The IFB Beat 11-17 Edition

A Message from the Editor

As the holiday season approaches, we have so much to be thankful for — our dedicated employees and shared commitment that keep IFB Solutions moving forward together. This edition of the IFB Beat is packed with exciting updates, from our Christmas bonus announcement to upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations, new team members and the start of benefits 2026 open enrollment.

As we look ahead to a new year, let’s take a moment to celebrate the people who make it all possible. Thank you for your hard work, heart and holiday spirit that shine all year long!

Think you’re good at solving riddles? Test your smarts with this week’s Beat riddle: I travel all around the world, but always stay in one corner. What am I?

Can you guess what it is? Find the answer hidden at the end of this issue!

Quote of the week:

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker

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

– Benefits 2026 Open Enrollment Begins Today and Runs Through November 26
– Christmas Bonus Announcement
– Welcome to Our New Team Members
– IFB Impact Newsletter, Winter 2025 Edition
– Asheville and Winston-Salem Thanksgiving Lunch Details
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Shop Rainbow Tarts!
– Check Out the Latest Tunes from IFB Solutions’ Oryan Battis

HR and Opportunities

– Retirement Plan Announcement
– Social Services & Employee Resources Center
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Benefits 2026 Open Enrollment Begins Today and Runs Through November 26

Open enrollment is officially here! Click here to access last week’s information session, which highlights important updates and details for the upcoming plan year. Session highlights include:

  1. Overview of the new Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) healthcare plans
  2. Guardian ancillary benefits roll forward automatically if you are not making changes
  3. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) require re-enrollment to participate in the 2026 plan year

Click here to access the 2026 IFB Solutions ICHRA & Guardian open enrollment document.
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Assistance With Enrollment

Licensed benefit counselors from The Cason Group are available to assist with enrollment in the ICHRA medical plans, ancillary benefits administered through Guardian and flexible spending accounts.
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On-site Support

Winston-Salem: November 18–20, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET
Hourly employees should notify their supervisors if they would like to schedule an appointment. All other employees may click here to contact Tammy Powers.
Asheville: November 19–20, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET
One-on-one meetings will be provided on Monday, November 17, for all employees who request an appointment. To schedule an appointment, click here to contact Mary Hunter.
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Call Center Support

Speak with a licensed benefit counselor by phone at 855-520-6769. Phone hours are:

  • November 18 & 24, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. ET
  • November 19–20, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET

You may also schedule a call using this link or the QR code provided in this IFB open enrollment telephonic document.
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Self-enrollment

Employees may self-enroll using the ICHRA link and Other Benefits link in the following documents. Important: There are two sets of links and QR codes: ICHRA Health Benefits and Ancillary Benefits through Guardian and CBIZ. Asheville click here. Winston-Salem click here.

 

Christmas Bonus Announcement

To our dedicated IFB employees, we thank you for all your hard work this year! As a gesture of our appreciation, a Christmas bonus of $100 has been approved by our executive team. This bonus will be provided to all hourly, hourly administrative, salaried and temporary employees. To qualify, employees must be hired and active by November 23, 2025. The bonus will appear as an additional line item on your November 28 regular payroll check. To ensure you receive the full $100 after taxes, the amount will be adjusted to cover FICA taxes. For temporary employees, the bonus will be distributed through your agency, so the timing may vary depending on your agency’s pay schedule.

 

Welcome to Our New Team Members

We’re thrilled to share that two talented individuals joined IFB on November 10. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to the team.

  • Andrew Proctor, Software and E-Commerce Manager, reporting to Vasudha Rangapathy
  • Shannon Williams, Customer Service Representative, reporting to Shannon Satterfield

 

IFB Impact Newsletter, Winter 2025 Edition

IFB Solutions Winter newsletter will arrive in mailboxes this week, but you can check out the latest edition here. Or sign up for free here.

 

Asheville and Winston-Salem Thanksgiving Lunch Details

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on the many blessings we share — especially the teamwork, kindness, and dedication that make IFB such a special place. We’re grateful for each of you and the positive impact you make every day! To celebrate, we invite you to join us for a Thanksgiving lunch celebration filled with delicious food and fellowship.
🦃 Winston-Salem facility: Thursday, November 20, during your normal lunch time. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast catered by Golden Corral — a perfect way to savor the holiday spirit!
🍝 Asheville facility: Wednesday, November 26, during your normal lunch time. We’re adding a fun twist to tradition with lasagna and salad catered by Apollo Flame — a tasty way to give thanks and enjoy time together.

Let’s come together in gratitude and good company to celebrate all we have accomplished this year!

 

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

  • Veterans Support Group: Tuesday, November 18, 12–1 p.m. in TADS Room
  • On The Spectrum Support Group: Thursday, November 20, 12–1 p.m. in TADS Room

 

From Our Community

Shop Rainbow Tarts!

Submitted by Carl Williams, Winston-Salem Facility, Assembly Department

Interested in supporting a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give as a gift? Look no further. We have wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and much more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit rainbowtarts.com. We Braille products upon request at no charge and orders can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. priority mail. Free shipping for orders $65 or more.
Rainbow Tarts — where everything makes scents!

 

Check Out the Latest Tunes from IFB Solutions’ Oryan Battis

Submitted by Oryan Battis, Winston-Salem Facility, T-Shirts Department

Oryan Battis is a talented and innovative artist known for his genre-bending approach to music, blending styles like Afrobeat, pop and R&B to create vibrant and soulful sounds. His artistry is characterized by his ability to craft catchy melodies while exploring diverse musical influences, making his work both fresh and relatable.

His latest release, “Life Goes On,” is an uplifting album that showcases his versatility and commitment to spreading positivity. The project features energetic tracks infused with Afrobeat rhythms, designed to bring joy and dance to listeners worldwide. With “Life Goes On,” Oryan continues to demonstrate his growth as an artist and his passion for creating music that connects and uplifts audiences.

Check out Oryan’s music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Hi0yBZBPM

 

Beat riddle: You found the answer!

Q: I travel all around the world, but always stay in one corner. What am I?
A: A postage stamp.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Retirement Plan Announcement

Fantastic news about your retirement! The board of directors has once again approved a 1% company contribution to all W-2 employees’ retirement plans — our way of saying thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Even better news: There’s a new 401(k) plan coming January 2026

We’re transitioning from a profit-sharing plan to a 401(k) with a company match — giving you more control and flexibility over your retirement savings.

Here’s how it works:

  • Contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to your 401(k) (subject to IRS limits).
  • IFB Solutions will match 100% of your voluntary contributions, up to 5% — helping your retirement savings grow faster.

More details coming soon:

  • Informational sessions in December will cover 401(k) plan options, company match details, and tips to maximize your savings.
  • Watch your inbox for dates and registration details — you won’t want to miss it! Let’s make fiscal year 2026 a year of growth, savings, and financial empowerment!

Social Services & Employee Resources Center

As part of our mission to support every employee, we’re building a Social Services and Employee Resources Team — a strategic investment in your well-being.

This new team’s mission is to connect employees to helpful tools, community resources, and federal and state benefits — while helping you build the confidence and skills to navigate these systems independently. At IFB Solutions, we’re mission-driven and people-focused — committed to creating opportunities and investing in resources that help our employees thrive both inside and outside the workplace.

  • Step 1: We’re thrilled to welcome Monica Lattany, our new social worker! Monica is already making a positive impact, meeting employees, and helping lay the groundwork for this important initiative.
  • Step 2: We are in the planning stages of revamping what we’ve known as the Community Low Vision Center area to better serve and accommodate IFB Solutions employees, creating a more supportive and accessible space for everyone.

 

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)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free