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“Find Your Authentic Connection to the Celebration”: The PRWeek Podcast Dives Into the America 250 Unit

May 14, 2026

Jim Joseph, FleishmanHillard Global Director of Brand Impact, sat down with PRWeek‘s Diana Bradley and Frank Washkuch to discuss the launch of the America 250 unit, a new offering supporting brands and institutions in capturing opportunity and managing risk surrounding the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary.

“The opportunity is connecting your brand with both the history and the future of America and showing the rich heritage of your own company,” said Joseph. “What’s very interesting about it is the 250th is going to be happening at the national level, the state level and also the community level. That’s a unique chance for a brand to connect with very different sets of audiences. It’s a tremendous opportunity.”

Joseph says that the unit, which assembles teams of specialists built around data and custom tools, also provides guidance on just how brands should enter the conversation, if at all. “I think the level of participation should probably be commensurate with your connection to either the history or the future of America. Like anything, your brand equity and your own audiences for your brand or your company should guide the level of participation.”

Joseph’s top tip for brands considering entering the America 250 conversation is to find your unique, authentic connection to the celebration. “If you’re just trying to participate just to become a part of the celebration and to try to riff off of it to gain benefit from it without an authentic connection, I believe that consumers and stakeholders will see through that right away.”

Joseph says that July 4th is just the start of a brand’s involvement with the semiquincentennial. “The event isn’t going to start and stop on the 250th birthday. It’s going to continue likely for a full year, so our clients are going to want to know how to stay involved, how to continue to participate, and the best way to do that is through intelligence. Joseph says that always-on audience insights and a newsletter will continue throughout the year.

FleishmanHillard’s America 250 Unit will provide clients with a full suite of capabilities, including:

  • Strategic counsel on positioning, narrative development, and stakeholder engagement
  • Risk assessment and scenario planning for reputational and political sensitivities
  • Partnerships and alignment with official and unofficial America 250 organizations
  • Earned media strategy and collaboration with leading publishers, media platforms, and influencers
  • Executive visibility and thought leadership programming tied to the milestone
  • Always-on intelligence and audience insights through a dedicated America 250 client newsletter and briefings
Click Above to Find Out More About the America 250 Unit
Article

FleishmanHillard Launches the “America 250” Unit to Help Organizations Navigate a Historic Milestone

May 12, 2026

The new offering supports brands and institutions in capturing opportunity and managing risk surrounding the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary.

FleishmanHillard today announced the launch of an America 250 Unit, a specialized offering designed to help brands and organizations navigate the opportunities and complexities surrounding the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.

The semiquincentennial of the United States marks a defining cultural and civic moment, expected to drive unprecedented levels of national excitement, global attention, and engagement. For organizations, it presents a unique opportunity to connect with audiences, demonstrate shared values, and build lasting brand relevance. At the same time, it introduces heightened reputational risk as companies operate within an increasingly polarized and fast-moving environment.

“America 250 is not just a milestone. It is a defining moment for how organizations show up in culture, in communities, and in the national conversation,” said Jim Joseph, Global Head of Brand Impact, FleishmanHillard. “There is enormous opportunity for brands to engage in meaningful ways, but it must be done with precision, authenticity, and a clear understanding of the broader environment. Our clients are looking for guidance that balances ambition with accountability, and that’s exactly what this unit is built to deliver.”

FleishmanHillard’s America 250 Advisory Unit brings together experts across corporate affairs and brand impact to help clients both leverage and navigate this moment in order to build brand value while protecting reputation.

A Comprehensive Approach to America 250

FleishmanHillard’s America 250 Unit will provide clients with a full suite of capabilities, including:

  • Strategic counsel on positioning, narrative development, and stakeholder engagement
  • Risk assessment and scenario planning for reputational and political sensitivities
  • Partnerships and alignment with official and unofficial America 250 organizations
  • Earned media strategy and collaboration with leading publishers, media platforms, and influencers
  • Executive visibility and thought leadership programming tied to the milestone
  • Always-on intelligence and audience insights through a dedicated America 250 client newsletter and briefings

FleishmanHillard counselors are already in regular contact with key stakeholders shaping the America 250 ecosystem, including organizers, policymakers, media organizations, and cultural institutions. This access enables clients to identify credible opportunities and engage early in the planning cycle.

“We’re already working across more than a dozen clients to help shape how they engage in this moment,” said Michael Moroney, Head of Corporate Affairs, The Americas, FleishmanHillard. “What’s clear is that this is not a one-size-fits-all opportunity. It requires a thoughtful balance of brand ambition, cultural awareness, and risk management. We’ve developed internal playbooks and frameworks to help clients move quickly, while ensuring they are aligned, relevant, and prepared for scrutiny.”

The America 250 Unit reflects FleishmanHillard’s broader strategy to lead clients through moments where business, brand, policy, culture, and reputation converge. As organizations face increasing pressure to take positions and engage authentically, the firm’s integrated model ensures that communications strategies are both impactful and resilient.

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