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Looking Into the Future: Part 3 – Planning & Growth

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Chamber Key Events.

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:

Looking Into the Future: Part 3 — Presented by:

Breakfast was catered by Wildberry Cafe & Catering

Digital Marketing Lunch & Learn

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Chamber Key Events.

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.

2024 Legislative Update

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Chamber Key Events.

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

Thank you to Cumberland University‘s Rusty Richardson, City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, and Paul Jewell for kicking off the event with introductions, a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Black Sheep Cafe & General Store Ribbon Cutting

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Ribbon Cuttings.

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.

Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Lyn Williams

Meet & Greet with County Commissioners

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog.

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.

#LebChamber100

24th Annual Dr. Cary Harbrecht Memorial Chamber Summer Scramble

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog.

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.”

Photography Sponsored by

Teams

Awards

Tournament

Main Tournament Sponsor

For more information about the 2024 Chamber Summer Scramble and Sponsors, please visit: https://lebanonwilsonchamber.com/chamber-summer-scramble/

Business Before Hours at the Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Uncategorized.

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.

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Chamber’s Replica Building

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Chamber Key Events, Ribbon Cuttings.

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:

  • 615 Outdoor Living
  • Bentley’s Air Conditioning- Mt. Juliet
  • Bone & Associates- Hal Bone
  • Brad Vanhook
  • Collins Construction – Dalton Collins
  • Exterior Wholesale Supply
  • F & M Bank
  • Fakes & Hooker
  • Horizon Construction & Development- Danny Harmon
  • Horizon Construction & Development- Jacob White
  • iFoam of Mt. Juliet- Scott Stone
  • Image 360 Lebanon
  • S & H Framing – Jason Sparks & Greg Holbrook
  • Jewell & Jane Co.
  • Joey Jane Bradshaw, Past Board Member
  • The Ian Isbell Family
  • Jewell Painting – Paul Jewell
  • Jewell Signs
  • Middle Tennessee Electric
  • Nashville Flooring Interiors Inc.,
  • Old Timey Stone Work
  • P. Fritz Wilke
  • Thompson Electric
  • Tim Leeper Roofing
  • Volunteer Landscaping – Jimmy Chaffin

Livestock Barn Ribbon Cutting at Wilson County Fair – TN State Fair

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Ribbon Cuttings.

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 Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Written by Lebanon Wilson Chamber Marketing on . Posted in Chamber Blog, Chamber Key Events, Ribbon Cuttings.

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.

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