By SABRINA GARRETT
The Wilson Post

Sixth District U.S. Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, made two stops while in her district on Wednesday to meet with constituents and learn more about local establishments.

Prior to speaking to the Del Webb Women’s Club in Mt. Juliet about the importance of tax reform, Black visited Remar, Inc. in Lebanon.

She was greeted by staff, including Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tracy Batts, Chief Financial Officer Dave White and Vice President of Operations Anthony Tart, who along with Fulfillment Operations Manager Oscar Calles, gave her a tour of the impressive facility on East Division Street in Lebanon.

Batts explained the company’s humble beginnings under the name MEDIAmail Packaging and Fulfillment Services Inc. in 1995. MEDIAmail consisted of providing creative packaging, product fulfillment and direct-mail services.

“When it began there were three full-time employees in a 9,800-square-foot building,” he said.

However, with a new name – named by CEO Nelson Remus, combining his last name with his mother’s maiden name, Martin – and by relocating to the current 250,000-square-foot facility, Remar has expanded. The company, which provides an assortment of services, including healthcare industry support services, reverse logistics and returns processing, electronics testing, hospital-grade televisions, exterior and interior signage, print management and direct mail, now has 120 full-time employees, as well as seasonal employees.

Black was impressed with the spacious facility and interested to learn about the work that they are doing. Marketing Manager Brenda Bolles added that Remar, Inc. was recently named the U.S. distribution partner for Swisse Wellness, one of Australia’s most successful natural health brands for more than 40 years.

“With its entry into the U.S., the company is truly going global. Remar shipped 15 of the most popular Swisse Wellness products to Walgreens stores across the country in February. Swisse products are expected to be available in other prominent retail and drug stores beginning in April,” a company statement explained. “Remar was chosen as the U.S. distribution partner for Swisse Wellness because of its expertise in product fulfillment, its central location within the U.S., its ability to provide innovative and problem-solving solutions, and its staff of knowledgeable professionals.”

Black looked over the multiple types of vitamins – but jokingly said that she did not need any extra energy boosters. “My kids would tell you, ‘Mom doesn’t need that.’ I have too much energy,” she said.

Grand Ole Opry star and Wilson County resident Charlie Daniels is recovering after having a pacemaker implanted on Thursday, March 28, at a Nashville area hospital.

During a visit to the doctor on Monday, March 25, Daniels was diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia and admitted to the hospital for a series of routine tests. The tests revealed that a pacemaker was needed to regulate his heart rate.

He plans to be released from the hospital on Friday, March 29. The family asks for your thoughts and prayers for him as he recovers. He will spend the next two weeks at his home.

Daniels recently celebrated five years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, where he is a regular performer.

“I just had not been feeling well and wanted to get checked out,” Daniels said. “I am thankful the doctors found the problem and were able to implant a pacemaker to get my heart rate regulated. I am feeling so much better and looking forward to spending Easter with my family.”

Daniels’s performance at MTSU’s Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, as part of the World Outreach Church Easter service, has been cancelled.

Two CDB concert dates, Englewood, N.J., on April 5; and Newark, Ohio, on April 6, have been cancelled and will be re-scheduled. Daniels will resume his touring schedule with an appearance in Lynchburg, Va., on April 11 and continue his tour schedule with the following dates, all in April: Verona, N.Y.; Chester, W.Va.; Opry, April 18; Vidalia, Ga.; Wilkesboro, N.C.; Florence, S.C.; Priceville, Ala.; and Indio, Calif.

For more info on The Charlie Daniels Band tour dates, go to www.charliedaniels.com.

Wilson County Chevrolet Buick GMC (Wilson County Motors) will have Grand Opening Celebration events to mark the dealership’s move into a new facility on Friday and Saturday, March 29-30, at 903 South Hartmann Drive, Lebanon.

The two-day event features music and entertainment and is open to the community. As part of this celebration, they are giving away a brand new 2013 Chevrolet Cruze at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 4. Registration is now through May 3 at the dealership. Visit the new site or log onto www.WilsonCountyMotors.com for more information and how to register.

General Manager and Partner Mitchel Bone said, “Every aspect of this new facility was designed with our guests in mind. There is simply not another dealership that that I know of that compares to this one. We have tried to think of everything to make our guests’ experience unparalleled at any dealership or service facility around.”

The new location features the latest technology, relaxing comforts, friendly staff and 9.5 acres of inventory.

“Our new home is great, but our team is what truly sets us apart. We are thankful to have some of the best men and women here to assist our guests with all their transportation needs,” said Paine Bone, general manager and partner. “Several of our family members have been with us for decades.”

Since the beginning in 1927, Wilson County Motors focused on delivering a level of service a step above the rest, and as a result of these efforts, this family-owned business has received both Tennessee and National American Business Ethics Awards. 

For more information, contact Mitchel Bone at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 444-9642.

Cumberland University is preparing excitedly for its 2013 Patrons’ Party.

Promising a night of summer fun and festivities to precede Cumberland’s Phoenix Ball, the Patrons’ Party will be held at the home of Dr. Scott and Mrs. Jean Ellen Baker at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 30.

Longtime Wilson County residents, the Bakers are highly involved in the community and strong supporters of Cumberland University and the Phoenix Ball. Dr. Baker is a Lebanon-based physician specializing in surgical medicine and rehabilitation and a former chief of staff at University Medical Center. Mrs. Baker is a former adjunct professor and has taught pharmacology at Cumberland.

Both are excited and honored to host this year’s pre-Phoenix Ball activities.

“Cumberland University provides a vital path to greater prosperity in the Wilson County community, and we’re proud to be a part of that through hosting the Patrons’ Party,” Dr. Baker said.

A summer-themed poolside gathering, the Patrons’ Party will feature live music, a selection of food and an opportunity to mingle at the Bakers’ home. A casual outdoor soiree, the event will call for summer suit and summer dress attire.

“We’re going to have a fun, relaxed evening celebrating summer, Tennessee, and Cumberland,” Mrs. Baker said. “We might even play some games. It’s going to be a surprise.”

Guests will also be able to take part in fun photo opportunities with a professional photographer, continuing the tradition of last year’s Patrons’ Party, which was hosted by Dr. Aaron and Mrs. Mandy Pryor.

“We want to open our home to the community and Cumberland because we think that the university enriches this community beyond words,” Mrs. Baker said. “Come meet with us, mingle with some old and new friends, and have a great time.”

The Patrons' Party on May 30 will serve as a prelude to the 30th annual Phoenix Ball scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on June 1. A premier charity event, the Phoenix Ball is a spring gala attended by hundreds of prominent Middle Tennesseans.

Tickets to the Patrons’ Party are $125 per person. Proceeds from the Patrons’ Party and the Phoenix Ball benefit scholarship programs aiding deserving students at Cumberland University.

For immediate assistance with ticket or sponsorship information for both events, visit the Phoenix Ball website at www.phoenixball.com or contact the Office of Advancement at 547-1269.

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Governmental Relations Divisions invite the public to the State of the County Address by County Mayor Randall Hutto, 11:30 a.m., April 3 at the Lebanon Golf and Country Club.

The address will consist of a wide range of topics about Wilson County including new developments and future growth of the county.Tickets are $15 per person and must have a reservation.

For more information or tickets contact the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce at 615.444.5503.