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!
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.
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:
Exciting news for Wilson County! Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Wilson County hosted a Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening at its brand new location on July 16. The ceremony was conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.
ReStore Director – Jennifer Keaton and Jeff Bennett, Director of Regional Operations for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville are pictured with ReStore staff, board members and supporters. City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Tennessee State Representative Clark Boyd, Senator Mark Pody, and Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Melanie Minter are pictured. Chamber Ambassadors, representatives and staff are also pictured.
Following the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to be the first to shop at the new ReStore.
Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. ReStores accept donations and sell a constantly changing inventory of diverse, high-quality merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price, while diverting reusable household items and building materials from area landfills. The sales from donated items help Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build, rehabilitate and repair safe and affordable homes.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Wilson County is located at 200 Granville Drive, Lebanon, TN 37090
Earlier this year our Chamber and Ambassadors embarked on a journey to visit 100 members in 100 business days, to celebrate our 100th anniversary. We are happy to announce that we have officially completed our goal at the beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Completing our 100th visit with such an amazing organization makes this achievement even more special. This huge milestone is another testament to the diverse community we serve.
Friends of Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a non profit volunteer organization that was founded in 2014. Their mission is to promote conservation and education in support of the Park and to assist its efforts to preserve and protect the many natural, cultural and scenic features. Thank you to Ranger Sarah Geeslin, Friends of Cedars of Lebanon President Renee Morris and staff for allowing us to stop by!
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is located in Wilson County and is surrounded by the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest. The park is named for eastern red cedar trees found throughout the area. The trees reminded early American settlers of the famed Biblical cedar forests that thrived across Mount Lebanon in what is now the Mediterranean area. Cedars of Lebanon became a state park in 1955.
The 1,139-acre park has 117 campsites equipped with picnic tables and grills, and electric and water hookups. A modern group lodge, open year-round for organized groups, has a total sleeping capacity of 80 people.
We have many more visits to share with you in the coming weeks. Thank you to all of the members, businesses and organizations that have welcomed us on this journey! Here’s to 100 more years of connecting with our community!
The Chamber had the pleasure of visiting another local business that has made a significant impact on our community. Today, we shine a spotlight on EXIT Rocky Top Realty-C & D Team. This team is more than just a real estate agency — they are passionate about selling you not only a home but also the community that comes with it! They are adept at assisting in relocation, ensuring families find the right school for their children and connecting new residents with essential business and healthcare providers. Their dedication to integrating new residents into our community is truly unmatched.
Judy Cox, a lifelong resident of Wilson County, brings invaluable local knowledge and experience to her clients and Chamber members. She is a Lifetime Member of our Chamber, showcasing her long-standing commitment to our community. Judy and Medana Hemontolor have both served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for several years. Judy, Medana and Diana Cavender are active members of our Chamber Ambassadors Program. Their presence is a staple at member Ribbon Cuttings and networking events, where they consistently show their support for our community. We are so thankful for these three ladies whose active involvement help make our community a better place.
Here’s to celebrating not only our 100th anniversary, but also the members who have helped us reach this milestone!
Congratulations to HomeFirst Home Healthcare on their Ribbon Cutting at their new Lebanon branch! HomeFirst Home Healthcare hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday, June 26.
Pictured with Amanda Linville, Regional Director of Operations; and Dara Nelson, Community Liaison; are friends, family, staff and therapists. Chamber President & CEO Melanie Minter, VP Membership & Finance Andrea Wilke, Ambassadors and representatives are also pictured.
HomeFirst Healthcare provides a full array of services to respond to the pre- and post-acute needs of the patient. The team specializes in providing personalized one-on-one care designed to maximize quality of life, preserve independence and dignity while attending to patient safety and comfort. HomeFirst has a team of dedicated medical professionals that work with your physician to deliver patient-centered care with compassion, continuity, and excellence. They work under the direction of your physician to provide a tailored plan to achieve the best possible outcomes for you or your loved one.
HomeFirst Home Healthcare’s Lebanon branch is located at 401 W. Main, Suite 102, Lebanon, TN 37087
Our celebration cake continues to make its way through Wilson County! REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, with a state-of-the-art distribution center located right here in Lebanon, Tennessee. As the nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of over 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. The new distribution center serves more than 60 stores and 5.6 million REI members in the area.
The facility’s design focuses on enhancing the connection employee’s have to nature with “trails” worn into the concrete floors, wood siding from a decommissioned barn installed in the atrium and furniture, and handrails repurposed from trees removed from the property prior to construction. The co-op is also completing a habitat restoration project across the 41-acre property, which will soon feature a trail for walking and biking!
REI is located at 1400 Murfreesboro Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090 (Hwy 231 headed towards Cedars of Lebanon)
REI staff pictured: Charles Dwyer – Operations Manager, Danielle Riendeau – Senior Administrative Assistant, and Brandon Sather – Inbound Manager
Stephanie Hollis – Chamber Support Admin, Lyn Williams – Ambassador Vice-Chair, and Ambassadors Diana Cavender & Debbie Moss are also pictured
Thank you to Sherrye A Clem with ExtensisHR for stopping by for a member visit! We are so appreciative of your continued support of our Chamber. Sherrye was voted by her peers as the May Ambassador of the Month. Sherrye is a regular face at new business Ribbon Cuttings, she has been a guest speaker for several Chamber events, and has hosted Business After Hours at our office.
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Thank you to our friends at Liberty State Bank for letting us stop by for a visit as we continue to celebrate a century as a Chamber!
The Liberty State Bank team is incredibly involved in our Chamber and we are so gratful for their active contributions.
Liberty State Bank employees pictured, left to right:
Kaylee Vonstorch – Teller
Jessica Brummett – Mortgage Loan Originator
Leah Petty – Office Manager & Lender
Jake Sloan – Loan Portfolio Manager
Chris Crowell – Commercial Lender
Amanda Morales – Customer Service Representative
Notably, Chris Crowell served as the Chamber’s Chairman of the Board in 2012. Jake Sloan has been an active member since 2019 and is a proud supporter of the Wilson County Sports Council annual events. Jessica Brummett serves on the Wilson Books from Birth Imagination Dinner Committee which supports childhood literacy.
Liberty State Bank has been a member of our Chamber since 1974. The branch located at 214 N Cumberland St has been a member since 2015. The building, located off the historic Lebanon Square, has been continuously used as a bank longer than any other existing financial institution in Lebanon! The team at this location specifically has over 50 years of banking experience collectively. Liberty State Bank offers a range of services from commercial and consumer lending, to deposit accounts and mortgage lending.
