The IFB Beat 3-10 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Greetings, everyone!

In this issue, we’re celebrating excellence across our team! Meet Demetrio Munive, Asheville Facility Employee of the Year, and get to know our newest team members. We’re also recognizing Asheville’s Employees of the Month and shining a spotlight on Harry Umbel. Plus, stay informed with important updates on office relocations and Blackboard communication changes.

Quote of the week:

“It is in your best interest to recognize that there is a difference between being responsible and taking responsibility. You have the freedom and power to choose.” ~ Christopher Avery

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

– 2025 Award Winners: Meet Demetrio Munive
– Welcome to our Newest Team Members!
– Asheville Facility Employee of the Month Winners
– Winston-Salem Facility Office Relocations
– Blackboard Communication System Update
– Employee Spotlight: Harry Umbel
– Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity
– Programs Update: Western NC Braille Challenge
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Support NFB: Lucky Me Basket Raffle

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: 1095-C Tax Forms Now Available
– Reminder: Discounted Medical Premiums for ’25-’26
– New Job Announcements

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

2025 Award Winners: Meet Demetrio Munive

In the next few editions of The IFB Beat, we will be highlighting our 2025 Award Winners! This issue features: Demetrio Munive – Asheville Facility Employee of the Year.

Each year, we nominate employees who demonstrate excellence in their jobs and live out IFB Solutions’ core values of Commitment to Excellence, Creative Solutions, Business with a Heart, Mission Possible, and Ethical to the Core. These employees represent the great work being done to grow IFB’s mission of creating employment, training, and services for people who are blind.

Demetrio Munive’s journey is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Originally from Mexico, he built a successful career operating heavy equipment in a rock yard. However, his life took a challenging turn when complications from diabetes and glaucoma caused significant vision loss, making it impossible to continue in his previous profession.

Despite facing immense setbacks, Demetrio refused to give up. His life began to turn around in 2015 when he joined IFB Solutions as an Assembler/Packer in Impulse Merchandising. Since then, Demetrio has been a dedicated employee, taking on tasks like barcoding, bagging, sealing, and delivering products. His tireless work ethic has not gone unnoticed—he is never seen idle. Once his assigned duties are complete,

Demetrio takes the initiative to sweep the department, pick up dropped items, and empty trash cans.

Demetrio’s commitment is truly remarkable. Even injuries couldn’t deter him from fulfilling his responsibilities. Known for his kindness, generosity, and soft-spoken demeanor, he is deeply respected and admired by his coworkers. This admiration is evident—over a third of the employees nominated him as Employee of the Year.

We are honored to recognize Demetrio Munive as the 2025 Employee of the Year for IFB Solutions’ Asheville Facility. His dedication and unwavering spirit inspire us all. Thank you, Demetrio, for all that you do!

Welcome to our newest team members!

We’re excited to introduce two new hires who joined the IFB team!

• Zacharry Flowe has joined the ACS Department as a Sewing Machine Operator and will be working under the supervision of William Lindsay.
• Tulashi Gurung has also come on board as a Sewing Machine Operator in the FHS Department, reporting to Bill Dennis.

Both Zacharry and Tulashi started their journey with us on Monday, March 3rd. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to the IFB team!

 

Asheville Facility Employee of the Month Winners

Congratulations to our Employees of the Month for November, December, and January!

• November: Shelly Hannah – Military Markets
• December: Anthony Hernandez – Fuel Handler Suits
• January: Teresa Echeveria – Fuel Handler Suits

Winston-Salem Facility Office Relocations

Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist and Angela Jordan, Director of Compliance, EH&S will be switching offices. Effective Monday, March 3rd, Morgan will be in her new office on the manufacturing floor and Angela will be in her new office on the HR hallway. We ask that you continue to utilize the ticketing system for all benefits, HR and payroll related requests.

 

Blackboard Communication System Update

To ensure you receive emergency and outreach communications, please provide your cell phone number to your supervisor. They will provide it to HR to be entered into our Blackboard employee communications system.

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

• For emergency notifications (e.g., weather updates): Text “START 1190341” to 23177.
• For outreach notifications (e.g., The Beat): Text “START 1190341” to 53291.
• For phone notifications: Call the Outreach Opt-Out/In Hotline at 855-502-7867 from the number you used to opt out. Follow the automated prompts to opt back in.

Stay informed—make sure you’re signed up!

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Harry Umbel

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Harry Umbel.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Shelby, Ohio

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: 19 years in November. I had lost my cane and a friend saw the sign for IFB so I stopped by to try and get a new one. They told me they had jobs for blind people and gave me the grand tour.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I am very involved with Native American culture.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love working on old cars. I used to change the motors and resell antique cars.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: My rib-eye steak with a baked potato, tossed salad, and a good cup of coffee

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The employees, I just love them all. I love to make people laugh and I have a lot of friends here.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: Do the best you can with what you have, be who you are, be happy, and go with life.

Special thanks to our HR Employee Relations Team, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity

A generous donor to IFB Solutions is again fully sponsoring kids of our employees in the Winston-Salem community to attend one week of the traditional residential camp at the YMCA Camp Hanes (camphanes.org) this summer! The Camp is located 400 acres at the base of the Sauratown Mountain in King just 30 minutes north of Winston-Salem. From archery to hiking, alpine wall to zip-lining, swimming to kayaking, your kids are sure to learn new skills and make lifelong friends in a safe environment.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Campers must be 6 years of age or be attending the 1st grade in the fall of 2025, all the way up to age 15 AND
• Children or grandchildren of full or part-time IFB employees who are past their first 90 days of service OR
• Children or grandchildren of IFB Solutions contract employees who have been working for IFB through one of our contract labor partners for at least 12 months.

Please note: IFB Solutions is only facilitating the sponsorships; if you have specific questions about the camp, call them directly at 336-983-3131. IFB Solutions cannot provide transportation to and from the camp.

To Apply:

1. Fill out the Camp Hanes IFB registration form (here) to be considered for the IFB scholarship.
2. Apply online and save your completed application as a PDF. Online applications can be completed at this link: https://camphanes.campbrainregistration.com/. Simply select the week your child or grandchild wishes to attend.
3. Write a one-page essay by you as a parent or grandparent about why you would like your child or grandchild to join the camp this summer.
4. Provide a statement or short essay by your child or grandchild about why they would like to attend.
5. Submit  the IFB registration form and all essays to Brent Burkholder by 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 20 via email at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org

Selection and Notice:

• Selection will be made on a first-come-first-served basis from applicants who provide complete information and documents.
• All selected campers are asked to be ready to write a donor thank you card (to be provided by IFB) about the camp experience at the end of summer.

For Questions and Support:

• If you have any questions, please contact Brent Burkholder at 336-245-5611 or bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org

 

IFB Programs Updates: Western NC Braille Challenge

We had an amazing time at the Western NC Braille Challenge, hosted at the Little Red Schoolhouse in celebration of the 25th anniversary of this event by the Braille Institute. A huge congratulations to Luke Fechtel for winning his level in the 2024 Nationals!

We are grateful for all the incredible students who participated and showcased their skills.

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Ambutech Pharos Cane Light for $16.95

Make sure you always have visibility, even in the dark! The Pharos cane light shines a bright 40 lumens and comes with multiple mounting brackets for use on many different cane sizes. Attached to a keychain, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting this light!

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

 

From Our Community

Reminder: Support NFB: Lucky Me Basket Raffle!

Submitted by Angela Hanes, National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Forsyth County Chapter President 

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with the NFB Lucky Me Basket raffle! Try your luck for just $3 per ticket and enter for a chance to win a festive basket.

• Drawing Date: March 12
• Proceeds Benefit National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Programs
• Get Your Tickets From: Terry Norway or Riki Gray in the ACS Department

Don’t miss out—grab your tickets today and support a great cause! 🍀✨

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: 1095-C Tax Forms Now Available

The 1095-C forms are now available electronically in Paycom under the Payroll section. Follow the steps below to access your form:

1. Log into Paycom.
2. Select Year-End Tax Forms under Payroll.
3. Click on the 1095 tab.
4. Set the reporting year 2024.
5. Click the Download link directly under View.
6. Click on the document when it pops up under Downloads

If you need a hard copy, please ask your supervisor to submit a ticket to Tammy Powers. A printed copy will be provided within 24 hours.

Alternatively, you can request an emailed copy by contacting twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Reminder: Give yourself the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year.

Give yourself the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year.

• Step 1: Complete a routine physical with labs.
• Step 2: Schedule and attend a preventative dental cleaning.
• Step 3: Don’t wait to submit a Proof of Physical form, itemized receipt, or confirmation letter—along with proof of a dental cleaning—to Tammy Powers’ office or via email at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolution.org. The submission deadline is May 31, 2025
• Don’t wait – Your health and savings are worth it!

Links to Wellness Forms:

Wellness Routine Preventive Care Form

Dental Routine Preventive Care

 

New Job Announcements

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

In Line Inspector – Asheville, NC Facility

Education and work experience:

• High School graduate, GED or equivalent
• 1-3 years quality inspection experience preferred in quality control/assurance.
• ASQ (CQI or CQA) – Certified Quality Inspector/Auditor certification preferred
• Textile and apparel experience preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=124395&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=124396&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