The IFB Beat 1-27 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello everyone!

This week is full of important reminders, updates, and celebrations! Be sure to check out highlights on the Leadership Essentials Class of 2025, the 2025 Employee Award winners, benefits and wellness updates, this week’s Employee Spotlight feature, and much more.

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

– Congratulations to the 2025 Employee Award Winners!
– IFB Beat Employee Spotlight
– Leadership Essentials Class of 2025
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Winter Camp and Guide Dog Support Group Meeting
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Recognizing National Glaucoma Awareness Month

HR and Opportunities

– Update your personal information!
– Wellness Benefits and Tips for 2025-2026 Benefit Plan Year
– New Job Announcements

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

Congratulations to the 2025 Employee Award Winners!

Join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of our outstanding employees. It’s truly a moment of pride and joy as we congratulate these exceptional individuals for their hard work and dedication:

  • Asheville Facility 2025 Employee of the Year: Demetrio Munive (Military Markets department)
  • Puerto Rico Facility 2025 Employee of the Year: William Fractichelly (Fuel Handler Suits department)
  • Winston-Salem Facility 2025 Overall Employee of the Year: Skyler Mejia (Staples-Stapler department)
  • 2025 Career Achiever of the Year: Brent Burkholder (HR department)
  • 2025 Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award: Lisa Cranfill (Inventory Control)

Thank you all for helping us celebrate and supporting our colleagues who make a difference every day!

Employees standing together
From left to right: Winston-Salem Facility and Overall Employee of the Year: Skyler Mejia (Staples-Stapler department); Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award: Lisa Cranfill (Inventory Control); Dan Kelly, President and CEO; Career Achiever of the Year: Brent Burkholder (HR department)

 

Alina and Demetrio
From left to right: left to right: Alina Ravelo, Asheville Plant Manager; Asheville Facility Employee of the Year Demetrio Munive (Military Markets department)

 

William Fractichelly
Puerto Rico Facility Employee of the Year William Fractichelly (Fuel Handler Suits department)

 

IFB Beat Employee Spotlight: Featuring Mary Meeks

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

Mary Meeks

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Lumberton, NC, but spent most of my childhood in High Point, North Carolina, where I built lasting memories.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 27 years! Initially, I had difficulty finding a job in the public workforce due to my visual impairment. Thankfully, a friend who worked at IFB referred me, and the rest is history!

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents to share?
A: I used to love bowling and was part of a league in High Point. I also played beep ball for about 15 years and was the only female on my team—a big accomplishment I’m proud of!

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time with my friends and cherish moments with my daughter. Quality time with loved ones is very important to me!

Q: What is your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: My favorite meal is my mom’s country cooking, but my grandma’s sweet potato pudding holds a special place in my heart. It always reminds me of family and home.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love the variety of work at IFB! I enjoy learning new things and having the chance to move between different roles. Along the way, I’ve met so many wonderful people who’ve truly become like family.

Q: What’s a piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: My advice is: “Always stay positive, enjoy what you’re doing, and treat others the way you’d like to be treated.”

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.

Leadership Essentials Class of 2025

We are excited to announce the participants selected for the 2025 Leadership Essentials training program, offered in partnership with Guildford College. These associates will embark on a journey to enhance their leadership skills through a participant-focused curriculum that includes mastering the DAC Framework for Effective Leadership, improving conflict resolution and influencing skills, and learning to give and receive effective feedback. This program is designed to equip our future leaders with the tools and confidence they need to drive success and collaboration at IFB Solutions.

Congratulations to those selected:

  • Bobby Ashworth- Textile Manufacturing
  • Demarious Bowens- Finance
  • Noah Davis- Textile Manufacturing
  • Beverly “Lynn” Long- Textile Manufacturing
  • Skyler Mejia- Textile Manufacturing
  • Jacky Perrea- Textile Manufacturing
  • Kimberly Shopland- BSC
  • Chris “Dylan” Turney- Textile Manufacturing
  • Melissa Tuttle- Supply Chain
  • Diana Wilson- Textile Manufacturing

 

IFB Programs Updates:

S.E.E Winter Day Camp

S.E.E. student shows off his wind racer

S.E.E. Winter Day campers-built wind racers out of toilet paper tubes, Tinker Toys, paper, and tape. Each camper made a racer and then blew on the sail through a straw to move it across to the finish line.

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 Guide Dog Support Group will meet Monday, January 27 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:

Micro-Speak Plus, 3rd Generation, Talking Digital Recorder

Micro-Speak Plus, 3rd Generation, Talking Digital Recorder for $56.76

Designed for the visually impaired community, Micro-Speak has many useful accessibility features including bold, tactile buttons, simple navigation, spoken prompts, and on-board audio instructions. A new bi-directional USB C charging port now makes it easier to charge.

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

Update your Personal Information!

Stay connected and keep it current! 🎉 Take a moment to verify your personal address and phone number in Paycom—it’s quick and easy!

Prefer a different way? You can also share your updated contact information with your supervisor, who will forward it to Tammy Powers to make the changes for you.

Paycom – Personal Information Changes

Log into Paycom

Navigate to Information

Select Address and Contact Information

Make changes.

Select Update

 

Wellness Benefits and Tips for 2025-2026 Benefit Plan Year

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

Our Wellness Program will continue, giving you the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year. Here is how to qualify:

  • Step 1: Complete a routine physical with labs.
  • Step 2: Schedule and attend a preventative dental cleaning.
  • Step 3: Submit an itemized receipt, confirmation letter, or Proof of Physical form to Tammy Powers’ office, or email them to twhitmire-powers@ifbsolution.org.  Deadline to submit is May 31, 2025.

What’s in it for you and your covered spouse:

  • Save on medical premiums—keep more money in your pocket!
  • Build a strong relationship with your primary care physician.
  • Catch potential health issues early and stay ahead with proactive treatments.
  • Enjoy no out-of-pocket costs for your physical and labs—preventive care is covered at 100%.

Don’t wait—Your health and savings are worth it!

 

New Job Announcements

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

Maintenance Mechanic – Asheville, NC

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Previous experience in physical plant maintenance is required.
  • Training/experience in mechanical, electrical, and general plumbing is required.
  • Experience in industrial sewing machine maintenance is preferred.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain forklift certification.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable through the company.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=117533&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=117534&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Manager of Workforce Services Business Development

Education and Work Experience

  • A four-year college degree in marketing, sales, operations management or similar is required.
  • Experience in business development is required.
  • Experience in call center operations and/or staffing is preferred.
  • Familiarity with the AbilityOne program and workforce solutions for individuals who are blind is a plus.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=117637&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=117638&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