The IFB Beat 3-24 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This week, we’re celebrating our 2025 award winners, starting with Brent Burkholder, IFB Solutions’ Career Achiever of the Year! We’re also excited to welcome new team members to our Workforce Services division and Winston-Salem facility. Plus, be sure to check out this week’s Employee Spotlight featuring Kennmar McKenzie, a reminder about the Winston-Salem Canteen, and an important Trans-Aid update.

Quote of the week:

“Life requires all the pieces, not just the ones that we tend to like.” – Unknown

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– 2025 Award Winners: Meet Brent Burkholder
– Welcome to our Newest Team Members!
– Winston-Salem Trans-Aid Information Session
– Partner of the Year Celebration, March 25 at the Winston-Salem Facility
– Employee Spotlight: Kennmar Mckenzie
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Program
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Reminder: 2025 Adaptive Recreation and Active Living Expo

HR and Opportunities

– ComPsych® GuidanceResources®
– New Job Announcements

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

2025 Award Winners: Meet Brent Burkholder

In the next few editions of The IFB Beat, we will be highlighting our 2025 Award Winners! This issue features: Brent Burkholder – IFB Solutions Career Achiever of the Year.

Each year, we nominate employees who demonstrate excellence in their jobs and live out IFB Solutions’ core values of Commitment to Excellence, Creative Solutions, Business with a Heart, Mission Possible, and Ethical to the Core. These employees represent the great work being done to grow IFB’s mission of creating employment, training, and services for people who are blind.

Brent Burkholder has been a vital member of IFB Solutions for the past 11 years. Born premature at 26 weeks, his vision loss created many challenges in his life, including obstacles in securing employment opportunities. After earning his degree from Penn State University and later a master’s from the University of Baltimore, Brent encountered barriers to career advancement due to his vision loss. However, he remained determined to lead a full and independent life. His journey took a pivotal turn when he discovered the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Fellowship for Leadership Development Program, which introduced him to IFB Solutions and its impactful mission.

As the HR Project and Recruitment Manager, Brent leads recruitment efforts across all IFB locations and business lines, ensuring a seamless process from job postings to onboarding new employees. He cultivates relationships with community partners nationwide, working to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind. Brent also manages HR-related projects throughout the organization.

Reflecting on his experience at IFB, Brent shares, “It has been a true joy to work at IFB. As someone who is blind, I have a passion for supporting our mission by leading efforts to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind. It brings me joy to play a significant role in their work lives, whether it’s helping them enhance their upward mobility, boost their confidence in their work, or simply assist with finding resources.”

Outside of work, Brent is an avid fan of college football, enjoys playing golf, and has a love for sports in general. He enjoys traveling, especially to the beach, and above all, cherishes time spent with his wife, rescue dog, and family.

We are proud to honor Brent Burkholder as the 2025 Career Achiever of the Year! He is a true leader, advancing IFB’s mission of providing meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind.

Welcome to our newest team members!

We are excited to welcome our newest team members to IFB Solutions!

Joining the Winston-Salem Facility:

• Eddie Clay – Assembler Packer in the Vinyl Department, under the supervision of Tina Jolly.
• Keila Rickett – Sewing Machine Operator in the T-Shirt Department, under the supervision of William Lindsay.
• Ines Rojas Mendez – Sewing Machine Operator in the T-Shirt Department, under the supervision of William Lindsay.
• Luis Quiles Torres – Sewing Machine Operator in the T-Shirt Department, under the supervision of William Lindsay.
• Janetra Jeter – Material Handler in the T-Shirt Department, under the supervision of William Lindsay.

Joining the Workforce Services Team:

• Sheldon Ferbuson – Customer Service Representative in the NC Department of Vital Statistics.
• Alexandrea Suhr – Customer Service Representative in the NC Department of Vital Statistics.

Please join us in welcoming them to the team, and we look forward to their contributions and success!

 

Winston-Salem Facility: Trans-Aid Information Session

To better serve IFB employees, Trans-Aid is planning an on-site information session for both new and existing riders. We are gathering a headcount of those interested to help coordinate the sessions with Trans-Aid and IFB.

Topics will include, but are not limited to:

• New technology updates
• Scheduling procedures
• Subscription services

If you’d like to attend, please sign up with your supervisor. We will share the date and time in a future edition of The IFB Beat. Stay tuned!

 

Partner of the Year Celebration, March 25 at the Winston-Salem Facility

On March 25 we will honor Barnes & Co. as our 2025 Partner of the Year recipient! The celebration will include a formal award presentation on the manufacturing floor at 10:30am in Tina’s area, where rags and towels are packaged. Ken Edwards will share a few words about the significance of this award and our valued partnership. Let’s be sure to give Barnes & Co. a warm welcome and show our appreciation for their incredible support!

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Kennmar Mckenzie – Winston-Salem Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Kennmar Mckenzie.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, but I also lived in Arkansas before relocating to North Carolina. I have to say, I really love it here in NC.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with Winston-Salem IFB for a little over a year now. Before that, I worked at the Little Rock location. Eventually, I was relocated here, and it’s been a great experience so far.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents?
A: One fun fact about me is that I’m really into collecting shoes! I’ve got a pretty good collection of Jordans, Nikes, and other brands. I just love adding to it whenever I can.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I really enjoy bowling.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: My all-time favorite meal has to be spaghetti.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: Definitely the people—it really makes a big difference in the work environment.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: A piece of advice I live by is “YOLO” – You Only Live Once!

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

IFB Programs Update: S.E.E. Program

The S.E.E. Program decorated sugar cookies shaped like bunnies, flowers, and Easter eggs at Canvas Cake Studio. We had yummy fun using choices of colored butter cream icing in squeeze baggies with focus tips, fondant that was like edible play dough, and sprinkles shaped like bunnies, carrots, and Easter eggs. It was great to use our creative ideas to make these cute and crafty cookies.

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Daylight 24 Full-Page Cordless LED Lighted Stand Magnifier-3x for $79.95

Hands-free, ultra-wide, 3X magnified full-page viewing area ideal for reading and writing, as well as many hobby and craft activities

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

 

From Our Community

Reminder: 2025 Adaptive Recreation and Active Living Expo

Submitted by Solutions for Independence

Join us on Saturday March 29, 10:00- 2:00 at JDL Fast Track in Winston Salem

Come try out all of your favorite adaptive recreation and sports with our awesome vendors, including adaptive cycling, tennis, archery, gaming, and more!

Vendors will also be on-site so you can check out their resources and programs, and ask questions!

All ages and ABILITIES are welcome!

Register to attend Here:  Attend Expo

Register to Volunteer Here: Volunteer for Expo

 

HR & Opportunities

ComPsych® GuidanceResources®

Life can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. It doesn’t have to. Your ComPsych® GuidanceResources® program provides confidential counseling, expert guidance and valuable resources to help you handle any of life’s challenges, big or small.

24/7 Live Assistance (855) 239.0743
Group Name – Industries for the Blind (DBA: IFB Solutions)
Group Number – 00056230

ComPsych Overview One Pager (3 Session Plan)

 

New Job Announcements

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

Marker Maker – Asheville Facility

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of two years of CAD experience is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=126640&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=126641&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Team Leader ACH Pads – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and Work Experience

• 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment is required.
• Some experience in Excel is required.
• Prior team leadership experience is preferred.

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=127377&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Department Manager – Cabo Rojo Facility, Puerto Rico

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of three years’ production supervisory experience is required.
• Knowledge in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=127382&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=127383&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

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

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929