As we close out 2017 and head into a new year of innovation, exploration, and new, exciting happenings, Federal Brace would love to look back on their year, both within the international world, and as an American business within a booming industry and a company that has grown and progressed. Within the company, they have carefully monitored all of the goings on throughout this year and responded to them through disaster relief and charity efforts, new technologies, and, of course, new product designs.

   Exciting breakthroughs have been made in technology, creating new opportunities in medicine, science, and even daily life. These leaps in technology have moved into design, with smart technology making its way into every home in America through security and entertainment systems, lighting, and much more. Products like Amazon’s Echo & Alexa and the Google Home, Nest Thermostats and Security Cameras, and a slew of robot vacuums have changed the way the home operates, making it a place of convenience and comfort. This sleek modernity has moved into design, with hidden structural supports being preferred to bulkier looks of decades past. Grey and green are popular colors and natural materials reign king, allowing homeowners or business owners to create a lush, homey atmosphere in any space.

   Federal Brace responded to this modern look through releasing a slew of new products. The new Eco-Lucent LED Lighting Line debuted a convenient, adjustable, and eco-friendly lighting system, a new theme for Federal Brace. Federal Brace also partnered with NoMarr to create a new solution to prevent tool marring during renovations and installations, allowing restorers and creators peace of mind during their projects. Their hidden line is growing larger than ever, with Federal Brace teasing a new hidden bracket for release at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in January, and new sizes and profiles came out in a variety of products, from the Classic Floating Shelf Line to Vanity Supports and more. Not only did they branch out in products, but Federal Brace also branched out nationally, opening a new warehouse in Utah for faster shipping times both at home and internationally.

   Midway through the year calamity struck the United States, with several category 4 and 5 hurricanes hitting Texas, Florida, Georgia, and islands throughout the Caribbean including the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico, and ongoing efforts to stave off the west coast drought lead to an outcropping of forest fires. The people of the United States banded together, as they have done during difficult times, and sent aid and assistance from around the country. Federal Brace participated with other local Belmont businesses in a hurricane relief Stuff-A-Truck drive, raising both supplies and money for those in need Houston and Florida. Efforts are still going on in many of these places, with homes, businesses, and infrastructures being rebuilt and made stronger than ever.

   Their work didn’t stop with instant and community-inclusive disaster relief, however. Throughout the year Federal Brace worked with eMite, a charity organization rooted, donating portions of proceed for several months to improve global education by building a schoolroom in South Africa and, most recently, to better their own country through giving back during the holidays in Baltimore. Federal Brace also sponsored their very own wonderwoman and team member, Jennifer, during her charitable run with the Marine Corps Marathon for Parkinson’s Research, cheering her to the finish line.

   2017 was a big year for us and the world and we’re planning on making 2018 even more groundbreaking. Join us at KBIS 2018 to see what’s new and upcoming and find us online at www.federalbrace.com to see how we’re continuing to give back and make progress.