The IFB Beat 12-15 Edition

A Message from the Editor

As we move into the final weeks of the year, I’m grateful for the energy, teamwork and dedication that continue to shine across all IFB locations. This week’s IFB Beat is packed with important updates, celebrations and reminders to help everyone prepare for the holiday season.

First, please note that Thursday, December 18, will be an early dismissal day for manufacturing employees as we begin our Christmas break. Be sure to review the adjusted schedule and plan transportation accordingly. Also, due to the early dismissal, the Christmas wrapping station will no longer be available on that day.

We are also excited to share that the Twin City Host Lions Club holiday celebration has a new start time of 10 a.m. on December 18. We’re grateful for their continued support and look forward to the joy they bring to our blind and low vision employees each year.

Finally, please note that there will be no IFB Beat newsletter on December 22 due to the Christmas holiday and the manufacturing floor’s closure. The newsletter will resume on Monday, December 29.

Thank you for all you do, and may this season bring you rest, connection and joy.

Quote of the week:

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” — John C. Maxwell

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat.

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Exciting News! IFB Gain Share Award
– Christmas Break Schedule and Pay for Manufacturing Employees
– Asheville and Winston-Salem Facilities: December 15 General Assembly
– Blackboard Communication System Update
– Winston-Salem Facility: Christmas Wrapping Station Update
– Christmas Plans for the Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facilities
– Staff Campaign 2025 Update
– What’s Happening in the Field: IFB Chief Development Officer Wendy Weiss Visits the Federal Market Base Supply Centers
– IFB Training and Services: Braille Class Announcement
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Robin Robinson, Asheville Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– The Twin City Host Lions Club Blind/VI Holiday Celebration! Note: New Time is 10 a.m.
– “You Don’t Look Blind” Monthly Open House

HR & Opportunities

– New 401(k) Retirement Highlights
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Exciting News! IFB Gain Share Award

As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share some well-earned good news. Thanks to your resilience, commitment and focus on our mission, we continued to make significant business improvements and are able to celebrate our successes from our fiscal year that ended September 30, 2025.

Because of your outstanding efforts, we are pleased to announce a gain share award for the second year in a row! And it is at a higher level than last year.

If you were an IFB permanent employee (this does not include temporary employees) during fiscal year 2025, you will receive a gain share bonus equal to 3% of your annual salary. This increase reflects both our improved performance and our appreciation for your continued dedication.

  • Salaried employees will receive their gain share payout on December 15
  • Hourly employees will receive their gain share payout on December 19
  • Each payout will be deposited as a separate payment into your bank account—just in time for the holidays.

This achievement is a testament to what we can accomplish together. Your professionalism, perseverance and belief in our mission continue to define IFB Solutions as a business with a heart.

Thank you for all that you do every day. We hope this gain share bonus is a meaningful expression of our gratitude and helps make your holiday season a little brighter.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and safe holiday season.

— Dan Kelly, President and CEO

 

Christmas Break Schedule and Pay for Manufacturing Employees

As we prepare for the upcoming Christmas break (December 22–26, returning December 29), we will begin the holiday period with an early dismissal on Thursday, December 18.

All employees will be paid their regular scheduled hours on December 18, provided they are present and remain at work until the official dismissal time. This applies to all four-day workweek plant employees.

Schedule for Thursday, December 18

  • Employees will work until 12:30 p.m.
  • Lunch will be skipped to allow for the early dismissal.
  • Dismissal will occur at 12:30 p.m.
  • Employees who stay until dismissal will be paid for the remainder of their scheduled workday.

We appreciate everyone’s hard work throughout the year and hope this adjusted schedule offers a smooth and enjoyable start to the holiday break.

For all those to whom this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly. If you have any questions, please reach out to your supervisor.

 

Asheville and Winston-Salem Facilities: December 15 General Assembly

There will be a general assembly meeting held on the manufacturing floor on Monday, December 15 at 3:15 p.m. We’re looking forward to presenting employee of the month awards for August, September and October, holiday event updates, special celebration announcements and remarks from leadership.

Supervisors, please be sure to shut down all equipment, fans and other things that contribute to noise on the manufacturing floor promptly at 3:15 p.m. If your workspace is not close to the central offices (outside Travis Guerra and Edward Sykes’ doors), please move closer to ensure you can hear. Any office administration working in the building, your presence will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

Blackboard Communication System Update

Several employees have shared that they are not receiving The IFB Beat text sent out on Sundays. In November, we experienced a brief issue with the Blackboard system, which has since been resolved. However, after running a recent delivery results report, we discovered that some employees have opted out of receiving Blackboard communications.

If you previously opted out of Blackboard messages—whether intentionally or by accident—you can now opt back in.

How to opt back in:

  • Emergency notifications (e.g., weather updates): text “START 1190341” to 23177
  • Outreach notifications (e.g., The IFB Beat): text “START 1190341” to 53291
  • Phone notifications: call the Outreach Opt-Out/In Hotline at 855-502-7867 from the number you used to opt out and follow the automated prompts.

Stay connected and informed—make sure you’re signed up!

 

Winston-Salem Facility: Christmas Wrapping Station Update

Due to the early dismissal on Thursday, December 18, the Christmas wrapping station that day will no longer be available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We hope you have a safe, joyful and relaxing holiday break!

 

Christmas Plans for Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facilities

Update: The Winston-Salem facility has added additional holiday activities. Read below.

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 in the canteen between 10 and 11 a.m. 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 in Asheville, Christmas festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m., during normal breaktimes. 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

Additional fun at the Winston-Salem facility

All week long, the Winston-Salem facility will be hosting a holiday guessing game called the “Stocking Stumper Challenge.” There will be a stocking placed in the canteen area. During your normal breaks and lunch, you can touch and feel the stocking and try to guess what’s inside. Each employee gets one guess, and the closest guess wins!

Lastly, on Thursday, December 18, the Winston-Salem facility will have a Christmas-themed photo backdrop set up in the canteen area. There will be props available, and it’s a great chance to take fun holiday photos with your co-workers in ugly sweaters. Photos must be taken during breaks and lunch.

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

 

Staff Campaign 2025 Update

Dear IFB Team,

Thank you for supporting our annual staff campaign. Because of you, we are making a meaningful difference every day in the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired.

All staff campaign meetings in-person at the Winston-Salem and Asheville facilities, as well as the two remote meetings, have now concluded, and we truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm. Participation is completely voluntary, and it is not mandatory to give. If you would like to participate, please submit your form by December 18 (form here). If you have already given and wish to keep your amount the same, please reach out to your supervisor so we can get your IFB Solutions blanket to you as an appreciation gift.

With the holidays approaching, please share IFB’s mission with your family and friends. We love our mission and our people. Here is the most recent video sharing who we are: IFB Solutions | Hidden History. As a reminder, anyone who donates will receive a blanket as a token of appreciation. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

 

What’s Happening in the Field: IFB Chief Development Officer Wendy Weiss Visits the Federal Market Base Supply Centers

DOE and FERC photo

Our new Chief Development Officer, Wendy Weiss, recently traveled to the Washington, D.C. area (December 2–3) to visit all six of our base supply centers located in Washington D.C. and Annapolis, Maryland. The purpose of her visit was to personally introduce herself to each base supply center team and meet with key federal contracting officers, sharing more about her background and how her experience strengthens and supports the IFB mission.

These conversations were both informative and impactful, providing valuable insights that support our sales goals and deepen our mission-driven partnerships. During her visit, Wendy toured the base supply centers at the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the Office of Naval Intelligence (Suitland, MD), and the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Securities & Exchange Commission—all located in Washington, D.C.

We appreciated the time, hospitality and thoughtful dialogue from every team and partner who welcomed Wendy. Your continued commitment plays a vital role in advancing our work and expanding opportunities for people who are blind. Thank you for all you do.

 

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 them 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 at 10–11 a.m. in Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse. Our first class will be on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Remember that Braille helps us keep in touch.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Robin Robinson, 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 Robin Robinson.

Headshot of Robin Robinson

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been at IFB for 13 years. I heard about IFB in a magazine called The Braille Forum.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I like to joke around with people and bring a little humor to the day.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy bowling, attending concerts and going to church. I also travel each year to the National Church Conference of the Blind, which is held in a different location each year.

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

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The people.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Don’t let people get to you.”

Special thanks to Denice Drake, Administrative Assistant, 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

Meetings this week:

  • Veterans Support Group: Tuesday, December 16, 12–1 p.m. in the TADS Room
  • On the Spectrum Support Group: Thursday, December 18, 12–1 p.m. in the TADS Room

 

 

From Our Community

The Twin City Host Lions Club Blind/VI Holiday Celebration! Note: New Time is 10 a.m.

On Thursday, December 18, the Twin City Host Lions Club will bring a little holiday cheer to our blind and low-vision employees at the Winston-Salem facility. They will arrive at 10 a.m. in the TADS room to deliver 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!

 

“You Don’t Look Blind” Monthly Open House

Submitted by Metrolina Association for the Blind

Come and check in with your community! This monthly meeting is open to everyone affected by vision loss—regardless of diagnosis. The meeting is also open to friends and family, because they are affected too.

We talk about anything related to vision loss. Topics might include smartphones, AI, white canes, finding resources, being a caregiver, research studies, relationships, adaptive recreation, mental health, transportation, benefits, labeling, organization and how family can be difficult to train. We share funny stories and challenges. Sometimes there are tears, but soon we laugh a bit more. Life is easier with people who understand what you’re going through.

The open house will be on Tuesday, December 16, from 7 p.m. until midnight. This is an open house, so come when you can and leave when you want. The Zoom information is the same each month.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

New 401(k) Retirement Highlights

Listen to a 401(k) information session recording and review the summary highlights to get the key details and benefits of the IFB Solutions 401(k) retirement plan.

Link to information session

Link to informational document

 

Job Opportunities

Utility Person — Maintenance, Asheville facility

Education and Work Experience

  • Prior experience in a manufacturing facility is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/188785

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/188786?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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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