Chamber Blogs

On Wednesday, February 6, the Government Relations Division of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce will present the State of the County Address Lunch & Learn. The Address will take place at the Five Oaks Golf & Country Club at 11:00 am. The event is open to everyone, it is a great way to learn about what is going on in Wilson County. Mayor Hutto will cover pressing issues and will answer any questions the public might have. The address will cover education, public safety and quality of life.  Each of the topics play an intricate role into what makes the county the Place to Be. He will also cover topics such as growth, accomplishments and goals for our county and regional transit/road projects which affect Wilson County. Tickets are $20, if you are interested in attending please email tonya@lebanonwilsonchamber.com or call 615-444-5503.

Thank you to all of our members who attended today’s Business Card Exchange hosted by D.R. Horton, America’s Builders. We enjoyed seeing members smile, laugh, and connect with one another! We had a great time exploring the wonderful facility and getting to know each and every one of you. Business Card Exchanges give our members the opportunity to network, show-off their facility, and introduce themselves to the group as a whole through a brief talk about their organization. Don’t forget to check our weekly newsletter for upcoming Business Card Exchanges. If you are interested in hosting a Business Card Exchange, please contact the Chamber at 615-444-5503.

        At the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber, we are committed to engaging, connecting and nurturing people by providing a spirit of enthusiasm for Lebanon and Wilson County. Without you, our dedicated members, these community services would not be possible. Throughout Wilson County, there are many events that are organized by the Chamber. These events are made possible by our sponsorship opportunities. With a wide variety of sponsorships, you will easily be able to find an event that has special meaning to you or your business. Thank you for your willingness to support our community and advance Wilson County in any way possible. Your support will be recognized and your contribution will improve the quality of life in Lebanon and Wilson County.

            The Lebanon Wilson Chamber provides various ways to improve and connect our community. Women in the Lead is a program that gathers once every other month to discuss different issues that women commonly face. The overall goal of the program is to encourage women in the business world and promote communication among one another. During each meeting, a different topic is discussed, each relating to Health & Wellness, Finances, or Balancing Home & Work Life. Each speaker not only encourages growth professionally but also encourages growth as an individual.

            The next Lunch & Learn will take place on February 14, 2019. If interested in the Women in the Lead 2019 dates, go to the event calendar for more details.

               Each year, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce plans a meeting and celebration for all members to attend. The event will begin with collaboration and dinner, then members will attend a brief meeting, followed by the swearing-in of the upcoming Board of Directors. The following awards will be presented:

• Ambassador of the Year
• Retailer of the Year/Shop Small Business Award
• Industrialist of the Year
• Business Person of the Year
• Friend of Education
• Lifetime Member Award
• Volunteer of the Year
• Lebanon Wilson County Sports Council Award
• Non Profit of Excellence Award
• Woman of Excellence
• Cedar Tree Awards

              The Chamber looks forward to this event all year round. We love being able to recognize our members and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers.

                Thank you for being a member and investing in your chamber. The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce strives to make Wilson County a better place to live, work and raise a family. You can be a part of this mission by serving on one of our seven committees. Our committees,  roundtables (healthcare and  non-profit), and programs (young professionals, women in the lead) could give you a place to belong and help you develop prominent relationships. Your Chamber believes in recognizing your creativity, determination, and commitment that makes a difference in our community.

                Your Chamber’s goal is to connect individuals and businesses for economic prosperity throughout Wilson County. Through the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber, you will be able to build your business visibility, recruitment, and expansion. You have the option to host or attend Business Card Exchanges that provide a way for members to connect with one another. Your Chamber also offers a variety of services and resources, which allows your business to remain at the forefront of today’s economy.

                Explore our website to discover more about our networking opportunities, committees, and roundtables. If you are not yet a member and are interested in joining our organization Click Here.

          After almost a year of construction, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber Office renovations are finally complete! Our newly updated building now includes a social hub that is open to all members during our office hours. If you missed our open house on December 20th, feel free to stop by and experience the new look of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

          Thank you to our Capital Campaign Building Investors for making this possible, and to our members for a wonderful open house!

                Join us on Thursday, December 20^th to experience the newly renovated 6700 sq. ft. Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Office at 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., located at 149 Public Square in Lebanon.

                The office will now include an elevator, the social hub, multiple offices and meeting areas including another large boardroom with a new wall support, and an updated façade. Thank you to our Capital Campaign Building Investors. Our highest tier investors are Custom Packaging, First Freedom Bank, LoJac Materials, Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, and Wilson Bank & Trust.

The Lebanon Mayor Bernie Ash, Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lebanon invite the public to the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 15th, 2018 at 5 pm on Lebanon's Historic Square next to the Neddy Jacobs Cabin.

The tree is decorated by local elementary artists. Downtown Merchants will be open late for Holiday Shopping. Enjoy the holiday sounds of: Sam Houston, Byars Dowdy, Castle Heights, and Coles Ferry Elementary School Choirs.

Halloween on the Square

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce will once again partner with the City of Lebanon and First Baptist Church to present Halloween on the Square on Wednesday, October 31 from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. As always, there will be plenty of candy for everyone, as well as free hotdogs, courtesy of Public Safety!

Join the fun at the ghoul parade starting at 6:30 p.m. Anyone in costume can be a part at no charge! Costume judging will be during the ghoul parade.

Contestants will be split into 3 age groups: 10 and under, 11-17, and 18 and over. 3 winners will receive prizes and will be placed on stage for a chance to win $100 cash.

Registration for the Ghoul Parade and Costume Contest will be from 5-6 p.m. located north of The Square by Burger King.

Stage, music, and Costume Contest presented by Hawks Specialty Services.

For more information about Halloween on the Square, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 615-444-5503.

Click Here to Register for the FREE All Sports Camp

Our FREE All Sports Camp will be held on September 9th, 2018 at Cumberland University. The camp includes multiple different sports for kids to try: Baseball, Football, Soccer, Golf, Softball, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Wrestling, Tennis, and Track. Kids ages 7-14 are welcome. Please register at the link provided.

Online registration will end at 3 pm on Friday, September 7th. Those that didn't register online will be able to register at the camp starting at 2 pm. The registration and sign-in tent will be located between the football and baseball fields behind Memorial Hall. Everyone will gather in the football bleachers for instructions, then divide into the sports of choice.

The camp will end at 5 pm.

The City of Lebanon held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Aviation Way, sponsored by BankTennessee conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce on July 23rd at 11:00 a.m.

City of Lebanon Mayor Bernie Ash welcomed and thanked those in attendance as well as the individuals that helped the road’s development. Mayor Ash was joined by many members of the community along with Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board J.B. Owens, Chamber President Melanie Minter and Ambassadors and Staff.

Aviation Way in a new road that connects the Lebanon Municipal Airport with South Hartmann Drive. The road is located next to Wilson County Motors.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Division joined Vice-Chairperson Michael Moscardelli in thanking Lochinvar, LLC for their continued support in our community. Eddie Goodwin, Senior V.P. of A.O. Smith and President & General Manager of Lochinvar spoke on behalf of the company. Chamber Chairman J.B. Owens and President Melanie Minter presented the banner honoring Lochinvar for Industry Appreciation Day. Thank you to Vanderbilt Health for sponsoring the event.

            Lochinvar Corp. dates back to 1939, when Walter Vallett, Sr. founded the Walter Vallett Company. Today Lochinvar continues their leadership position in the industry. As a part of A.O. Smith Corporation, the corporate headquarters is located here in Lebanon, with a continuous development of new, innovative products that keeps the industry moving forward.

            A member of the Chamber since 1998, Lochinvar continues to support Chamber and community programs. We appreciate their continued support of our golf tournament, building program, and the Books from Birth program.

            Lochinvar was congratulated with cake for their employees, and a banner to show that they were recognized for Industry Appreciation Day.

Left Picture, Left to Right:

            Michael Moscardelli Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Chairperson, and Eddie Goodwin, Senior V.P. of A.O. Smith and President & General Manager of Lochinvar.

Right Picture

            Chamber Economic Development committee members and Lochinvar employees.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Sports Council Division held the Best All Around Student Athlete Awards Luncheon at Cumberland University’s Baird Chapel on May 11, 2018. One male and one female athlete from each high school in Wilson County were nominated by their Athletic Director, Coach, or Principal. Students are nominated for their outstanding academic and athletic qualities.

The nominated students from each school were:

Hailey Pittman and Jackson Cherry from Friendship Christian School

Macy Lee and Noah Mulaski from Lebanon High School

Marcella Gallione and Dawson Perry from Mt. Juliet Christian Academy

Brittany Ellmore and Cade Hoppe from Mt. Juliet High School

Brenna Luttrell and Owen Queen from Watertown High School

Ashley Foster and Baylor Franklin from Wilson Central High School

From the nominees, one male and one female were chosen to receive a $1,500 scholarship to the school of their choice. A Committee was chosen to review the scholarships and make a decision on specific qualifications. Ashley Foster and Noah Mulaski were selected to receive the $1,500 scholarships. The scholarships are funded by the Two Rivers Ford Open Bass Tournament hosted by the Wilson County Sports Council.

                The guest speaker for the event was retired NFL player Craig Colquitt. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Craig is a former American football punter who spent eight seasons in the National Football League with the Pittsburg Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts. He was a member of two Super Bowl Champions with the Steelers in 1978 and 1979. He is the father of two current NFL punters, Dustin and Britton Colquitt. He and his sons played football at the University of Tennessee.

                This event is held annually and is open to the public.

Left to Right

Bottom Row

Sports Council Vice Chairperson Adam Maxwell, Lebanon Wilson County Chamber President and CEO Melanie Minter, Noah Mulaski, Ashley Foster, Lebanon Wilson County Chamber Chairman of the Board J.B. Owens.

Second Row

Baylor Franklin, Dawson Perry, Marcella Gallione, Brittany Ellmore, Hailey Pittman.

Back Row

Owen Queen, Cade Hoppe, Jackson Cherry, Macy Lee, Brenna Luttrell

Body Kneads held a ribbon cutting ceremony sponsored by BankTennessee on May 10th at 10 a.m. 

Heather Hull was joined by Senator Mark Pody, along with Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board J.B. Owens, and Chamber Ambassadors and Staff.

They are located at 1050 Hamilton Springs Blvd #200 by the Hamilton Station Apartments.

On January 23rd, 2018 the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce added 325 new members thanks the the Membership Event. We want to thank everyone that volunteered to help us with this event. We also want to thank all 325 new members for joining the Chamber! Here is a full list of all the new members.

My Place Hotel hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony sponsored by BankTennessee conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce on January 11th at 3:30 p.m.

Ali Rahimi and Kent Miller were joined My Place employees, Senator Mark Pody, City of Lebanon Mayor Bernie Ash, along with Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board J.B. Owens, and Chamber Vice President Andrea Wilke, and Chamber Members and Ambassadors.

The Lebanon location is the first My Place hotel in Tennessee.

My Place Economy Extended Stay is located at 1004 Cumberland Center Blvd. in Lebanon.

The Lebanon Senior Citizens Center held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony conducted by the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce sponsored by BankTennessee on Wednesday December 6th at 2:30 pm. The new addition will be a major improvment of operations at the Senior Center. They are located at 670 Coles Ferry Pike. 

Patti Watts was joined by State Representative Mark Pody, City of Lebanon Mayor Bernie Ash, Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Jud Nave, and Chamber Ambassadors.

The winner of the Small Business Saturday Prize Basket is Kay Gass of Lebanon. The prize is a basket of goods from over 30 local businesses valued at $1,077. The Small Business Saturday event Basket winner checked in at Bloem Kind Boutique at The Mill at Lebanon. Over 400 check-ins were logged at a variety of stores on Small Business Saturday. The winner is notified by the Chamber of Commerce a week after the event. The Square Merchants were a part of a digital marketing campaign for Small Business Saturday. This is the 2^nd year of a shop small focus through partnership of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, The City of Lebanon, and Historic Lebanon. We encourage everyone to continue to shop small and continue the community experience through the holiday season. 

Kay Gass explained her enjoyment from the shopping event. “Our family enjoyed an exciting shopping day in our community. The stores were packed and the experience was fun.” 

Pictured: Left- Kay Gass, Winner of the Prize Basket; Right- Rachel Carlton, Owner of Bloem Kind Boutique