The IFB Beat 12-8 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s edition of The IFB Beat. As we transition into the holiday season, our campuses are filled with exciting news, celebrations and important updates.

We are proud to share that IFB Solutions is featured in the December edition of Our State magazine. This full-length story and companion video beautifully highlights our mission, people and momentum leading into our 90th anniversary. Thank you to everyone who contributed and represented IFB so well.

This week also brings opportunities to gather and celebrate. A general assembly will be held on December 15 at the Asheville and Winston-Salem facilities, during which we will recognize employees and share key announcements. Holiday festivities continue with themed spirit days, Christmas lunches at all locations and the convenient Christmas wrapping station for Winston-Salem employees on December 18.

We are also pleased to congratulate John Winebush on his promotion to Operations Supervisor at the Clemmons facility. His leadership and commitment continue to strengthen our team.

Additionally, please be sure to attend the upcoming 401(k) information sessions, during which the human resources department will walk through the new plan, company match and how to maximize retirement savings. This week’s Employee Spotlight features David Collins, whose dedication and positivity truly shine. Wishing you a joyful, festive week ahead.

Quote of the week:

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau

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

– IFB Featured in the December Edition of Our State magazine
– Asheville and Winston-Salem Facilities: General Assembly on December 15
– Promotion Announcement
– Winston-Salem Facility: Christmas Wrapping Station
– Christmas Plans for the Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facilities
– Staff Campaign 2025 Update
– Reminder: Social Services & Employee Resources Center Update, Winter Coats & Cane Support Available
– Employee Spotlight Featuring David Collins, Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– The Twin City Host Lions Club Blind/VI Holiday Celebration! Note: New Date is December 18

HR & Opportunities

– Retirement — 401(k) Plan Announcement
– Job Opportunities

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

 

IFB Featured in the December Edition of Our State magazine

We’re excited to share that IFB Solutions is featured in the December edition of Our State magazine!

Earlier this year, Katie Hall Nicolas, who leads business development operations for our Workforce Services staffing division, met with Our State writer Brad Campbell to discuss the incredible work taking place at IFB and the excitement surrounding our upcoming 90th anniversary. What came next exceeded all expectations: a full-length print and digital feature, accompanied by a five-minute video that beautifully brings our story to life online.

A heartfelt thank you to Dan Kelly, President and CEO; Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager; Lynn Drake, sewing machine operator in the fuel handler suit department; Kim Shoffner, Training Supervisor; and Seth Anderson, Vice President of Channel Sales and Marketing. Your authentic voices, passion and commitment shine throughout the piece. This feature is a wonderful way to begin our year-long celebration of 90 years of IFB.

 

Asheville and Winston-Salem Facilities: General Assembly on December 15

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, a special celebration announcement 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.

 

Promotion Announcement

We are pleased to announce that John Winebush has been promoted from Warehouse Lead to Operations Supervisor at the Clemmons facility, effective December 1. In this new role, John will continue overseeing all shipping and receiving activities at the Clemmons facility. He will take on leadership of Pinnacle Mercantile production, guiding the team to ensure efficient processes and timely, high-quality output.

As part of this transition, Earline Burrows will continue serving as Production Assistant for Pinnacle Mercantile and will now report directly to John. John will report to Travis Guerra, Winston-Salem Plant Manager.

Please join us in congratulating John on this well-deserved promotion and wishing him continued success in his expanded responsibilities.

Jordan Kovac will remain in his role as Pinnacle Mercantile Analytics Manager, reporting to Wendy Weiss, Chief Development Officer. He will continue leading sales growth and digital analytics initiatives across Pinnacle Mercantile, including advertising, pricing, strategic planning, new product development and innovation.

 

Winston-Salem Facility: Christmas Wrapping Station

We are excited to share something special we’re doing this holiday season. On December 18, we’ll be setting up a Christmas wrapping station in the Winston-Salem facility boardroom to help get your gifts wrapped and holiday ready, stress free.

Drop-and-Go Wrapping Station

To keep your day running smoothly, this will be a simple and convenient drop-and-go setup:

  • Swing by the boardroom during your break and drop off your gifts.
  • We’ll make sure each gift is clearly labeled before and after wrapping, so nothing gets misplaced.
  • At the end of the day, our delivery team will bring your beautifully wrapped gifts right back to you!

To make sure we can wrap gifts for everyone and keep things manageable, we’ll be sticking to a few guidelines:

  • Up to five gifts per person
  • Nothing over 10 pounds
  • Boxes should ideally be 2 ft x 2 ft or smaller

This will help our volunteers stay organized and give us plenty of time to make sure every gift is wrapped just right. If you have any questions or need help when you drop off, we are here and happy to help. We are excited to bring a little extra holiday cheer your way this season!

 

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.

 

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. We are only one week away from the end of our campaign, 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.

 

Reminder: Social Services & Employee Resources Center Update, Winter Coats and 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.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring David Collins, 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 David Collins from the staplers department.

Headshot of David Collins

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. However, I’ve lived in North Carolina for the last 20 years.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 8 years. I was referred to IFB through Employment Security.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Swimming, photography and cycling.

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

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy the challenge of my work assignments and the opportunity to learn new things every day.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “When you are in school, make sure to always listen to your teachers!”

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! Note: New Date is December 18

On Thursday, December 18, 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 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!

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Retirement — 401(k) Plan Announcement

Beginning January 2026, we will transition from a profit-sharing retirement plan to a 401(k) plan with a company match. Here’s what this means for you:

  • Contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to your 401(k), subject to IRS contribution limits.
  • IFB Solutions will match 100% of your voluntary contributions, up to 5%.
  • You’ll have greater control and flexibility in planning for your retirement.

Information Sessions

Information sessions will be held at Winston-Salem and Clemmons facilities on December 10, and at the Asheville location on December 15. Sessions will include an overview of plan options, the company match and tips for maximizing your savings.

Sign Up and Attend

Winston-Salem – Meeting in the TADS room
Clemmons – Meeting in the break room

  • Hourly employees: Notify your supervisor if you would like to attend a 401(k) session and specify your language preference. You will be assigned a session time.
  • Hourly admin/salary: Attend the session scheduled from 11 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Asheville

  • Asheville employees will receive their assigned session time.

 

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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