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Author: Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing

"Helping Small Businesses, Industry Professionals and Civic Leaders work together to Connect, Grow & Belong."

Business Before Hours at the Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair

Business Before Hours was held at the Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair this morning. This special Business Before Hours was hosted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce and Wilson County Promotions at the Event Pavilion.

During the event, the annual Ole Timers Awards were presented by Helen McPeak, on behalf of Wilson County Promotions. In addition to having their names added to a plaque that will remain at the Fairgrounds, Ole Timers Award recipients were presented with rocking chairs courtesy of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Dallas & Lillian Plumlee, Joyce Sampson, and Odell & Linda Bain were recipients of the 2024 Ole Timers awards.

Wilson County Promotions President Randall Clemons presented the Mike Baker Award during the breakfast to recipient Bob Rochelle. This annual award recognizes business professionals in Wilson County who have gone above and beyond in their support of the annual Fair and in service to the community. The award is given in memory of Mike Baker, longtime chairman of the Fair’s Great Give-Away Committee.

Christopher Cooley was awarded the Mike Baker Scholarship. This scholarship is a one-time $1,500.00 scholarship sponsored by Wilson Bank & Trust, Wilson County Promotions and Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, to be matched by Cumberland University and awarded to transferring or returning full-time students at Cumberland University. Students must have a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA. The scholarship was presented in July by Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, Helen McPeak on behalf of Wilson County Promotions, and DeJeay Woods who represented the Chamber’s Education Division and Wilson Bank & Trust. Cooley was recognized again at Business Before Hours this morning.

Business Before Hours included several door prizes provided by Wilson County Promotions, and as always, the Chamber Pot drawing. All Chamber members are entered into the Pot to be drawn during the event. You must be present to win. If the first person is not present, we will draw a second time for half the original value. If the second person is not present, the value goes up $25 for the NEXT Business Before or After Hours. The August 20th Chamber Pot was valued at $375. The first name, drawn by Lillian Plumlee, was not present. Wesley Works, LLC was drawn second – owner Wesley Flatt was present to claim!

Minter welcomed guests to the Business Before Hours. Jackie Bullard, Ms. Wilson County; Cheryl Lewis, Ms. Senior Wilson County; and Luci Rose Coay, Fairest of the Fair led the Pledge of Allegiance and assisted in awards. Lyndon LaFevers, member of the Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair Executive Board, led the group in a prayer. Clemons annouced that the Fair has had over 390K attendees so far this year, and a record number of attendees over the weekend.

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Chamber’s Replica Building

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce kicked off Day 2 of the Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair with a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Chamber’s Replica Building, located in Fiddlers Grove Historic Village of Tennessee. Fiddlers Grove holds over 60 buildings that tell a story about Lebanon and Wilson County. The ceremony was conducted by Chamber President & CEO Melanie Minter and 2024 Chairman of the Board, Ja’Rob Coggins.

Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor signed and proclaimed August 16, 2024 as Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Day in Wilson County, on behalf of citizens, and thanked the Chamber for 100-years of dedicated service.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce was chartered on September 5, 1924, by 60 businessmen who wanted to form an organization for the betterment of their community. The Chamber has grown tremendously under the direction of 100 Presidents, 21 Board Members, 7 Divisions and 5 staff members. The Chamber’s mission is to coordinate the talents and energies of business, industry, and individuals to make Wilson County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Our vision is to foster an environment in which a unified Wilson County can realize a prosperous future.

In celebrating the Chamber’s 100th anniversary, earlier this year, several past Presidents and Chairmen graciously donated to fund this project. We are humbled by the amount of support from so many of you that have been a part of our 100-year celebration.

Guests included City of Lebanon, TN Mayor Rick Bell, TN State Representative Clark Boyd, Wilson County Promotions President Randall Clemons, Fiddlers Grove Board President Pat Ryan, Director of the James E. Ward Agricultural Center Josh Majors, several Past Presidents, Building Contributors, 2024 Ole Timers, 4-H and FFA representatives, Chamber Ambassadors and members. This building represents our Chamber, members, businesses, volunteers and our community. We are proud to promote and serve you.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the following Past Presidents, Chairmen & Chairwomen of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce:

  • Ed Callis
  • Bill McDowell
  • Jerry Franklin
  • Randall Clemons
  • David Foutch
  • James Mills
  • Ken Howell
  • Patricia Bone
  • Mark Lee
  • Jackie Gaither
  • Bob McDonald
  • Bob Lee
  • Barry Tatum
  • John C. McDearman III
  • Ken Caldwell
  • Eric Thompson
  • Dr. Paul C. Stumb
  • Becky Jennings
  • John Lancaster
  • Paul Jewell
  • Chris Crowell
  • Rick Smith
  • John Bryan
  • John Bradshaw
  • Scott Jasper
  • Jud Nave
  • JB Owens
  • Necole Bell
  • Greg Butler
  • Jeff Peterson
  • Curt Baker
  • Wes Dugan

Additional thank you to:

  • JB Owens, Past Board Chairman, for his building design. There is a framed copy inside the building.
  • 2004 Chairman of the Board John McDearman, who was instrumental in reaching out to past Chairmen for funding pledges.
  • 1984 Chairman of the Board Randall Clemons, Fiddlers Grove Foundation and The Wilson County Ag Management committee for assisting the Chamber in securing the perfect location for the building.
  • Ian Isbell and Greg Butler for their time, dedication and helping to oversee the building progress.

We gratefully acknowledge the following for their contributions:

  • 615 Outdoor Living
  • Bentley’s Air Conditioning- Mt. Juliet
  • Bone & Associates- Hal Bone
  • Brad Vanhook
  • Collins Construction – Dalton Collins
  • Exterior Wholesale Supply
  • F & M Bank
  • Fakes & Hooker
  • Horizon Construction & Development- Danny Harmon
  • Horizon Construction & Development- Jacob White
  • iFoam of Mt. Juliet- Scott Stone
  • Image 360 Lebanon
  • S & H Framing – Jason Sparks & Greg Holbrook
  • Jewell & Jane Co.
  • Joey Jane Bradshaw, Past Board Member
  • The Ian Isbell Family
  • Jewell Painting – Paul Jewell
  • Jewell Signs
  • Middle Tennessee Electric
  • Nashville Flooring Interiors Inc.,
  • Old Timey Stone Work
  • P. Fritz Wilke
  • Thompson Electric
  • Tim Leeper Roofing
  • Volunteer Landscaping – Jimmy Chaffin

Livestock Barn Ribbon Cutting at Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair

Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at its new Livestock Barn, Thursday evening. Wilson County Promotions President Randall Clemons welcomed guests and gave a brief history of livestock activities at the fair. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. The new Livestock Barn is located past Kiddie Land, next to the Birthing Barn.

Randall Clemons is pictured with representatives from the FFA and 4-H, and the 2024 Ole Timers: Dallas & Lillian Plumlee, Joyce Sampson, and Odell & Linda Bain. Congressman John Rose, TN Dept. of Agriculture Deputy Director Jeff Aiken, Clark Boyd-State Representative District 46, Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor, City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Mt. Juliet Mayor James Maness, Watertown Mayor Mike Jennings, Director of the James E. Ward Agricultural Center Josh Majors and Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & Director Melanie Minter are also pictured.

Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair held its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting outside of the Made In Tennessee Building, Thursday, August 15. Wilson County Promotions President Randall Clemons led the ceremony and welcomed everyone to another amazing year at the fair. TN Dept. of Agriculture Deputy Director Jeff Aiken and Melanie Beauchamp – Assistant Commissioner of Rural Tourism and Outreach joined Clemons in the welcoming address. Clemons was accompanied by the 2024 Ole Timers — Dallas & Lillian Plumlee, Joyce Sampson, and Odell & Linda Bain — who cut the ribbon. 4H and FFA representatives, and 2023 Wilson County Fairest of the Fair were in attendance. Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor, City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Mt Juliet Mayor James Maness, Watertown Mayor Mike Jennings, Clark Boyd-State Representative District 46, Representative Susan Lynn, Senator Mark Pody, and Lebanon Councilman Phil Morehead are pictured. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter and Marketing & Communications Coordinator Sara Perry were also present.

The Made in Tennessee Building is Tennessee’s building to showcase the skills and talents of Tennesseans, the Best of Tennessee State Fair Champions, and the Travel Tennessee exhibit during the Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair. Travel Tennessee highlights the special and unique places from every county in the state.

We Love Our Wilson County Teachers

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Staff and Ambassadors traveled throughout the county to welcome our Wilson County Schools teachers and administrators back for a new school year! Thank you to everyone who came out to help us recognize the schools and teachers that create a positive impact and enrich the lives of children in our community.

#WilCoSchoolsRock #WilCoTeachersRock

Lebanon High School:

Green Hill High School:

Scott McCarver – President of Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital & member of Chamber’s 2024 Board of Directors

Southside School:

  • Members of Hillcrest Baptist, Jessica Leigh Brummett with Liberty State Bank & Caitlin Watson – Chamber Office Coordinator

Watertown Elementary, Middle & High School:

Gladeville Elementary School:

Gladeville Middle School:

  • James Neuble – member of Chamber’s 2024 Board of Directors

Elzie D Patton Elementary School:

Carroll Oakland Middle School:

Wilson Central High School:

West Wilson Middle School:

For more information, please visit www.WilCoTeachersRock.com

NewBasis Ribbon Cutting

NewBasis, LLC hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening on July 30 at their second manufacturing facility, now located in Wilson County. NewBasis’ Lebanon facility is the company’s first location outside of its headquarters, bringing them closer to the customers they serve. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured with NewBasis President Tony Helf is Rick Haynes, Senior Director of Human Resources; David Elliott, Plant Manager; and Chris Sanford, VP Sales & Marketing. Clark Boyd-State Representative District 46 and Tammy Stokes, Assistant Director of the Wilson County Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB) are pictured. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, VP Membership & Finance Andrea Wilke, Chamber Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.

Founded in the 1940s, NewBasis is a leading manufacturer of fiberglass and polymer concrete utility pads and below-ground utility enclosures. The high-quality composite enclosures are designed for telecommunications, electrical, CATV, water, traffic, lighting, commercial and industrial applications. NewBasis utilizes state-of-the-art engineering service and provides quality production. The manufacturing facility, located in the new Alligood Industrial Park, brings 250 new jobs to Lebanon.

NewBasis is located at 303 Alligood Way, Suite A, Lebanon, TN 37090

Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Lyn Williams

Red Sand Project 2024

On July 29, our Chamber Staff took part in the #RedSandProject – an interactive art exhibition, pioneered by artist Molly Gochman. The project works to raise awareness of human trafficking through a symbolic approach. Participants use bright red sand to fill the cracks of sidewalks. Each grain of sand represents a victim of human trafficking who has fallen through the symbolic cracks of society.

The exhibition is open to the public. Those who wish to participate may stop by the Wilson County Courthouse or the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce this week to pick up their own natural, non-toxic red sand. Participants are encouraged to post photos using the hashtags #RedSandProject and#RedSandTN to further spread awareness and combat human trafficking across the globe. We are proud of the effort that our community has put into combatting this heartbreaking reality and hope that our efforts may shine a light on a brighter tomorrow.

For more information on human trafficking visit humantraffickinghotline.org. If you know someone who needs help to escape trafficking, contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text 233722, can also provide information on local community resources. For more information about local resources, visit trust-yourself.org/, www.reststopministries.org/, and operationlightshine.org/.

Thank you to Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor, City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Mt. Juliet Mayor James Maness, and Watertown Mayor Mike Jennings for spreading awareness through a proclamation signed in Partnership with TN Dept of Health, along with the support of local businesses and organizations.

Pictured left to right:

  • Sara Perry – Marketing & Communications
  • Stephanie Hollis – Support Admin
  • Caitlin Watson – Office Coordinator
  • Andrea Wilke – VP Membership & Finance
  • Melanie Minter – President & CEO

Shannon Speck’s Electric Ribbon Cutting

Shannon Speck’s Electric hosted a Ribbon Cutting at their new office yesterday, July 25. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

Shannon Speck’s Electric is a trusted name in Tennessee’s electrical services. From residential wiring to commercial installations, their team provides reliable solutions backed by expertise and a commitment to excellence.

Pictured with owner Shannon & Tischa Speck is the Shannon Speck’s Electric team, family and friends. City of Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, Chamber President & CEO Melanie Minter, Andrea Wilke – Chamber VP Membership & Finance, Ambassadors and Chamber Representatives are also pictured.

Shannon Speck’s Electric is located at 1034 W Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087

Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Lyn Williams

We Love Our Teachers – Friendship Christian

We were able to celebrate Friendship Christian School educators on their first day back. WE ❤️ OUR WILSON COUNTY TEACHERS! We believe teachers don’t impact students for just a year, but for a lifetime. The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce appreciates all you do!

Friendship Christian School mission exists to cultivate strong faith and strong minds in it’s students; connecting the heart and the mind by delivering exceptional academics presented through a Christian worldview.

Vice Chair Education Division DeJeay Woods discussed how we raise money to support Teacher Grants and other educational programs. Taste of Wilson County is not just about delicious food, but also a powerful way to support our local teachers. The proceeds of the event directly benefit the Wilson County Business & Education Coalition, a Division of The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. The Wilson County Business & Education Coalition uses these funds for the annual Teacher Grant Extra Mile Educator Program. These grants provide essential funding for classroom resources, projects, and professional development which help our local teachers continue their phenomenal work.

Taste of Wilson County will be held Thursday, Oct 24th on the Wilson Bank & Trust West Lawn. Tickets and vendor applications will be available for purchase soon. Make sure you follow the Chamber and Taste of Wilson County pages to be the first to hear about the event!

WE LOVE OUR LEBANON SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TEACHERS!

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor, City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital and the rest of our LSSD Fan Club welcomed teachers back for Staff Development In-Service at Winfree Bryant Middle School! We truly appreciate all of our teachers and the significant impact they have on our children – shaping the future of our community. We hope you all had a great first day back!

Chamber Education Division Vice-Chair DeJeay Woods shared information about our upcoming Taste of Wilson County event, to be held October 24. The Wilson County Business & Education Coalition uses the event’s proceeds for the annual Teacher Grant Extra Mile Educator Program. These grants provide essential funding for classroom resources, projects, and professional development which help our local teachers continue their phenomenal work.

Thank you to Mr. Brian Hutto for the opportunity to welcome teachers and school administrators back for another exciting school year. We also want to thank Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital for partnering with us again this year to provide breakfast. Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital President Scott McCarver and Traci Pope – Director of Community Relations were in attendance and played a huge role in making today’s event possible.

Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, Andrea Wilke – VP Membership & Finance, representatives from the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and Chamber staff were present.

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