This past Saturday, the heart of Lebanon was alive with holiday magic during the 2024 Christmas on the Square!
Families from across our community came together to enjoy a day filled with festive fun. Local merchants and vendors offered unique holiday shopping experiences, while food trucks served up delicious treats to satisfy every craving. Children laughed and danced in the kids’ dance house, met adorable animals at the petting zoo and snapped selfies with Santa himself!
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the season, as well as to the amazing volunteers and planning committee who worked tirelessly to make this day unforgettable. We want to extend a special thank you to Bob Zenker, Special Events Vice-Chair; Mandy Winfree and Amber Cowan with 3:Sixteen; Brittani Jackson with Em + Kate; Lee Clark & team with the City of Lebanon; Lebanon Police Department and Lebanon Fire Department.
This annual event, hosted by the Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Lebanon, and our incredible Square Merchants, wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our wonderful community. Here’s to another memorable Christmas on the Square!
This past Sunday, December 1, the City of Lebanon, TN – Government and the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce came together to host Lebanon’s 2024 Christmas Parade: Toys Through the Ages — and what a celebration it was!
In honor of the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary, we proudly recognized two Charter Members, Cumberland University and the Lebanon Democrat, as this year’s Grand Marshals. Their century-long dedication to the Chamber and our community is an inspiration. The Grand Marshall Float was sponsored by Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. From classic toys to modern favorites, the creativity on display throughout the parade was amazing!
Thank you to Bob Zenker & the Chamber’s Special Events Division for working tirelessly to coordinate the parade. We want to thank everyone who helped make this event memorable: volunteers, participants, and, of course, the spectators who filled the streets with holiday spirit!
We also would like to extend a huge thank you to Armstrong Construction for sponsoring the Chamber’s 100-Year Float, which will continue to spread holiday cheer in all Wilson County parades this season.
On Friday, November 1, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce proudly unveiled a new mural at the corner of East Main Street and South College Street (114 East Main Street). This artwork commemorates our 100-Year Anniversary and represents our mission: 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. The mural showcases our mission through imagery depicting the Chamber’s seven Divisions — illustrating how each contributes to our community and encouraging our members to “Connect. Grow. Belong.”
A special thank you to the talented Kim Waddle Gregg, who painted this mural. Kim shared that while working on the project, she had the pleasure of meeting many people, including visitors to our wonderful town. She enjoyed learning about how the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce supports its members and local businesses.
Thank you to Kenny & Kellie O’Connell Sallis of Sallis Realty Group and Derrick & Jesse Fish for graciously allowing the Chamber to use their building for this mural. We would also like to thank City of Lebanon, TN Mayor Rick Bell, Lebanon’s Historic Preservation Commission, Lebanon City Council and Wilson County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for their support and guidance throughout this project.
During the unveiling, Jason Johnson, Director of the Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit WilCo) and mural sponsor, spoke about the local art initiative. He shared that in 2020, Visit WilCo embarked on an exciting journey into the arts called Paint WilCo, with the goal of installing 10 murals throughout Wilson County by the end of that year. Johnson reported that Wilson County has far exceeded that initial goal, and the county continues to be positively impacted by this initiative.
We are proud to be a part of Lebanon and Wilson County for 100 years, and we look forward to the future as we continue to serve our community. We invite everyone to visit the mural, take pictures and celebrate this milestone with us! Our hashtag for the year is #LebChamber100 — please use this when posting pictures of the mural, along with #PaintWilCo, so we can see the faces of the community we love so much!
Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor; City of Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell; and City of Lebanon Economic Development Director Sarah Haston are pictured with Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter and Andrea Wilke – VP Membership & Finance. Chamber Board of Directors pictured include 2024 Chair of the Board – Ja’Rob Coggins, Past Chair – Wes Dugan Clu Lutcf, Membership Division Vice-Chair & Chair-Elect – Ian Isbell, Greg Butler – Board Treasurer, Education Division Vice-Chair DeJeay Woods, Sports Council Vice-Chair – Phillip Vance, James Neuble, Cory McDonald and Kenny Sallis. Chamber Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.
Last night, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a special meet & greet with the City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell and City Council members prior to the evening’s Council meeting. As part of our 100th anniversary celebrations, we were honored to connect with our City leaders and express our appreciation for their dedication to the community and for our continued partnership.
In true celebration style, we enjoyed light refreshments catered by Sammy B’s Restaurant and birthday cake! Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thanks to the City Council for their dedication to our community. Here’s to many more years of collaboration and growth!
Lebanon City Mayor, Council & Staff: Mayor Rick Bell, Fred Burton – Ward 2, Camille Burdine – Ward 3, Tick Bryan – Ward 5, Phil Morehead – Ward 6, Tonya Jones – Executive Admin Assistant of Mayor Rick Bell, and Kristen Ragsdale – Admin Assistant III of Mayor Rick Bell. Additional City of Lebanon representatives were present.
Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Staff & Board of Directors: President & CEO Melanie Minter, VP Membership & Finance Andrea Wilke, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Sara Perry, Support Admin Stephanie Hollis, and Brandon Wagoner – Middle Tennessee Electric.
We kicked off Thursday’s workday with a fantastic Business Before Hours event at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lebanon! Guests enjoyed a delicious complimentary breakfast while networking with fellow Chamber members in a relaxed environment.
These events offer a great way to connect, and today was no exception! With a packed-room, it was a wonderful opportunity for new members to introduce themselves and share more about their businesses. We love seeing our members come together and build strong professional relationships.
Today’s Chamber Pot drawing was valued at $250, with Cumberland University was drawn as the winner. Unfortunately, no representatives were present to claim the prize, which means the Chamber Pot will now increase to $275 for our next event! Remember, you must be present to win!
A big thank you to Holiday Inn Express & Suites for hosting, providing fantastic door prizes for our members, and for your active involvement in the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce since 2008! We appreciate everyone who attended, and we look forward to seeing you at our next Business Before/After Hours networking event!
Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor hosted the third and final installment of the Looking Into the Future series, which focused on Planning & Growth at Providence Church this morning, October 1. The event featured a panel of key players in our local economic development, including representatives from the City of Lebanon, TN – Government, City of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the Joint Economic & Community Development Board (JECDB) of Wilson County.
The discussion centered on the future of Wilson County, with a focus on laying the groundwork for what our community will look like in 20 years. A key message: growth is inevitable, but with thoughtful planning, we can make sure it enhances our quality of life. The panel emphasized quality over quantity when it comes to development, ensuring that every decision is made with the question, “Will this make our community better?” By taking a data-driven approach, this group is identifying gaps in our community and working together to bring more amenities and businesses to Wilson County, based on resident spending behaviors and trends.
As Wilson County continues to attract new industries, job opportunities are rising, especially in sectors requiring skilled talent for technological advancements and automation. Positioned as a small, yet vital piece of the Greater Nashville Area, Wilson County offers unique opportunities for industries in manufacturing and distribution, thanks to easy access to major interstates and highways. Workforce programs, coupled with the presence of high-quality companies, are driving the creation of high-paying jobs. Growth in workforce development leads to Economic diversification — a competitive advantage for Wilson County, and new avenues for wealth generation.
Wilson County is committed to thoughtful growth and creating a thriving future for its residents, all while maintaining the inclusivity and charm that make this community special.
Planning & Growth Panel:
Jennifer Hamblen – City of Mt. Juliet Director of Development Service
Tom Brashear – Wilson County Development Services Director
Justin Beasley – City of Mt. Juliet Communications Director
City of Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell
Sarah Haston, TCEcD – City of Lebanon Economic Development Director
Corey Johns, CEcD – Joint Economic & Community Development Board of Wilson County (JECDB) Executive Director
Stephen Surles – Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Director of Economic Development Incentive Programs
The panel was moderated by Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor
Looking Into the Future: Part 3 — Corporate Sponsors:
The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure of partnering with Starstruck Farm for an insightful Digital Marketing Lunch & Learn event on September 20, hosted in Starstruck’s stunning Grand Ole Barn.
Guest speaker Mark Skoda shared a comprehensive case study on Starstruck’s recent rebranding and digital transformation, offering valuable insight into the farm’s success. Skoda’s review highlighted the significant improvements in online visibility, customer engagement, and revenue growth achieved through innovative technology solutions. He also shared actionable strategies that guests could implement into their own businesses.
We look forward to continued partnership with Skoda, owner Jay Wilfong, and the rest of our friends at Starstruck Farm! Thank you to all who joined us for this fantastic event!
Starstruck Farm’s very own Jay Bob’s Country Kitchen provided lunch for guests with a delicious barbeque buffet.
The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce hosted another successful Legislative Update on Thursday, September 19 at The Historic Arcade. Clark Boyd-State Representative District 46 led the informative lunch & learn session, offering insight into the latest legislation affecting our community. The event provided an excellent opportunity for Chamber members and residents to engage directly with local leadership. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful discssion.
Our delicious lunch was catered by Sherrie and Nikki Dowell with Sumthen4ya
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 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.
