Welcome to ON TARGET, Graves County Economic Development's (GCED) bi-monthly newsletter. Here you can learn economic development updates, projects, and upcoming events. In this edition of ON TARGET we'll discuss recent events, project updates, and what we're looking forward to in the future.

March

Celebrating Agriculture’s Leading Role in the

Local Economy on National Ag Day

With more than a quarter-million acres producing a half billion dollars in annual revenue, agriculture is the economic backbone of Graves County and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) was proud to celebrate the important contributions of local farms and farm families on National Ag Day on March 24.

“Celebrating 250 years of progress in agriculture,” was the theme for the annual event recognizing the contributions of agriculture in our everyday lives.

Graves County routinely ranks at or near the top in statewide crop production. According to Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Kentucky Agriculture Facts 2025, Graves ranked first in poultry production, second in pork production, second in corn production, and fourth in soybean production.

Power in Partnership is a student-focused program fostered by the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) and GCED that brings a wide range of professionals to the ATC classrooms to share their expertise and offer career advice.

ATC’s Welding Students Learn About

Career Opportunities in Rail and River

According to projections from the American Welding Society, the industry needs approximately 330,000 new welding professionals in the next two years. Demand for welders is high in Western Kentucky as well, driven by growth in regional manufacturing, the transportation industry, and new infrastructure projects.

With that in mind, GCED and the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) are focused on connecting students with those opportunities through the Power in Partnership program, which links skilled professionals and employers with students to expand their understanding of the opportunities available, share expertise, and offer career advice.



Power in Partnership coordinated a field trip for the ATC’s advanced welding students on March 6 that included visits to Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc. (PAL), and James Marine, Inc., two of the largest welding employers in the region. Students met with staff at each location and toured the facilities to gain a better understanding of the role that welders play in keeping railroad and river transportation companies moving.

ATC Students Learn how Technology Merges with

Manufacturing to Meet Modern Construction Needs

Power Truss Vice President Brad Power recently visited the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) to give advanced carpentry students a first-hand look at the role of digital design in truss manufacturing as part of the Power in Partnership program.

A locally-owned, multi-generational manufacturer of engineered wooden roof and floor truss support solutions for the residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural markets, Power Truss is a dedicated supporter of programs that expand opportunities for students pursuing vocational careers.

During the visit, Power walked the students through a classroom exercise in which they reviewed two sets of blueprints, one for a four-story hotel and the other for a four-story mixed-use commercial/apartment building.

Community Connections is an innovative workforce development program meant to help students learn about local career opportunities and build relationships that could lead to internships, job shadowing, and other professional development opportunities.

Community Connections is coordinated by GCED in partnership with Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools, the City of Mayfield, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the West Kentucky Workforce Board. Its goal is to help students learn about local career opportunities and build relationships that could lead to internships, job shadowing, and other opportunities.

Local Business Leaders Outline Paths to Career Success in Architecture and Real Estate

Careers in architecture and real estate offer strong earning potential, creative impact, and the ability to influence the community around us. Whether your interest lies in design, business, marketing, or project management, these career paths can provide access to successful and rewarding careers.

To help local students make that link, the Community Connections program recently hosted a field trip for local high school students interested in architecture and real estate that included construction site tours hosted by Riley Architect Services, and visits to Barger Realty and Trifecta Real Estate. 



“This trip allowed the students to, again, learn about these careers that exist in our own backyard, plus get a sneak peek at our newest fire station, which was really cool,” said Eric Walker, community education director for both Mayfield and Graves County schools.

Community Connections Delivers Hands-On

Experience for Students at Fort Campbell

Members of the Graves County High School Army JROTC program recently visited Fort Campbell as part of the Community Connections program, coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).

The U.S. Military offers many career options for students and participation in JROTC can set students on the right path with valuable training and experience and scholarships for those pursuing ROTC at the college level. Graves County’s JROTC program focuses on developing leadership, citizenship, and discipline, with roughly 100 students participating. The program is also open to students from Mayfield High School and Northside Baptist Christian School. Their competitive Raider team has achieved top national rankings.

"Thanks to the Community Connections Program, our students are gaining the exposure they need to navigate life after graduation,” said Allyssa Binkley, Secondary Instructional Supervisor for Graves County Schools. “After a meaningful and eye-opening trip to Fort Campbell, our JROTC cadets have a much clearer vision of the opportunities and career paths awaiting them.”

For any questions please call Jason at (270) 804 -1617 or send an email to jason@gravescountyed.com.