[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 23, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING NEXSTRAPS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, each year on the last Monday in May 
we, as a nation, remember those who gave their lives while serving in 
the U.S. Armed Forces. Memorial Day is a chance to honor those who 
protect our freedom, giving others the opportunity to pursue the 
American dream. And it is our veteran entrepreneurs who know the 
sacrifices and struggles both of military service and of pursuing that 
dream firsthand. Today I rise to recognize and commend a family and 
veteran-owned small business that embodies the American entrepreneurial 
spirit, Nexstraps located in Blue Hill, ME.
  For those who have had the pleasure to visit my home State, they know 
that it is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. From the rugged 
wilderness of Mount Katahdin at the northern terminus of the 
Appalachian Trail, to the picturesque rivers and expansive forests, to 
the shores of Acadia National Park, Maine's beauty is derived from the 
physical splendor of the land. Moreover, Maine's great outdoors 
delivers a wealth of activities throughout every season. That is why 
Jeff and Kate Wright, who share a love of nature and believe life 
should be lived actively, outdoors, founded Nexstraps in 2007 based on 
those principles. Together with their family, they pursued a business 
plan and way of life that harmoniously marries their love of nature 
with creative and practical problem-solving products designed with an 
active lifestyle in mind.
  In starting Nexstraps, necessity truly was the mother of creation. 
Jeff, a former Reconnaissance Marine and Navy Seal with tours of duty 
in Iraq and Afghanistan, was confronted with the simple challenge of 
holding on to his glasses during daily operations. With the goal of 
remedying this problem, Jeff and Kate endeavored to design and 
manufacture a solution. Unlike a conventional sports glasses strap that 
merely connects the two eyewear legs with a band behind the head, the 
Nexstrap secures the glasses with a single band which serves as a 
tether looping from the legs of the frame, around the front of the 
neck, and meeting at a point behind the head. This unique design 
ensures that should the glasses become displaced over the head, they 
will remain leashed around the wearer's neck. The strap can further be 
looped through a baseball cap, securing the hat as well. Handmade from 
neoprene, the Nexstrap is designed to withstand whatever challenge the 
extreme sportsman can throw at it, whether that is rock climbing, 
snowboarding, or base-jumping. They even float! This problem solving 
innovation is a perfect example of the ingenuity that is characteristic 
of Maine entrepreneurs.
  I applaud Nexstraps for demonstrating the epitome of Maine innovation 
and entrepreneurship. The Wrights' creativity and can-do attitude is 
truly a reflection of the talent and entrepreneurial spirit found in my 
home State of Maine. As we pay tribute to our servicemembers this 
coming Memorial Day, I offer my gratitude and congratulations to our 
Nation's veteran-owned small business and extend my best wishes to Jeff 
and Kate Wright at Nexstraps for their continued success.

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