dedicated service, Syreeta consistently radiates positivity, punctuality, and hard work. Her eagerness to go above and beyond, coupled with a passion to learn new tasks, sets her apart. Syreeta consistently exhibits a profound sense of pride in her work through her devotion to a job well done.

March Runner-Up – Kelvin Soto (ACH Pads)

Since joining IFB in 2018, Kelvin Soto has consistently exemplified our Core Value of being ‘Mission Possible.’ He actively pursues new opportunities and challenges, displaying enthusiasm for learning. His willingness to adapt to different roles when required demonstrates his versatility and dedication to the team.

March Winner – Michael Vernon (ACS)

Since joining IFB in 2019, Michael Vernon has consistently demonstrated the Core Value of Commitment to Excellence. He is known for his punctuality, strong work ethic, and unwavering reliability. Michael approaches his tasks with positivity and never hesitates to go the extra mile. His work ethic and attitude inspire those around him, making him a valued member of our team.

April Runner-Up – Glenn Ellinger (Vinyl)

Since joining IFB Solutions in 2017, Glenn Ellinger has consistently embodied our core value of Mission Possible. His dedication and commitment to our organization’s mission have earned him this well-deserved recognition. Glenn’s positive attitude and outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed by his peers and supervisors, and they thank him for his continued dedication to making our mission possible.

April Winner – Maria Sweeny (IWOL)

Since joining IFB Solutions in 2011, Maria Sweeny has embodied our Core Value of Commitment to Excellence. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional work ethic have consistently impressed her colleagues and supervisors. Maria’s contributions have made a significant impact on our team, and we’re grateful for her hard work.

 

 

Reminder: Asheville Facility Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Donate “The Gift of Life” on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. 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?

If interested contact Melissa Berryhill to set up an appointment to donate at mberryhill@ifbsolutions.org.

 

What’s Happening in the Field: April BSC Visit

Ken Edwards, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and David Newsome, Director of Base Supply Centers, toured the Washington, DC Federal Market Base Supply Centers during the week of April 22nd through April 26th. Their objective was to gain valuable insights into the operations, appearance, and integration within our agencies of DC BSC’s. This initiative aims to enhance our business profile within the US federal government. Notable locations visited included the Department of Energy, Securities & Exchange Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of Naval Intelligence, Department of Agriculture, and the newest addition, the Annapolis Naval Academy BSC.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

Braille Challenge Update: Luke Fechtel participated in the Western North Carolina Braille Challenge regional competition in the sophomore division on February 8, 2024, at Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse in Winston-Salem. He scored within the top 10 competitors from across the country in his division. This means he will participate in the Braille Challenge national competition in June 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Congratulations Luke! Braille on!

 

IFB Solutions Support Groups:

Veterans’ Support Group

We are excited to announce the reorganization of the Veterans’ Support Group, with Rick Gaffe serving as the president. The meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month, beginning on Tuesday, May 21st, in Tad’s room from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM. We look forward to your presence and participation!

This Week’s Support Group Meetings:

• Monday, May 13 NFB meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room

CLVC Item of the Week:

Deluxe Talking Scale for $49.99

A Durable Choice: this scale has a tempered glass platform which provides exceptional durability and comfort. With anti-skid paddings to prevent slipping, you can rely on the sturdiness of this scale.

Large Platform: Step onto the scale comfortably with its large 15 x 12-inch platform

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Insider Corner

Accessible Pharmacy Presents: Blindness and Mental Health Summit

Friday, June 14, 2024, at 12:00PM ET

Join them for the first annual Blindness and Mental Health Summit! The Summit is the largest online gathering of organizations and consumers sharing information, resources, and services focusing on mental health in blindness, low vision, and disability communities.

• 100% virtual
• ASL interpretation
• CE credit available

The Summit is a 2-part event:

• Part 1 – Speaker Series
• Part 2 – Exhibit Hall

Register for free to learn from our growing list of thought leaders in the blindness and mental health communities:

• American Council of the Blind Mental Health and Wellness Committee
• Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
• Be My Eyes
• Eye2Eye Peer Support Program for Vision Loss
• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Helen Keller Services
• Intuitive Counseling and Wellness
• Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• National Federation of the Blind Human Services Division
• Prevent Blindness
• Thriving Blind Academy
• World Blind Union
• 988 Crisis Prevention Hotline

Register here: BLINDNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT

 

HR & Opportunities

APPLY NOW: Tina Bess and Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship for 2024-2025 Academic Year

IFB offers its employees two scholarships to further their post-secondary education. The Tina Bess Scholarship and Daniel J. Boucher scholarship are offered to our employees and direct dependents to continue their education in accredited universities or colleges and is described below. There is a formal process that individuals must follow to be considered for a scholarship also described below:

• The Tina Bess Scholarship is for blind, visually impaired, or sighted employees – who are full-time, are in good standing and have completed 1 year of service. Tina Bess was employed at IFB for 30 years as a Production Assistant. She was recognized as the 2001 Career Achiever and twice honored as the employee of the year. Tina was best remembered by her peers as a mentor, advisor, and friend. Tina did not allow her vision impairment to hold her back from being independent, instead using her circumstance to maintain a steadfast level of determination, perseverance, and courage. Countless employees during her time at IFB have told stories of Tina’s personal generosity, commitment, and loyalty to them and the organization. Tina’s excellence and inner drive to perform was the priceless personal character contributor to all who came in contact with her.
• The Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship is for blind, visually impaired, or sighted employees and their direct dependents – the employee must be full-time, in good standing and have completed 1 year of service. Mr. Boucher served as the IFB President from 1996-2008 prior to working in the role of Executive Chairman from 2008 through 2016. During his time as President, he led IFB through tremendous growth establishing new business lines including Optical, BSC store locations, and services, resulting in tremendous growth of blind employment nation-wide. This scholarship was established by a friend of Mr. Boucher’s to honor his legacy and provide opportunities for continued professional development for those Mr. Boucher worked with and held in the highest regard.

To be considered for either scholarship, each applicant must submit a completed application, an acceptance letter from the college or university, a copy of the student ID (front and back), and documentation of the tuition and associated costs.

The deadline for submitting applications and all supporting materials indicated above is Friday, June 7, 2024Supporting materials should be submitted to Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org in an encrypted format. All applications should be completed at the following links:

Tina Bess Scholarship Application: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NURE5WQVY4NlBFSlJQTExHRUNaNVJSNE9OQS4u

Daniel Boucher Scholarship Application: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NUM1Y5RzFGQ0w3VlQ2UDFIQUROVlhQM1lLQS4u

Once all applications and supporting materials are received, the committee will consider each applicant for an award. If chosen, the recipient must show proof of class attendance and must complete all classes with at least a “C” to be considered for future funding. The amount of the scholarship awarded depends on tuition costs submitted, how many applicants are being considered for scholarships and funds being available in each scholarship fund.

For more information, please contact Brent Burkholder at 336-245-5611 or bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.

 

New Job Announcements

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

In Line Inspector – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and work experience:

• High School graduate, GED or equivalent
• 1-3 years quality inspection experience preferred in quality control/assurance.
• Textile and apparel experience preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=89343&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=89344&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Customer Service Representative – Remote/Work-From-Home

Education and work experience:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Two years of customer service experience preferred.
• If applicable, demonstrated proficiency in use of Assistive Technology required with either JAWS and/or Zoom Text for visual adaptation. Bilingual Spanish-English capability a plus.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=89355&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=89356&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
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