The IFB Beat 9/16 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Greetings all! This week, we’re excited to introduce the final three members of the IFB Solutions Finance Department, as well as many other updates and announcements.

Thanks for reading the IFB Beat and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Meet the IFB Solutions Finance Team
– Congrats to Winston-Salem Facility Employees of the Month!
– Winston-Salem Facility Company Picnic Update
– JAWS Training Available
– See what S.E.E. is Doing!
– IFB Support Group Updates
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– New Single from OryAn Battis

HR and Opportunities

– Benefit Tip: Saving Money on Healthcare Procedures!
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

Meet the IFB Solutions Finance Team

This week, we introduce you to the final three members of the IFB Solutions Finance department. We hope this series has helped you understand how the Finance team can support your needs. In this issue, we highlight Demarious Bowens, Accounts Payable Specialist, Nekisha Walters, Accounts Receivable Specialist, and Eva Duvall, Staff Accountant.

Demarrious Headshot

Demarious Bowens: Accounts Payable Specialist

Demarious Bowens has been an integral part of IFB for 12 years. Serving as the first person who is blind in the Finance department as an Accounts Payable Specialist. Demarious discovered IFB through friends in the blind community, he refers to as the “Blind Vine” and has since played a crucial role in managing the organization’s vendor payments and expenses, ensuring all bills are paid promptly. Demarious often reflects on his experience at IFB with the quote, “No two days are the same.” Outside of work, he finds joy in traveling, experiencing new things, reading, and embracing life’s adventures. For all things vendor related such as confirmation of vendor payment, or receipt of vendor expenses, Demarious will be glad to assist you!

Nekesha Headshot

Nekisha Walters: Accounts Receivable Specialist

With six weeks of experience at IFB, Nekisha Walters has quickly become a valued member of the team. Her role as an Accounts Receivable Specialist involves tracking, notifying, and collecting on customer accounts, as well as processing payments in D365. Although relatively new to IFB, Nekisha brings extensive experience in managing and correcting complex accounts, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial operations.

Nekisha discovered IFB through Indeed and was instantly drawn to the company’s inclusive environment. She has expressed her enthusiasm about her role, stating, “With extensive experience as an Accounts Receivable Specialist at IFB, I have honed my skills in managing and correcting complex accounts, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial operations.”

Outside of work, Nekisha is an author on a mission. She is also a devoted mother of three wonderful boys and loves traveling to explore new places. Nekisha cherishes the time spent with her family and brings that same dedication to her work. We are glad to have her on the team, assisting with updating, processing, and collecting accounts!

Eva Headshot

Eva Duvall: Staff Accountant

Eva Duvall joined IFB six weeks ago as a Staff Accountant. She was introduced to the opportunity by Amy Poole, IFB Senior Manager of Manufacturing and Cost. In her role, Eva provides essential support to the finance department, focusing on general accounting and financial reporting. Though her time with the company has been brief, Eva has felt warmly embraced by the team and appreciates the supportive, close-knit family-like atmosphere at IFB.

Outside of work, Eva enjoys an active lifestyle with her partner Mark. She is the mother of three adult children—a daughter serving in the Army in Germany, while her two sons live nearby. Eva is also a proud grandmother to a granddaughter who also, lives in Germany. In her free time, she enjoys running, working out, hiking, and taking on home improvement projects with Mark. We’re glad to have Eva on the team supporting our general accounting needs!

 

 

Congrats to Winston-Salem Facility Employees of the Month!

May Winner: Cynthia Anderson – EWOL

We are excited to announce Cynthia Anderson as our Employee of the Month for May! Cynthia, who has been with IFB since 2018, is a standout machine operator known for her commitment to excellence. Her attention to detail and dedication to high standards shine through in every task she undertakes. Cynthia’s exceptional work ethic makes her a valuable asset to our team, and we are proud to celebrate her achievements.

May Runner-Up: Akiva Snipes-  ACH Pads

Congratulations to Akiva Snipes, our runner-up for May! Since joining IFB in 2017, Akiva has been a key member in assembly. She consistently demonstrates our core value of being “ethical to the core,” showing integrity and reliability in her work. Akiva’s positive attitude and dependable performance are truly appreciated. We are grateful for her contributions and the positive energy she brings to our team.

June Winner: Amanda Kuhl – EWOL

We are happy to recognize Amanda Kuhl as our Employee of the Month for June! Amanda has been a dedicated machine operator with IFB since 2015. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in her high-quality work and attention to detail. Amanda’s perseverance and dedication are instrumental to our success, and we are pleased to honor her for her strong performance.

June Runner-Up: John Winebush – Clemmons Warehouse

We are excited to recognize John Winebush as our June runner-up! John continues to be a vital part of the Clemmons Warehouse team. Since 2010, John has consistently embodied our core value of “Mission Possible.” His dedication and proactive approach drive projects forward and make a significant impact on our operations. We deeply appreciate John’s unwavering efforts and positive contributions to the team.

July Winner: Michael Perrea – Rags and Wipes

Congratulations to Michael Perrea, our Employee of the Month for July! Since joining IFB in 2023 as an assembler, Michael has quickly made a notable impact with his “business with a heart” approach. His genuine dedication to fostering a positive environment sets a high standard for all. Michael’s commitment is deeply appreciated, and we are excited to recognize his outstanding contributions.

July Runner-Up: Roberto Perez – IWOL

We are delighted to name Roberto Perez as our runner-up for July! Roberto has been a valued machine operator with IFB since 2005. He consistently demonstrates “business with a heart” through his caring approach and reliable performance. Roberto’s long-standing dedication and thoughtful interactions with the team make him an integral part of our success. We are thankful for his continued contributions and positive impact.

 

Winston-Salem Facility Company Picnic: Now September 19

Now September 19, 12:00 to 3:00pm, the date has changed but the fun remains the same!

The Winston-Salem planning committee is excited about this year’s annual company picnic and have LOTS of great activities planned…from the dunking booth to cornhole to karaoke! We’ll also have Chick-Fil-A boxed lunches for everyone and lots of other fun things including snow cones, popcorn, bingo, photo booth, and more. Two GRAND prizes will be given out at the end of the event that you won’t want to miss!
Employees will exit through the lobby to the administrative parking lot. Each department will head to lunch at a different time to avoid traffic jams – please talk to your supervisor for your group’s time. For administrative employees, please join the line for lunch at 12:30pm.

Parking will not be available in the administrative lot, and as a reminder, parking is not available in the shipping and receiving area, or at the Food Lion. Please review available parking here.

For manufacturing employees, please remember and plan accordingly for a workday early dismissal from the company picnic on September 19. Dismissal will be at 3:00pm and all employees will be paid for the remainder of the scheduled workday. For all those to which this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly.

 

JAWS Training Available

If you are ready to learn JAWS – Job Access With Speech – then now might be the time to begin training. This software is a screen reader for Windows based computers. You will need to complete homework assignments and practice your skills outside of class time. It is a challenging class but well worth the effort you put into it for very useful skills. Using the computer with JAWS is great for independence. To get started, ask your supervisor to put in a support ticket to HR to let them know you are interested in being evaluated for this training.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

S.E.E. day campers and staff in front of the Enchanted Forest escape room poster

The S.E.E. day Campers solved all of the puzzles in time to escape from the Enchanted Forest at Total Escape. This 3 room escape adventure had lots of puzzles to solve with sound, touch, and vision. Teamwork made the escape work. What fun!

 

IFB Solutions Support Group Updates

On the Spectrum Support Group Update

The On the Spectrum support group meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, September 24, due to the September 19, annual company picnic. Please update your calendar and plan to attend the meeting on the new date.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Monday, September 16 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
  • Tuesday, September 17 Veterans support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Curve talking clock

Curve Talking Clock for $14.95
Here is another oldie but goodie! The Curve Talking Clock is a totally “blind friendly” Talking Clock. You won’t be sorry for your investment in this clock. There will be no guessing involved.

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

 

From Our Community

New Single from OryAn Battis!

The talented OryAn Battis has released another single called Missed Out! He says, “It’s the best one yet!”, check it out here, you’ll want to listen over and over again.

 

HR & Opportunities

Benefit Tip: ComPsych Guidance Resources

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t forget about our FREE ComPsych Guidance Resources Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—an underutilized benefit offering confidential support for:

  • Emotional Well-being
  • Legal & Financial Guidance
  • Wellness & Lifestyle Assistance
  • Online Will Preparation
  • Digital Support

Get 24/7 support today:

Make the most of this valuable resource!

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

New Job Announcements

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

BSC Store Clerk – US Naval Academy, Annapolis MD

Education and work experience:

  • High School Diploma
  • No prior experience required

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=100296&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=100297&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576