The IFB Beat 12-23 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Dear Team,

As the year comes to a close and the holiday season begins, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work we’ve achieved together. Each of you has played a vital role not only in supporting our mission but also in staying informed through the IFB Beat. Your engagement helps strengthen our shared connection and keeps our organization moving forward.

I am truly grateful for the passion, dedication, and resilience you bring to your work every day. Whether you’ve been on the frontlines, supported others behind the scenes, or lifted up your peers, your contributions have made this year truly remarkable.

As you celebrate this holiday season—whether surrounded by loved ones or enjoying a well-deserved moment of rest—I hope it brings you warmth, joy, and peace.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for making the IFB Beat a part of yours. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Reminder: Christmas Plans for Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facilities
– Retirement Announcement: Bobbie Manring
– Programs Update: Tina Jolly’s Department Spreads Holiday Cheer!
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Group Updates
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Important Notice: Updates to Winston-Salem Transit Authority Scheduling System
– Watch Out for Fire-Starters

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: Self-Identify for EO/AA Employer Reporting
– Reminder: W-S 2025 Leadership Essentials Training Class – Sign Up Today!
– New Job Announcements

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

 

Reminder: Christmas Plans for the Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facility Employees!

Hope you’ve had fun celebrating this holiday season! We also look forward to a festivities starting on Monday, December 23:

• Monday, 12/23 – Pajama Day (please stay within the company dress code)
• Tuesday 12/24 – Christmas Fantasia Day – wear your Christmas colors, sweaters, hats, etc.

Note, there will be a workday early dismissal on December 24 (Christmas Eve). Dismissal will be at 1 pm all employees report to work at 7:00 am. and all employees who clock out no earlier than 1 pm will be paid for the remainder of the scheduled workday. For all those to which this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly.

Retirement Announcement: Bobbie Manring

The Quality Department at IFB Solutions recently gathered on December 18th to celebrate an incredible milestone—Bobbie Manring’s 33 years of dedicated service.

Bobbie will be retiring on December 24th, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of hard work, commitment, and excellence.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was presented with a customized glass plaque with the following message: “33 years of service presented to Bobbie Manring. May you be proud of the work you have done and the difference you have made. Thank you for your service and dedication. Congratulations on your retirement! IFB Solutions.”

Please join us in wishing Bobbie a happy and fulfilling retirement. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and she will always be part of the IFB team!

 

IFB Programs Update: Tina Jolly’s Department Spreads Holiday Cheer!

   

A huge thank you to Tina Jolly’s department for providing Christmas presents through their generous donations to 2 S.E.E. students.  Molly and Aadi received a large item from their wish list plus a lot more smaller gifts.  For many years, Tina’s department has sponsored Kids for Christmas and truly given from the heart.  The afternoon was filled with excited kids, grateful mothers, and a joyful spirit.

Winston-Salem Facility Support Group Updates

IFB’s mission is to provide opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired in need of training, employment and services, and we believe all people who are blind or visually impaired have the right to succeed in every area of life.

While our commitment to the second half of our mission remains unchanged, our business and employee needs have evolved significantly in the past five years. Support groups at the Winston-Salem headquarters campus remain an important program of IFB, but changes are needed to align their management with production priorities.

IFB Programs operates three support groups, each meeting monthly. They are open to all IFB employees (who are W2s) with relevant experience or interests in the specific focuses:

• Guide Dog Support Group (President: Jennifer Finley) – next meeting Monday, Dec. 23, 12:00–12:45 in TAD’s Room

Employees who wish to attend should let the president of the support group know at least 1 week prior to the meeting. Rosters of employees who are excused for a 45 minute lunch break are maintained by the presidents and shared with supervisors to ensure proper accounting for timecards, and to ensure if production priorities require employees to stay working instead of attending a group meeting. Employees attending whose lunch breaks are not from 12:00 to 12:30 should work through their regularly scheduled lunch break and only take their lunch from 12:00 to 12:45.

While many of these guidelines have been in place for some time, IFB Programs management is working to ensure adherence to support needs on the production floor. If you have any questions or comments, please connect with Kim Shoffner, Programs Manager, at kshoffner@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5669.

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

Asheville and Winston-Salem CLVC December Sale!

The Community Low Vision Center team wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays by offering 20% off everything in stock for the month of December! Bring your shopping list and stop in!

CLVC Item of the Week:

Personal Care Items for $8.99 and up

Items available include:

• Eye Drop Guide
• Prodigy Auto-Code Talking Glucometer
• Non-contact Thermometer
• Talking body weight scale
• And much more!

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Important Notice: Updates to Winston-Salem Transit Authority Scheduling System

Submitted by WS Trans-Aid

As Winston-Salem Transit Authority transitions to a new scheduling system, we want to ensure you have the information needed to navigate these changes smoothly. Please review the tips below to help during this adjustment period. For questions, contact Trans-Aid at 336-727-2000.

Helpful Tips:

1. Update Your Contact Information
   • Ensure your phone number on file with Trans-Aid is accurate so they can reach you if needed.
2. Plan for a 1-Hour Pick-Up Window
   • With the new system, please be ready for pick-up within the designated one-hour window.
3. Schedule in Advance for Best Availability
   • Booking trips 7 days in advance increases your chances of securing your preferred time.
   • Trips scheduled 3 days or less in advance may have limited availability.
4. Be Patient When Calling
   • Call volumes may be high. Please remain on hold and leave a voicemail when prompted to receive a callback.
5. Respectful Communication is Required
   • Abusive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in service suspension.
6. Stay Informed
   • Use the Winston-Salem Transit Authority website for the latest program updates and resources.
7. Use the Automated System
   • The automated system will call your registered number with trip details. You can also use this system to make changes to your trip by following the prompts.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve your transit experience!

 

Watch Out for Fire-Starters

Submitted by Angela Jordan, IFB Solutions Director of Compliance, Environmental Health and Safety 

Candles and Fireplaces

Use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk for fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports on average candles cause 46% of fires annually in December.

• Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over, and out of reach of children
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children in a locked cabinet
• Use flameless rather than lighted candles near flammable objects
• Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
• Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning
• Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep
• Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year

Turkey Fryers

Be alert to the dangers if you’re thinking of celebrating the holidays by frying a turkey. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been hundreds turkey-fryer related fires, burns or other injuries, and millions of dollars in property loss from these incidents.

NSC discourages the use of turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider using an oil-less turkey fryer. If you must fry your own turkey, follow all U.S. Fire Administration turkey fryer guidelines.

Thank you and stay safe this holiday season!

 

HR & Opportunities

Self-Identify for EO/AA Employer Reporting

For more information, reach out to Angela Jordan, IFB Solutions Director Compliance, EH&S, at 336-759-0551 x5771 or ajordan@ifbsolutions.org.

IFB Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and as a federal contractor, we are required to take affirmative action to employ and advance females, minorities, individuals with a disability, and protected veterans. To comply with the applicable law, we invite you to voluntarily self-identify your race/ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, and disability status. Submission of this information is voluntary, and your response (or declining to respond) will not, in any way, subject you to any adverse treatment. Responses to these voluntary surveys will be kept confidential and will not be used in a manner that is inconsistent with any law. However, we encourage you to respond to the survey because the information supports our inclusion efforts towards our affirmative action goals and our employee diversity.

To provide and/or update the information we have regarding your gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, and/or disability status, please login to your Paycom Employee Self-Serve (ESS) and follow these steps:

• Select Information (third option from the top)
• Select EEO Information (second option from the bottom)
• Confirm or select your Gender
• Confirm or select your Race/Ethnicity
  • If you choose Not Hispanic or Latino, you will be prompted to select your race/ethnicity via a drop-down menu
• View an Invitation to Self-Identify your Disability Status
• View an Invitation to Self-Identify your Protected Veteran Status
• Select Update when all sections have been completed

For those who do not have access to Paycom or need additional assistance, please notify your supervisor to submit a ticket requesting an appointment with HR to self-identify.

We ask that you complete this process no later than Friday, January 10, 2025. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Angela Jordan, Director Compliance, EH&S, at 336-759-0551 ext. 5771 or via email at ajordan@ifbsolutions.org. Thank you in advance for your participation in this self-identify campaign which assists IFB with maintaining an equitable and inclusive environment for all.

 

Winston-Salem 2025 Leadership Essentials Training Class – Sign Up Today – Deadline January 10

For more information, reach out to Brent Burkholder, bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org. 

IFB Solutions is pleased to be partnering once again in 2025 with Guildford College to offer a training opportunity for our associates. The training will be titled Leadership Essentials. The target audience for this training opportunity is open to the following associates:

• Past participants of the Business Essentials training offered with Guildford College
• Hourly IFB associates in Winston Salem who meet all criteria set forth on the Leadership Essentials Application
• Those associates that work in a supervisory role that meet all criteria set forth on the Leadership Essentials Application.

Some topics that will be covered in this participant focused training include:

• DAC Framework for Effective Leadership – Train your people in how to build and achieve direction, alignment, and commitment — a requirement for effective leadership.
• Conflict Resolution – Address conflict in a more productive way at your organization. Upskill your team’s conflict resolution skills so they’re willing to step up to conflict.
• Influence – Influence is about the business of getting things done. Develop your team’s influencing skills so they can drive priorities forward more effectively.
• Feedback That Works – Help your leaders give and receive effective, direct, and timely feedback with a leadership development workshop on feedback that works.

To be eligible to participate in this course, associates must meet the following course requirements:

• Submit A completed Leadership Essentials Application which can be found at the link below.
• Submit A copy of the applicants resume via email to Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.
• All associates must be employed with IFB for at least 6 months
• All participants must have satisfactory attendance and job performance
• All associates must have their computer skills assessed by the Workforce Development team (HR will scheduled and coordinate this assessment).
• All associates must be recommended by their supervisor to participate in this training (HR will obtain recommendation).

Applications are available at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NUN0RPUTk5U1YyTFM1WDdZSFlCRTk5SkxLUy4u

The deadline to have the application and all supporting materials submitted for consideration is Friday January 10, 2025. All supporting documents should be submitted to Brent Burkholder via email at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org. For more information or questions please contact Brent at 336.245.5611.

 

New Job Announcements

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

Quilter – Asheville, NC Facility

Education and Work Experience

• On the job training will be provided
• A working knowledge of computers is required

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=112547&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=112548&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

BSC Customer Care Coordinator- MacDill AFB

Education and work experience:

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge/experience in handling placement/fulfillment orders, quotes, inventory/inventory systems, and POS systems required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=112664&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=112665&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Receptionist/Admin Assistant – Asheville, NC Facility

Education and Work Experience

• A minimum of one year’s experience in an administrative/reception position.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=112819&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=112820&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