Jul. 14, 2010 (Business Wire) -- Earlier this summer, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) honored Hanesbrands Inc., employees, volunteers and customers for their exceptional contributions during a year marked by national milestones and achievements. In the past 12 months, IFB has been recognized by the National Industries for the Blind for being the largest employer of people who are blind and visually impaired in the country, and also was named a Best Employer of Workers over 50 by AARP.
During its award presentation, IFB recognized Winston-Salem based Hanesbrands Inc., one of the world’s leading apparel companies, with its 2010 Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award. Over many years, Hanesbrands has made significant donations of equipment that IFB has used to expand manufacturing capabilities, enhance the skills of its employees and increase employment opportunities.
“Hanesbrands has been a tremendous partner in helping IFB fulfill our mission of providing opportunities to people who are blind and visually impaired,” said David Horton, executive director of IFB. “By donating much-needed equipment, Hanesbrands has been directly responsible for helping us create new jobs across all of our facilities and improve the skill sets of our employees. We are incredibly grateful to Hanesbrands for their partnership and support.”
Accepting the award was Mike Faircloth, senior vice president of global supply chain support at Hanesbrands, who has served as an IFB board member and volunteer for almost ten years.
Anastasia Powell was named IFB’s 2010 Direct Labor Employee of the Year. Powell is employed at IFB’s Winston-Salem facility sewing apparel for the U.S. military. With vision difficulties at age 13 that led to complete vision loss by the time she was 31, Powell was recognized for her contributions to her team at IFB and for her involvement with IFB’s independent living activities through A Brighter Path.
Kenneth Fountain was awarded IFB’s 2010 Career Achiever Award, and was also the recipient of the 2010 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award from National Industries for the Blind. Fountain is the store manager at IFB’s Paper Clips retail outlet at the Department of Treasury in Washington, D.C. Legally blind since birth, Fountain was recognized for achieving the highest annual sales growth of any Paper Clips location.
Kelvin Goode was named IFB’s 2010 Asheville Employee of the Year. Goode is employed with IFB’s Impulse Merchandising Program in the Asheville facility and also a member of the safety committee. After losing his vision in a nearly fatal attack of listeria meningitis, Goode was recognized as a role model for hard work and dependability.
Juan Pérez was recognized as IFB’s 2010 Mayaguez Employee of the Year. A member of IFB’s team at the Mayaguez facility in Puerto Rico, Pérez was commended for his outstanding work ethic and outstanding attitude.
Colleen Murray of Winston-Salem was recognized as IFB’s Volunteer of the Year. Together with her husband, Mark, sales manager for IFB’s mattress sales department, Murray is actively involved with the Student Enrichment Experience offered by IFB’s A Brighter Path Foundation and the annual Tin Cup Golf Tournament. In addition, she assists with tours, transportation and support for IFB’s employees.
Paula Chamblee of Winston-Salem received IFB’s Delmer Wall Award for her outstanding contributions as development associate for A Brighter Path Foundation. Chamblee coordinates IFB’s successful fundraising events involving many of IFB’s employees who are blind and visually impaired.
The Department of Justice Federal Prison Industries received IFB’s 2010 Customer of the Year Award. Accepting the award was Marie France, general manager, clothing & textiles, for Federal Prison Industries. Since 2007, IFB has provided textile cutting services to Federal Prison Industries supplying four of their manufacturing facilities. The contract with Federal Prison Industries has enabled IFB to develop new, highly technical skills and general additional employment opportunities.
About IFB (www.WSIFB.com)
Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates facilities in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. In addition, IFB provides outreach across Northwest North Carolina through its Community Low Vision Center based in Winston-Salem.
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