Chamber Blog Archives - Page 44 of 53 - Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce

Next Step Resource Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce on August 9, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Next Step Resource Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Next Step Resource Center held a ribbon cutting on July 22, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. Located at 100 Mabry Court, the 4,800 square foot facility will serve an estimated 20 to 30 people per day from 19 counties. Among other services, the center provides clothing, housing, transportation and job and life-skill training to those in need.

Founding Executive Director Julie Hadlock was joined by representatives of The Next Step Resource Center, friends, Mayor Philip Craighead, Chamber Chairman of the Board, Scott Jasper, Chamber President, Melanie Minter, Chamber staff and Ambassadors.

For further information please contact the center at 615-547-9999.

Cook’s Pest Control Ribbon Cutting

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce on July 12, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Cook’s Pest Control Ribbon Cutting

Cook’s Pest Control celebrated the opening of the company’s new Lebanon, TN office at 1215 South Hartmann Drive. The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 9,159 square-foot facility on July 8.

Brian Cook, Chief Administration Officer, Jo Cook, and Joel Kendzierski, district manager of Cook’s Nashville Northeast, were joined by representatives of Cook’s Pest Control, friends, State Representative Mark Pody, Mayor Philip Craighead, Chamber Chairman of the Board, Scott Jasper, Chamber President, Melanie Minter, Chamber staff and Ambassadors.

“We are very excited to move into our new location,” said Joel Kendzierski. “Cook’s Pest Control has been growing steadily in the Nashville area, and this new facility will give us the opportunity to have a more prominent presence in the area and to better serve our customers. We really look forward to becoming part of the neighborhood.”

Visit www.CooksPest.com to learn more about Cook’s Pest Control.

Chamber Awards $10,000 in Scholarships at Tennessee Scholars Graduation

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce on May 27, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Chamber Awards $10,000 in Scholarships at Tennessee Scholars Graduation

The 2016 Tennessee Scholars Ceremony was held on May 5th at Cumberland University. Tennessee Scholars is a joint effort by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce and the business community of Wilson County to encourage students to take a rigorous course of study.

The ceremony brings Wilson County High Schools together, public and private. This year, there were 431 graduates from Friendship Christian School, Heritage Christian Academy, Lebanon High School, McClain Christian, Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, Mt. Juliet High School, Watertown High School, and Wilson Central High School.

Scholarships were provided by the Chamber’s Education Division, Genesco, the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, Old Hickory Credit Union, an anonymous donor, Wilson Bank and Trust, Manheim, Gladeville Market and Grille, Trinity, Walid Assal, Joe and Delora Holp, Tracy Pointer of Grow, and SKS Enterprises.

Scholarship winners for this year were: Chandler Bastin of Friendship Christian, Honah Bean of Lebanon High School, Michele Bean of Lebanon High School, JC McDearman of Lebanon High School, Thomas Oakely of Lebanon High School, Meghan Branham of Mt. Juliet High School, Emma Brown of Mt. Juliet High School, Jordan Burgess of Mt. Juliet High School, Anna Cheatham of Mt. Juliet High School, Preston Clark of Mt. Juliet High School, Kristen Hammer of Mt. Juliet High School, Justin Dillard of Wilson Central High School, Sarah Hamilton of Wilson Central High School, Chelsea Horton of Wilson Central High School, Asia Pace of Wilson Central High School, Makayla Ruckman of Wilson Central High School, Kayla Varner of Wilson Central High School and Valentina Yang of Wilson Central High School.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Cumberland University, Gardens on Main, County Mayor Randall Hutto, the guest speaker for the event, all School Principals, Ruth Woodall and the sponsors who made it possible for the Chamber to award $10,000 in scholarships! It was a great night and an energetic example of Wilson County’s generosity and academic commitment!

For further information please contact The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce at 615-444-5503.

Elmcroft Senior Living Business After Hours

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce on May 18, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Elmcroft Senior Living Business After Hours

On Thursday, May 12, 2016, Elmcroft Senior Living in Lebanon hosted a Business After Hours presented by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. Guests were treated to conversation, live music, dinner and drinks catered by the Elmcroft cafeteria.

Elmcroft of Lebanon is an intimate, senior living community desgned to provide optimal comfort, care and privacy. Elmcroft is located at 801 West Main Street, Lebanon.

For more information please visit or call 615-847-8982.

Tennova Medical Group Business After Hours

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce on April 11, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Tennova Medical Group Business After Hours

On Thursday, April 7, 2016, Tennova Medical Group in Lebanon hosted a Business After Hours conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

Guests were treated to engaging conversations with Dr. Alpesh Patel, Dr. Jocelyne Miller, Dr. Fathi Ali and Dr. Darron Lewis and a delightful dinner catered by the Tennova cafeteria. Tours of suites 101 and 104 were also available.

Tennova Healthcare Lebanon is a 245-bed, two-campus acute health care facility with over 230 physicians on staff. Located at 1411 W. Baddour Parkway it is the seventh largest hospital in Middle Tennessee.

For more information on Tennova Medical Group please visit or call at (615) 444-8262.

The Chamber drawing was conducted but there were no winners.

First Freedom Business After Hours

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce on April 4, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on First Freedom Business After Hours

On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, First Freedom Bank hosted a Business After Hours conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. The agenda included celebrating their tenth anniversary and honoring Ken Howell.

Howell was one of the original founders of First Freedom Bank, with more than forty years of banking experience. He was awarded the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Member #23 in 1999; he served as Board Chairman in 1995 and began the Chamber’s Business & Education Coalition to support educational grants and scholarships in Wilson County for both students and teachers.

First Freedom Bank has branch locations in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet and is “committed to a level of service and responsiveness you just won’t find anywhere else.” The Lebanon branch is located at 1620 West Main Street. For more information on their services please visit or call at (615) 444-1280.

Pictured below (left to right) are Howell, Lola Mullican First Freedom Executive Administration Officer, John R. Lancaster First Freedom Bank Board Chairman and CEO, John Bradshaw First Freedom President and Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.

Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce Groundbreaking

Written by Webmaster on March 1, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce Groundbreaking

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce was proud to join the Mt. Juliet Chamber at 2:29 p.m. on Feburary 29 for a groundbreaking ceremony at what will be the location of the Mt. Juliet Chamber’s new office location.

The building project is expected to be complete by fall 2016. The office (projected facade pictured above with Mt. Juliet Chamber president Mark Hinesley and Lebanon Wilson Co. Chamber president Melanie Minter) will be located on East Division Street across from the train station.

Business Card Exchange – Wilson Co. CASA

Written by Webmaster on February 23, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Business Card Exchange – Wilson Co. CASA

Wilson County CASA hosted a Business Card Exchange at their office, located at 111 Castle Heights Avenue. CASA Volunteer Coordinator Lauren Smith and Director Cathey Sweeney (pictured above) welcomed the group in attendance, described the CASA program, and concluded with an invitation to a pancake breakfast on March 12 to benefit the volunteer-based child advocacy program.

At each Business Card Exchange, in addition to general networking and a light lunch, attendees have the opportunity to address the entire group as they share briefly about themselves and/or their organization.

Pictured: Membership Vice-Chair Necole Bell, Dr. Kylene Haskins, and Traci Pope listen as other members of the group share about themselves.

T.A. Bryan Distinguished Alumni and Tom Hines

2016 Chamber Awards Winners

Written by Webmaster on February 16, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on 2016 Chamber Awards Winners

The 2016 Membership Meeting and Awards Celebration took place at The Mill at Lebanon on the evening of February 9. The format of the night was different than years past, beginning with a more intimate awards ceremony prior to the larger banquet. The celebration concluded in true party style, with the Blues Brokers performing live music for the last hour of the night.

The following Chamber members were recognized and awarded for their various contributions to the Chamber and the community:

T.A. Bryan: 2015 Distinguished Alumni, Award presented by Education Committee Vice-Chair Tom Hines

Beulah Garrett: 2015 Friend of Education, Award presented by Education Committee Vice-Chair Tom Hines

Bob McDonald of CedarStone Bank & Paine Bone of Wilson County Motors: 2015 Corporate Friend of Education, Award presented by Chamber President/CEO Melanie Minter

Bob Harrison: 2015 Public Servant, Award presented by Ambassador Committee Vice-Chair John Bradshaw and received by Sheriff Robert Bryan on Harrison’s behalf

Jason Pence: 2015 Ambassador of the Year, Award Presented by Ambassador Committee Vice-Chair John Bradshaw

Rose Tire (Chip Smith): 2015 Retailer of the Year, Award presented by Economic Development Vice-Chair Jud Nave

Active Life Chiropractic (Kelly Miller-Edmonds): 2015 Cedar Tree Award for Best New Professional or Commericial Building; Award presented by Economic Development Vice-Chair Jud Nave

City of Lebanon Square Project (Mayor Philip Craighead, City Councilman Rob Cesternino): 2015 Cedar Tree Award for Best Restoration or Preservation of a Historical Site
Also pictured at right is Rick Smith, former Chamber Chairman of the Board who was hit by a car on the square in 2013, which served as a catalyst to the renovation project.

Carroll Oakland School (Mickey Hall): 2015 Cedar Tree Award, Award presented by Economic Development Vice-Chair Jud Nave

David Hale (Hawk Specialty Services): 2015 Tapped by Tourism Award, Award presented by Special Events Committee Vice-Chair Kim Parks

Peggy & Don Simpson: 2015 Lifetime Members, Award presented by Membership Vice-Chair Necole Bell

Sarah Sharp: 2015 Volunteer of the Year, Award presented by Membership Vice-Chair Necole Bell

Hal Bone (Hal Bone Enterprises): 2015 Business Person of the Year, Award presented by John Bryan

Tommy Bryan: 2015 Lebanon Wilson County Sports Council Award, Award presented by Chamber President/CEO Melanie Minter

Other award recipients not pictured are:

Dale Nunnery (Shenandoah Mills): 2015 Industrialist of the Year
CVS Pharmacy: 2015 Cedar Tree Award for Best Improvement of Land Usage to Enhance the Area’s Aesthetic or Quality of Life
Domino’s Pizza: 2015 Cedar Tree Award for Best Structure Converted to a Commercial Use

Wilson Co Schools Teacher of the Month

Written by Webmaster on February 16, 2016. Posted in Chamber Blog. No Comments on Wilson Co Schools Teacher of the Month

“We are not afraid of working above and beyond. In fact, that is what defines us.” — Brian Cleary

This quote by Cleary, a teacher in the Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, Washington, perhaps best describes a new honor being bestowed on a teacher each month by Wilson County Schools and the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

The new Teacher of the Month Award is one that will honor teachers who “demonstrate hard work and commitment to their students,” explained Dr. Kate Burgun, supervisor of instruction for grades 9-12.

Burgun explained that each month Wilson County Schools’ supervisors ask principals to submit the name of one teacher who has demonstrated hard work and commitment to their students as their school’s Teacher of the Month.

“We also ask principals to write an explanation of why they selected this teacher,” Burgun explained. “Then, Wilson County Schools’ supervisors review the schools’ submissions and select one teacher to be Wilson County Schools and Lebanon/Wilson Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Month.”

Supervisors included in the selection process are Burgun, Deputy Director of Academics Monty Wilson, Supervisor of Instruction Grades Kindergarten-Five Yvonne Smith, Supervisor of Middle Schools Grades Six-Eight Angela Rohen, Supervisor of Testing and Accountability Jennifer Cothron, and CTE Supervisor Bill Moss.

Melanie Minter, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said the organization was “thrilled” when asked to partner with the school system on this honor.

Minter noted that the Chamber partnered last year with the school system on promoting forums explaining CONNECTS, Wilson County Schools’ Digital Conversion Plan for 2015-2018.

“We also partnered with the school system’s Back to School Blast for the almost 1,200 teachers and administrators on the first day of school this year,” said Minter. “We believe in education and in the teachers who work so hard day-in and day-out. We are so happy to be a part of this, and we look forward to more partnerships like this in the future.”

Burgun said the school system wanted to partner with the Chamber to award the Teacher of the Month “because we want our teachers to know that not only does Wilson County Schools appreciate their dedication to students, but that the Wilson County community values their hard work as well.”

The first teacher to receive the newly minted Teacher of the Month honor is Julie Groover at Mt. Juliet Middle School for January 2016.

Pictured: Chamber President/CEO Melanie Minter, Teacher of the Month Mrs. Julie Groover, Director of Wilson Co. Schools Dr. Donna Wright, Chamber Education Vice-Chair Tom Hines

MJMS Principal Tim Bell wrote about Groover: “Julie works tirelessly with her drama students to prepare for large scale productions like her students’ recent “Annie” production. She choreographs most of the plays she produces, and spends nights and weekends building sets and rehearsing with students.

“Her dedication to the drama department and to Mt. Juliet Middle School students is exceptional!”

Groover said, “I love exploratory and fine arts, so I think it’s an honor to be representing the fine arts. I think it’s great. It seems like it should be math, so that’s awesome. I’m very proud, very excited.”

Burgun and Minter both added that the school system and community appreciate Groover’s commitment to her students to ensure her students’ produce a stellar on-stage performance for the community each and every time.