In a politically divided time, the NAM set out to answer an important question: Can businesses build trust, brighten views about America’s creators and rekindle belief in the American Dream? The answer, tested over three-and-a-half days at the Circleville Pumpkin Show in Ohio: “Yes, they can—and we probably should,” said NAM Managing Vice President of Brand Strategy Chrys Kefalas.
Why it matters: Declining American pride is more than just a cultural shift—it’s a business problem. “When people lose faith in the American Dream, they lose faith in manufacturers and the business community’s ability to drive progress, leading to skepticism, division and fewer supporters of the environment that manufacturers and businesses need to succeed,” said Kefalas.
This challenge comes at a pivotal moment: America’s 250th anniversary—its Semiquincentennial—arrives in 2026. This milestone offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reignite pride and belief in the country’s future.
What we built: With funding from Stand Together Trust, the NAM and its partners developed the Route 250 Diner, a pop-up experience that combined stories about community creators, snack giveaways, career resources and service opportunities. It brought together businesses, trade groups and civic organizations to see if they could elevate creators locally and nationally while inspiring civic pride and acts of service.
The results: Nearly 4,700 visitors of many ages and political affiliations pledged to undertake service opportunities and shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. Some even contributed cash to survey boxes as a gesture of gratitude. The concept clearly resonated.
“We need more of this,” “Love this” and “I hope y’all be back” were frequent refrains among survey respondents. “I believe that how towns like Circleville go, so goes America,” said Circleville Mayor Michelle Blanton. “What resonates here can inspire communities across the country.”
Leading brands take part: The concept won early supporters like Snap-on, Johnson & Johnson and The J.M. Smucker Company, as well as growing enterprises like Seaman Corporation and Centrus Energy. The Honda–LG Energy Solution battery plant joint venture team participated on-site, highlighting the 2,200 job opportunities at the new plant in Fayette County, Ohio.
The National Restaurant Association and the International Franchise Association, which represent two vital sectors of the American economy, joined the effort, as well as state business groups The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance.
Support: The NAM set out to complement national and state efforts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and promote civic education. The concept enjoyed the participation of the congressionally chartered, nonpartisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (America 250), state-chartered America 250-Ohio, the Bill of Rights Institute and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.
What they’re saying: Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) highlighted the initiative on social media, focusing on advancing participants’ career aspirations. “Empowered individuals and driving positive change in their communities are vital to America’s next 250 years,” said Stand Together Vice President Sarah Cross, stressing another key point of the activation.
NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons: “By strengthening civic pride, inspiring acts of service and deepening our connections to our communities, we can ensure that manufacturers and enterprises across the nation shape a brighter future for America.”
America250 Chair Rosie Rios: “The Route 250 Initiative is an important celebration of America’s creators and makers who play a vital role in strengthening our communities through meaningful acts of service as we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.”
National Restaurant Association President and CEO Michelle Korsmo: “The Route 250 Initiative reminds us that in every community, there are people creating opportunities for themselves and others—and that’s something worth celebrating as we help more people learn how to make America’s next 250 years better than our first.”
Bill of Rights Institute President and CEO David Bobb: “By engaging in meaningful, constructive dialogue and celebrating the individuals who by their hands, hearts and minds are creating a better future, we can inspire a renewed commitment to those enduring ideals.”
America 250-Ohio Executive Director Todd Kleismit: “By sharing stories of creators and community heroes and inviting us all to learn what we’re doing to serve our community, we’re not just celebrating the past—we’re inviting people to see themselves in America’s future.”
The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger: “As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, Ohio manufacturers will continue to lead the way. This diner and the Route 250 Initiative give us the chance to reflect on our past while also inspiring the next generation to shape the future—one innovation, one community, one creator at a time.”
Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance Managing Vice President Tod Bowen: “As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, we’re reminded of the importance of spaces like this. The diner invites us all to reflect on how we’re contributing to our communities and how, by coming together, we can make the next 250 years even better.”
The big takeaway: “At the heart of this proof of concept is a message: manufacturers, creators and communities all play essential roles in writing the next chapter of America’s story,” said Timmons. “This is a model, showing how civic pride, community service and the power of industry can renew belief in the American Dream.”
“Some argue that no single narrative can unite the American people, but the Route 250 Diner and manufacturing’s story in America prove otherwise,” Kefalas added. “The question isn’t if we can find a unifying narrative—it’s who will step up to lead it, and that’s why we tried to show the way forward.”
What’s next: The NAM will evaluate the full results of the proof of concept with its partners and other key stakeholders, continuing to look for ways of using America’s 250th anniversary to strengthen the industry and the country.
In the news: POLITICO Influence covered the launch announcement, and The Scioto Post of Pickaway County, Ohio, previewed the experience.
More: Watch highlights of the grand opening event.