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

In an interview with Invest:, Melanie Minter, oresident and CEO of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, discussed how rapid growth is reshaping Wilson County and the chamber’s adaptive strategies. “As more people relocate here, we’ve expanded programs to meet diverse needs while balancing technology demands and preserving our hospitable identity in the community,” said Minter.

What changes over the past year have most impacted the organization, and in what ways? 

The most significant impact on our organization has been the growth of the county and the city. Lebanon is currently the 12th fastest-growing city in the United States. Our county is also experiencing substantial growth, with a population now exceeding 160,000 people. Just a few years ago, growth was occurring, but the pace has accelerated considerably with many more people wanting to be involved in the desired community we call “home.” The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber must stay relevant and pivot daily to provide excellence to businesses and individuals. We have over 1,600 members and people in our community who volunteer for various events. Our chamber has a significant impact on our growing county through communication and constantly spreading the word through our marketing and social media.  

How has the chamber’s mission evolved to reflect the current needs of businesses and the broader community in Wilson County?

I would not say the mission itself has changed, but we have certainly broadened its scope. Each year, we review our Program of Work to ensure it accommodates the expanding needs of our city and county. As more people move into Lebanon and Wilson County, they seek information about the area, job opportunities, quality of life, and schools. With this in mind, we assess the diversity of incoming residents and determine which programs to incorporate or enhance alongside our existing initiatives.

For example, in 2024, we introduced an additional technology program to ensure everyone remains updated on advancements in that field. We also launched a new program targeting younger generations, which is a key focus as we welcome individuals from various regions. Additionally, we are an age-friendly community, so we have implemented programs tailored to older residents. Connecting people with their passions is a priority, and we offer a selection of programs to meet diverse interests.

One of the most significant additions this year is our educational series, facilitated through economic development. This series educates residents about developments not only in Wilson County and Lebanon but also across the broader region. For entrepreneurs or those looking to start a business, we provide immediate access to resources upon their arrival in town.

What are the most notable trends shaping the small business and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region right now?

Many individuals have a strong desire to start their own businesses, which in turn impacts overall workforce dynamics. Some prefer to operate businesses from home, while others may work from home, reducing their participation in the traditional workforce. It is a continuing regional shift as people move to Tennessee. They will choose where to work and where to live.

As businesses grow, they often transition to storefronts, creating additional employment opportunities. This is happening in Lebanon and Wilson County. Like all cities and counties in the region, for businesses to flourish, the most important trend we see is digital transformation.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities for Wilson County to emerge as a leader within Middle Tennessee’s economic landscape?

As a growing community, infrastructure remains a critical focus. Without the foresight of past leadership, we would not have the foundation we rely on today. However, challenges persist, particularly with developers seeking to purchase farmland for workforce-related construction. We must balance growth with responsible land use, ensuring that new developments align with the best interests of our community.

Wilson County is fortunate to have distinct areas, including Mt. Juliet, which is closest to Nashville; Lebanon, the heart of our historic district; and Watertown, representing our rural county. Each area presents unique considerations. Preserving agricultural land is a priority, as we highly value our farming community and aim to support those who contribute to Lebanon and Wilson County’s agricultural heritage over 125 Century Farms.

What are the most pressing challenges facing Wilson County’s business community, and how is the chamber addressing them?

One of the biggest challenges is traffic. Our government leaders make transit a priority. Rerouting traffic is something they are having to work with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and other stakeholders on to ensure safety, especially as more businesses come into Lebanon and Wilson County. Hartmann Drive continues to be developed, offering the quality of life we need in Lebanon. In Wilson County, we have seen an increase in the number of restaurants opening as well as small businesses. This is all part of economic growth. Given the various governmental structures and developments in Wilson County, the chamber plays a critical role in supporting smart economic growth. As our county continues to grow and more residential developments are built, traffic is something that will have to continue to be monitored closely. The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce has informational meetings for our members and the public to attend to address any challenges in our community.

Can you share examples of how the chamber is collaborating with educational institutions to support skill development and talent retention?

Education is the No. 1 reason people move to Wilson County. We have valuable educational institutions from preschool to higher education. Our chamber collaborates with all of them, including TCAT and CTE programs in Wilson County Schools. We understand the importance of the workforce, and our school systems provide that knowledge as early as elementary school.

 The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber has a 501(c)(3) Business and Education Coalition to provide skill support. Since 2005, we have given 736 Teacher Grants for over $308,000.00 to help provide a better classroom and education experience. Through our Economic Development Division, we offer a series of programs to improve talent retention for both small and large businesses. Businesses can network within these programs based on their needs. We work closely with the local Economic Development Directors to ensure businesses are supported. The chamber is the glue that holds everything together, ensuring businesses are well-connected when they arrive to be successful.

What strategic priorities is the chamber focused on over the next two to three years to sustain regional growth and business vitality?

Our focus remains on supporting the diverse groups moving into the area. We are expanding our roundtable programs to include bilingual options and other specialized initiatives for newcomers. For the younger generation, we emphasize hands-on experiences, such as exposing them to business through tours or guest speakers. We also bring in state representatives to discuss regional developments and their impact on Wilson County.

These efforts are more intensive than before, helping us operate more efficiently. Technology remains a priority, especially with the rise of AI. We must ensure our workforce is prepared for these changes, particularly in hiring and training. Education will continue to be a major focus as we adapt to new technological advancements.

How is technology, including tools like the Explore Wilson TN app, transforming how businesses engage with residents, visitors, and customers? 

Our approach is multi-pronged in this matter. Some may assume traditional methods are outdated, but we still produce physical maps because visitors request them. Many people vacationing in the area still depend on these maps to explore Wilson County.

For those seeking business information, we provide curated lists and our chamber magazine, which remains a valuable resource. On the digital side, we previously launched the Explore Wilson App and continue to prioritize digital communication. With so much happening in the county, ensuring information is accessible online is crucial. We serve as a central hub, distributing information through both print and digital channels to keep the community informed.