The IFB Beat 8-18 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello IFB Team,

We’ve got an exciting and busy few weeks ahead—full of celebrations, important updates, and opportunities to learn and connect.

In Winston-Salem, we’ll gather for our General Assembly on Tuesday, August 26 at 3:15 p.m. on the manufacturing floor. We’ll be recognizing our Employee of the Month winners for May, June, and July.

Over in Asheville, summer fun is in full swing with the “Aloha Summer” Picnic on Thursday, August 21. From barbecue and baked beans to lei tosses and a pineapple weight guessing game, this event is sure to bring lots of laughter (and maybe a few bragging rights).

Safety is also on the agenda: Two new Emergency Preparedness trainings are now available in Paycom. Take a few minutes to complete them.

This week’s Employee Spotlight shines on Michael Vernon from the ACS Department in Winston-Salem. Michael’s journey is one of resilience and hope. After losing his sight, he found purpose and community here at IFB. His advice? “Stay positive, pray when things get tough, and always keep your head up.”

Finally, a quick note for those who use the Community Low Vision Center in Winston-Salem: It will be closed August 25–27 for annual inventory and will reopen Thursday, August 28, ready to serve you again.

Thank you for your energy, commitment, and positivity. Whether we’re celebrating, learning, or simply working side by side, it’s the people here who make IFB such a special place to be.

Quote of the week:

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
— Vincent Van Gogh

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

– Winston-Salem Facility General Assembly, August 26
– Payroll Reminder for Hourly Employees
– Upcoming Emergency Preparedness Trainings in Paycom
– Asheville Facility “Aloha Summer” Picnic
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Michael Vernon, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Day Campers Experience the World of Science!
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Snap Your Fingers to Tunes with Noah Davis

HR and Opportunities

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

Winston-Salem Facility General Assembly, August 26

There will be a General Assembly meeting held on the Winston-Salem manufacturing floor on Tuesday, August 26 at 3:15 p.m. We’re looking forward to presenting Employee of the Month awards for May, June, and July. We will have updates from HR and remarks from IFB President and CEO Dan Kelly.

Supervisors, please be sure to shut down all equipment, fans and other things that contribute to noise on the manufacturing floor promptly at 3:15 p.m. If your workspace is not close to the central offices (outside Travis Guerra’s and Edward Sykes’ doors), please move closer to ensure you can hear. Any office administration working in the building, your presence will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

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.

 

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 a.m.–1 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.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Michael Vernon, 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 Michael Vernon, ACS department.

Michael Vernon headshot

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Harlem, New York, and later moved down this way to be closer to my family.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB since 2018. I used to run my own construction company, but after losing my sight, a friend referred me here.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy going to church, volunteering with my congregation, and being a positive role model for my younger nephew.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Steak—especially with a baked potato loaded with all the toppings!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love working with others and being part of a community. It gets me out of the house and gives me purpose. After losing my vision, this job brought me hope and the chance to keep living a full, productive life.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: Stay positive, pray when things get tough, and always keep your head up. You never know—someone else out there might be facing an even harder battle.

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, 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. Day Campers Experience the World of Science! 

S.E.E. Day Campers Experience the World of Science

She blinded me with science!  The S.E.E. Summer Day Campers conducted many science experiments during camp. Launching birdseed from toilet paper tubes with a balloon snapper was a big hit for the kids and birds. Another hit was blowing up a balloon, taping it to a straw suspended on a string, then releasing it to see how far it would travel.  From baking a lemon pudding cake to floating an aluminum foil boat full of pennies, the kids had an incredible time with science. S.E.E. Campers capped off the day by creating fairy houses from air-dry clay.

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

Notice: Temporary Closure for Inventory

The Winston-Salem Community Low Vision Center will be closed Monday, August 25 through Wednesday, August 27 for our annual Fiscal Year Inventory. During this time, our staff will be hard at work ensuring that all our equipment, aids, and resources are accurately counted and organized so we can continue serving you efficiently.

We invite you to visit us when we reopen on Thursday, August 28. Our team will be ready to assist you with low vision services then. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

CLVC Item of the Week:

CLVC Item of the Week: Reizen Key Finder

Reizen Key finder  for $9.95

Never can find your keys? Happens to me all the time! With this handy gadget, all you have to do is give a whistle, and you’ll never lose your keys again.

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

 

From Our Community

Snap Your Fingers to Tunes with Noah Davis

Submitted by Noah Davis, Winston-Salem facility

Do you love old-school jams? Are you into oldies, Carolina Beach music, or the kind of soulful tunes that knock your socks off? Then you’ve got to join Noah D, the loudmouth from the South, every Sunday from 12–3 p.m. on Super Gold Rock and Soul | Mixcloud.

From doo-wop to the Godfather of Soul himself, this show serves up a tantalizing taste of music from across the decades. Prefer Carolina Beach music? We’ve got those musical waves rolling in strong, with Chairman of the Board steering the ship. Feel like “Grazing the Grass?” You just might run into Friends of Distinction or Hugh Masekela. Want to talk to Cupid? Otis and Sam will lay it down for you.

Feeling nostalgic? We’ll take you way back in time—sorry kids, no Lawrence Welk, Andrews Sisters, or Chordettes this time—but Ray will stop by, and you’ll hear more soul than a Sunday soul food restaurant after church.

Trust us—you’ll be glad you tuned in. It’s Super. It’s Golden. It’s Rock. It’s Soul. This show’s the most! Every Sunday, get ready for a groove so buttery-smooth you’ll want to pour it over mashed potatoes and biscuits—because this soul’s got so much flavor, it’s like hitting the musical jackpot. Tune in here: mixcloud.com/SuperGoldRockandSoul

 

HR & Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Accounts Payable Analyst

Education and Work Experience

  • A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
  • Proficiency in accounting software (eg, D365, Medius) and advanced Excel skills are required.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=161007&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=161008&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Customer Service Representative Maximus (El Paso)

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Two years’ customer service experience is preferred.
  • If applicable, must demonstrate proficiency in the use of assistive technology required (JAWS and/or Zoom Text).
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
  • Must reside within 70 miles of El Paso, Texas.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=161513&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=161514&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)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free