Burson-Marsteller today announced initial plans to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the WPP unit.

Founding chairman Harold Burson and CEO Don Baer kick off the festivities next week by ringing the opening bell at the NASDAQ MarketSite in New York. WPP shares are listed on that exchange.

The firm is launching B-M Giving-Back Service Projects program to encourage community service among its 2,300 staffers. B-M plans to donate $1.6M in employee time to drive the venture.

Baer noted the giving-back program is an “excellent way to rededicate ourselves during our 60th anniversary year to the core values on which our firm has always been built.”

Burson said public service is “embedded into our culture around the world.”

The firm will announce other anniversary-related events throughout the year.