The IFB Beat 9-22 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello IFB Team,

This week’s Beat is filled with new beginnings, opportunities, and reminders of how our community continues to grow stronger together.

First, let us extend a warm welcome to Derek Hodge, who joined us as a machine operator in the mattress department under the leadership of Bill Dennis. We’re excited to have him on board. Please take a moment to say hello and make him feel at home.

Looking ahead to October, we’re launching a series of engagement opportunities with the CEO designed to bring employees and leadership closer than ever before. From “Breakfast with the CEO” to roundtable lunches and even CEO shadowing experiences, these programs are all about connection, open dialogue, and building a workplace where every voice is valued. Keep an eye out—you may be the next employee to share your story or ideas directly with the CEO!

This week’s Employee Spotlight features Summer Williams from the Winston-Salem ACS Department. Summer has been with IFB for 11 years and shares her love of fishing, bowling, and connecting with coworkers. Her advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t give up on yourself!”

We’re also highlighting a unique community opportunity: the upcoming Accessibility 2025 Retreat, hosted at the beautiful Dogwood on the Lake resort. With activities ranging from yoga to a Halloween party to an audio-described play, it’s sure to be a rejuvenating weekend. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon.

Finally, a friendly but important reminder from HR: Review your beneficiary designations. With recent system updates, it’s critical to ensure your benefits go where you intend. A few minutes today can save significant challenges later.

As we welcome new teammates, spotlight longtime employees, and prepare for exciting engagement opportunities, let’s continue supporting one another and building the culture that makes IFB strong. Thank you for all you do each and every day.

Quote of the week:

“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” — Unknown

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 to Our New Hire
– Engagement Opportunities with the CEO in October
– Employee Spotlight: Featuring Summer Williams – Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– White Cane Walk
– Hidden Gems Talent Showcase
– Accessibility 2025 Retreat

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: Review Your Beneficiary Designations
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Welcome to Our New Hire

We are excited to announce that Derek Hodge started with us on September 15 as a machine operator in the mattress department under the supervision of Bill Dennis. Please join us in welcoming Derek to the team!

 

Engagement Opportunities with the CEO in October

We’re excited to launch new opportunities that connect employees with leadership and strengthen our workplace culture.

Breakfast with the CEO

A quarterly breakfast where new hires meet the CEO, hear about IFB’s mission and vision, and build early engagement with leadership. The first session kicks off in October, welcoming employees hired between June and August.

CEO Roundtable

A monthly small-group lunch bringing together employees from different departments. The CEO will lead open discussions on company culture, challenges, growth ideas, and lessons learned. Participants will rotate each month to ensure diverse perspectives.

Employee Shadowing

Each month, one employee will be selected for the CEO to shadow for an hour. This hands-on experience gives the CEO insight into daily responsibilities and a closer look at the employee experience.

Get ready: October is just the start! You never know if you’ll be the one sharing breakfast, trading ideas over lunch, or having the CEO shadow you at your work area. Stay tuned; your name might be next!

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Summer Williams – 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 Summer Williams from the ACS Department.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Archdale, N.C.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB since 2014—11 years! I heard about this job through a support group in High Point.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy fishing and love participating in a fishing tournament! I’m also on a bowling league.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Chinese and Italian food.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love talking with my coworkers and getting to know them.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: Don’t give up on yourself!

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.

 

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: Giant print KJV reference Bible for $19.95

Exclusive Easy to Read Comfort Print

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

 

From Our Community

White Cane Walk

Submitted by Grant Weathers, Low Vision Services Manager 

The Buncombe County Association for the Blind will be sponsoring a White Cane Walk at Pack Square Park in Asheville on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1–3 p.m. Come build community with others!

• Presentation on White Cane Awareness Day
• Meet certified Orientation & Mobility (O&M) instructors
• Light refreshments provided

Address: 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, N.C.

Hidden Gems Talent Showcase

Submitted by Insightful Visionaries

Event Date: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
Time: 3–5 p.m. (Showtime)
Location: 3634 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, N.C.
(Hollytree Harrispark Shopping Center – rear entrance)

Virtual Audition Call

Ready to shine? The Hidden Gems Talent Showcase is calling singers and musicians to the stage!

• Submit a 2–5 minute audition video with your name and contact information to admin@insightfulvisionaries.org by Sept. 30.
• Selected performers will be notified by Oct. 5.
• Important: There is no charge to audition. Ticket charges only apply to those attending the show as supporters.
• 🎤 Grand Prize: $100 awarded to the competition winner!

Tickets

• $10 per person
• $5 per child under 12

For questions contact
📞 Phone: 919-890-0117
📧 Email: thegatheringspace3634@gmail.com

Accessibility 2025 Retreat

Submitted by Blind Power Company

Oct. 31–Nov. 2

Step away from the busy world and join us for a refreshing getaway at the Accessibility 2025 Retreat! Organized by Blind Power Company and community partners, this retreat will be held at the serene Dogwood on the Lake resort, nestled on the beautiful shores of Lake Norman. Escape to a weekend of all-inclusive bliss, where every detail is crafted to create unforgettable memories:

• Halloween party on Friday night! Costumes are optional.
• Reconnect and relax with rejuvenating chair yoga classes, and explore your creative side with engaging arts and crafts sessions.
• All meals included.
• Live audio-described play by the Royal Curtain Drama Guild.
• Relax in cozy accommodations with private bathrooms and refrigerators in each room.

Cost per person double occupancy is $199. Single rooms are $259.
Transportation from Winston-Salem to Dogwood and back included in the price of lodging.

Space is limited. Click here to learn more and register by Oct. 5. For booking updates and inquiries, contact us at info@blindpowercompany.org or Brenda Neal at 336-408-7646.

Dogwood on the Lake is located at 7050 Camp Dogwood Dr., Sherrills Ford, N.C. It’s approximately 40 miles northwest of Charlotte. Dogwood on the Lake is the home of the North Carolina Lions Foundation that serves the blind.

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: Review Your Beneficiary Designations

It’s a good practice to periodically review and update your beneficiary designations. If these are not kept current, your benefits—such as life insurance, retirement accounts, and your 403(b)—could go to someone you no longer intend.

1. Beneficiary information did not transfer from Newport to Ascensus. Please log in to Ascensus and assign your beneficiary. Visit the link for instructions.
2. Paycom: Be sure to review and add beneficiaries for your Basic Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance. Taking a few minutes now will ensure your benefits are directed according to your wishes.

Job Opportunities

Military Markets Program Specialist

Education and Work Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field or a minimum of 5 years of product/program/distribution management is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=170602&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=170603&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

Maintenance Mechanic – Asheville Facility

Education and Work Experience:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience in industrial sewing machine maintenance is required.
• Previous experience in physical plant maintenance is required.
• Training/experience in mechanical, electrical and general plumbing is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain forklift certification.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable through the company.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=171002&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=171003&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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