manufacturing - T-V-S Overcoming Challenges

James Rigsby Celebrates a Decade at TVS

Oct 25, 2024 | News

James Rigsby is celebrating his 10th anniversary at TVS as a level III Material Handler. Over the last decade, James has gained experience and grown with TVS. “I have learned to adapt to new things and to have more patience,” he said. “I enjoy getting to provide needs for production. I really love everything about my job, but my favorite part is the people and being just a phone call away.”

Daily, James (aka Jamie) can be found driving a TVS truck from warehouses to the manufacturing facilities, delivering raw materials for production and finished goods for outbound shipments. He is also hands on with loading and unloading all the materials he transports.

Prior to TVS, Jamie worked at other manufacturers in the area including Meritor, Willco, and Coats America, gaining experience as a forklift operator, truck driver, and material handling.

A native of the area, Jamie graduated from Rosman High School. “I have had the privilege of knowing Jamie his entire life and when I came to work at TVS he was a familiar face that I was pleased to see,” said TVS Employee Support Specialist Tracie Fisher. “Jamie is one of the kindest, most genuine, and hardworking people I know.”

Dependable. Dedicated. Diligent. All words echoed from his peers.

“Not long after I went to work at the warehouse, I found myself working late one evening unloading a truck with another employee,” reflects Tracie. “He was off but stopped by to pick up a package that had been delivered for him. He proceeded to call for permission to clock in and help us with a tote of milk that had been knocked over. I’ve never known Jamie not to help.”

The holiday season holds a lot of Jamie’s favorite memories. For the past few years, he has been frying the Thanksgiving turkey for the warehouse employees. One of his favorite memories is dressing up as Sleepy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. “It was my first year in shipping and receiving, and the whole department dressed up,” said Shipping and Receiving Supervisor Dakota Cobb. “Jamie always goes above and beyond to do what is needed for TVS. I have known Jamie for 9 years; him and the warehouse team feel like family.”

Even on vacation, Jamie will routinely call to make sure he isn’t needed at work. “He cares about his job,” said TVS Warehouse Manager Shannon Merrill. “Jamie is safety conscious and is very good at what he does.”

When not working, Jamie is camping at Lake Keowee with his wife, Cheryl, and his Yorkie, Daisy. They spend time around a fire, walk in the nearby park, swim, and occasionally explore the lake via a pontoon boat with the radio playing, “The King of Country Music,” George Strait.

“Jamie trained me three years ago as a Material Handler and now we talk every day; I call him my brother,” said Kyle. Kyle confirms that there are numerous memories that he can’t share but with a laugh he asks, “Did you know Jamie loves his Pepsi Cola? I remember him attempting to take trash out one day, but it was winter, and the parking lot had iced over. Jamie slipped and fell on the ice. I watched him stand up, shake it off and take a drink of his unspilled Pepsi. He dropped the trash but never let go of his drink.”

Jamie is one of the “three amigos” at the warehouse, along with Kyle and Justin Coye. His friendly and ‘always there to help’ attitude have been key in creating the family-like atmosphere.

“I’m blessed every day, whether it’s good or bad because at the end of the day, this is still the best job I’ve ever had,” reflects James. “This is an outstanding place to work, and I plan to still be right here in 5 more years.”

Photo above: James with wife Cheryl
Photo above: The faces of James and Kyle photoshopped onto the Step Brothers Movie Poster

TVS celebrates NDEAM 2024

Oct 14, 2024 | News

Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) today announced it is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment opportunities and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.”

The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it started as a week and focused only on people with physical disabilities. Later, it expanded to a full month, and its name and scope evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people with all nature of disabilities.

“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, TVS will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its employees on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture.

“TVS is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Beth Rich, VP of Business Development and Marketing. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, particularly those of individuals with disabilities.”

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages—during October and throughout the year—by visiting dol.gov/NDEAM.

TVS donates Baking Mixes to local food pantries

Sep 6, 2024 | News

Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) recently donated four different bakery mixes to the Sharing House and the Hunger Coalition of Transylvania County.

“Knowing the food we manufacturing can reach a member of our community in need is always a good day for us,” said TVS Director of Business Development Nan Higgins. “We look forward to any time we can reach out to our community partners to offer donations.”

Over 200 cases of Market District brand Eggnog Cookie Baking Mix, Hot Cocoa Crinkle Cookie Baking Mix, Gingerbread Cake and Cookie Baking Mix, and Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Baking Mix were split between the food pantries. These four products are manufactured at TVS’ sister facility, Dover Foods, in Mills River.

“What an incredibly generous donation,” Sharing House Pantry Manager Bev Spicknall. “All [of the donation] will make a huge impact on our neighbors, especially with cooler weather and upcoming holidays.”

Once a month, neighbors may make an appointment with Sharing House to shop for enough food for approximately one week. This can be in-person, drive-through pickup, or mobile delivery.

The Hunger Coalition provides monthly deliveries to seven Transylvania County Pantries, monthly Mobile Markets in four different locations, distributes Plant-Based Meal Kits weekly, and provides Educational Programs on healthy eating.

The Hunger Coalition Mobile Market Distribution Schedule; The Family Place 3pm-5pm first Thursday of the month, Champion Park 2:30pm-4pm second Thursday of the month, Cedar Mountain Community Center 3pm-5pm third Thursday of the month, and Quebec Community Center 2:30pm-4pm fourth Thursday of the month.

TVS Proudly Welcomes New CEO

Aug 19, 2024 | News

Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) is proud to welcome Lora Allemeier as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“I’m excited and humbled to have the opportunity to lead TVS in its 57th year in providing meaningful employment to individuals with disabilities and to our community,” said Allemeier. “I am committed to build upon the extraordinary success and history of TVS. It’s an added delight to be expanding employment to meet our growing demands from customers.”

With a profound commitment to serving individuals with challenges and disabilities, coupled with a proven track record of strategic leadership and management including manufacturing, Allemeier is excited to contribute to the continued success and growth of TVS.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the amazing TVS team, our customers and consumers around the world,” Allemeier says.

Allemeier has spent her career and personal life working in developing products, services and solutions for high impact, disabling illnesses including mental health at Eli Lilly, HIV at GSK, profound hearing loss at Cochlear and, most recently, dementia and dialysis at Harvard spin-out Cerulean Scientific.

Most recently, she has served as CEO of Ocean Optics, an optical sensing manufacturer, based in Orlando, FL and Cerulean Scientific, based in Durham, North Carolina. She also serves as a mentor at Duke University for faculty and students who are starting new companies.

Allemeier is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and completed her MBA at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

She grew up on a farm in southern Indiana and has lived in Brevard since 2018. Locally, Allemeier has served as the Board President of Sharing House.

She is continuously inspired to support and to mentor people to achieve their goals. Allemeier is thrilled to be part of TVS and its mission. She says, “I am looking forward to leading TVS forward into the decades to come.”

Brian Wilson Receives NCSE Management Excellence Award

Jul 10, 2024 | News

In honor of National Disability Pride Month, we are highlighting TVS Production Manager Brian Wilson for his NCSE Management Excellence Award. He accepted his award at the recent SourceAmerica XForce Conference in May 2024 for his contributions to providing an inclusive work environment for individuals with disabilities.

Wilson says it best in his acceptance speech, “There are very few times in life where you are where you’re supposed to be and you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing, and this is that time for me. The mission that we serve, the people that we serve – they don’t work for me, I work for them.”

The NCSE Management Excellence Award celebrates individuals who have displayed excellence in leadership in the management of an AbilityOne participating nonprofit agency and significantly advanced employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

“I am genuinely honored to receive this award. My job at TVS has been the most rewarding thing that I have ever been involved with and it makes this [award] even more special,” reflects Wilson.

National Disability Pride Month is a time to reflect on disability rights and focuses on finding new ways to celebrate and support individuals with disabilities year-round. Thanks to Wilson’s dedicated work, TVS is a more inclusive and thriving work environment.

“Mr. Wilson is a creative and innovative visionary, consistently demonstrating his ability to envision new possibilities and strategies that drive success for both disabled and non-disabled employees,” said TVS Director of Public Affair and Advocacy Leca Diehl. “Through his cross-training program, he has not only enhanced efficiency and capacity, but he has also provided all employees with valuable skills that enrich their professional portfolios. Brian’s commitment to the growth of employees’ skills and personal development is truly admirable; actively seeking ways to empower colleagues and team members to reach their full potential.”

Video and images courtesy of SourceAmerica.