Lebanon, TN April 2024

LOCAL SERVICES

INVEST IN LOCAL BUSINESS

LIFE + CULTURE

INVEST IN HELPING OTHERS

HEALTH + WELLNESS

INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH

Investing in our Community

Planting seeds

Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long term financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.

Investing in Lebanon comes natural to me. As I hope you saw in our recent video message on social media, planting seeds in our community is a must and a joy for me. I love this town and all it stands for. I live by the Rules of the Harvest and fully believe that what you give, you get. I am honored to be sitting in this position and grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Investing in Lebanon comes easy and I witness serving hearts here weekly. The smiles, the helping hands, the giving, the planting...Lebanon, you are a light. You are hope for other cities to follow suit. Your gratitude is infectious and in this issue we highlight some of just that... whether you are giving donations, giving time, giving service...you are remarkable! We hope you enjoy the folks we highlighted this month for their investments in our community. They are jewels.

As you read this issue, I hope it sparks your interest to invest. Invest in your community. Invest in your family. Invest in your finances. Invest in your health. Invest in your education. Invest in YOU! Fill your cup, so you can fill other's cups! Give, give, give. I promise you, your return on investment will overflow. Your harvest will be abundant.

With love,

SPONSOR A TABLE

The dinner follows a “Wacky Waiter” format. By reserving a table, you select a person to be your waiter for the evening. Select table theme & dress accordingly

ABOUT WILSON

BOOKS FROM BIRTH

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. Each month, from birth to age 5, children receive a high-quality age appropriate book in the mail, for free!

There are currently 6,160 children enrolled in the program, each receiving a free book in the mail each month. Over 1 million books have been mailed since 2005! We need the community's support this year more than ever!

1: The Lebanon Founders Gala was a success, save the date for second annual gala 2/8/2025

2: The annual Sherry’s Hope Gala celebrated her life during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 3: Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, Governor Bill Lee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, and over 700 community members joined together to celebrate groundbreaking of the New Nissan Stadium, set to open 2027.

business monthly

Buckeye Drugs Donates New Ride for LHS Football

Cory McDonald of Buckeye Drugs recently donated a six-passenger street legal Royal EV from Rolling Thunder Carts to the Lebanon High football program. The custom Low Speed Vehicle is decked out with Blue Devil logos and Buckeye's signage. Plans call for the vehicle to be used on game nights to allow athletic director Zach Martin to ferry patrons between the parking lot and Danny Watkins Stadium.

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Music City Grand Prix Heads to Nashville Superspeedway

“We are excited to welcome the Music City Grand Prix to Nashville Superspeedway,” Nashville Superspeedway general manager Matt Greci said. “Our track has a strong history of hosting premier racing events, and we’re eager to showcase our facility's versatility by adding this prestigious event to our calendar. The Music City Grand Prix represents an exciting new chapter for Nashville Superspeedway, and we're ready to make it a memorable success.” More details on weekend festivities, NashvilleSuperspeedway.com

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Cumberland University Breaks Enrollment Record for Second Year

Cumberland University proudly announces another remarkable achievement, breaking its spring enrollment record for the second consecutive year, with 2,858 students. This follows the record-breaking fall enrollment of 3,072, signaling sustained growth and success. This accomplishment underscores the collective dedication and hard work of Cumberland University as they experience a remarkable 23% increase in spring enrollment compared to the previous year, showcasing consistent and impressive growth.

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Photography by Cumberland University

Photography by Nashville Superspeedway

Photography by Tommy Bryan

Investing In Lebanon

We Celebrated One Year, 12 Issues at Capitol Theatre

ARTICLE BY JANUARY ALEXANDER & LINDSEY HICKMAN

We celebrated our one year anniversary in March! 12 issues under our belt and we couldn't be more proud. Thank you to so many people including everyone in attendance and in spirit, Capitol Theatre, Sammy B's Catering, GooGoo Clusters, The Boro Blend, Balloon Bash, Cedar City Brewery, Del Monaco Winery, Henderson's Florist, Diageo Spirits, GSF Media, and last but absolutely not least, Oliver Steele our local American Idol Season 21 Top 8 contestant. Our mission statement is simple, stemming from the biblical verse of the Rules of the Harvest. You reap what you sow, you reap later than you sow and you always reap more than you sow. We live by these words daily at LCL and it was without hesitation we knew it had to be our company name. We are so grateful for this assignment to be stewards of this community and to plant our seeds here with beautiful stories, sharing events, highlighting businesses, and being a resource and partner to you. We are honored to serve you Lebanon and can’t wait to watch our seeds bloom!

100 Years of Serving

A CENTURY OF INVESTING IN STRONG BUSINESS GROWTH FOR WILSON

“We take pride in our rich history, our services to our businesses and to our community,” said Melanie Minter, Current President and CEO of Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce at the 100 year anniversary celebration in February. Leading the chamber has brought her countless favorite memories, with the 2018 renovation of their 6,400 square foot building to include ADA compliant upgrades to accommodate their growing membership, adding a boardroom with state of the art equipment, a social hub overlooking the square and additional office space for rent, being one of them.

Her proud moments include persevering during Covid; a time when the community was double whammed with a tornado during that time of crisis.

“The Chamber was a resource and support for businesses, a navigator for healthcare and questions and a reinforcement to our community in times of disaster and uncertainty,” she says.

And of course one of her most favorite milestones was having the honor of ushering in the 100th year of the chamber’s service.

“Our staff and volunteers went through files for a year leading to the celebration to discover that we still have the same values as our innovators and we have lived up to our mission to make Wilson County a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Melanie says the future of the chamber depends upon our future leaders, “it is important that we listen to younger generations to keep relevant and remain strong in the future.

ARTICLE BY LINDSEY HICKMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSI CARTER

Melanie Minter President & CEO Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce

Ja’Rob Coggins,

Chair of the Board 2024

I currently serve as the Chairman of the Board for the Chamber. I previously held the position of Vice Chair for the Economic Development Committee for 2 years. Serving meant everything to me, and being a part of the community that shows our associates that we actually care!  The chamber has helped us stay connected to the community by being a part of the MANY events and opportunities to serve!

PROUD MOMENTS

I am most proud of becoming the Chairman of the Board and serving as the Chair during the 100-year anniversary of the chamber. I will reference an earlier question that asked my favorite memory, and I stated my 1st board meeting. I remember looking at the wall of all the past Chairs’ and realizing there were only three women and no one else who looked like me! I take pride in knowing I am the first person of color to hold this position and will strive to set a great example for others to know it’s possible!

FUTURE VIEWS

I see the chamber continue to grow and serve not only the traditional members of the chamber but the next generation of business leaders who are marketing and serving in different ways. I believe our chamber will continue to be a hub and resource for our growing community.

CONTINUED >

“It continues to be a joy serving our community, acts of service have always created a desire in me to help make people’s lives better.”

- Melanie Minter

Ja’Rob Coggins, Chair of the Board 2024

Pat Bone, Past President / First Woman 1996

I served on the Chamber Board of Directors for a total of five years, two of those years as Membership Chair, one year as President-Elect, one year as President, and one year as immediate Past President. Serving this community has meant the world to me.  I am not originally from Wilson County, and I knew if I wanted to be a real part of the community, I needed to get involved. I could not think of a better place to begin than with the Chamber, this is the place I chose to live, work and raise my family.  I love Wilson County and I believe the Chamber is definitely the lifeblood of a community.

PROUD MOMENTS

There were many proud moments for me at the Chamber, but one that shines brighter than others is this: The upstairs board room needed painting badly. I asked the Board who would be willing to come in on a Saturday and help me paint the room. Every member raised their hand and every board member showed up that Saturday morning to paint. I was so proud to be a part of this organization. Also, when I joined the Chamber, the Chamber carried a debt from the purchase of the building next door. Before the year ended, all original debt for the chamber was paid off. The Chamber was now debt free and the note was burned. Good Feeling!

FUTURE VIEWS

The sky is the limit for our Chamber.  We have a strong director, great support staff and the city and county work well with the chamber.  The Chamber is the HEART of any city.

Pat Bone, Past President / First Woman 1996

Ian Isbell, Chair Elect 2025

I have been involved with the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce since 2018 and have been a proud board member since 2022. I have served two years as the Ambassador Vice Chairman and currently serve as the Membership Vice Chairman as well as Chair Elect. Being born and raised here, I do have a deep bond with a lot of the people I see on a day to day basis. I love to see how this community comes together and supports all of its local business owners, teachers, and community members.

FAVORITE MEMORY

Hanging out with my family at the Taste of Wilson County events, and lot of great memories from the events around the Christmas Parade and the Fair Parades.

PROUD MOMENTS

I am most proud of our Chambers involvement in this community. It makes me feel so good when we go to a ribbon cutting and a national company that has grand openings all across the US says that they have never seen a community support them the way we do. I know how hard the chamber staff and all the volunteers work on these events so to hear that feedback always makes me smile.

FUTURE VIEWS

Our roots are so deep in this community and the love all the members have for this community is unmatched. Events do so well and continue to get better, and we continue to be here to serve our community.

CONTINUED >

“It makes me happy to watch businesses thrive, to watch people come together for the betterment of Lebanon and Wilson County and to watch people smile when I make a difference in their day.”

- Melanie Minter President & CEO of Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce

Ian Isbell, Chair Elect 2025

Jim Mills, Past President / Sports Council Division / 2024 Lifetime Member

Jim Mills,  Past President / Sports Council Division

I have served as Board Chair, VP of Economic Development, and continue to be a member of the Sports Counsel, Business & Education Coalition, and Economic Development committees. My wife and I moved to Lebanon in late 1976, we chose to make our home in Lebanon. We both worked in Lebanon, and we raised our two children in Lebanon.  We have been deeply involved in the community, ranging from involvement with numerous civic and non-profit organizations, coaching recreational youth baseball, etc.  We also choose to be a member of the community, and to be involved.  Being a part of the community we feel we are helping in some small way to keep Lebanon a wonderful place to live and raise a family. This has proven to be very rewarding in the many people we can call friends.

FAVORITE MEMORY

Perhaps the two that come to mind are having the opportunity to serve as a member of the selection committees that chose our current and past Chamber Presidents and participating in the selling of race day programs at the Super Speedway.

PROUD MOMENTS

I am proud of how the Chamber has grown over the years.  Member involvement has grown significantly.  And the Chamber has been able to provide so many events, programs, and promotional opportunities for members.  I am also very proud that we formed the Business & Education Coalition and through this we provide teacher classroom grants each year.

MOST HONORED BY

Bring selected Industrialist of the Year, and most recently Lifetime Membership/Achievement award.

INVEST in helping

The Wilson County Help Center 9th annual Ducky Derby event will be held at 5PM on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, located at the beautiful home of Kevin and Christine New. Entertainment by Double Take Band, catering by Sammy B’s, silent and live auctions. Drop by the CedarStone Bank branch in Lebanon to purchase tickets for a chance to win cash. Cash prizes for winners of the derby are: $2,000 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd place, and $500 for 3rd place.

Created in 1988, The Help Center was established with the vision and support of area churches, providing hearts and help to Wilson County neighbors in need of daily life essentials, home essentials and comfort, as well as nutritional supplements and prescription assistance. The Wilson County Community Help Center can provide food, clothing, and financial assistance for utilities,  and prescription drugs for individuals in need in our community, along with Ensure for elderly and cancer patients.   Tickets and more information also available at wilsoncountyhelpcenter.org

THE 9TH ANNUAL DUCK DERBY

ARTICLE BY PEGGY KEEL, OWNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL BALDWIN

Over the past 37 years we have continually evolved as to the needs of the new generations, according to the trends across the globe.  We like to stay fresh and ahead of the newest things whether it be new exercise classes, new equipment or new areas within the club itself.

Sports Village Fitness is a family owned and operated business, run by my husband Jan and I, our son Jeff McMillen and daughter Laura Trantum, located at 1735 West Main St, Lebanon.

I began her journey in 1977 by offering the very first aerobic dance classes in Wilson County and was amazed to see the effect that dancing with a group could be so much fun, and the effect this had on their appearance and attitudes. The many ladies who participated began to have renewed energy and happiness. It was apparent this was definitely as important for our mental attitude as it was for our waistline.

Exercise was not a popular thing back in those days, as a matter of fact, you barely ever heard anyone mention exercise until this fun activity happened. I realized in a very short time that this is needed for the entire family and this idea was the beginning of Sports Village. I envisioned a happy, healthy place where the whole family could be doing a variety of activities and meeting new friends. The vision was to become Lebanon's happy healthy place

And that is exactly the same philosophy today. We are not and never have been just a gym .

We always strive every three years to do some pretty major upgrades and continually add new things, new classes, new programs.  We take pride in having a facility that is updated with new

decorating, fresh and clean.  We stay abreast as to new happenings so we can be the 1st to offer.

In 2023, we did a major remodel.  We moved the mind body, yoga, pilates and Barre into its own space upstairs with a lounge for gathering for anyone who wants to sit and relax, and created a new private space for Pilates Reformer classes. and added four pickleball courts.

We will soon open an outdoor workout space with weights, ropes, sleds, etc, conveniently located outside the new weight area, adding the newest Hammer Strength equipment, as well as our beautiful resort pool being prepared for opening in May.

The upstairs HIIT room has expanded with more space for the air runners, rowers, bikes, and we added a new Stretch & Strength area with natural wood walls and engineered exercise flooring. And don't miss the Village Camp that supports healthy active children.

Exercise can be boring, but being around others who are being active encourages us all, you are sure to fit in as we have something for everyone.

Our goal is to be a happy, safe, beautiful Escape for all members, providing a staycation vibe.

We feel that we are helping Lebanon and Wilson County to be a better place to live by helping our community to be happier and healthier.  We spread love and joy if we feel good and are healthy people. The endorphins and energy can be contagious for all our neighbors. Positive energy attracts energy and makes life better for all.

That is our prayer and hope for our Legacy in our small town of Lebanon.

DR. KARAH SPROUSE Generational Engagement Consultant & Assistant Professor of Business Cumberland University |

@karahsprouse | karahsprouse.com

Invest in Gen Z

Three Ways that Workplaces and Universities Better Support this Generation

1. Gen Z wants to know that their work matters, they do their best work when they know that it has a lasting impact. They need to understand how your organization helps others and how their job role contributes to that. This can be used to elevate your organization if you allow them the opportunity to tap into something larger than just getting a task or the job done. As a leader of your organization ask yourself, "How can this generation help us not just make incremental changes but actually leave an impact?"

2. Gen Z is the first generation to be connected with anyone, anywhere, at all times. This affects Gen Z's values and expectations for the workplace. As the most diverse generation to date, they highly value diversity in the classroom, workplaces, and organizations desiring a genuine connection with people who are different from them.

3. Gen Z reportedly wrestles with more anxiety and mental health issues than any other generation. Employers and universities need to be prepared to provide tools and resources to support this priority if they strive to engage and retain this generation. Gen Z is not in the business of leaving their lives and problems at the door.

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLEE BROOKE & CO

DR. CHRIS MENZEL IS HELPING PATIENTS CONQUER THEIR WEIGHT ISSUES IN A SAFE AND HEALTHY WAY

INVEST IN HEALTH

As a personal trainer and nutritionist 15 years ago, Chris Menzel enjoyed working with clients to help them lose weight. He organized health competitions based on The Biggest Loser, the hit reality weight loss show.

weight loss surgeries. His operations allow people to achieve successful, sustainable weight loss, and cure many related health conditions.

“Losing weight is difficult because the body shuts down its metabolism

“THE FIELD OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY HAS CHANGED TREMENDOUSLY OVER THE PAST DECADE.”

“It was 24 weeks of intensive exercise, calorie counts and nutrition plans,” Menzel says of those days in his hometown of Hilton Head. “The winner lost 81 pounds, and everyone did well.”

There was, however, a hurdle that many clients couldn’t clear. No matter how hard they tried, they would hit plateaus where they could no longer lose weight.

“That’s when I started thinking ‘there’s got to be more to weight loss than calories in/calories out,” he says. “I decided to return to school to study medicine. I learned about obesity and became a bariatric surgeon.”

Today, Dr. Menzel is Medical Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital where he performs a high volume of

during weight loss to retain excess weight for energy,” he says. “This leads to plateaus, frustration, and ultimately, loss of hope. Weight loss surgery, however, overrides this metabolic process and allows for overcoming these plateaus.”

“Bariatric surgery is safe and minimally invasive,” he says. “You’ll be walking around the same day, and you’ll go home the next day. Weight loss begins immediately and will continue for a year or more as we provide support along the way. The field of weight loss surgery has changed tremendously over the past decade, and specialization has led to much higher success rates. My goal is to be our community’s local doctor who can help people live the type of life they always wanted.”

Shrum

Invest in Your Home

WHILE CHOOSING A COMPANY THAT GIVES BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY

WHEN DID STRUM ROOFING COMPANY BEGIN?

In 1976, my dad, Billy Shrum Sr, along with his brothers William and Ernie, started the company, and it has been family-owned and operated since then. I took over Shrum's Roofing in 1997.

WAS ROOFING ALWAYS THE VISION?

Yes. Roofing with a focus on family. In the mid-70s to the early 80s, the Shrum brothers worked tirelessly, roofing houses and sharing the earnings to support each other's families.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS IS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART AS ONE OF YOUR TWINS, GABY,  HAS CF; PLEASE TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF HOW YOU HAVE NAVIGATED HER NEEDS WHILE RUNNING A GREAT BUSINESS AND GIVING BACK SO MUCH LIKE THE CF FISHING TOURNAMENT.

My daughter Gaby was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth in 2007. In 2011, we initiated our fundraising efforts with a Fishing Tournament named 'Fishing for a Cure.' Over the years, we've organized golf tournaments, and my wife Jessica, with the help of the local community, has participated in various fundraisers. We're in the process of planning a Songwriter Dinner as a new fundraising initiative this fall. In total, we've successfully raised more than $400,000 for the cause so far.

WHY

DID YOU CHOOSE LEBANON?

Selecting Lebanon as a focal point for our business endeavors was a decision steeped in a profound sense of connection and community resonance. Lebanon shares interlinking bonds with my business community in Gallatin beyond mere geographical proximity; they embody a shared spirit, a sense of familiarity, and a supportive network that spans both locations.

The decision to choose Lebanon is not merely transactional but is deeply rooted in the relational fabric that binds us to the community. The town's dynamic atmosphere and the strong sense of community align seamlessly with the values and ethos of our business. By choosing Lebanon, we aim to tap into this vibrant energy, fostering a connection that transcends the conventional client-business relationship.

Choosing Lebanon as a business focus is a testament to our commitment to community-driven business practices. It's about more than just selling products or services; it's about building lasting connections, fostering mutual trust, and contributing to the vitality of Lebanon. This decision represents a harmonious blend of strategic business acumen and a genuine desire to be an integral part of the thriving community that makes Lebanon unique.

TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS OUR READERS MIGHT NOT KNOW!

One of the distinctive aspects of our business is our unwavering commitment to treating everyone like family. Since our establishment in 1976, we have been building roofs and fostering lasting relationships with our clients. Whether it's a minor roof patch or an entire roofing project, no job is considered too big or small for us. Our versatility extends to residential and commercial roofing, ensuring that we cater to the diverse needs of our community.

220 James Street Gallatin, TN 37066 | (615) 675-4489 | www.shrumsroofing.com

Beyond roofs, we have diversified our services to include siding and gutters, providing comprehensive solutions for our clients' exterior needs. Our certification by several manufacturers attests to our expertise and adherence to industry standards, ensuring that our clients receive top-notch quality in every aspect of our work.

Moreover, we take pride in our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our dedication to transparency, customer satisfaction, and ethical business practices. To further instill confidence in our work, we offer a Lifetime workmanship warranty, emphasizing our commitment to the durability and longevity of our roofing solutions.

Recognizing the financial considerations of our clients, we go the extra mile by providing flexible financing options. This demonstrates our understanding of the diverse financial situations our clients may face and our willingness to work collaboratively to make our services accessible.

In summary, what sets our business apart is our expertise in roofing and exterior services and the genuine care and commitment we extend to our clients. From building roofs and relationships to offering comprehensive services and financial flexibility, we strive to create an unparalleled experience for everyone we serve.

Gaby at Fishing for a Cure

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 11TH

Imagination Dinner Presented by Wilson Books from Birth

945 E Baddour Street, Lebanon | 6:30 PM

Don't miss out on the fun at the 2024 Imagination Dinner, tickets available for this unforgettable event! The Imagination Dinner is presented by Wilson Books from Birth in partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library & The Governor's Early Literacy FoundationGet ready for the wackiest night you'll ever attend, Tickets at lebanonwilsonchamber.com/event/imagination-dinner

APRIL 13TH

Spring Mile Long Yardsale

Watertown , TN

Join thousands of shoppers in Watertown and browse hundreds of vendor booths - this event has with something for everyone! Find vendors on the Historic Town Square, along Main Street in Watertown, as well as much of Highway 70/Sparta Pike! Antiques, tools, collectibles, flea market finds, food and more. visit watertowntn.com for more info.

APRIL 25TH

Daring to Dream Luncheon

Made in Tennessee Building at 945 East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087 | 11:00 AM

Empower Me Center, A nonprofit for Individuals with Disabilities is hosting a fundraiser luncheon April 25th from 11-1 pm. To learn more about the event please visit www.empowermecenter.com/luncheon

#1 Cancer Center Right Where You Live

Where a patient starts their cancer journey matters. And here, that means Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Wilson County, where you will find the same world-renowned expertise and care of our Nashville campus without the drive. From screening and diagnosis, to treatment and recovery, patients receive all the care they need at one convenient location, close to home and family.

What’s more, we are the only cancer provider in the area that offers a full array of multi-disciplinary services, and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for both adults and children in Tennessee. So having the best care team and most advanced treatments is now closer than ever. Visit VanderbiltIngramCancerCenter.com or call 615-936-8422

Making Personal Cancer Care