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Author: Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing

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

Teacher Visit – Victoria Claxton

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure of visiting Victoria Claxton, a dedicated educator at Byars Dowdy Elementary School and a recipient of the 2024 Teacher Grants, awarded through the Chamber’s Business & Education Coalition.

Several exciting projects are now underway at Byars Dowdy Elementary, thanks to Ms. Claxton’s creativity and commitment to hands-on learning. Her grant-funded project is designed to improve students’ dexterity and hand-eye coordination as they engage with tools and materials in meaningful ways.

Through activities that involve counting, sorting, classifying, and exploring shapes, students are not only developing fine motor skills, but also building a foundational understanding of cause and effect, expanding their vocabulary, and enhancing verbal expression.

Ms. Claxton’s innovative approach reflects a true passion for creating enriching, student-centered experiences that support both academic and personal growth. The Chamber is proud to support her efforts and celebrate the positive impact of this project in the classroom.

Pictured: Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, Education Division Vice-Chair DeJeay Woods and Mitchel Bone with Wilson County Chevrolet – Buick – GMC, a Proud Taste of Wilson County Sponsor. The proceeds of Taste of Wilson County provide the funds for the Teacher Grant Extra Mile Educator Program.

Looking Into the Future: Part 2 – Education

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog.

This morning, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce was proud to support the second session of Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor‘s Looking Into the Future series, held at College Hills Church of Christ.

The moderated panel discussion featured key voices in local education, including:

  • Jeff Luttrell – Director of Wilson County Schools
  • Brian Hutto – Director of Lebanon Special School District & Chamber Board Member
  • Dr. Paul Stumb – President of Cumberland University & 2007 Chamber Board Chair
  • Allen Carver – School Resource Officer at Rutland Elementary

The panel explored critical topics shaping the future of education in Wilson County, including:

  • School Safety
  • Academic Achievement
  • Career Readiness
  • Future Opportunities & Challenges

This session offered our community a valuable opportunity to hear directly from educational leaders and ask meaningful questions that impact our students, families, and local workforce.

Thank you to all who joined us for this important conversation! Stay tuned for more sessions in the Looking Into the Future series.

Event Sponsored by Middle Tennessee Electric, Wilson County Chevrolet – Buick – GMC, and Cumberland University

Speedway on the Square

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Chamber Key Events.

This past Saturday, we had an amazing time at Speedway on the Square, brought to you by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lebanon, TN – Government, in partnership with Nashville Superspeedway — all in anticipation of the upcoming race weekend!

We had the incredible opportunity to host three talented drivers on-site:

Fans enjoyed meet & greets, autographs, and exclusive merchandise from the drivers! 🎶 We were also treated to live entertainment by SJ McDonald, winner of Nashville’s Next Rising Star, who rocked the Square with her amazing performance!

It was a day packed with family fun — bounce houses, music, popcorn, lemonade, snow cones, and lots of giveaways! 🎉 Thanks to Nashville Superspeedway for providing two weekend pass packages for our big giveaway — congratulations to our lucky winners!

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate racing, community, and fun.

Aubrey’s Restaurant Ribbon Cutting

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Ribbon Cuttings.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Aubrey’s this morning!

We are thrilled to welcome Aubrey’s as they expand beyond East Tennessee into the Middle Tennessee region, bringing their commitment to fresh, locally sourced food and strong community partnerships with them.

Founded in West Knoxville in 1992 by a University of Tennessee graduate, Aubrey’s has built a reputation for not only serving incredible meals but also for being a true community partner. Their dedication to giving back — especially through education initiatives — is at the heart of their mission. Aubrey’s believes that “education is the most important thing that can change the quality of life in a community,” and we’re excited to see the positive impact they will have here in Wilson County.

Join us in giving them a warm Middle Tennessee welcome and be sure to stop by to experience their fresh, locally sourced menu!

Thank you to the City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Economic Development Director Sarah Haston and the City of Lebanon Industrial Development Board for bringing this addition to our community.

Aubrey’s is located at 1648 W Main St, Lebanon, TN 37087

Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Wes Dugan – Farm Bureau Insurance Castle Heights Office

Pictured with Aubrey’s District Manager Mickey Korzibski, General Manager Cody Cotheran are additional representatives from the Aubrey’s team. Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor, City of Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, Economic Development Director Sarah Haston, and Ward 6 Councilor Phil Morehead are pictured. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, VP Membership & Finance Andrea Wilke, Board Chair Ian Isbell, Board of Directors, Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.

Ministry Center Ribbon Cutting

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Ribbon Cuttings, Uncategorized.

On April 22, Ministry Center Church of God hosted a Ribbon Cutting ceremony in celebration of the launch of their new Ministry Center Academy! The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

This exciting new Weekday Early Education program serves children ages 2–5 years old, offering a high-quality, Bible-based learning experience every Monday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Their mission is to partner with families to nurture children spiritually, academically, and socially in a safe and secure environment.

We are grateful to be included in this milestone and proud to support organizations that are making a positive impact in the lives of children and families in our community. Congratulations to Ministry Center Church of God on this wonderful new chapter!

Ministry Center Church of God is located at 1007 Hartsville Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087

Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Wes Dugan – Farm Bureau Insurance Castle Heights Office

Pictured with Ministry Center Academy Director Lisa Dies is Pastor Drew Eastes, Pastor Gordon Lee, and David Spence. Congregation member, friends and family are pictured. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce VP of Membership & Finance, Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.

Attention Small Business Owners: Mayor Rick Bell Announces New Local Grant Initiative

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Application Due May 1, 2025

Mayor Rick Bell recently met with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of the City of Lebanon to launch a new initiative aimed at providing grants to small businesses. The Lebanon City Council has allocated an additional $50,000 for economic development in fiscal year 2024-2025, and this amount will be conveyed to the IDB for the purpose of awarding grants in June 2025.

The Local Grant Initiative aims to encourage the revitalization of buildings, with a specific focus on enhancing the aesthetics of the City’s Commercial District. This includes areas such as the historic district, downtown, Main Street, and along Highways 231 North and 231 South.

Small business owners interested in applying must complete a Local Grant Initiative Application. All applications are due by Thursday, May 1, 2025. The total of $50,000 is available for grants during this remaining fiscal year, ending June 2025. However, applicants are encouraged to submit worthy proposals of any amount. The nature of the applications received could help inform future funding for local grants. For additional questions, please contact Sarah Haston, Economic and Community Development Director at 615-443-2839 Ext 2122. Final applications and deliverables should be sent to Ashley Walling, Economic & Community Development Coordinator at ashley.walling@lebanontn.org.

 Click HERE for Local Grant Initiative Application.

The Clinic at Gibbs Pharmacy

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Ribbon Cuttings.

We’re excited to welcome Gibbs Pharmacy + The Clinic to the community with an official Ribbon Cutting. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

The Clinic at Gibbs Pharmacy is your new go-to for affordable and convenient health services — all in one stop! They are now offering vaccines, consult services, diabetes care & education classes. Whether you’re managing your health or just staying on top of it, The Clinic is here to support you every step of the way.

The Clinic at Gibbs Pharmacy is located at 1427 A W. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087

Pictured with pharmacy owners Jim Gibbs, PharmD and Christi Orman, CPhT are Alyssa Mack – Clinical Pharmacist and Jennifer Powell – CPhT & Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). City of Lebanon, TN Mayor Rick Bell, Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter and Andrea Wilke – VP Membership & Finance, Chamber Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.

Ribbo Cuttings are sponsored by Wes Dugan – Farm Bureau Insurance Castle Heights Office

Sports Council at Nashville Superspeedway

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog.

We had a great time this week at Nashville Superspeedway, despite the rainy weather! Thank you to the Superspeedway team and our Chamber Board Member Matt Greci, who serves as the Senior VP & General Manager of the facility, for your generous hospitality and for hosting the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber Sports Council.

As the home of the NASCAR 400 and the Big Machine IndyCar Race, the Superspeedway plays a major role in bringing world-class motorsports to our community — boosting tourism, driving economic growth, and putting Wilson County on the national map.

The mission of our Sports Council is to attract, retain, and promote both amateur and professional sporting events that enhance our local economy, improve quality of life, and bring positive media exposure to our region. This meeting offered a unique opportunity to connect with fellow sports enthusiasts, industry pros, and community leaders — all in one of Wilson County’s most iconic sports venues!

🏎️ Rain or shine, it was a fantastic day at the track!

Benton Thomas Construction Ribbon Cutting

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Ribbon Cuttings.

Today, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Lebanon City Lifestyle had the pleasure of hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Benton Thomas Construction at the Gather & Graze Open House Reveal. The event was held in a beautifully crafted home newly built by Benton Thomas Construction, which was recently featured in Lebanon City Lifestyle’s Home issue.

Benton Thomas Construction, established in 2021, carries on a family tradition of builders who believe in quality, efficiency, and exceptional service. Although the company officially began in 2021, its foundation was laid long ago through generations of experience in real estate and construction. The team is committed to providing the highest quality work, from custom carpentry and detailed masonry to personalized service that guides clients from concept to completion.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Benton Thomas Construction and celebrate their commitment to craftsmanship and community. We are excited to see their continued success and the positive impact they bring to Wilson County and beyond!

Benton Thomas Construction partners Ben Forkum, Clay Forkum and Thomas Forkum are pictured. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, Board Chair Ian Isbell and Education Division Vice-Chair DeJeay Woods are pictured. Lebanon City Lifestyle Publisher January Alexander, Chamber Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.

Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Wes Dugan – Farm Bureau Insurance Castle Heights Office

Ribbon Cutting at Fiddlers Grove Historic Village of Tennessee

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Ribbon Cuttings.

We had the pleasure of celebrating the 2025 Opening Day Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting at Fiddlers Grove Historic Village of Tennessee. This special event marks the official start of the season, inviting the community to step back in time and experience life in a charming early village.

With over 60 historical structures and museums, Fiddlers Grove offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. From educational exhibits to hands-on activities, the village brings history to life in a way that’s both engaging and unforgettable. It’s also a beautiful backdrop for weddings, family gatherings, business retreats and celebrations of all kinds.

Pictured: Representatives from Fiddlers Grove, including Pat Ryan and Rhonda Birdwell; Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor; City of Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell; Director of Wilson County Schools Jeff Luttrell; and Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter. Chamber Ambassadors & representatives are also pictured.

Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Wes Dugan – Farm Bureau Insurance Castle Heights Office

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