LAWRENCEBURG, TN — The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce says August was a busy month of business recruitment, industry outreach, leadership development and community investment across Lawrence County.
The Chamber welcomed six new members during the month: Williams Auto Sales, White Poplar Properties, LLC, Hometown Coverage with Michele, LLC, Family Advantage Federal Credit Union, Ladner Insurance and Little Caesars Pizza.
Chamber officials said continued membership growth, along with increased involvement from local businesses and community leaders, reflects growing engagement in the organization and its work throughout the county.
A major focus during August was strengthening relationships with existing industries. Chamber President and CEO Ryan Egly and Ben began a series of visits with local manufacturers, including Cornerstone Rack & Tool, Advanced Design Solutions and Craig Manufacturing.
The visits are designed to give Chamber leaders a better understanding of current market conditions, opportunities and challenges facing local manufacturers, as well as ways the Chamber and its economic development partners can support existing industries.
Those efforts were also highlighted during the Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association Annual Seminar, where Ben discussed Lawrence County’s participation in the Middle Tennessee Wage & Benefit Survey.
Lawrence County recorded the highest participation rate in Middle Tennessee this year.
Chamber leaders say strong participation provides employers with more reliable information about wages, benefits and workforce trends, helping local companies remain competitive while providing economic development officials with additional data to support business retention and expansion efforts.
The Chamber also represented Lawrence County at several events outside the community during August.
Lawrence County was once again showcased at the Tennessee State Fair, where visitors were introduced to the county’s attractions, agriculture and tourism opportunities.
Egly also attended the Southern Economic Development Council Annual Conference, marking the conclusion of his service on the organization’s Board of Directors.
Later in the month, Egly met with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner and U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty to discuss Opportunity Zones 2.0 and the potential impact of the next generation of the federal economic development program on communities such as Lawrence County.
Chamber officials said relationships with local, state and federal leaders remain an important component of economic development and help ensure Lawrence County is represented when future opportunities are being discussed.
Leadership Lawrence also continued its 2026 program with Health & Social Services Day.
The session gave participants an opportunity to learn more about organizations and professionals providing healthcare and social services throughout Lawrence County.
The Leadership Lawrence program is designed to give emerging community leaders a deeper understanding of the institutions, industries and organizations that shape the county.
Child care and its connection to workforce development was another focus for the Chamber during August.
Chamber representatives participated in the Tennessee Child Care Solutions Summit, joining business and community leaders from across the state to discuss access to reliable and affordable child care.
Officials emphasized that child care has increasingly become an economic development and workforce issue because parents who cannot access dependable care may have difficulty consistently participating in the workforce.
Several new investments and expansions were also celebrated locally during the month.
The Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting for Magnolia Surgical Care, led by Dr. Rachael Clark. The practice provides general surgery, breast surgery and endoscopy services.
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Lawrenceburg hosted the Chamber’s August Chamber Coffee and provided members with updates on the hospital’s growth and continued investment in the community.
In Loretto, Chamber representatives joined White Poplar Properties for a groundbreaking ceremony on South Military Street. The development is expected to provide additional commercial space in the community.
Another major project highlighted during August was the new Event Center at David Crockett State Park.
The former park restaurant has been renovated into a venue designed to host weddings, reunions, meetings and other community gatherings.
During an open house, Ranger Ann Paley discussed the transformation of the facility and future plans for the park.
Chamber officials said David Crockett State Park remains one of Lawrence County’s most important tourism assets, attracting visitors while also providing recreational opportunities and amenities for local residents.
Several major Chamber events are also approaching.
Nominations are currently open for the 2026 Citizen of the Year and Small Business Hall of Fame. The awards recognize individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to Lawrence County. Nominations will remain open through Sept. 18.
The Faith Driven Entrepreneur Conference: Build for More is also scheduled for Sept. 18 at Columbia State Community College’s Lawrence Campus. The Chamber is partnering with Jubilee to bring the event to Lawrence County and provide entrepreneurs and business leaders with another opportunity to connect and develop their businesses.
Registration is also open for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Membership Meeting, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, in Downtown Lawrenceburg.
The annual meeting brings business and community leaders together to recognize local achievements, honor individuals and organizations and review progress made during the year.
Egly said August demonstrated the importance of remaining engaged throughout the community, whether through conversations with existing employers, leadership development, economic development advocacy or support for local businesses.
“Progress starts with people who are willing to be engaged,” Egly said.
