The IFB Beat 12-1 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s edition of The IFB Beat. We’re excited to welcome new Asheville team members: Ray Bond, relocating from Tennessee, and Steven Herba, joining us from Friday Services. Please help us give them a warm IFB welcome!

Holiday celebrations are also on the way. Read about Christmas ham distribution, lunch details, and festive spirit-themed days beginning December 15, including Pajama Day, Christmas Fantasia, Christmas Accessories Day and Ugly Sweater Day.

Please note: Manufacturing will be closed December 22–26 and will reopen Monday, December 29. Thanks for reading, and here’s to a joyful, festive week ahead at IFB!

Quote of the week:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs

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

– Welcome to Our Asheville New Hires
– Christmas Plans for the Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facilities
– Social Services & Employee Resources Center Update: Winter Coats & Cane Support Available
– IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Fred Hallett, Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– The Twin City Host Lions Club Blind/VI Holiday Celebration!
– Shop Rainbow Tarts!

HR & Opportunities

– Reminder: Retirement Plan Announcement
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Welcome to Our Asheville New Hires

  • Ray Bond has relocated from Tennessee to join the Asheville team. Ray is currently training in the poncho liners department.
  • Steven Herba has joined us from Friday Services and is now part of the military markets department, learning the shipping/packer role.

Let’s make sure they both receive a warm IFB welcome!

 

Christmas Plans for the Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facilities

Get ready to have a ton of fun this holiday season! We will be distributing Christmas hams at the Winston-Salem and Clemmons facilities on Tuesday, December 16. Supervisors will distribute hams to their departments and administrative staff will pick up hams on the plant floor. Location will be announced. Asheville will be distributing hams on Thursday, December 18 at the end of the day. Distribution details will be announced.

On December 17, at the Winston-Salem and Clemmons facilities, and on December 18 at the Asheville facility, Christmas festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. during normal break times. Employees will be treated to a traditional Christmas lunch.

  • The Asheville facility lunch will be provided by Boxcar Grille.
  • The Winston-Salem and Clemmons facility lunches will be provided by Golden Corral.

We also look forward to a week of festivities starting on Monday, December 15!

  • Monday, 12/15 – Pajama Day (please stay within the company dress code)
  • Tuesday 12/16 – Christmas Fantasia Day – wear Christmas colors
  • Wednesday 12/17 – Wear your favorite Christmas accessories, hats, jewelry, socks, etc.
  • Thursday 12/18 – Ugly Sweater Day

Note, manufacturing will be closed the week of Christmas (December 22–26) and return to its normal schedule on Monday, December 29. For all those to whom this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly.

 

Social Services & Employee Resources Center Update: Winter Coats & Cane Support Available

As colder weather settles in, we want to ensure every IFB employee stays warm and comfortable. If you are in need of a coat, please work with your supervisor to submit a ticket and schedule a brief meeting with Monica Lattany. Thank you for helping us make sure everyone is prepared for the season.

Important:

  • Coats are available for IFB employees only.
  • All scheduling must be coordinated through your supervisor.

If you are in need of a new cane or a replacement cane, please also submit a ticket through your supervisor to schedule a meeting with Monica Lattany. We will make sure a cane is ordered for you promptly.

 

IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign

Just a friendly reminder: We look forward to meeting those who signed up to attend one of the virtual sessions on December 2 at 10 a.m. or December 3 at 3 p.m. See you there!

Each year, we invite employees to take part in something truly meaningful — an opportunity to give back to the organization that continues to invest in you. Thanks to your generosity, this year’s campaign is already off to a fantastic start!

Employees like Angela Hanes are grateful for your support:

Headshot of Angela
“Every donation allows people like me to receive JAWS (Job Access With Speech) computer training, which helps me become more independent.”

And from Skyler Mejia:

Headshot of Skyler
“I have low vision, and I don’t know how it may change over time, but if it does, I’m grateful for donations that support braille classes — because I never know when I might need them.”

Your contributions make a real difference. They provide adaptive equipment, essential training and life-changing opportunities that empower our employees to grow and succeed. As always, everyone is welcome to participate in the campaign, though giving is entirely optional.

Donor Appreciation Gifts

  • All employees who donate $25 or more will receive an IFB blanket.
  • Family members are also encouraged to join in! When a family member donates, they’ll receive a blanket, and you will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a camp chair and table on December 18.

Want to support the campaign? Here’s how:

If you have any questions, please contact Naomi Venable at nvenable@ifbsolutions.org. Thank you for your continued support!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Fred Hallett, Winston-Salem Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Fred Hallett from the rags and wipes department.

Headshot of Fred Hallett

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I mostly grew up in California. However, since my dad was in the Air Force, I was actually born in the Philippines. I later relocated to North Carolina for a job opportunity.

Q: How long have you been with IFB?
A: I’ve been with IFB for almost 11 years — I started in 2015!

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy playing the drums and going to the gym.

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

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love that I’ve been with the company for a long time. It truly feels like family. I know a lot of people here, and I feel like they know me.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “People don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan!”

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, 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

The Twin City Host Lions Club Blind/VI Holiday Celebration!

On Wednesday, December 10, the Twin City Host Lions Club will bring a little holiday cheer to our blind and low vision employees. They will arrive during second break to deliver Food Lion gift cards, candy and fruit bags! Employees will also be greeted with Christmas songs. This will be a walk-through event. Supervisors will be notified and will inform all blind and low vision employees when it is time to report to the TADS room for the celebration. Thanks, and happy holidays!

 

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!

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: 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!

 

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

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