by Ryan Egly
July is often viewed as the halfway point of the calendar year, but in many ways it also marks a new beginning. For many businesses, city and county governments, agencies, nonprofits, and even the Chamber, July signals the start of a new fiscal year—a time to celebrate progress while setting new goals for the year ahead. As we turned that page over the last month, we also continued investing in the people who will help shape Lawrence County’s future. From launching a new Leadership Lawrence class to growing our Chamber Ambassadors and Young Professionals programs, much of this month was centered on developing relationships and strengthening the leadership pipeline that will serve our community for years to come.
Welcoming New Members
We remain committed to helping our business community grow because we know that businesses support our people. In turn, businesses partner with the Chamber through membership, and we were pleased to welcome Butler Performance and realtors Mark & Stacey Springer as our newest business members in July.
We also saw tremendous growth in member engagement through the launch of our annual Chamber Ambassadors program and continued expansion of our Young Professionals network. More than twenty local business and community leaders have already stepped forward to become Chamber Ambassadors, while several emerging leaders joined Young Professionals. These programs create new opportunities for people to build relationships, serve the community, and become more engaged in Lawrence County.
Chamber Coffee
Our July Chamber Coffee was hosted by First Class Charter and Rent Right Inc., two businesses that have been serving Lawrence County with dependable transportation and equipment rental services for years.
These monthly gatherings continue to be one of my favorite Chamber events because they remind us that business is ultimately about relationships. Thank you to Bill Adams and his team at First Class Charter & Rent Right Inc. for their hospitality and for continuing to invest in our community.
Leadership Lawrence Begins
One of the highlights of July was welcoming a new class into Leadership Lawrence.
Leadership Lawrence is one of the Chamber’s flagship programs because it gives participants an inside look at the organizations, industries, and institutions that make Lawrence County work. Throughout the coming months, participants will spend time learning about local government, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, public safety, and economic development while building relationships with fellow leaders from across the community.
Our hope is simple: that graduates leave the program better informed, better connected, and better equipped to lead. Whether they choose to serve on nonprofit boards, volunteer in the community, run for office, or simply become more engaged citizens, Leadership Lawrence continues to strengthen the leadership pipeline for our county.
Investing in Agriculture’s Future
One of the most rewarding moments of the month was presenting the proceeds from this year’s Farm to Table Dinner (just over $8,000) to Lawrence County’s FFA and 4-H programs.
Through our partnership with UT-TSU Extension and the Middle Tennessee District Fair, it has become an investment in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, proceeds from this year’s event will directly support agricultural education opportunities for local students.
Celebrating Local Business
We were also excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Baked Jess Wright.
Small businesses are the backbone of every local economy, and Jess has been a longtime supporter of the Chamber and our community. After years of building a loyal following through her custom cakes, cookies, pastries, and other homemade baked goods, we were thrilled to celebrate the opening of her new storefront just off the Lawrenceburg Public Square. We wish Jess and her team continued success and look forward to watching Baked Jess Wright grow for years to come.
Celebrating Our Nation’s Story
July also gave us the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day and reflect on America’s 250th birthday.
As our nation commemorates this historic milestone, it is worth recognizing that the pioneer spirit that helped shape America is still alive and well in Lawrence County today. You can see it in the businesses that take risks, the entrepreneurs who turn ideas into opportunities, and the families working to build a better future.
That connection to our history was also on display as descendants and kin of David Crockett gathered in Lawrenceburg for their biennial reunion. Their visit gave them an opportunity to reconnect with family, revisit places tied to Crockett’s legacy, and experience the community that helped shape his early story. We were proud to welcome them and grateful for the enthusiasm they shared for Lawrence County and the progress they saw taking place here.
Today’s business owners and entrepreneurs are carrying that same independent spirit forward and helping make the American dream achievable right here at home.
Looking Ahead
As summer begins to wind down, we’re already preparing for a busy fall.
Please mark your calendars for our Annual Membership Meeting on October 16, where we’ll celebrate another year of progress, recognize outstanding businesses and community leaders, and look ahead to the opportunities before us.
Planning is also underway for the 71st Lawrence County Christmas Parade, and we’re excited to welcome the community downtown once again as we celebrate this year’s theme, “Gingerbread Village.”
As always, thank you for supporting the Chamber, our members, and the many partnerships that continue moving Lawrence County forward.
About the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce / Visit Lawrenceburg
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce champions economic opportunity and community vitality by supporting local businesses, workforce development, and quality-of-life initiatives. Visit Lawrenceburg, the Chamber’s destination marketing effort, promotes Lawrence County’s attractions, events, and experiences to drive tourism, visitor spending, and long-term community growth.
Media Contact
Destiny Gobble, Communications & Hospitality Coordinator
destiny@lawcotn.com