The Presidential Continuity of National Invest In America Week℠

Officially Featured on: www.investinamericaweek.com

In the layered narrative of America’s evolving civic identity, rarely does a single thread connect art, politics, economic vision, and generational legacy so clearly as the one drawn from Jim Freeman—founding member of the iconic doo-wop group The Five Satins—to his grandson Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® and visionary architect of National Invest In America Week℠.

To fully grasp the sophistication and societal importance of National Invest In America Week℠ (NIAW), one must first appreciate its inheritance—not just from a congressional lineage, but from a historical moment where cultural performance and presidential policy intersected with national ideology.

Act I: Harmonies of Civic Purpose — Jim Freeman and the Nixon Campaign

In the early 1970s, the Committee for the Re-Election of the President (CREEP) executed an elaborate campaign strategy that employed America’s most beloved entertainers as cultural ambassadors. Among them, The Five Satins, The Coasters, Danny and the Juniors, Bobby Lewis, Johnny Thunder, and Gary U.S. Bonds were selected to lead a six-city patriotic “rock and roll revival” tour. The purpose was clear: galvanize America’s youth, restore civic pride, and build a cultural bridge to Nixon’s reelection platform.

A memo dated September 12, 1972, from Raymond Caldiero to Jeb Magruder explicitly outlines this:

“Performers who have agreed to donate their talent are: The Five Satins, The Coasters, Danny and the Juniors, Bobby Lewis, Johnny Thunder, Gary and the U.S. Bonds.”.

This tour, which spanned Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C., was more than music—it was mobilization. The document titled “Celebrity/American Music Update” records it as a youth-targeted revival showcasing patriotism through pop culture—an effort mirroring the now emergent NIAW’s hybrid model of civic engagement and cultural resonance.

Jim Freeman, having exited The Five Satins as a touring performer in the early '60s, nonetheless played a critical behind-the-scenes role in sustaining the group’s cohesion and credibility—a quiet force whose influence would echo two generations later in the form of a civic doctrine authored not through song, but through structural impact.

Act II: The Nixon Doctrine on Investment

Two years prior to this youth tour, President Richard Nixon made a profound statement on civic responsibility:

“Without the private investor, America would simply not be the country we know and love.”
— President Richard Nixon, April 27, 1970

This declaration, made in recognition of National Invest-In-America Week (April 26 – May 2, 1970), articulated a vision of economic nationalism not through tariffs or subsidies, but through community-led enterprise. Nixon’s framing of private investment as a civic imperative—“to produce goods, to provide jobs, to build houses”—stands as the policy soul of today’s NIAW.

The Nixon-era campaign playbook didn’t just seek votes; it operationalized the arts, entertainment, and economic discourse to create a fully immersive civic campaign, one grounded in authenticity. This strategy echoes profoundly in the Shuford Roadmap™ that now powers both National Invest In Veterans Week® and National Invest In America Week℠.

Act III: The Shuford Legacy—Transforming Heritage into Civic Capital

Jeff Shuford’s vision for NIAW is not a political nostalgia project. It is a generational transformation—a transmutation of cultural capital into civic infrastructure.

As the grandson of Jim Freeman, Shuford inherits not just a last name, but a legacy of cultural leadership. He has extended this inheritance far beyond music. In 2019, he co-founded National Invest In Veterans Week®, which was later entered into the U.S. Congressional Record on March 8, 2024. In 2025, he expanded that vision to encompass NIAW—an initiative that leverages regional governance, social storytelling, and institutional scalability.

This continuity—spanning from the soulful harmonies of “In the Still of the Night” to the civic anthems of regional investment—is both rare and revolutionary. Freeman and Shuford may have spoken in different registers, but the melody is unmistakably patriotic.

Framework for a Civic Renaissance

National Invest In America Week℠ (July 1–7) is built around seven core pillars:

1. Regional Governance: Rather than 50 states, NIAW activates macro-regions, each led by Chairs inspired by gubernatorial structure. This allows scalable action without federal bottlenecks.

2. Invest In America Challenge™: A call-to-action for individuals, businesses, and institutions to complete a civic or economic activity during the week—ranging from hiring locally to launching mentorship networks.

3. Cultural Identity: A stylized tree “T” logo adorned with regional stars symbolizes rooted strength and national unity.

4. Policy Integration: Informed by historical proclamations and recent support from Congressman Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

5. Transnational Connectivity: Through the infrastructure of NIVW, which spans 40 global markets, NIAW gains international interoperability.

6. Narrative Branding: Every region tells a story. Every action becomes a post, a pledge, a proposal.

7. Economic Nationalism Without Exclusion: Unlike protectionist ideologies, NIAW promotes inclusive growth, welcoming immigrant-owned, minority-led, and veteran-founded businesses under the same economic tent.

From Nixon’s Doctrine to Shuford’s Strategy

In the campaign document, celebrity programming wasn’t incidental—it was integral. Nixon’s team envisioned multiple media events, including:

• A television special combining live performance and film content, showcasing “massive support for the president from all areas of the entertainment industry.”

• A celebrity radio plan, featuring scripted PSA-style messages from Charlton Heston, Sammy Davis Jr., and Chad Everett.

• A recruitment strategy targeting former Humphrey and Muskie supporters, eventually securing endorsements from Danny Thomas, Debbie Reynolds, and Jimmy Durante.

These strategies formed a civic marketing campaign that transcended policy, positioning art and business as allies in national rejuvenation.

Today, NIAW carries this model forward with authenticity. It does not repackage history—it repurposes it, embedding civic capital into contemporary platforms, from regional websites to syndicated podcasts, from social entrepreneurship funds to international trade hubs.

Civic Memory in Motion

What does it mean when one family, through both cultural and legislative avenues, spans 70 years of civic influence?

It means NIAW is not merely a commemorative week—it is a continuum. It absorbs the Nixon doctrine on investment, applies the community-first ethos of Jim Freeman, and executes it through the technocratic efficiency and visionary ambition of Jeff Shuford.

“In less than a year, our gross national product will reach a trillion dollars... But without private enterprise, the goals themselves would be meaningless.”
—President Nixon, 1970

Now, under NIAW, those goals are not just economic metrics—they are civic commitments.

Conclusion: The Future Has Roots

As National Invest In America Week℠ evolves, it brings with it a rare form of civic originality. Few initiatives are backed by a Congressional Record, a Grammy legacy, a presidential proclamation, and 21st-century branding acumen.

Shuford has reframed the nation’s economic potential—not as a ledger entry, but as a lived commitment. NIAW isn’t just a new observance; it’s the relaunch of America’s civic contract, authored not only in D.C., but in Buffalo, in Pittsburgh, in Cleveland—in every place where a song was sung, a campaign was staged, or a future was built.

To invest in America is to invest in its people, its culture, and its unfinished symphony of civic possibility.

For continued coverage, visit:
National Invest In America Week Website
National Invest In Veterans Week Website

Download the full Nixon memo here: Contested Materials, Nixon Library, September 12, 1972.

National Invest In Veterans Week® Earns Major Media Features on TODAY and Steven Kia, Expands Leadership and Global Reach

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has reached a new milestone with major media recognition from the TODAY Show and Steven Kia, further establishing its place as a premier initiative for veteran entrepreneurs. These features, combined with an expanded leadership team and a growing international footprint, highlight NIVW’s ongoing impact in empowering veterans in business.

Major Media Recognition: TODAY Show and Steven Kia Spotlight NIVW

TODAY Show Names NIVW in March Observances List

NIVW was officially included in the TODAY Show’s list of national March observances, placing it alongside well-known commemorations such as Read Across America Week and Women in Construction Week. This feature represents a significant national acknowledgment, increasing awareness of NIVW’s mission among millions of Americans.

"Seeing National Invest In Veterans Week® recognized on such a prominent platform like TODAY is a defining moment," said Angel Shuford, President and CFO of NIVW. "It validates the hard work and dedication of veteran entrepreneurs across the country."

Steven Kia Highlights NIVW’s Economic Impact on Veterans

Automotive leader Steven Kia featured NIVW in a recent article on veteran entrepreneurship, underscoring the financial and social contributions of veteran-owned businesses.

The article highlights that veteran entrepreneurs employ over 5 million people and generate $1.14 trillion in annual revenue—a testament to the leadership and resilience of veterans in business. NIVW’s inclusion further cements its role as a leading advocate for veteran entrepreneurship.

"Veterans are not just business owners; they are innovators, job creators, and community builders," said Angel Shuford. "This feature helps amplify the critical role they play in strengthening our economy."

Leadership Expansion: A New Era of Growth and Sustainability

As NIVW continues its growth, key leadership changes have been implemented to drive financial sustainability, strategic partnerships, and veteran advocacy.

• Jeff Shuford Transitions to Honorary Ambassador

  • Jeff Shuford, co-founder of NIVW, has stepped away from active operations, assuming the honorary title of Ambassador of Veterans Affairs.

  • His leadership helped establish NIVW as the only congressionally recognized veteran business observance.

• Angel Shuford Named President and CFO

  • Angel Shuford, an Army air traffic controller and financial strategist, has taken over as President and CFO of NIVW.

  • Her leadership focuses on expanding corporate partnerships, strengthening financial sustainability, and enhancing the organization’s digital infrastructure.

• Sherman Williams Jr. Joins as Director of Partnerships

  • Williams, America’s most trademarked veteran beverage entrepreneur, brings his branding expertise to NIVW.

  • His portfolio includes Body Aqua®, Woof Water®, and Kids Aqua®, and he will be spearheading corporate sponsorships.

• Jim Freeman Named Cultural Advisor

  • The Grammy Hall of Fame inductee and co-founder of The Five Satins will help integrate arts, music, and storytelling into NIVW’s mission.

• Dr. Richard S. Freeman Joins as Legal Strategist

  • A distinguished legal expert, Freeman will oversee NIVW’s trademark protections and corporate legal strategies.

"This leadership team is not just about titles—it’s about real action," said Angel Shuford. "Each person plays a pivotal role in ensuring veterans have the resources, recognition, and support they deserve."

Expanding Intellectual Property and Global Reach

NIVW continues to grow its intellectual property portfolio and global digital presence, ensuring veteran entrepreneurs receive regionalized support and advocacy worldwide.

• Veteran-Specific Domains: NIVW now owns over 40 veteran-focused domains, including:

  • U.S. Domains: FloridaVeterans.com, KansasVeterans.com, TennesseeVeterans.com

  • International Domains: GermanyVeterans.com, JapanVeterans.com, BrazilVeterans.com

• Trademark Protection:

  • NIVW is strengthening its brand and intellectual property rights to ensure long-term market leadership.

"Veteran entrepreneurship is a global movement," said Angel Shuford. "By expanding our digital footprint, we are building a network that empowers veterans in every corner of the world."

The Future of National Invest In Veterans Week®

With mainstream media features, an expanded leadership team, and an aggressive international expansion strategy, NIVW is poised for its most impactful year yet.

Key 2025 Initiatives Include:

1. Increasing Corporate Partnerships

   • NIVW is working with major corporations, financial institutions, and investment groups to enhance funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities for veterans.

2. Expanding International Reach

   • NIVW is growing its presence in Asia, Europe, and South America, ensuring veterans globally have access to business resources and advocacy.

3. Strengthening Legislative Support

   • NIVW will continue lobbying for policy initiatives that provide funding and legal protections for veteran-owned businesses.

4. Enhancing Digital Platforms

   • More podcasts, video content, and educational resources will be developed to support veterans in entrepreneurship.

"We are just getting started," said Angel Shuford. "NIVW is not just a week of recognition—it’s a movement that is reshaping the future of veteran entrepreneurship."

Conclusion

With TODAY and Steven Kia recognizing its impact, a new leadership team driving expansion, and a strategic focus on intellectual property and digital growth, National Invest In Veterans Week® is now a household name in veteran entrepreneurship.

As March 1-7 approaches, NIVW is set to inspire, elevate, and empower veterans in business like never before.

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National Invest In Veterans Week® Featured in Major Media!

National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1-7) has been officially recognized by the TODAY Show in its list of national March observances! This milestone highlights NIVW’s growing impact in supporting veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, Steven Kia has published a feature on how veterans thrive in business, emphasizing the economic contributions of veteran-owned businesses and NIVW’s crucial role in their success.

🔹 Check out the TODAY Show’s March Observances List: Read more here
🔹 Learn how veterans drive entrepreneurship at Steven Kia: Read the full article

Join us in celebrating and supporting veteran-owned businesses this March 1-7! #InvestInVeterans