The IFB Beat 12-29 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s edition of the IFB Beat! As always, this newsletter reflects the people, progress and purpose that make IFB a special place to work.

This week, we’re excited to welcome Angel Alvarez to the IFB family. Angel joined the Winston-Salem facility as a sewing machine operator in the T-shirt department, and we’re thrilled to have his skills and enthusiasm on the team. Please join us in giving him a warm IFB welcome.

We’re also proud to celebrate the August, September, and October Employees of the Month at our Winston-Salem facility. Each honoree exemplifies IFB’s core values—Mission Possible Mindset, Commitment to Excellence, Business with a Heart and Creative Solutions. Congratulations to all winners and runner-ups for the dedication and positivity they practice each day.

In this issue, you’ll find an inspiring Employee Spotlight on Syretta Lilley, whose journey and words of encouragement remind us not to let limitations define our potential. We also share updates on staying connected through the Blackboard communication system, highlights from Wendy Weiss’ visit to our Federal Market Base Supply Centers and important information about the upcoming 401(k) retirement plan transition.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged. Your contributions—big and small—continue to move our mission forward.

Quote of the week:

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” — 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

– Please Join Us in Welcoming Our New Team Member
– Congratulations to Winston-Salem Facility August, September and October Employees of the Month
– Reminder: Blackboard Communication System Update
– What’s Happening in the Field: IFB Chief Development Officer Wendy Weiss Visits the Federal Market Base Supply Centers
– Reminder: IFB Training and Services, Braille Class Announcement
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Syretta Lilley, Winston-Salem 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

 

Please Join Us in Welcoming Our New Team Member

We’re excited to share some great news—new team member Angel Alvarez joined us on December 15. We couldn’t be happier to welcome Angel to the IFB family!

He joins us as a sewing machine operator in the T-shirt department under the supervision of William Lindsay. Angel brings valuable skills and enthusiasm to our team, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. We’re confident he will make a positive impact and contribute to our continued success. Please take a moment to say hello and help give Angel a warm IFB welcome!

 

Congratulations to Winston-Salem Facility August, September and October Employees of the Month

August Runner-up: Yisel Saavedra
Yisel demonstrates a Mission Possible Mindset, leading her ACS team with energy, focus and a can-do attitude. Her leadership inspires the team to tackle challenges confidently.

August Winner: Paul Allen
Paul consistently exemplifies Commitment to Excellence in the mattress department with his skill and precision. His dedication ensures the team delivers quality results every day.

September Runner-up: Mike Richardson
Mike brings a Mission Possible Mindset to the t-shirt department, tackling every task with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. His fresh perspective and strong work ethic make him a standout team member.

September Winner: Antwan Hazel
With over 16 years of service, Antwan exemplifies Business with a Heart, bringing care, kindness and genuine dedication to every task in the markers department. His positive spirit and steady support make a meaningful impact on everyone around him.

October Runner-up: Earline Burrow
Earline’s long-standing dedication reflects Business with a Heart, as she supports the Pinnacle Mercantile team with kindness, teamwork and unwavering positivity. Her steady presence makes a meaningful impact every day.

October Winner – Davin Crockett
Davin embodies Creative Solutions, mastering complex Sewing Machine Operator II tasks with skill and innovation in the fuel handler suits department. His problem-solving mindset helps the team operate smoothly.

 

Reminder: 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!

 

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.

 

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 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 Syretta Lilley, 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 Syretta Lilley from the ACS department.

Headshot of Syretta Lilley

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Brooklyn, New York

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I will celebrate seven years with IFB in May. My cousin heard about IFB through a friend and shared the opportunity with me—and I’m so glad she did.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy sports, bowling and working out.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: I’m a city lady at heart, but I truly love Southern and soul food!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy interacting with people. Communicating with others who are blind is a positive challenge for me since I am deafblind—but it’s not hard, and I really enjoy it.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Don’t let your disability define you. Have faith in yourself.”

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

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

  • 01/01/26: Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Retirement Plan will officially become the IFB Solutions 401(k) Retirement Plan.
  • 01/02/26–01/09/26: Ascensus and IFB Solutions will update systems to allow for employee deferrals and employer matching contributions.
  • 01/12/26–01/16/26: 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
  • 01/19/26–01/30/26: 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
  • 02/02/26 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_eff Jan 2026

 

Job Opportunities

Production Assistant — Clemmons facility (Mattress)

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • 2–3 years production experience within the scope of the work of the department is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/190158

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/190159?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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