The IFB Beat 6-23 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Greetings IFB Team! This week’s IFB Beat is packed with stories of growth, recognition, and meaningful community impact. From new hires to longtime employees making waves, it’s clear that the heartbeat of IFB Solutions is you—the people who bring dedication, skill, and heart to the mission every day.

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to our newest team members across BSC and Winston-Salem, and help us celebrate the Asheville Employees of the Month for February through April. Their stories reflect the excellence that drives our organization forward.

In Asheville, we also had the honor of hosting the Community Transportation Advisory Board, offering a reminder of how essential access is to opportunity. Meanwhile, at the North Carolina Conference on Visual Impairments and Blindness, IFB continued to share its mission and expand its impact across the state.

And don’t miss our Employee Spotlight this week featuring Mark Sova, who’s been part of the IFB family for 21 years. From Fort Bragg to the factory floor, Mark reminds us that some of our greatest assets are the people right beside us.

Thank you for everything you do. I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter and take a moment to recognize the incredible community you’re a part of.

Quote of the Week:

“It doesn’t matter what others are doing; it matters what YOU are doing.” – Unknown

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 Welcome New Additions to the IFB Team
– Asheville Facility Employees of the Month
– Asheville Facility News: Transportation Leaders Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at IFB
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Mark Sova, Asheville Facility
– Programs Update: NC Conference on Visual Impairments and Blindness
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– 2025 Summer Reading Program, June 1 – August 31
– The Reading Room Sessions

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: $50 Health Screening Benefit Reminder
– New Job Announcements

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

Please Welcome New Additions to the IFB Team

We’re excited to announce that several talented individuals started with us on Monday, June 9th. Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

BSC:

• Michael Shull – BSC Delivery Driver under the supervision of Zoie Forsyth

Winston-Salem: Temp to Perm

• Luz Villalba- Sewing Machine Operator under the supervision of Bill Dennis in FHS
• Marta Samayoa- Sewing Machine Operator under the supervision of Bill Dennis in FHS

We are thrilled to have these new team members on board and are confident they will contribute greatly to our continued success. Please be sure to give them a warm welcome!

 

Asheville Facility Employees of the Month

Congratulations to our Employees of the Month – Asheville facility for February, March, and April!

February – Nhim Nhing

Nhim is a Sewing Machine Operator currently in the Poncho department.  She also sews in Fuel Handler Suits when needed.  Nhim has been with IFB for nine years.

March – Crystal Burnette

Crystal was promoted to Production Supervisor over Military Markets in May.  She has worked as a Quilter in Poncho Liners, Spreader in Contract Cutting and Production Assistant in Military Markets.  Crystal has been with IFB for four years.

April – Yobana Jose Cruz

Yobana started as a Presser/Tester in Fuel Handler Suits.  She wanted to learn to sew and is now a Level 3 Sewing Machine Operator.  Yobana has been with IFB for two years.

 

Asheville Facility News: Transportation Leaders Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at IFB

The Asheville facility proudly welcomed members of the Community Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB) for their annual meeting and a firsthand look at the impact of their work. CTAB advises the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Mountain Mobility, the agency that provides vital transportation services to more than 30 blind employees at IFB Asheville facility.

Randy Buckner, IFB’s Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and a CTAB board member, led the group on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. Board members witnessed the talent, dedication, and hard work of IFB employees and saw just how critical reliable transportation is in making employment possible for people who are blind.

Their visit was a powerful reminder: when the community comes together to remove barriers, incredible things happen.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Mark Sova, 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 Mark Sova from our Asheville, NC Facility.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Germany and grew up in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Q: How long have you been at IFB Solutions, and what brought you here?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 21 years. I learned about the company from Jerry Parker, a former maintenance man.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I don’t get the chance much anymore, but I enjoy ice skating, as well as water and snow skiing.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food?
A: A charcoal grilled Porterhouse steak—more medium than rare.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: Definitely the people. I work with some really great individuals.

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

 

IFB Programs Update: North Carolina Conference on Visual Impairments and Blindness

The North Carolina Conference on Visual Impairments and Blindness took place June 4–5 at the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh. On Wednesday, IFB Solutions President and CEO Dan Kelly participated in a lunchtime fireside chat, sharing insights about the organization’s mission and future. Kim Shoffner, Manager of Programs, staffed the IFB information table, answering questions about employment opportunities, training programs, and support services available to people who are blind or visually impaired.

Professionals from across the BVI (Blind and Visually Impaired) field attended the conference, eager to connect and share resources. Visitors to the IFB table were warmly welcomed and invited to take home brochures, pens, and Chapstick—along with a better understanding of how IFB creates career pathways for individuals who are blind.

Hosted by the North Carolina Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCAER), the event offered a powerful opportunity to build relationships and raise awareness. IFB was proud to be part of a gathering focused on advancing inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity.

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

• Wednesday, June 25 On The Spectrum support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Free Matter for the Blind Self Inking Rubber Stamp for $9.95

Quickly and easily stamp your envelope!

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

 

From Our Community

2025 Summer Reading Program, June 1 – August 31

Submitted by the The State Library of North Carolina

Join the State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services for our 2025 Summer Reading Program!

We’re excited to invite you to participate in our 2025 Summer Reading Program, running from June 1st through August 31st! This program is open to all of our patrons and encourages reading in a way that works best for you.

Participants who read at least five books will win a prize provided by the Friends of NC Accessible Books and Library Services. Patrons registering for Summer Reading will be assigned in their appropriate age group: Adults 21 and older or Youths 20 and younger. Your base score will be determined only by the book medium in which you read the most books during the program. Book mediums for Summer Reading include the following:

• Digital and Downloadable Books (Books on Demand and BARD)
• Physical Books (Large Print and Hardcopy Braille)

 Details:

Registration is open through July 15th. To sign up or have questions, please contact us at (888) 388-2460 or email us at ncabls@dncr.nc.gov.

 

The Reading Room Sessions: Author Talks and Book Chats Offered by The Braille Institute

Submitted by the The Braille Institute

Join the Braille Institute this summer for free virtual weekly conversations, author discussions, and engaging book groups! Enjoy specially curated reading lists from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled’s collection and receive personalized accessibility assistance from the Braille Institute’s expert library staff.

Sign-up today!

Braille Institute Phone: 1-800-808-2555 or 323-660-3880

Braille Institute Email: bils@brailleinstitute.org

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: $50 Health Screening Benefit Reminder

Were you enrolled in Voluntary Accident or Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance for the 2024–2025 plan year? If so, you and any covered dependents may be eligible to receive $50 per person for completing an annual wellness physical.

To claim this benefit:

• Complete the Guardian Wellness/Health Screening Benefit Claim Form
• Be sure to check the box for “Routine/Annual Physicals” under the Wellness & Health Screenings section
• Email the completed form to WellnessBenefits@glic.com

View form here.

 

New Job Announcements

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

General Maintenance Technician – Winston-Salem, NC Facility

Education and Work Experience

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=141945&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=141946&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