Pickaway County – Build American, Buy American, be American is a slogan that we have all heard a few times in our life if you grew up in the States, a national group is coming to Pumpkin Show aimed at reinvigorating those words.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and its partners are considering the launch of the Route 250 Initiative, a bold effort designed to revitalize American patriotism and inspire a new generation of creators. Central to this initiative is the American diner—an enduring symbol of connection and shared values—inviting individuals to reflect on the past, engage in the present, and shape the future.
Addressing Declining Patriotism
With declining patriotism and waning confidence in the American Dream, especially among younger generations, the Route 250 Initiative aims to confront these challenges directly. The stakes are high: if faith in America diminishes, so too does trust in its leaders and institutions. The initiative seeks to bolster civic pride, inspire community service, and enhance public understanding of the vital role manufacturers play in shaping the nation’s future.
Goals for 2026
The Route 250 Initiative has set ambitious goals for 2026, including:
- Improve Perception: Increase the positive perception of America among young people and their influencers by at least 25%.
- Engage Millions: Reach millions of students and their influencers, driving acts of service and fostering a deeper understanding of American values and history.
- Community Impact: Achieve substantial local engagement in every community visited, sparking discussions on American history and the future.
- Positive Media Coverage: Generate at least $10 million in positive earned media to amplify the initiative’s message.
Debut at Circleville Pumpkin Show
The Route 250 Initiative will debut at the Circleville Pumpkin Show in Circleville, Ohio, from October 16-19, 2024. This beloved event attracts over 400,000 visitors and will serve as a hub for community engagement. The Route 250 Diner will offer a space for visitors to pledge service activities, explore local stories of creators, and learn about organizations contributing to the American landscape. This proof of concept will emphasize how small acts of service can lead to significant change.
Support from Stand Together Trust
The NAM is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, building on the success of the Creators Wanted campaign, which has sparked interest in modern manufacturing careers nationwide. Manufacturing is deeply woven into America’s history and remains a respected sector that embodies the spirit of action and progress.
The Route 250 Initiative is made possible through a grant from Stand Together Trust, whose support fosters a renewed sense of pride and community across the nation. Stand Together Trust invests in social entrepreneurs addressing the root causes of the country’s most pressing challenges, turning innovative ideas into practical solutions.
Through the Route 250 Initiative, the NAM aims to celebrate America’s legacy, educate communities about the manufacturing sector’s contributions, and encourage all Americans to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.
