The IFB Beat 6-29 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This issue is packed with updates as we continue celebrating 90 years of creating opportunities. Be sure to watch our special commemorative video and take a journey through IFB’s incredible history and the people who have made our mission possible.

You’ll also find important reminders about our upcoming holiday schedule, the launch of our new on-site Atrium Health clinic and July 7 open house, an inspiring Employee Spotlight featuring Norissa Lee and a chance to hear President and CEO Dan Kelly reflect on IFB’s impact during his recent appearance on the Blind and Beyond Radio Show.

Finally, don’t miss this month’s reminder about the enhanced IFB Solutions 401(k) Retirement Plan—one more way we’re investing in your future.

Thank you for all you do to make IFB Solutions a great place to work, and as always, thanks for reading!

Quote of the week:

“A strong team lifts every member higher.” — Unknown

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

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

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Cheers to 90 Years!
– Holiday Closure Update
– Missed It? Catch Dan Kelly on the Blind and Beyond Radio Show
– Reminder: New Employee Health & Wellness Services Begin July 1
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Norissa Lee, Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Inspiration Station

HR & Opportunities

– IFB Solutions 401(k) Retirement Plan
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Cheers to 90 Years!

This year, IFB Solutions proudly celebrates 90 years of creating jobs and changing lives for people who are blind. That’s nine decades of perseverance, growth and most importantly, YOU.

This special section of the IFB Beat will take you on a journey through our history. Over the next several months, you’ll discover fun facts, inspiring milestones, employee spotlights and throwback moments. So don’t miss a week!

 

Holiday Closure Update

In observance of Independence Day, IFB Solutions will be closed as follows:

• 10-hour employees will observe the holiday on Thursday, July 2.
• 8-hour employees will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3.

We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to celebrate and spend time with family and friends. Regular operations will resume on Monday, July 6. We wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and meaningful holiday.

 

Missed It? Catch Dan Kelly on the Blind and Beyond Radio Show

IFB Solutions President and CEO Dan Kelly was recently featured on the nationally syndicated Blind and Beyond Radio Show, where he shared his journey to IFB Solutions, discussed our mission of creating life-changing opportunities for people who are blind and reflected on IFB’s 90 years of impact. If you missed the live broadcast, you can still listen to the interview!

How to listen: visit the Blind and Beyond Radio Show website, linked here and click “Shows 2026,” then select the June 21 episode featuring Dan Kelly.

 

Reminder: New Employee Health & Wellness Services Begin July 1

Beginning July 1, IFB Solutions employees will have access to a new on-site Atrium Health clinic, providing convenient, high-quality healthcare right here on campus. The clinic is a valuable addition to the Social Services & Employee Resource Center, making it even easier for employees to access the support they need.

The on-site clinic will be open Monday–Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12–1 p.m.) and will provide primary care services, health screenings, chronic disease management, vaccinations, workplace injury assessments, healthcare navigation and more.

Medical services provided through the on-site clinic remain free for IFB Solutions employees.

Updated information: Adult dependents (age 18 and older) are welcome to receive care through the clinic and do not have to be covered under an IFB Solutions health insurance plan to be eligible. As this is an employee benefit, appointment availability will prioritize IFB Solutions employees to help ensure timely access to care.

Please note that beginning July 1, sick visits will require an appointment. Walk-in visits for illnesses will no longer be available. Scheduling information will be shared soon.

Important: While services provided through the on-site clinic are free, virtual healthcare visits and referrals to outside providers will be billed through your health insurance plan.

 

Join Us for an Open House!

Tuesday, July 7, during first break, second break and lunch

Come tour the new space, meet the on-site Atrium Health nurse and staff from the Social Services & Employee Resource Center, ask questions, learn about available services and enjoy giveaways. This is a great opportunity to see the exciting changes designed to support your health and well-being. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Norissa Lee, Winston-Salem Facility

Welcome to Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we are excited to feature Norissa Lee.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Newberry, Florida, and moved to North Carolina in 2019.

Q: How long have you been with IFB Solutions, and what brought you here?
A: I’ve been with IFB since 2019. A friend told me about the opportunity, and I’m grateful they did.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time with friends, going to church and being involved with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).

Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: It’s hard to choose just one! I love pizza, pasta and wings.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB Solutions?
A: I appreciate the opportunity to grow, become a better version of myself and provide for myself financially. Working at IFB has been a great opportunity.

Q: What’s a piece of advice or a favorite quote you’d like to share?
A: “Set an example for others. We may be the only Bible someone ever reads, so always strive to be a positive example.”

Special thanks to Employee Relations Specialist, Morgan Dugan, 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

Inspiration Station

Source: ReviveYourWork.com

Welcome to Inspiration Station—a feature that appears periodically in the IFB Beat to inspire, encourage and provide practical tips for personal and professional growth. Take a few minutes to reflect on this week’s message and consider how it might help you communicate more effectively with those around you.

 

How to Dig a Ditch

What if you asked me to help dig a ditch in your backyard… and I showed up with a hammer?

You’d probably wonder, “What does he think he’s going to accomplish with that?”

The same principle applies in the workplace. Using the wrong tool for the job can create frustration, confusion and unnecessary work.

Before choosing how to communicate, it’s important to understand the difference between information and conversation.

Information is concrete, factual and unemotional.

Conversation is dynamic, collaborative and driven by understanding and emotion.

Too often, we rely on email to do the work that should happen through a conversation.

The result?

Confusion from trying to interpret someone’s tone through written words.

Hurt feelings after receiving difficult news that should have been shared face-to-face or over the phone.

Frustration from replying to a long email chain that still doesn’t resolve the issue.

Annoyance from being copied on endless email threads with people who aren’t sure why they’re included.

Email is a great tool for sharing information. But when it’s used to replace meaningful conversations, it often creates more work by leading to misunderstandings.

Take a moment to look through your inbox.

Where has someone emailed you about something that should have been a conversation?

Now check your sent messages.

Where have you done the same?

A hammer can’t dig a ditch—and email can’t replace every conversation.

This week, challenge yourself to choose conversation when it matters most.

What conversation do you need to have today?

 

 

HR & Opportunities

IFB Solutions 401(k) Retirement Plan

We are pleased to once again highlight the IFB Solutions 401(k) Retirement Plan, launched January 1 of this year. This plan is an important part of our commitment to supporting employees’ long-term financial wellness.

IFB Solutions provides a 100% match on the first 5% you contribute, helping your savings grow faster. In addition, the company provides a discretionary 1% contribution, further enhancing your retirement savings opportunity.

Together, these contributions make this a strong and meaningful benefit designed to support your future financial security.

This generous benefit reflects IFB Solutions’ commitment to helping employees build lasting financial security. It replaces prior one-time bonus programs, including Christmas in July and the Christmas bonus, shifting support toward a consistent, long-term retirement benefit.

Example: If you contribute $30 per month (about $6.92 per week at 3%):

• You save: $360/year
• IFB matches: $360/year
• Your total savings: $720/year

We encourage employees to review their contribution level and take advantage of this valuable savings opportunity.

 

Continued Investment in Your Future

As we continue to focus on benefits that provide lasting value, IFB Solutions has shifted resources from Christmas in July and Christmas bonuses to our enhanced 401(k) Retirement Plan.

 

Job Opportunities

Seam Sealer, Asheville facility

Education and Work Experience

• On-the-job training is provided.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing facility is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/229980

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/229981?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

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

 

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

One tap mobile:
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