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

LTC Rickey L. Pope, President and Co-Founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®, Honors Jeff Shuford’s Legacy and Announces New Leadership Structure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: info@investinveteransweek.com

Date: December 14, 2024

Jacksonville, FL – LTC Rickey L. Pope, President and Co-Founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), today announced a significant leadership transition within the organization as Jeff Shuford, co-founder of NIVW, officially retires from the initiative. Shuford’s groundbreaking leadership helped shape NIVW into a global movement that empowers veteran entrepreneurs, elevating their voices and businesses on an unprecedented scale.

“Jeff Shuford’s impact on National Invest In Veterans Week® and the veteran community is immeasurable,” said LTC Pope. “His tireless dedication to creating opportunities for veterans and his visionary approach to advocacy leave behind a powerful legacy. While Jeff transitions out of his role, we are proud to honor him as the Honorary Ambassador of Veterans Affairs, recognizing his enduring contributions to our mission.”

As Shuford fully retires from day-to-day and strategic leadership, LTC Pope announced a new leadership structure to drive the organization forward and ensure its continued success and profitability.

Effective immediately:

• Angel Shuford, a decorated Army Reserve Air Traffic Controller, Military Relocation Professional (MRP), and multi-million-dollar realtor, has been appointed as Vice President/Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

• Angel will oversee the implementation of Jeff Shuford’s strategic roadmap, with a focus on expanding the brand’s financial sustainability and profitability.

• In addition to her extensive professional credentials, Angel brings a deep personal connection to NIVW’s mission and a proven ability to lead with vision and integrity.

• Additional leadership roles will be announced soon as the organization positions itself for its next phase of growth.

“As Vice President and CFO, Angel Shuford exemplifies the kind of dynamic leadership that will propel National Invest In Veterans Week® into the future,” said LTC Pope. “Her diverse expertise as a military professional and a top-performing realtor, combined with her passion for supporting veterans, makes her the perfect leader to take this organization to new heights.”

Jeff Shuford, now officially retired from all operational roles, will remain involved solely in an honorary capacity as Honorary Ambassador of Veterans Affairs, supporting NIVW’s mission through advocacy and special engagements.

“National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than an initiative—it’s a legacy built on service, dedication, and impact,” said LTC Pope. “As we honor Jeff’s extraordinary contributions and welcome Angel’s leadership, we remain committed to expanding our mission of empowering veteran entrepreneurs across the globe.”

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

Founded in 2019 by LTC Rickey L. Pope, Drayton Florence, and Jeff Shuford, National Invest In Veterans Week® is a global initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting veteran-owned businesses. Recognized in the Congressional Record, NIVW has expanded to 40 markets worldwide, providing resources, visibility, and advocacy for veteran entrepreneurs.