The IFB Beat 1-5 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This week’s Beat reflects the momentum and impact we’ve built together. IFB President and CEO Dan Kelly acknowledges 2025 as a year of national recognition, record-breaking production, workforce growth and financial strength — all made possible by one team united around one mission.

As you look ahead in 2026, please note a few important dates and deadlines. The 2026 holiday schedules for the Asheville and Winston-Salem facilities are now available. Please review the links to plan your time off. Our braille class begins on Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse.

Also, be mindful of the 401(k) retirement plan transition, effective Jan. 1, with a blackout period Jan. 12–16 and full access resuming Feb. 2.

We also congratulate our Asheville employees of the month and spotlight Mariah Ellis for her six years of dedication. Thank you for staying informed — and for all you do to move IFB forward.

Quote of the week:

“People achieve more when they feel respected, valued and part of something bigger.” — Richard Branson

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

– Message from IFB President and CEO Dan Kelly
– Asheville and Winston-Salem 2026 Holiday Schedules
– Asheville Employees of the Month for August, September and October
– Reminder: IFB Training and Services, Braille Class Announcement
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Mariah Ellis, Asheville Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Another Must-Listen Featuring IFB’s Oryan Battis “Black Shades Billy,” ACS Department

HR & Opportunities

– 401(k) Retirement Plan, Transition Overview
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Message from IFB President and CEO Dan Kelly

One Team, One Mission — Celebrating a Year of Impact and Momentum

“As we close out 2025, I want to pause and reflect on what we’ve accomplished together. 2025 was defined by teamwork, growth and meaningful progress toward our mission of creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. Because of your dedication, IFB Solutions continues to move forward stronger than ever. Each of the following 2025 accomplishments reflects what’s possible when we work together with purpose. We could not have done this without each and every one of you. Thank you for your commitment, your resilience, and your belief in our mission. Wishing you and your families a joyful, healthy and successful New Year.” — Dan Kelly, IFB President and CEO

_____________________________________

 

IFB celebrates growth and progress in 2025

National Recognition for Excellence
At the annual National Industries for the Blind Conference, IFB’s Department of Energy Base Supply Center in Washington, D.C., was recognized with an Excellence Award for its team’s outstanding performance.

Record-Breaking Production
IFB’s Clemmons facility mattress team shipped a record 19,500 mattresses to U.S. Navy vessels across the globe — an incredible achievement in quality and productivity.

Workforce Services Impact
IFB celebrated its 2024 Partners of the Year, Maximus and Guidant Global, both of which continue to lead the way in creating employment opportunities through IFB’s Workforce Services division. Thanks to this partnership, the IFB team was able to resolve over 490,000 customer service issues this year.

Partner of the Year
IFB also named its 2025 Partner of the Year, Barnes and Company, which helped IFB deliver over 9 million shop towels to customers around the world — an outstanding example of collaboration and shared success.

E-Commerce Growth
IFB processed more than 174,000 orders through its e-commerce platforms, helping IFB expand access and service worldwide.

Supporting Independence
Through Fiona’s Fund, IFB’s guide dog colleagues were treated to spa days by generous donors like Jessica Abrahams, IFB’s 2025 Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award winner.

Innovation in Military Markets
From basic coffee makers to the latest in water bottle trends, IFB’s military markets team in Asheville launched 69 new products in grocery stores on military bases across the globe.

Manufacturing Transition and Job Growth
IFB successfully transitioned from producing fuel handler suits in Puerto Rico to manufacturing IWOL and EWOL jackets, increasing employment opportunities for people who are blind.

Financial Strength for the Future
This year, IFB paid off its debt and began investing in a future focused on sustainable growth and long-term impact.

Honoring Outstanding Team Members
James “Stanley” Mills, IFB Overall Employee of the Year, and David Minton, Career Achiever of the Year, will represent IFB at the National Industries for the Blind Conference as the 2026 award recipients.

 

Asheville and Winston-Salem 2026 (8-hour and 10-hour) Holiday Schedules

As you plan for time with family and loved ones in 2026, please take note of the important information below. Below are links to the 2026 holiday schedules for the Asheville and Winston-Salem facilities. Please review the appropriate schedule so you can plan accordingly. If you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to reach out to Angela Jordan at ajordan@ifbsolutions.org.

Click here to access the 8-hour schedule
Click here to access the 10-hour schedule

 

Congratulations to the Asheville Facility Employees of the Month for August, September and October

Please join us in celebrating these outstanding team members for their dedication and hard work:

• August: Kevin Carter, contract cutting
• September: Robert Sheff, military markets
• October: Robin Robinson, military markets

Thank you Kevin, Robert and Robin for the positive impact you make every day. Your commitment and contributions help make IFB Solutions a great place to work!

 

Reminder: IFB Training and Services, Braille Class Announcement

Want to learn the system of six raised dots you can touch to read? Braille class meets weekly with trained staff who teach this tactile reading method. From the alphabet and numbers to UEB (Unified English Braille) contractions, the teacher will provide a place to experience, practice and learn braille so that those who are blind/low vision (or those who care about someone who is) can truly be literate in braille. Classes are free to IFB employees. Join Kim Shoffner at the Winston-Salem facility for instruction and practice, then work on braille skills at home between classes with materials provided. Contact your supervisor to put in a ticket to Morgan Dugan. She will complete the interview and forward qualified candidates to Kim Shoffner. Classes will be on Wednesdays from 10–11 a.m. in Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse. Our first class will be on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Remember that braille helps us keep in touch!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Mariah Ellis, Asheville Facility

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

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina, when I was three years old.

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for six years. I know about IFB because my dad, Jeff, works at IFB. This made it an easy and meaningful place to start my career.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Chili.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The strong family dynamic among the employees. It really feels like everyone supports one another.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Just be yourself.”

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.

 

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

 

 

From Our Community

Another Must-Listen Featuring IFB’s Oryan Battis “Black Shades Billy,” ACS Department

Submitted by Oryan Battis

“Tiptoe” by Mr. Thinback Wallace, featuring Black Shades Billy, is a catchy ’70s-inspired track with live drums and grooving bass. It’s all about expressing your interest in someone special, without beating around the bush. If you love booming drums and smooth keys, this song is a must-listen! I’m always creating, and with this song, I am morphing into a brand new character, Black Shades Billy, 🥂 from another era to provide a message about love 🎫😁. Check it out now on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tip-toe-feat-black-shades-billy/1859537522?i=1859537700

 

 

 

HR & Opportunities

401(k) Retirement Plan, Transition Overview

The links in the summary below include information about the IFB Solutions 401(k) Retirement Plan, including details on employee contributions, investment options and employer contributions such as the Safe Harbor Match, Discretionary Match and Non-Elective Contributions. A separate document highlighting key plan features is also included. Below is the timeline outlining what to expect during the transition:

Transition Timeline

• Jan. 1: Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Retirement Plan will officially become the IFB Solutions 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Jan. 2–9: Ascensus and IFB Solutions will update systems to allow for employee deferrals and employer matching contributions.
• Jan. 12–16: Blackout Period. Plan assets will be liquidated from the current First Citizens investment model and reallocated to employee-directed investments.
  • Initial allocations will be invested in Target Date Funds
  • No participant account access during this period
• Jan. 19–30: Employee enrollment and investment direction access will be available.
  • These are the first four 401(k) payroll files that include deferrals and matching contributions
  • Payroll testing is required, so posting to participant accounts may be delayed by a few days
• Feb. 2 and beyond: Full 401(k) plan access and normal processing functionality begins.

Note: Ascensus will remain the plan’s recordkeeper, and your login access will stay the same.
Recording: https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/rec/share/q2dP84ikYrLph2Ce7q91jNuJrcPTAY713fnBmwu_pU-UhXBvdjI0UOKwZtllnwS1.q5t318VaPj0KE68j
Summary: Links to documents are below.
401(k) Retirement Plan 2026
IFB Solutions 401(k) Plan Highlights Jan 2026

 

Job Opportunities

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

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

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

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888 475 4499 US Toll-free

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