The IFB Beat 1-21 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Dear Team,

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on his vision of a society where all individuals—regardless of background or ability—are treated with equality and respect. At IFB, we affirm that disability rights are civil rights.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

• Celebratory General Assembly Meetings – Mark your calendars for January 21!
• Promotion Announcement – Congratulations to Ken Mullins on his new role as Senior Director of Merchandising!
• Employee Spotlight – Featuring Larry Gonzales from the T-Shirts Department.
• MacDill Base Supply Center – Spotlighting the team and their contributions.
• JAWS Training Graduates – A big congratulations to the latest graduates of IFB’s JAWS training program!
• Glaucoma Awareness Month – January is dedicated to raising awareness about glaucoma and its impact.

Thank you for reading and have a fantastic week!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Celebratory General Assembly Meetings – January 21
– Introducing IFB Beat Employee Spotlight: Featuring Larry Gonzales
– Promotion Announcement: Ken Mullins
– Reminder: 2025 Paid Holiday Schedule
– What’s Happening in the Field: Spotlight on MacDill Base Supply Center
– Programs Update: JAWS Class Graduates and Veteran’s Support Group Meeting
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Recognizing National Glaucoma Awareness Month

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: WS and Clemmons Annual Mammogram Screenings – February 4, 2025
– New Job Announcements

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

Celebratory General Assembly Meetings – January 21

It’s time to celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding employees! Join us for the General Assembly meeting on the manufacturing floor at all locations on Tuesday, January 21, at 3:15 PM. We’ll recognize the Employee of the Year, Career Achiever of the Year, and the Delmer Wall award recipient, along with remarks from leadership. Let’s come together to honor the hard work and dedication of these exceptional individuals!

Please be sure to shut down all equipment, fans and other things that contribute to noise on the manufacturing floor promptly at 3:15pm. For the Winston-Salem facility, if your workspace is not close to the central offices (outside Travis Guerra and Edward Sykes’ doors), please move closer to ensure you can hear.

Thank you for helping make this a special celebration!

 

Introducing IFB Beat Employee Spotlight: Featuring Larry Gonzales

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Larry Gonzales (T-Shirts department).

• Where did you grow up? I grew up in California!
• How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization? I’ve been with IFB for almost four years. What drew me to the organization was its mission. While I couldn’t enlist in the military myself, IFB gives me the opportunity to contribute to serving our country in a meaningful way.
• Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share? One of my hidden talents is playing the guitar! I’ve been playing since I was a kid, and my favorite genres to play are Christian music and soft rock.
• What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work? Since I’m not originally from Winston-Salem, I’ve loved exploring the area. I also enjoy going to concerts and sporting events.
• What’s your all-time favorite food or meal? I really like Italian food. Now that I live in North Carolina, I’ve also discovered and enjoyed many southern dishes!
• What do you enjoy most about working at IFB? What I enjoy most is being part of something that truly makes a difference. It’s fulfilling to contribute to a bigger cause and help our country. I also love working alongside others who share the same goals and beliefs.
• What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend? “Never give up on yourself!”

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

Promotion Announcement: Ken Mullins

We are pleased to announce that Ken Mullins has been promoted to the new position of Senior Director of Merchandising.

Ken has done a great job for IFB Solutions and has been instrumental in stabilizing our supply chain support to operations. As the Senior Director of Merchandising, he will be responsible for supporting our IFB Solutions business lines related to vendor selection & onboarding, strategic pricing oversight, D365 item maintenance and D365 core catalog management. Ken will provide guidance in these key areas, ensuring we are best equipped and prepared to meet our customer requirements. He will be responsible for building a strong support mechanism for new products & business development as we continue to build out our merchandising group through the fiscal year 2025.

Ken will continue with his current group of direct reports, and we will be adding to his team in fiscal year 2025. He will continue to report to our Chief Supply Chain Officer, Ken Edwards.

Please join us in congratulating Ken Mullins!

Reminder: 2025 Paid Holiday Schedules for Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and Asheville Manufacturing

Mark your calendar! IFB Solutions’ 2025 schedule for manufacturing and distribution operations at the Winston-Salem (including Clemmons) and Asheville Facilities is below. For administrative and BSC, please refer to the 2025 holiday scheduled emailed to all admin by Angela Jordan on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. For Workforce Services, please review your contract’s schedule with Shannon Satterfield.

For 10 Hour Employees, the following are paid holidays:

• New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1, 2025
• Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 20, 2025
• Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2025
• Juneteenth Thursday, June 19, 2025
• Independence Day Thursday, July 3, 2025
• Labor Day Monday, September 1, 2025
• Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Christmas Day Thursday, December 25, 2025

Please note this important change:

To be paid for the holiday, hourly employees must work their FULL scheduled workday before the holiday and their FULL scheduled workday after the holiday unless on previously approved PTO. As a reminder, employees who schedule PTO for these days need to have enough PTO to cover their full schedule on those days to be eligible for holiday pay. Additionally, you must be employed with the company for 90 days prior to the holiday to be eligible for holiday pay.

2025 HOLIDAY SHUTDOWN SCHEDULES

Please note that all holiday shutdown schedules are subject to change based on business needs.

July 4th Operating Schedule

• Textiles Manufacturing will be shut down in observance of Independence Day on Thursday, July 3rd. Employees will return to their normal work schedule on Monday, July 7th.
• Administrative offices will be shut down in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4th. Employees will return to their normal work schedule on Monday, July 7th.

Christmas Shutdown:

• Textiles Manufacturing will be closed Monday, December 22nd through Thursday, December 25th. Employees will return to their normal work schedules on Monday, December 29th.
• Administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25^th. Employees will return to their normal work schedules on Friday, December 26th.

New Year shutdown:

• Textile manufacturing will be closed Thursday, January 1st, 2026, for New Year’s Day. Employees will return to their normal work schedules on Monday, January 5th, 2026.
• Administrative offices will be closed Thursday, January 1st, 2026, for New Year’s Day. Employees will return to their normal work schedules on Friday, January 2nd, 2026.

Employees must be sure to coordinate work schedules and any other leave requests with their direct manager or supervisor, with as much notice as possible. Employees are encouraged to manage their vacation time accordingly to avoid unpaid time during shut down periods. Should you have additional questions please contact your direct supervisor.

 

What’s Happening in the Field: Spotlight on MacDill BSC

Submitted by Shawn Blanks – Store Manager, US Department of Energy & US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Base Supply Center

MacDill Air Force Base (MacDill AFB) is an active U.S. Air Force installation located just 4 miles south-southwest of downtown Tampa, Florida. Home to approximately 15,000 personnel, MacDill serves as a vital hub for military operations. While many service members and their families reside on base, others live throughout the Tampa Bay area.

At the heart of this bustling installation is the IFB Solutions Base Supply Center (BSC), a crucial resource managed by Sheryl Cooks and her dedicated team, Josh Vargas, and Troy Eubanks. This trio works tirelessly to support U.S. troops in their mission-essential assignments.

Meet the team:

Sheryl Cooks | Sheryl has been with IFB Solutions since February 2006, serving as the MacDill BSC Store Manager. With a background in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. State Department, Sheryl brings invaluable expertise to her role. As manager, she ensures that the troops have everything they need to succeed in their missions. When not at work, Sheryl enjoys working out, watching documentaries, and searching for unique antiques. She is the proud mother of two sons, both college graduates with honors. Sheryl has had the pleasure of working alongside Troy Eubanks for nearly nine years.

Troy Eubanks | Troy joined IFB Solutions in March 2016 and is a father of seven. Born deaf, Troy was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 2004. Despite his challenges, Troy remains unstoppable. In 2015, he received a cochlear implant that brought sound into his life—a gift that enhanced his ability to thrive. Troy is known for his exceptional work ethic and ability to tackle any task with determination and positivity.

Josh Vargas | Josh is the newest member of the MacDill team, having joined IFB Solutions in July 2024. With 15 years of experience as a Munitions System Specialist Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Energy in Kirtland, New Mexico, Josh brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. A former member of the New Mexico Air National Guard, Josh now serves as the Hazmat Coordinator for the MacDill BSC. He ensures compliance with the Enterprise Environmental Safety Occupational Health Management program (EESOH-MIS) while managing chemical purchases for the base.

Together, Sheryl, Troy, and Josh embody the mission of IFB Solutions—supporting our troops and ensuring they have the resources they need to excel.

 

IFB Programs Updates:

Congratulations to IFB Solutions JAWS training Graduates!

IFB provides JAWS (Job Access With Speech) computer training to employees and the community, equipping individuals with the confidence and skills needed to thrive.

Join us in celebrating Fred Hallet from the Winston-Salem facility Vinyl Department and Steve Mercer from Eastern Kentucky, who have successfully completed Basic JAWS training! Through their hard work and determination, both men exemplify the mantra: “believe, and you can achieve.”

Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups:

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d

The Veteran’s Support Group will meet Tuesday, January 21 from 12:00 to 12:45 in TAD’s Room.

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

20% Off Sale – Extended Through January!

The Community Low Vision Center at both locations has, by popular demand, extended the 20% OFF everything in stock sale, through the month of January! If you need something, now is the time to get it!

 

CLVC Item of the Week:

Ambutech 360 Pathfinder Tip for $39.99

Ambutech’s 360 Pathfinder tip is specifically designed for intensive, all terrain use. Made from ultra-high molecular weight material for longer wear, its 2″ (5 cm) round tip has a unique roller system that rolls from side to side, and front to back. So, it can easily roll wherever you need it to go. For use with the constant contact technique. Hook style only.

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

 

From Our Community

Recognizing National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Submitted by Toni Fraser, Low Vision Services Coordinator

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month—a vital opportunity to raise awareness about this vision-threatening condition. Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States are living with glaucoma. According to the National Eye Institute, this number is expected to increase by 58%, reaching 4.2 million by 2030.

Certain groups are at higher risk, including individuals over 60, those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent, people with diabetes, and those who are severely nearsighted.

Help spread the word this month by sharing information with friends and family. Together, we can increase awareness and encourage early detection.

Tip of the Week: Take better control of your glaucoma treatment journey. Learn more here: Living with Glaucoma.

 

HR & Opportunities

WS and Clemmons Annual Mammogram Screenings – February 4, 2025

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5644. 

Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer, and Novant Health Breast Center is making it easy to get your annual mammogram.

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the mobile unit will be at the Winston-Salem location. Manufacturing employees please notify your supervisor to submit a ticket requesting an appointment. Admin and salaried employees contact Tammy Whitmire-Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org or call 336.245-5644 for an appointment.

Spaces are limited.

 

New Job Announcements

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

Production Trainer – Asheville

Education and Work Experience

• Previous training experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=116145&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=116146&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Inspector/Packer CC – Asheville

Education and work experience:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=116348&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=116349&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Spreader Operator CC – Asheville

Education and Work Experience

• Two years’ experience operating computerized machinery preferred.
• Experience operating automated fabric spreading machines preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=116355&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=116356&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