National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has been honored with the prestigious Business Excellence Award by Acquisition International

National Invest In Veterans Week®: A Legacy of Excellence, Innovation, and Impact

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has been honored with the prestigious Business Excellence Award by Acquisition International. This global recognition underscores NIVW’s remarkable contributions to veteran entrepreneurship, its expansion into intellectual property leadership, and its congressional recognition as the only trademarked veteran business observance in the U.S.

The award reflects NIVW’s unmatched influence in supporting veteran-owned businesses, creating legislative impact, and pioneering a model of self-funded, high-impact advocacy. With Congressional Record recognition, state proclamations, corporate partnerships, and a growing international footprint, NIVW continues to set the standard for veteran-focused economic empowerment.

The Historic Impact of National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than just a recognition campaign—it is a powerful economic movement that has redefined veteran advocacy. Founded by Jeff Shuford and Drayton Florence, the initiative has become a congressionally recognized force, influencing policy, business ecosystems, and national conversations about veteran entrepreneurship.

Unlike traditional veteran business initiatives, NIVW is not a nonprofit—it operates as a fully self-funded, high-impact business model, proving that veteran advocacy can be both sustainable and transformational. Its success is rooted in strategic syndication, intellectual property expansion, and leveraging social capital to create long-term opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.

Key Achievements of NIVW:

• First and only trademarked veteran business observance in the U.S.

• Recognized in the Congressional Record (2024) for its impact on veteran entrepreneurship.

• Launched a global expansion with 40 veteran-focused domains in U.S. and international markets.

• Led by a multi-generational family of entrepreneurs, veterans, and business leaders.

• Honored by multiple states and local governments with official proclamations.

• Expanded into corporate partnerships, media influence, and trademark dominance.

A Family Legacy: Five Congressional Record Entries

For the first time in U.S. history, a single family has secured five Congressional Record entries, honoring their lasting contributions to music, business, and veteran advocacy. The Freeman-Shuford family has shaped American culture, business, and advocacy, leaving a multi-generational impact that continues to grow.

Breaking Down the Five Congressional Record Entries

🎵 Bill Baker & The Five Satins (1994) – Doo-Wop Pioneers Recognized
📅 August 19, 1994 – Senator Joe Lieberman entered Bill Baker and The Five Satins into the Congressional Record, recognizing their iconic role in shaping American music history with In the Still of the Nite. This entry cemented their status as one of the most influential doo-wop groups of all time.

🎶 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2015) – A Second Congressional Tribute
📅 April 23, 2015 – Rep. Rosa DeLauro reaffirmed the group’s lasting impact, noting how In the Still of the Nite remained a cultural touchstone for generations.

🎤 Jim Freeman (2015) – Individual Recognition
📅 Later in 2015 – Jim Freeman was separately honored for his individual contributions to music, acknowledging his unique role in shaping the doo-wop genre beyond The Five Satins.

🇺🇸 Jeff Shuford (2024) – Championing Veteran Entrepreneurship
📅 March 8, 2024 – Rep. Matt Rosendale entered National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) into the Congressional Record, spotlighting its impact on veteran-owned businesses.

📀 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2004) – ‘Lost in the Fifties Tonight’
📅 July 8, 2004 – The Congressional Record (E1318) acknowledged the cultural significance of Lost in the Fifties Tonight, which features In the Still of the Nite. This recognition further proves the lasting influence of The Five Satins, whose music has been woven into later generations of popular hits.

State & Local Proclamations Honoring NIVW

Beyond national recognition, the Freeman-Shuford family has been honored at the state level for their contributions to music, business, and veteran advocacy:

• South Carolina General Assembly – Recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week® and Jeff Shuford’s impact on veteran entrepreneurship.

• Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (2023 & 2024) – Issued proclamations acknowledging National Invest In Veterans Week®.

• Douglas County, Oregon (2022) – Honored National Invest In Veterans Week® for its role in promoting veteran-owned businesses.

These official proclamations further solidify the family’s lasting influence on American culture and economic progress.

NIVW's Expansion into Intellectual Property & Corporate Influence

One of the most unique aspects of National Invest In Veterans Week® is its strategic leadership in intellectual property. Unlike traditional advocacy efforts, NIVW has built a business-first approach to branding, securing valuable trademarks and establishing high-profile partnerships.

Key Intellectual Property Highlights:

• Sherman Williams Jr. – Director of Partnerships, America’s most trademarked veteran beverage entrepreneur.

• NIVW’s 40+ Veteran-Focused Domains – Covering U.S. states & international markets.

• Expanding Corporate & Media Influence – Through partnerships and syndication strategies.

This trademark dominance allows NIVW to maintain strong brand control, prevent exploitation, and expand its business presence globally.

Jim Freeman’s RIAA-Certified Legacy in Music

Jim Freeman’s contributions to American music are both culturally and commercially significant. His work with The Five Satins has resulted in multiple gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond-certified albums, proving the enduring popularity of their music.

RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring In the Still of the Nite

💎 DIAMOND® – Dirty Dancing soundtrack
💿 9X MULTI-PLATINUM® – Boyz II Men Cooleyhighharmony
💿 PLATINUM® – Rock & Roll Era, 1956
💿 PLATINUM® – Boyz II Men’s tribute version
📀 GOLD® – The Beach Boys 15 Big Ones

RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring Lost in the Fifties Tonight

💿 PLATINUM® – Ronnie Milsap Greatest Hits Volume 2
📀 GOLD® – Ronnie Milsap Lost in the Fifties
📀 GOLD® – Ronnie Milsap 40 #1 Hits

A U.S. Court of Appeals Citation Recognizes The Five Satins

In a landmark legal recognition, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit cited The Five Satins in a case about music ownership and influence. The court referenced In the Still of the Nite as a prime example of a song that has stood the test of time.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

With five Congressional Record entries, state proclamations, and legal recognitions, the Freeman-Shuford family has built a lasting legacy in:

🎵 American music history through Jim Freeman
🏛 Veteran entrepreneurship through Jeff Shuford
📜 Legislation, business, and cultural influence across generations

Jim Freeman: A Rock and Roll Pioneer Honored in Music History and Veteran Advocacy

Few names in the world of doo-wop carry as much weight as Jim Freeman of The Five Satins, a pivotal figure in American music history. His role in shaping the golden age of vocal harmony has now been further cemented by his inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s prestigious archives, a distinction that highlights his lasting influence. Featured in the 1986 Elvis Presley Rock Hall Induction Edition, Freeman’s contributions are recognized alongside music’s most legendary figures, reflecting his status as a pioneer of rhythm and blues.

Beyond his musical success, Freeman has seamlessly transitioned into a vital leadership role as the Cultural Advisor for National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). This distinction places him in the unique position of bridging two historic movements: the rise of rock and roll and the empowerment of veteran entrepreneurs.

Preserving Legacy: The Five Satins and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Jim Freeman and The Five Satins left an undeniable mark on the music industry with their 1956 classic “In the Still of the Night.” The song, recorded in a church basement in New Haven, Connecticut, became an enduring anthem of the doo-wop era, later earning a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame and influencing generations of artists.

"Being part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame archives is a surreal honor," Freeman reflects. "Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard—these were the pioneers who changed music forever. To know that The Five Satins hold a place in that same legacy is incredibly humbling."

Freeman’s feature in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame archives alongside Elvis Presley is not just a recognition of his individual contributions but a testament to the power of independent labels, the doo-wop movement, and the resilience of Black artists in shaping rock and roll history.

"Back then, we didn’t have major labels backing us, but we had something just as powerful—our voices and our passion," Freeman adds. "To see that history honored in such a prestigious way reminds us that music’s legacy is built on those who dared to create something timeless."

From Rock and Roll to Veteran Empowerment

While his musical legacy is now permanently archived in one of the most prestigious music institutions, Jim Freeman’s influence extends far beyond the stage. Today, he is an essential figure in veteran entrepreneurship, serving as Cultural Advisor for National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). This congressionally recognized movement is co-founded by his grandson, Jeff Shuford, and is dedicated to celebrating and supporting veteran-owned businesses worldwide.

"Music and service share a common thread: both require dedication, resilience, and a deep connection to something greater than yourself," Freeman says. "With NIVW, we’re creating a platform that ensures veterans get the recognition they deserve—just like artists in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

Under his cultural leadership, NIVW has expanded across 40 markets, including 19 U.S. and 21 international territories, solidifying its place as a global movement for veteran business advocacy. Freeman’s unique role ensures that NIVW’s mission is not just about business—it’s about storytelling, community, and legacy-building, the same elements that made rock and roll an unstoppable force in the 1950s.

A Legacy that Transcends Generations

From his feature in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame archives to his instrumental role in National Invest In Veterans Week®, Jim Freeman stands as a living bridge between two of America’s most significant cultural movements. His story is one of perseverance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to leaving a lasting impact—whether through timeless music or through supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

"When we recorded 'In the Still of the Night,' we never knew it would last this long. The same goes for National Invest In Veterans Week®—we’re building something that will outlive us, something that future generations can look back on with pride," Freeman concludes.

Through his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition and his advocacy for veterans, Freeman has ensured that his influence extends far beyond the microphone, shaping history in ways that will be remembered for generations to come.

Jim Freeman’s legacy continues to resonate across music history and veteran advocacy, cementing his place as a cultural icon. His feature in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame archives alongside Elvis Presley stands as a testament to his influence on the doo-wop era, while his leadership as Cultural Advisor for National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) underscores his commitment to empowering veteran entrepreneurs.

Experience Jim Freeman’s legendary impact by exploring his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame feature here, and witness history in the making as he and Jeff Shuford set a new milestone with five Congressional Record entries here.