The IFB Beat 9-14 Edition

From the Editor

Get ready, IFB—it’s Big Fair time! We’re heading into the final stretch of our 90th anniversary festivities, and we’re going out with a BIG celebration. This week’s Beat has everything you need to get ready for the fun, from Big Fair activities and prizes to important reminders, new faces, wellness tips and employee spotlights.

This Week at a Glance

– Reflections on 90: Meet Brent Burkholder
– Welcome Matthew Mullen: New Senior Manufacturing CPI Engineer
– Ask HR with Morgan: Connect with Employee Relations
– Your Vote, Your Voice: Voter registration assistance coming to the Winston-Salem facility
– The IFB Big Fair: Games, food, karaoke, prizes, giveaways and other fun planned for Winston-Salem and Asheville
– Sign Up To Sing: Karaoke sign-ups are open for the Winston-Salem Big Fair. Start thinking about your song!
– Health & Wellness: The differences between a cold, flu and COVID-19 and knowing when to seek care.
– Employee Spotlight: Silvia Ortiz, Asheville
– Community Corner: Learn about an upcoming disability voting rights webinar and a fundraiser supporting the NFB Forsyth Chapter.

Grab your calendar and get ready to eat, play, laugh and celebrate with your IFB family. Let’s make this anniversary celebration one to remember.

Anastasia Powell

Have an HR, history or event-related question you’d like to ask me and have addressed in the 9-21 Beat? Send it to apowell@ifbsolutions.org and check back next week.

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Quote of the week: “Doing nothing is very hard to do… you never know when you’re finished.” — Leslie Nielsen

Anastasia Powell's written signature

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
336-245-5698

Additional Quick Links

– Tap In
– Winston-Salem Support Groups
– Introducing the On the Spectrum Group
– NFB Forsyth Chapter Fundraiser
– Jobs

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Reflections on 90

To celebrate 90 years of IFB, we are sharing history, fun facts and new, untold stories about team members.

Meet Brent Burkholder, IFB Solutions’ Director of Workforce Development and Recruitment. Born with a detached retina and later developing glaucoma, Brent understands how challenging it can be for individuals with low vision to find meaningful employment. In his role, he helps job seekers find their place at IFB. Watch his inspiring story here.

Welcome Matthew Mullen

Please join us in welcoming Matt Mullen to the IFB Solutions team as our Senior Manufacturing CPI Engineer. CPI stands for Continuous Process Improvement, and we are excited to add Matt’s expertise as we begin this new chapter for our engineering team.

Matt brings more than 10 years of engineering experience, with a background that includes Yokohama Tire Manufacturing, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions and Metyx USA, where he worked with highly technical fabric manufacturing processes.

If you have not already had the opportunity to meet Matt, please take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome him to the team.

In his new role, Matt will lead our training and engineering departments, with Tzetza Makaveeva reporting directly to him. The engineering team will play a key role in supporting upcoming department moves and partnering with all departments to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, streamline processes and reduce bottlenecks.

We are excited to have Matt on board and look forward to the positive impact he will make across our organization.

Ask HR with Morgan

Morgan Dugan

Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, is excited to begin offering Ask HR with Morgan sessions during select lunch periods.

During these sessions, Morgan will be available in the breakroom for employees who may have general questions about attendance, workplace policies, HR processes or who to contact for a particular need.

The goal of this initiative is to provide employees with another easy, approachable way to connect with Employee Relations, ask questions, receive clarification and become more familiar with available HR resources.

Each session will also feature a rotating “Did You Know?” HR tip or reminder with helpful information employees may want to know.

The first Ask HR with Morgan session was held on Thursday, September 10. We hope you stopped by to say hello, ask a question, or checked out the first “Did You Know?” reminder! Stay tuned for the next Ask HR with Morgan session.

Your Vote, Your Voice

Make sure you’re registered to vote!

When and where: Tuesday, September 15, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., TADS Room

IFB Solutions is providing employees with an opportunity to register to vote during Disability Voting Rights Week, September 14–18.

On Tuesday, September 15, representatives from Democracy NC will be at the Winston-Salem facility to assist employees with voter registration. Registration will be available during employee lunch breaks and second breaks.

This opportunity is for everyone! All IFB Solutions employees are welcome to participate, including employees with and without visual impairments. Whether you are registering for the first time, need to update your voter registration information, or simply have questions about the registration process, this is an opportunity to get assistance.

Voting is an important way to make your voice heard and participate in your community. Take advantage of this convenient opportunity to make sure you are prepared to participate in upcoming elections.

Have questions? Contact Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5612.

Stop by the TADS Room during your lunch or second break and take advantage of this opportunity!

The IFB Big Fair

🎪 It’s time for our annual company picnics—and this year, we’re going BIG! As we wrap up our 90th anniversary celebration, we’re going out with a Big Fair good time. Get ready for games, prizes, great food, giveaways and plenty of opportunities to celebrate with your IFB family.

Winston-Salem Facility, Thursday, September 24, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

The Winston-Salem Planning Committee has been working hard to make this year’s picnic one to remember, and we have LOTS of fun planned! Step right up and test your skills and luck with activities including:

Spin the 90-Year Wheel, including a special trivia slot—so brush up on those 90-year facts from the Beat!
Bucket toss
Bingo
Karaoke
Caricature artist for a fun keepsake
And much more!

You’ll also enjoy delicious food from Mr. Barbecue, tasty treats and Pelican Snowballs. And don’t forget the three GRAND prizes that will be given away at the end of the event. You won’t want to miss it! Want to see the full lineup? Check out the employee information wall for the complete list of activities.

Sign Up to Sing

Ready to take the stage? Karaoke spots are available, with songs limited to five minutes or less. Spots first come, first served, so don’t wait! To sign up, contact Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org or x5612 by September 21.

Employee Early Dismissal

Employees should plan accordingly for an early dismissal at 1:30 p.m. on September 24. To be paid for the remainder of your scheduled workday, you must stay and participate in the picnic for the entire event. Employees should clock out at 1:30 p.m. Failure to follow this requirement will result in not receiving pay for the remainder of the scheduled workday. If this applies to you, please plan your transportation accordingly for an early dismissal.

Winston-Salem Parking Reminder

Parking will not be available in the administrative lot on September 24. As a reminder, parking is also not available in:

Shipping and receiving areas
Shopping Center

Please review the available parking options here. Do not park in the red areas, as vehicles may be towed. Parking will be very limited, so, if possible, please consider carpooling or using public transportation. Questions about parking? Contact Angela Jordan at ext. 5771 or ajordan@ifbsolutions.org.

Asheville Facility, Thursday, October 1, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

🎪 Asheville, get ready for your big fair! The Asheville Planning Committee is bringing the IFB Big Fair to you, and we’re ready to celebrate YOU! After 90 years of building a strong IFB family, we’re closing out our anniversary celebration with an afternoon filled with good food, games, prizes, creativity and fun with your co-workers. Here’s what’s in store:

A delicious lunch from Boxcar Grill, featuring hamburgers, sides and dessert
Games that will test your skills and luck
Prizes for game winners
Gifts for all employees
Photo booth to capture the memories
Gallery of employee crafts showcasing the creativity of our Asheville team
And more!

Employee Early Dismissal

Employees should plan accordingly for an early dismissal at 1:30 p.m. on October 1. To be paid for the remainder of your scheduled workday, you must stay and participate in the picnic for the entire event. Employees should clock out at 1:30 p.m. Failure to follow this requirement will result in not receiving pay for the remainder of the scheduled workday. If this applies to you, please plan your transportation accordingly for an early dismissal.

Health & Wellness

Atrium Health Clinic Tip of the Month: Cold, Flu or COVID-19?

Cold, flu and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, and because many of their symptoms overlap, it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart.

Know the signs: fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, sneezing, body aches, headaches and fatigue can occur with one or more of these illnesses. COVID-19 may also cause shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell.

When should you seek medical care? Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are getting worse or not improving. Seek immediate medical attention for:

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent chest pain or pressure
Confusion or difficulty waking or staying awake
Symptoms that become severe or suddenly worsen

Protect yourself and others:

Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Stay home when you’re sick.
Consider wearing a mask around others when you’re sick.

Remember, symptoms can look different from person to person. If you have questions or are at higher risk for severe illness, talk with your healthcare provider.

Want to learn more? Check out our helpful guide to compare common symptoms of a cold, the flu and COVID-19 and learn when it’s time to seek medical care. Access here.

Employee Spotlight: Silvia Ortiz, Asheville

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Silvia Ortiz, who has been part of the IFB family for 21 years. From her love of cooking to long walks with her dogs, Silvia brings creativity, teamwork and a positive spirit to everything she does. Get to know Silvia a little better!

Headshot of Silvia Ortiz

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born and raised in El Salvador and moved to New York when I was 19 years old.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I have been working at IFB for nearly 21 years. I started at the Winston-Salem plant, where I worked for 10 years, and then transferred to Asheville. I heard about the job through an employment agency.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy cooking and taking my dogs for walks.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Fried beans!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy being able to move around and work on many of the different processes in the sewing department.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Take care of yourself and be careful.”

Thank you, Silvia, for being a valued part of the IFB team and for sharing your teamwork and positive spirit with us!

Special thanks to Administrative Assistant, Denice Drake, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

Tap In

Did you know that IFB is active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn? Give us a follow!

Winston-Salem 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

Introducing the On the Spectrum Group

On the Spectrum is a monthly support group thoughtfully hosted by Winter Robinson. Each month, we explore a variety of topics, including special interests, sensory needs, autism history and autism representation in the media.

Join us every third Thursday of the month to learn, connect, promote understanding and help reduce the stigma surrounding autism.

Our gatherings provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Whether you are autistic, know someone with autism, or have an autistic family member, you are welcome to join us.

Come as you are, bring an open mind and a kind heart, and connect with others in a supportive environment. We look forward to seeing you!

Support groups for the week:

Tuesday, September 15, Veterans support group meeting, 12–1 p.m., TADS Room
Thursday, September 17, On The Spectrum support group meeting, 12–1 p.m., TADS Room

Community Corner

Webinar: Disability Voting Rights in NC

Disability Rights NC, REV UP North Carolina and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law will host a webinar about your accessibility rights at the polls, highlighting resources to receive information and solve problems. The webinar will also review recent changes to voting laws. Attend on September 15 at 7 p.m. Register here.

NFB Forsyth Chapter Fundraiser

Submitted by NFB President Angela Haynes

Want a chance to win $200 while supporting a great cause? The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Forsyth Chapter is hosting a fundraiser!

Tickets: $5 each
Grand Prize: $200

Fundraiser runs through: September 30
Drawing: Wednesday, September 30

Funds raised will support the NFB Forsyth Chapter’s efforts in education, awareness events and community engagement. Want a ticket? Contact any of the following to purchase your ticket: