The IFB Beat 7-21 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to The IFB Beat! This week, we’re excited to introduce Inspiration Station — a new Beat feature designed to help you pause, reflect, and recharge. It won’t appear every week, but when it does, it’s your gentle nudge to bring your best. We’re also serving up a sweet treat! Join us for an ice cream social at the Asheville facility on Tuesday, July 22.

Riddle of the week: “The more of this there is, the less you see it.” Stroll to find the answer.

Quote of the week:

“Accountability separates the wishers in life from the action-takers that care enough about their future to account for their daily actions.” — John Di Lemme

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

– Inspiration Station
– Asheville Facility Ice Cream Social: Tuesday, July 22
– Surveillance Audit is This Week
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Kathy Turner, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Summer Camp
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Let’s Celebrate: ADA 35th Anniversary

HR and Opportunities

– 2025–2026 Evidence of Insurability
– Job Opportunities

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

Inspiration Station

Welcome to Inspiration Station, a new space in The IFB Beat designed to help you pause, reflect, and recharge. You won’t see it every week, but when it shows up, it’s here to motivate, challenge, and encourage you to bring your best — whether you’re on the clock or off. Think of it as a gentle nudge. A fresh perspective. A reminder that your voice matters, your impact is real, and your mindset shapes everything.

When life gets busy, it’s easy to move through the day on autopilot. Inspiration Station is your moment to reset and refocus — because how we show up matters, and someone out there needs exactly what you bring.

Today a Love Song was Written

There’s a voice playing on loop in the back of your mind:

I don’t have any new or important ideas.

Its goal is to prevent you from speaking up and adding value.

The next time that self-limiting thought rises up, consider this reality:

Today a love song was written.

Over the centuries, millions have been written… yet, we’re still intrigued by unique perspectives about love. So, we keep listening.

In the same way, at work, and at home, we need fresh vantage points on timeless topics.

We need to see and hear the things that only you have seen and heard.

That’s the value you bring.

Replace self-consciousness with self-confidence.

Now is not the time to shut down, it’s your time to speak up.

Source: ReviveYourWork.com

 

Asheville Facility Ice Cream Social: Tuesday, July 22

Spread the word! The Asheville Facility HR department will be hosting an Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, July 22 in the cafeteria. Come socialize with friends and enjoy ice cream during your break!

 

Surveillance Audit is This Week

It’s time for our annual ISO audit, which evaluates IFB Solutions’ adherence to standards. Maintaining ISO certification is a mandatory contractual requirement for all our military textile products.

Bill Tarazewski will be joining us again as our auditor. You may see him along with Melinda Noah, IFB Solutions Director of Quality and Engineering, around the manufacturing floors in Asheville (July 21–22) and Winston-Salem (July 23–24). As part of the audit process, auditors may stop to ask employees how their job contributes to or supports the Quality Policy and supports customer satisfaction.

As a reminder, our quality policy is as follows:

IFB Solutions’ team serves the mission of the organization through delivering on our promises to our stakeholders. We are committed to executing on our strategic plan, satisfying all applicable requirements, and driving continual improvement at all levels.

Your answer should be in your own words, but to put it simply:

  • We work hard to be sure what we do is correct every time.
  • We work as a team to make Great Quality On Time and within budget.
  • We work to be sure what we are making is per the customer requirements.
  • We want to always try to find ways to be better!

If you have one of our Quality Policy Cards, you can pull it out and show it to us.

Because of the hard work from manufacturing employees, supervisors, supply chain, and so many others, we are well prepared for this audit. Thank you for all the work you are doing to support IFB Solutions and our military!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Kathy Turner, 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 Kathy Turner from the tee shirt department at our Winston-Salem Facility.

Headshot of Kathy Turner.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Statesville, North Carolina

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 20 years. I was job searching when I came across this opportunity, and I never imagined it would become such a huge part of my life.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I really enjoy being outside — going on walks and just taking in the scenery.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: A hamburger with brown gravy, mashed potatoes (with more gravy!), and greens.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The people.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Don’t fight for others to validate you — just know your worth and stand in it.”

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

 

Programs Update: S.E.E. Summer Camp

S.E.E. at 2025 summer camp
“Animals All Around”
On Monday, June 23, the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Agency provided S.E.E. with an exciting hands-on program. Students made animal tracks in plaster, touched fur pelts, and smelled plants such as mint, star anise, garlic, and rosemary. Campers also had fun making their own stuffed animal with Joyce from Stuffin’ Fun Bears. What a fun way to kick off camp!

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

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

Independence Day (Month) Sale!

For the month of July, everything in stock at our Community Low Vision Centers is marked down by an extra 10%. Come on in while supplies last!

CLVC Item of the Week:

Select a Spice Auto Measure Carousel

Select-a-Spice Auto Measure Carousel for $32.95

Love to cook? Check out this 12 spice dispensing system. Measurements are in 1/4 tsp increments.

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

 

Thanks for strolling, here’s the answer to the riddle!

Riddle: The more of this there is, the less you see.
Answer: Darkness

 

From Our Community

Event Reminder: ADA 35th Anniversary

Submitted by the Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities and the City of Winston-Salem Human Relations Department

The Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities and the City of Winston-Salem Human Relations Department are hosting an ADA35 Celebration to recognize the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 35th Anniversary on Friday, July 25, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Ramkat in Winston-Salem. We invite you, your family, friends, and colleagues to be a part of the celebration.

The objective of the ADA35 Celebration is to recognize a law that has made a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities and our country over the past 35 years. The ADA was the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.

As we recognize this landmark event and the great accomplishments from the signing of the ADA, we will seek to identify solutions to the prevalent barriers that individuals with disabilities continue to face in our community.

The ADA35 Celebration is free to attend. Light refreshments will be available.

Event Activities include:

  • Expert Speakers
  • Roundtable Discussions
  • Vendors
  • Live Entertainment:  The Enrichment Center Rock Band
  • Springwell Student’s Personality Players

Please follow the link to register for the ADA35 Celebration: RSVP for the event

 

HR & Opportunities

2025–2026 Evidence of Insurability (EOI)

Did you add or increase coverage for supplemental life, spouse life, child life, or short-term disability during open enrollment? If so, you must complete Evidence of Insurability (EOI) by July 30, 2025 in order for your coverage to take effect.

What is EOI?

EOI is a health questionnaire used by the insurance provider to determine whether you (or your covered dependents) qualify for coverage you have elected.

Keep in mind:

Your election will not take effect until the EOI is reviewed and approved by Guardian.

What you will need to complete EOI:

  • The client number: 00056230
  • The coverage(s) you’re requesting
  • The current insured amount and the additional amount requested
  • Health history and doctor information
  • Height and weight
  • Date of birth

How to complete your EOI:

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Tammy Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Job Opportunities

Material Coordinator — Winston-Salem Facility

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required
  • Experience in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel is required
  • Experience with material/inventory control software systems is preferred
  • Must have a valid NC driver’s license with a driving record that will allow company insurability

External candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=147373&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909 
Internal candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=147374&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&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

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

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