Washington, D.C. – America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning commemorations and celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Semiquincentennial, announced that U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has appointed Alabama businessman and philanthropist Jimmy Rane to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. As a Commissioner, Rane will assist America250 in elevating programming and orchestrating the largest, most inspiring celebration and commemoration in American history.
James “Jimmy” W. Rane is Chairman, President, and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc., a leading producer of pressure treated lumber in the United States. Rane is actively involved in many civic and educational organizations and started the Jimmy Rane Foundation in 2000 to award college scholarships to students in need. He resides in his hometown of Abbeville, Alabama.
“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, I am deeply honored to join the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and give back to the country I love,” said businessman and philanthropist Jimmy Rane. “Alabama represents the strength and resilience that defines America, and this historic milestone is a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared heritage, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to the values that make our country exceptional. Together, we will honor the legacy of our Founding Fathers and inspire future generations to embrace the principles of freedom, unity, and progress.”
“I am proud to welcome fellow Alabamian, entrepreneur, and community leader Jimmy Rane to America250,” said Representative and America250 Commissioner Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL). “Jimmy’s extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the nation’s most iconic companies is a true embodiment of the American Dream and what makes our country great. I look forward to serving with him, our fellow Commissioners, and all organizations involved to engage Americans in celebrating and commemorating this historic milestone.”
“We are incredibly honored to welcome philanthropist and businessman Jimmy Rane to America250,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios. “Commissioner Rane’s exceptional leadership and proven track record of innovation and community impact make him an invaluable asset in our journey to 2026. As we work to build a celebration and commemoration that engages Americans from sea to shining sea, we are confident that his expertise will be instrumental in ensuring our celebrations capture the spirit of our nation and reflect the strength, determination, creativity, and resilience that make America exceptional.”
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Semiquincentennial. The Commission is comprised of 16 private citizens, four members of the U.S. Senate, four members of the U.S. House of Representatives, all of whom were appointed by House and Senate leadership of both parties. Congress also designated the inclusion of 12 Ex Officio federal partners, including several independent agencies. In all, the Commission includes representatives of all three branches of the federal government.
Most recently, America250 announced Our American Story, a national effort to compile the largest oral history and understanding of the United States. This July, America250 opened up the nominations process for all Americans to share their thoughts on whose stories should be recorded and preserved in perpetuity. In March 2024, America250 launched America’s Field Trip — a nationwide scholastic contest that encourages students to reflect on what America means to them for the chance to earn behind-the-scenes field trip experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. In its pilot year, America250 received thousands of incredible submissions from students around the country and recently announced the 75 first-place awardees from 27 states. This fall, America250 will debut its next national programming called America Gives, a multi-year effort focused on reinvigorating year-round service by focusing on three key pillars: charitable giving, volunteer service, and public service – which includes military service.
America's Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.