The IFB Beat 8-11 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s edition of The IFB Beat!

We’re recognizing a new hire, successful audit, upcoming safety trainings, and exciting events. Learn about our Employee Spotlight, featuring On Bradburn, and explore community updates, including the blind-owned business, Rainbow Tarts, and a fundraiser supporting the National Federation of the Blind. Thank you all for your continued commitment—whether on the production floor, behind the scenes, or in the community, you make IFB shine.

Quote of the week:

“Success is the sum of small efforts—repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

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

– Welcome, New Hires
– Payroll Reminder for Hourly Employees
– 2025 ISO Surveillance Audit Update
– Upcoming Emergency Preparedness Trainings in Paycom
– Asheville Facility “Aloha Summer” Picnic
– Winston-Salem Facility—Save The Date
– Employee Spotlight Featuring On Bradburn, Asheville Facility
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Summer Day Camp Visits Crooked Tail Cat Cafe
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Shop Rainbow Tarts
– You’re Invited: Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Barbecue Fundraiser

HR and Opportunities

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

Welcome, New Hires

We’re excited to announce that Carlos Littlejohn joined the IFB team on August 4. Carlos is a packer and assembler under the supervision of Tina Jolly. We are thrilled to have Carlos on board and are confident he will contribute greatly to our continued success. Please be sure to give him a warm welcome.

 

Payroll Reminder for Hourly Employees

Payday for all hourly employees is every Friday. While some banks may release funds early, this varies by institution and is not guaranteed. Please wait until Friday before contacting the payroll department regarding your deposit. If you do not see your paycheck posted by Friday, which is the official check date, feel free to call the department at 336-245-5607. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

 

2025 ISO Surveillance Audit Update

IFB team, thank you for your excellent work during the 2025 ISO Surveillance Audit. The auditor was very impressed with our quality management system, and we had no questionable findings or improvement opportunities. Next year’s audit will be July 20–23. The Winston-Salem facility will be first, and the Asheville facility will follow. Great job, team! —Melinda Noah, Director of Quality and Engineering

 

Upcoming Emergency Preparedness Trainings in Paycom

Sharpen your safety skills! Over the next few weeks, a series of trainings will be released through Paycom, starting with two important emergency preparedness courses:

  1. Preparing Makes Sense—available Monday, August 11
  2. Building an Emergency Kit—available Monday, August 18

You’ll receive a text, email, or both with a direct link to access each training in Paycom. These are the first courses offered in this new training series, with mandatory training coming in September. So, be sure to keep up with these updates. Thanks for making IFB a safe place to work.

 

Asheville Facility “Aloha Summer” Picnic

Thursday, August 21, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Hello, summer fun! The Asheville facility is thrilled to host this year’s “Aloha Summer”-themed employee picnic. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring barbecue, baked beans, and slaw, along with activities such as flip-flop toss, “guess the weight” of a pineapple, lei toss, a photo booth, and more. Be sure to wear a Hawaiian shirt or something bright and colorful.

 

Winston-Salem Facility—Save The Date

Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 14, during second break, as we plan to celebrate Winston-Salem facility team members. Stay tuned for more details shared by your supervisor.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring On Bradburn, 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 On Bradburn at our Asheville facility.

On Bradburn headshot

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Cambodia and moved to Thailand when I was eleven years old. I moved to the United States in 1988.

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: This October, it will be 18 years. I worked as an industrial sewer in the past, and decided to apply to IFB.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Gardening.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Rice and noodles—spicy!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy the overall atmosphere. There isn’t one specific thing—it’s everything.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Be a good person. Be understanding. You don’t know what other people are going through.”

Special thanks to Denice Drake, Administrative Assistant, 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 Day Camp Visits Crooked Tail Cat Cafe

S.E.E. summer day camper at Crooked Tail Cat Cafe in Greensboro          Cat sitting on Kim Shoffner's shoulder at Crooked Tail Cat Cafe in Greensboro

S.E.E. campers made many new feline friends at the Crooked Tail Cat Cafe in Greensboro. Campers played with the cats and showed them lots of love.

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

CLVC Item of the Week:

Noir Spectra Shield Sunglasses, 1% Dark for $96.79

Noir Spectra Shield Sunglasses, 1% Dark for $96.79

You asked, and we listened. These are the darkest sunglasses on the market, blocking out 99% of light. They are also non-fit over and have quite a sporty look.

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

 

From Our Community

Shop Rainbow Tarts

Submitted by Carl Williams, IFB employee—Winston-Salem Facility

Want to support a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give them as a gift?

Rainbow Tarts produces and sells wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and more. For more information see Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit rainbowtarts.com.

Rainbow Tarts will Braille products upon request at no charge and ship within the US via priority flat rate mail. Rainbow Tarts—where everything makes scents!

 

You’re Invited: Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Barbecue Fundraiser

Submitted by National Federation of the Blind (NFB) President Angela Hanes—Winston-Salem Facility

Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time. The Forsyth Chapter of the NFB invites you to its delicious barbecue dinner—a community favorite you won’t want to miss. Come and enjoy music, games, and have lots of fun.

Menu: Chopped barbecue, barbecue chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and more.

  • Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m.
  • South Fork Community Center, 4403 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC
  • $12 per plate

If you desire to pre-purchase tickets contact NFB members Teresa Norway (fuel handler suit department), Winter Robinson (markers department), or Riki Gray (scissors department). Every bite supports a brighter future. Proceeds benefit educational programs, conference experiences, and membership open house events that empower individuals who are blind.

Come hungry and leave inspired—support a great cause and enjoy a great meal!

 

HR & Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Customer Service Representative—NC Department of Vital Statistics

Education and Work Experience

  • A minimum of one year of call center experience is preferred.
  • An associate’s degree or higher in a related field is preferred.
  • The ability to speak both English and Spanish is a plus.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=158464&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909
Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=158465&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

Marker Maker—Asheville (part-time)

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A minimum of two years of CAD experience is required.
  • A minimum of two years of AccuMark experience is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=159498&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909
Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=159499&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

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