As we visit 100 Chamber Members in celebration of our 100-Year Anniversary, we had the opportunity to connect with Natalie Karousatos with New York Life!
Natalie is not only an expert in life insurance, but she is also a vibrant and dedicated member of our Ambassador Program! Our Ambassadors are the heart and soul of the Chamber, always present at ribbon cuttings, delivering packets to our new members, and serving as an extension of our Membership Engagement Division.
“From personal experience, I understand the importance and value of life insurance,” Natalie stated. “Using a holistic process, we become valued partners in protecting your family’s future. Contact me to get started today.”
Natalie’s knowledge of life insurance and passion for helping others makes her an asset to our community. If you are looking for personalized advice on life insurance or help planning your retirement strategy, Natalie is your go-to!
As part of our journey to visit 100 businesses in celebration of our 100-year anniversary, we recently stopped by Coco & Lou Home. This charming small business, co-owned by our 2019 Board Chair – Necole Bell, and Lindsay Smith, is located on the west side of town and has become a beloved local gem.
Coco & Lou Home offers an extensive selection of home decor, unique gifts, and stylish clothing. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living space or find the perfect gift for a special occasion, their knowledgeable staff is ready to assist. They provide expert advice on gift selection and creative ideas for displaying your purchases, ensuring you leave with something truly special.
One of the standout features of Coco & Lou Home is its diverse price range, making it accessible for any budget. From affordable trinkets to high-end decor pieces, there’s something for everyone.
Necole Bell, a dedicated entrepreneur in Lebanon for over a decade, has a rich history of business experience prior to her move here. She is a passionate advocate for small businesses, constantly working to support and uplift the local business community.
Our visit to Coco & Lou Home was a wonderful experience, and we’re proud to feature Necole in our 100-business tour. We encourage everyone to stop by and see what makes this store a treasure in our community. Thank you, Necole, for your continued contributions and for being a shining example of small business success!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to celebrate our 100-Year with visits to remarkable businesses like Coco & Lou Home.
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Pictured with Necole is DeJeay Woods, Chamber Education Division Vice-Chair; and Lyn Williams, Ambassador Program Vice-Chair
The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Division, chaired by James Danella, hosted the State of the Hospital Address in partnership with Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital.
For 45 years, Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH) has been a place of healing and connection for patients and families in Wilson County and the surrounding area. A part of the Vanderbilt Health community of hospitals and clinics, VWCH is the sole provider of inpatient and outpatient medical services in Wilson County. This year, the hospital celebrates 5 years under the Vanderbilt name, since aquisition in 2019. Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital was named top general hospital by Leapfrog in 2023.
We had the pleasure of hearing from Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital President, J. Scott McCarver, MHA; and Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD discuss the success and progress of the only full-service hospital in Wilson County. The hospital is outperforming 78% of hospitals in the country.
Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital continues to prioritize community health needs with a focus on health literacy, mental health resources, housing & transportation and accessible healthcare.
Services that would normally only be performed at the Nashville campus are now available in Wilson County. With heart disease being the number one cause of death in Americans, cardiology services are now available in our local hospital. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center at Wilson County offers world-class cancer care. Inpatient neurology services are also now available, with the addition of the epilepsy monitoring center.
McCarver has been with VUMC since 2015 and was previously on the leadership team of Vanderbilt University Hospital before joining VWCH in 2020. He joined VUMC as vice president of Operations for Vanderbilt University Hospital in 2015. Prior to Vanderbilt, he was employed by Duke Regional Hospital. McCarver was named President of Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital in 2021. He is currently serving his third term on the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Dr. Pinson was recruited to Vanderbilt University in 1990 as Professor of Surgery to start the liver transplant program and liver surgery division. He has been an active clinical and laboratory investigator leading to over 350 publications, numerous grants and awards. Dr. Pinson currently serves as Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He helped develop and organize the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, a 69 hospital affiliated system covering Tennessee and surrounding states and serves as president and chairman of its board. As the health system chief, Pinson has helped the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s clinical activities grow by more than 50 percent.
As part of our ongoing member visits, we had the pleasure of stopping by Island Breeze Bistro, a Caribbean gem located just around the corner from our Chamber Office. Island Breeze is open Wednesday through Saturday, offering a unique blend of Caribbean and Southern flavors with their delicious rotating specials.
Island Breeze specializes in homestyle Meat & Three options, infusing each dish with Caribbean spices and flavors. Each day on the week brings a new special, ensuring there is always something exciting to try!
The bistro is truly a family affair, run by owner Darlene Webb, her mother, and her daughter Gabby. Darlene is an active member of our Ambassador Program. You may have even seen pictures of her on other member visits! Her dedication to both the restaurant, our community and our Chamber is truly commendable. We are so thankful for Island Breeze Bistro’s delicious contribution to Lebanon!
As part of our journey to visit 100 businesses, we visited another proud member: The Lebanon-Wilson County Library! Our Library offers an incredible array of opportunities for children and families, especially during the summer months!
One of the exciting summer opportunities at the Library were generously donated by the Kiwanis Club of Lebanon: STEAM To-Go Kits! These kits cater to a variety of interests and include hands-on learning activities and games. They are perfect for keeping young minds engaged and entertained while learning something new. Kits are now available and can be checked out for 2 weeks at a time.
The Summer Reading Program is also set to launch, with signups starting on May 28. Children from Kindergarten through grade 6 can complete 20 books to earn a free pass to the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair. For younger children who haven’t yet started kindergarten, there is an equally exciting reward — a free swimming pass to the Jimmy Floyd Family Center.
For movie lovers, the Library’s collection of “Binge Box” movie sets is a must-see. These boxes feature hand-selected movies that follow a series or a theme, making it easy to enjoy a movie marathon. Whether you’re in a mood for mystery films, teen dramas, or a Will Ferrell comedy spree, the Library has you covered!
Our visit to the Lebanon-Wilson County Library was truly inspiring. We are so grateful for the warm welcome and are excited to see these enriching programs in our community. Be sure to check out these fantastic resources and join in on the fun this summer!
Library Staff Pictured: Pamela Van De Leuv, Alesia Burnley, Chelsea Gann, Becca Herrera, and Mechelle Bass
Chamber Ambassadors Pictured: Julie Cook, Natalie Karousatos, Darlene Webb, Pat Robertson, Debbie Moss, and Kay Maynard
Chamber Board of Directors pictured: Lyn Williams, Ambassador Program Vice-Chair; Ian Isbell, Membership Engagement Division Vice-Chair; Greg Butler, Board Treasurer; and Ja’Rob Coggins, Board Chair
We had the pleasure of celebrating with another member, Diana Cavender, from Bryan Insurance. Diana has been an integral part of our Chamber and Ambassadors Program for many years. She consistently demonstrates her dedication to our community!
Bryan Insurance, a trusted local insurance provider, offers a range of services to meet the needs of our community. Diana said, ” Whether it is life, disibility, or Medicare — we are here to help!”
We are grateful for Diana’s active involvement and Bryan Insurance’s continued commitment to serving our members and our community.
Wilson Bank & Trust hosted Business Before Hours and a Ribbon Cutting at the Main Office, located on the Historic Castle Heights Campus, Friday, May 17. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony, for the newly renovated building, was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.
Guests had the chance to tour the facility, network with staff and community members, and celebrate this exciting milestone. CEO John McDearman III and Senior VP & Regional President Curt Baker, introduced guests to the many contributors responsible for the renovation and the Bank’s continued success. The impressive renovation, led by Jack Bell Builders, included a modern design, Wilson County memorabilia, and a state-of-the-art café.
Over 37 years ago, Wilson Bank & Trust was founded by a group of local business leaders alongside the founding CEO, Randall Clemons. The first location was a small house in Lebanon. Since then, the bank has opened 29 offices, including the Main Office and neighboring Operations Center. In a world of bank mergers and acquisitions driven by the bottom line, Wilson Bank & Trust remains focused on serving the community. As your local, independent bank, Wilson Bank & Trust takes a personal approach to business by providing customized banking needs while staying committed to serving communities across Middle Tennessee.
Pictured with Wilson Bank & Trust CEO John McDearman III are stakeholders, staff and community members. City of Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, Lebanon Wilson County President & CEO Melanie Minter, VP Membership & Finance Andrea Wilke, Chamber Ambassadors, and representatives.
The Wilson Bank & Trust Main Office is located at 623 W Main St, Lebanon, TN 37087
Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Lyn Williams
Business Before Hours is a networking event that provides a relaxed way for members of the Chamber to connect with one another. Member organizations may host these events, which bring together an average of 50-100 people, to showcase their facilities.
Business Before Hours included several door prizes provided by Wilson Bank & Trust, 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 May 17 Chamber Pot was valued at $375. The first name drawn by Daniel Sampson, Assistant Vice President – Loan Officer, was The White Room. Unfortunately, no representatives were present. Farm Bureau Exposition Center was drawn second, but no one was present to claim. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next Business Before/After Hours, where the Chamber Pot will increase to $400! Remember, you must be present to win!
Yesterday, we took a trip across the square to visit one of our members & proud 100-Year sponsor! Meet our friends at The Refinery Lebanon! We believe that our Chamber’s success is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of our members.
As we reflect on a century, we want to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for your continued partnership & support of our Chamber. Thank you for letting us visit!
Annie White, Co-owner of The Refinery in Lebanon, was recently featured in Lebanon City Lifestyle‘s article Leading Ladies of Lebanon.
She said, “At The Refinery, we specialize in a range of treatments, from neurotoxins and dermal fillers to advanced skincare procedures, all aimed at enhancing our clients’ natural beauty and boosting their confidence.”
Lebanon City Lifestyle: Leading Ladies of Lebanon
When asked what her favorite things about our area are, Annie said:
“The sense of community: Lebanon/Wilson County has a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other by name and are always willing to lend a helping hand. This strong sense of camaraderie creates a welcoming and supportive environment for residents and businesses alike.”
Lebanon City Lifestyle: Leading Ladies of Lebanon
The Refinery has some pretty awesome deals going on!
30% Off Skinpen treatments – valid through tomorrow, 5/17
May Botox Special: Buy 45 Units, Get 15!
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The goal of The Refinery is to offer patients a superior aesthetic and wellness experience to not change, but to REFINE their health and natural beauty. The Refinery’s team of experienced and caring clinicians hold a high standard for providing exceptional patient care. Our culture is to provide individualized education and support toward a tailored, cohesive goal.
Pictured: The Refinery Staff and Chamber Ambassadors – Greg Butler & Tammy Armijo-Johnson
Empowered Health & Chiropractic hosted a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on May 14. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.
Empowered Health & Chiropractic serves our community with life giving care while empowering individuals to gain their full expression of health. Their doctors and staff are fully dedicated to providing chiropractic solutions that address your unique needs, whether you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches, or even muscle tightness and tension.
Dr. Cripps opened her first office, Carthage Family Chiropractic, in 2014. After 9 years, it was time to expand the practice to Lebanon. She bought Empowered Health & Chiropractic in 2023. Dr. Cripps was the 2020 recipient of the “Rising Chiropractor of the Year” Award, a statewide honor that is elected by her colleagues.
Pictured with Empowered Health & Chiropractic owner Dr. Melanie Cripps, DC; and husband Javin Cripps; is Dr. Christine Isaac, DC; staff, family and friends. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, Chamber Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.
Empowered Health & Chiropractic is located at 1028 W Main Street Suite E, Lebanon, TN 37087
Mike’s Foodland hosted a Ribbon Cutting on May 9. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.
Mike’s Foodland is a grocery store in Lebanon known for its wide selection of meat and produce. The store also features a bakery and deli that serves fresh food with a new menu daily. Mike’s Foodland is currently running a Grand Opening Sale with incredible savings. Mike’s Foodland’s owner, Mike Williams, is a fourth-generation grocery store owner. This is Mike’s Foodland’s third location in Tennessee.
Pictured with Mike’s Foodland owner Mike Williams are family, friends and staff. City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter, Chamber Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.
Mike’s Foodland is located at 1006 N Cumberland St, Lebanon, TN 37087
Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Lyn Williams
