Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor kicked off 2024 with the 3-part seminar series: “Looking Into the Future.” The series shares how the county, cities, partners in economic development, utilities, and businesses have prepared for the future. Today, local broadband & utilities providers joined Mayor Hutto for the 2nd event in the 3-part series.
The panel consisted of representatives from DTC Communications (DeKalb Telecommunications Company), Middle Tennessee Electric, United Communications, West Wilson Utility District, Wilson County Water and Wastewater Authority, LaGuardo Utility District and the Gladeville Utility District.
The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce hosted City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, on April 18, for the State of the City Address at Capitol Theatre. From the future developments of restaurants to the quality of life supported by our local hospitals & first responders, Mayor Bell painted a picture of a thriving city. With a recently lowered crime rate & positive growth as a top priority, it is evident that our city is headed in a great direction.
Mayor Bell extended his gratitude to our local business owners for their unwavering support of our economy. Their dedication underscores the importance of of nurturing our local businesses, which are the backbone of our community.
Bell told an anecdote about Earl Majors, a Castle Heights graduate, paired with a baseball from the City Museum, signed by Majors. Majors signed the baseball in 1965 after scoring the first homerun on our current field. What does a baseball have to do with the current state of the city? Mayor Bell discussed exciting plans to meet with City Council regarding a phase II of the sports complex, highlighting the need for expansion. With only one field currently serving 190 baseball/softball teams, the approval of a second phase is not only a want but a necessity.
Thank you Mayor Bell & City Council in their efforts to shape a brighter future for Lebanon.
We had a magical evening at the 17th Annual Imagination Dinner held last night at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making a difference for children in our community by supporting our cause. Your contributions will go a long way by providing the gift of free books to children from birth until 5 years old.
We loved seeing the creativity unfold as guests selected their group theme, decorated their tables and dressed accordingly. Themes ranged from the Magic School Bus to One Hunrded and One Dalmations.
Each group selected one person to be their “Wacky Waiter” for the evening. Their antics and dedication earned tips for everything, from silverware to drink refills, all in the spirit of fundraising & fun. This year, we added an extra layer of fun to the Wacky Waiter format: a competition where the waiter with the most tips was awarded a trophy. It is easy to spot the winner in these pictures!
The evening would not have been complete without our live & silent autions. Thank you to everyone who contributed, placed bids and helped make the auctions a success. Some of our featured auction items were a 4 Night Stay to Runaway on 30A donated by Kenny Sallis & Kellie Sallis, delicious cheesecake made by Judge Barry Tatum, and Dinner for 6 from Wildberry Cafe & Catering.
Wilson Books from Birth has announced its annual fundraising event, the Imagination Dinner, is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center in Lebanon.
The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce supports businesses and organizations like Wilson Books from Birth in their endeavors to create a positive impact and enrich the lives of children in our community.
Imagination Dinner is presented by Wilson Books from Birth and the Chamber’s Education Division, in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. All proceeds from the dinner fund the Imagination Library books mailed to children from birth to age five in Wilson County.
The cost of a table is $300 and each table seats eight people. Each table of patrons at the dinner selects a theme, and all the participants dress according to the theme. A silent and live auction will be featured during the event.
“If you have never heard of Books from Birth or if your child is a current recipient, I encourage you to attend so that you can see firsthand what goes on behind the scenes in making sure that each child in Wilson County receives a high quality, age-appropriate book every month,” said DeJeay Woods, Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Education Division Vice-Chair.
1996, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was started in Sevier County, TN. In 2005 the IL was replicated in Wilson County as Wilson Books from Birth.
“My daughter, Linley, has been a recipient of Books from Birth and recently graduated from the program last year. My son, Calloway, now receives a book each month and they both look forward to that special package in the mail. After reading Little Excavator for what feels like the one millionth time, I look forward to a new book each month as well,” Woods added.
There are currently 6,160 children enrolled in the program, each receiving a free book in the mail each month. 20,140 children have graduated from the program. Over 1-million books have been mailed since 2005! We need the community’s support this year more than ever!
For more information about the event or to reserve a table, please visit WilsonBooksFromBirth.com or contact Wilson Books from Birth at (615) 444-5586
Imagination Dinner is sponsored by The Hankins Foundation.
2024 Imagination Dinner
Location: Farm Bureau Exposition Center – 945 E Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37090
History unfolded last night as we gathered to commemorate a century as a Chamber at the Magazine Unveiling! It was an evening filled with anticipation and excitement as we unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 Chamber Magazine, a special edition crafted with love and dedication to honor our remarkable 100-year anniversary.
Within the pages of our commemorative magazine lie the heart and soul of our community, woven together by the stories of our cherished members — the pillars of our success! From humble beginnings to monumental milestones, each page is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and dedication of our Chamber members & businesses. This magazine is more than just ink on paper; it’s a living testament to the enduring legacy of our Chamber.
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To our dedicated magazine committee, sponsors & those who poured their heart & soul into this magazine — Thank you from our Chamber staff! Here’s to 100 more years of building our Chamber community where members can “Connect. Grow. Belong.”
For 100 years, our organization has fostered meaningful connections and empowered individuals to thrive. From humble beginnings to remarkable achievements, our legacy is woven with the dedication and passion of our members who have been the driving force behind our success. As we reflect on the past century, we are reminded of the countless memories and milestones that have shaped our identity.
In honor of this extraordinary milestone, we are dedicating the month of February to our members. “We Love Our Members Month” is a special initiative designed to showcase our appreciation for every member who has contributed to our journey. As part of this celebration, we are embarking on an ambitious mission to visit 100 members throughout the year, symbolizing the heart and soul of our Chamber community.
Our members are dedicated individuals who embody the spirit of connection, growth and belonging. Whether new recruits or long-standing advocates, each member brings a unique perspective and contribution to our community. “We Love Our Members Month” is our way of expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and commitment. Through personalized visits, heartfelt conversations, and shared experiences, we aim to celebrate the diversity and dedication of our Chamber members.
As we embark on our journey to visit 100 members, we are eager to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships, and strengthen the bonds that unite us. This celebration offers endless opportunities for members to come together, share their stories, and inspire one another. Together, we will create lasting memories and continue to build a vibrant community for generations to come.
Thank you to each member for being an integral part of our story — we couldn’t have done it without you!
Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce held a monumental occasion on Thursday, January 25, as members celebrated a century of connection and growth at the 2024 Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Celebration.
Over 500 businesses and individual members were in attendance at The Mill at Lebanon for the event.
Marking a significant milestone in the Chamber’s history, Chamber President & CEO Melanie Minter honored past presidents, lifetime members, and award recipients. The evening unfolded as an event of nostalgia, recognition and a glimpse into the future.
“We take pride in our rich history, our services to our businesses and to our community,” stated Minter.
After honoring 2023 Board Chair, Wes Dugan, guests witnessed the installment of the 2024 Board of Directors and the appointment of 2024 Board Chair Ja’Rob Coggins.
The event concluded with a champagne toast to 100 Years led by 2019 Board Chair, Necole Bell.
City of Lebanon, City of Mt. Juliet & City of Watertown – Recognized for their continued support and partnership with the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. Awards were accepted by City of Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, Mt. Juliet City Manager Kenny Martin and Watertown Mayor Mike Jennings.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award – Anita Woolard with All for Him Ministries & Lexi Potter with Kindness Clays by Lexi. Awards presented by Wilson County Mayor Hutto & Sara Davenport, Executive Assistant
Step into a journey through time as the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Celebration unfolds with the theme “A Roaring Chamber Century.” This much-anticipated event promises a night of nostalgia, heartfelt recognition, and a visionary outlook on the next 100 years. As one of the largest gatherings of executives, elected officials, business owners, and civic leaders, this celebration is set to be an unforgettable experience.
The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour, setting the stage for an atmosphere of camaraderie. Attendees will be serenaded by the tunes of a Big Band, transporting them to an era of glamour and grace. The live performance is the perfect backdrop for what lies ahead — a celebration that seamlessly blends the past, present and future of the Chamber.
Recognition of Leadership and Excellence
Amidst the festivities, the event will pay homage to the pillars of the Chamber — Past Presidents and Lifetime Members. Their invaluable contributions to the organization will be acknowledged with a special moment of recognition as we reflect on the journey that has brought the Chamber to this milestone and to express our gratitude to those who have played a pivotal role in the Chamber’s history.
A pivotal moment will unfold as the incoming Board of Directors takes center stage for their swearing-in ceremony. This symbolic act not only signifies a new chapter in the Chamber’s governance but also recognizes the commitment of these leaders to steer the organization towards continued success. The swearing-in ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the Chamber’s dedication to effective leadership and strategic vision. Attendees will witness the passing of the torch, as the incoming Board steps forward to embrace the responsibilities that come with shaping the future of the Chamber for the next century.
The event will also shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals within the Chamber community through the presentation of awards. Whether it’s acknowledging outstanding achievements, innovative contributions or unwavering commitment, these awards celebrate the diverse talents and dedication that make the Chamber community thrive.
Champagne Toast to a Century
As the night progresses, a champagne toast will mark the pinnacle of the celebration. A symbolic gesture, this toast represents not just a century gone by but the promise of a dynamic and thriving future. It’s an opportunity for attendees to raise their glasses in unison, celebrating the resilience, growth and impact the Chamber has had over the past 100 years.
Looking Ahead
“A Roaring Chamber Century” theme goes beyond a mere nod to the past; it’s a call-to-action for the future. The event provides a platform for attendees to engage in conversations about the Chamber’s trajectory for the next 100 years. Hear about our top priorities and vision for doing business from Chamber President & CEO, Melanie Minter, outgoing Board Chairman, Wes Dugan and incoming Board Chairman Ja’Rob Coggins. This is a time to envision new possibilities, explore innovative strategies and collectively contribute to shaping the Chamber’s legacy for generations to come.
As the curtains fall on this spectacular celebration, attendees will carry with them not only the memories of a night filled with nostalgia and recognition but also a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the Chamber’s ongoing journey. “A Roaring Chamber Century” is not just an event; it’s a testament to the Chamber’s endurance, adaptability and excellence in the face of a changing world. Cheers to the past, present and the exciting future that awaits!
The 2013 Lebanon Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 p.m. with a theme of “A Taste of Christmas Fun.”
Floats may be entered under one of FOUR CATEGORIES:
1. Commercial 2. Church 3. Civic 4. Youth
Notice: Chamber members will be charged $10.00 entry fee, non-members will be charged $20.00. This fee will help the Chamber of Commerce cover the cost associated with the parade.
All floats wishing to be judged, must be in the parking lot, completely decorated, and ready to be judged by 12:00 p.m. Any floats not in the parking lot and complete by 12:00, will not be judged.
Floats will be judged for overall appearance, originality, quality, features, parade and promptness in arriving at the line-up. All divisions will compete for Cash. Each division will have three winners. Each winner will be awarded appropriately. Before your entry is accepted, you must read the Rules & Regulations, sign the entry form and return the form AND PAYMENT to the Chamber of Commerce office by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd Office hours are 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Our address is: Lebanon / Wilson County Chamber of Commerce 149 Public Square Lebanon, TN 37087
Many hours of work, paperwork and scripting must be accomplished after the registration cutoff; therefore, the deadline will be enforced. All entries after Tuesday, December 3, 2013 will be charged an additional $30.00 late fee. All vehicle entries must have been manufactured before 1975. These are considered antique automobiles. All vehicle entries must be decorated following the parade theme.
