Alabama businessman and philanthropist Jimmy Rane is being formally welcomed to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the entity tasked with planning commemorations and celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Rane was appointed by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) earlier this month.
Rane, Chairman and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. and a native of Abbeville, expressed profound gratitude for his appointment and the opportunity that America250 has to create one of the most significant commemorations in American history.
“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,” Rane said.
“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.”
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Rosie Rios, Chair of America250 and former U.S. Treasurer, welcomed Rane as an asset to the work of the commission and a testament to the spirit of the occasion. “We are incredibly honored to welcome philanthropist and businessman Jimmy Rane to America250,” Rios said.
“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.”
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Val Croft and Thomas Walker, Jr. of the American Village in Montevallo, and now, Jimmy Rane are among the Alabamians involved in the multi-year leadership effort. Aderholt, who has been involved with the commission’s work since Congressional planning first began in 2016, also formally welcomed Rane to America250.
“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,” Aderholt said. “I look forward to serving with him, our fellow Commissioners, and all organizations involved to engage Americans in celebrating and commemorating this historic milestone.”
As 2026 approaches, the nonpartisan initiative coordinating the nationwide celebration is engaging Americans from coast to coast with programming that includes a national effort to compile the largest oral history and understanding of the United States and a nationwide scholastic contest that encourages students to reflect on what America means to them.
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.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
