The Black Sheep Cafe & General Store hosted a Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, September 17, at their store located inside The Mill at Lebanon. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.
This cozy new spot offers a delicious lunch menu and sells a variety of chocolates, coffees and unique goods from local vendors. With its warm and inviting ambiance, The Black Sheep Cafe & General Store is perfect to gather for lunch, catch up with friends or even rent for small events.
Pictured with owners April and Michael Foster are friends, family and staff. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, VP Membership & Finance Andrea Wilke, Chamber Ambassadors and representatives were also pictured.
The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Meet & Greet with County Commissioners on Monday, September 16, 2024 at the Wilson County Courthouse. The event was a great opportunity for our members to connect with elected officials, enjoy refreshments catered by Sammy B’s Restaurant, and engage in conversation about our community.
Following the Meet & Greet, Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor read a 100-Year Proclamation during the Commission Meeting. The Proclamation recognized our Chamber’s century of service and dedication to Wilson County.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and for continuing to support the Chamber and our local government. Together, we are making Wilson Couny a better place to live, work and raise a family.
The 24th Annual Dr. Cary Harbrecht Memorial Chamber Summer Scramble was held Monday September 9th at the Five Oaks Golf & Country Club, where we began the day with 200 players, sponsors and volunteers.
Cary Harbrecht became a member of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce in 1972. He served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of Membership from 1984-1985. He served on the General Service Committee and was founder and chairman of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber Golf Tournament. Dr. Harbrecht passed away approximately two weeks prior to the first annual tournament. The Chamber Board passed a resolution, in his memory, to name the tournament “The Dr. Cary Harbrecht Memorial Golf Tournament.”
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.
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:
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 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.
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
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.
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