The Graves County Economic Development Update | | 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. | | Past Months' Announcements | | |
Students Visit Local Businesses
GCED Local high school students recently visited several local businesses to get a first-hand look at the transition from education into a career as part of the Community Connections career program coordinated by GCED.
The eye-opening two-day program took groups of students into various businesses to talk with owners, managers and staff, all to help students see themselves in similar careers using the skills they are learning right now.
The first day saw students from Graves County High School with career pathways in Business with an E-Commerce Concentration and Business with a Management/Entrepreneurship Concentration visiting the following:
- Awardmasters, Inc.
- Barger Realty
- Graves County Health Department
- Greer Neon Company, Inc.
- Majestic Pizza & Steakhouse
- Power Truss
On day two, students from Mayfield High School whose career pathways include Business Entrepreneurship and Family and Consumer Science visited these local businesses:
- Awardmasters, Inc.
- Barger Realty
- Graves County Health Department
- Greer Neon Company, Inc.
- Jonah Brown Boutique/Gibson’s Pharmacy
- Majestic Pizza & Steakhouse
- Mother Goose Academy
Special thanks to Power Truss for sponsoring lunch for students on both days of the program.
Watch for upcoming Community Connections reports on student visits featuring engineering, information technology, and electricity.
| | |
Local Business Leaders Update for the City/County at
Plant Manager's Roundtable Breakfast
On February 26, local business leaders enjoyed breakfast with a side of information about the City of Mayfield and Graves County at the latest Plant Manager’s Roundtable breakfast, hosted by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
The meetings, held quarterly, are an easy way for business leaders to network and stay ahead of local business-related programs and projects. The February Roundtable offered an overview of city and county projects, as well as updates from the Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce and a briefing on a new public-private housing project.
Speakers included Graves County Commissioner Tyler Goodman, Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie Beth McCord and Principal Realtor Tommy Waldrop, Trifecta Real Estate.
| | |
West Kentucky Thank You Night Reception
Graves County Economic Development staff joined local leaders at the West Kentucky Thank You Night Reception on February 13 in Frankfort.
The purpose of the annual event is to express appreciation to the administration and House and Senate members for their past, present and future support for West Kentucky’s projects and programs and to spotlight our region. Guests included members of the General Assembly, Cabinet officials and other dignitaries.
GCED President Jason Lemle met with newly-elected District 2 State Rep. Kim Holloway, and with other leaders at Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Kentucky Product Development Initiative. Both agencies provide vital support for local economic development initiatives.
| | |
GCED Skybox Partnership Celebration
GCED held its annual Skybox Partners Celebration on February 27 to recognize the investors whose generous contributions to GCED make it possible for us to continue bringing jobs and investments that enhance the quality of life in Mayfield and Graves County.
A continuous slideshow featuring GCED achievements played in the background while the 106 guests representing GCED’s Skybox Partners networked and enjoyed delicious food and drink.
Brief opening remarks were made by West Kentucky Rural Electric Communications Coordinator Jodie Hansen, Mayfield Mayor Kathy O'Nan, and Graves County Commissioner Tyler Goodman.
| | |
Community Connections
In spite of some schedule changes due to winter weather, Community Connections continued with its program of taking students out of the classroom and into the real world of business.
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.
The goal is to introduce students to business and industry opportunities in Mayfield and Graves County and help them to forge relationships with businesses that can translate to future career prospects.
| |
|
Power in Partnership
The Power in Partnership program continued to be active in recent weeks. Power in Partnership is a joint effort between GCED and the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) that brings a wide range of professionals to the classroom to share their expertise and help students forge a path to career success.
| |
|
Accounting Students Explore Careers in Banking
First Kentucky Bank’s Brad Dame recently gave local students a behind-the-scenes look at how the accounting skills they are learning can help them succeed in banking. Dame, Purchase Region Market Executive for Commercial Lending, said he enjoyed sharing with students about the diverse opportunities available in the banking industry. “Investing in the future workforce is something we’re passionate about and we appreciate the chance to connect with these bright students and partner with the community,” he added.
| |
|
Advanced Electricity Students Learn From Local Contractors
Two successful electrical contractors recently met with advanced electricity students at the ATC to share their expertise and offer career advice.
Rory Brewer, owner of J. Brewer Electric and Triple J Management & Consulting, and Chris Grooms, President, Rick’s Electric, are both highly skilled artisans and successful entrepreneurs who helped the students create a vision for their own success.
Brewer told students that interest in the trades is on the rise and projections call for the U.S. to add 80,000 electricians a year until 2035 in order to meet demand. “These jobs put food on tables and clothes on backs.”
Grooms said it was a privilege to speak with the students and urged others to do the same. “Electrical industry leaders should take every opportunity to encourage and educate these students who will be the future of our trade.”
| |
|
Youngblood Applauds Value of Vocational Education
Youngblood Excavating & Contracting, LLC (YEC) staffers Brandon Henderson and Todd Jackson recently spoke to the introductory-level welding class at the Mayfield/Graves County ATC and emphasized the future job opportunities that learning skilled trades can provide.
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with all our local trade programs,” said YEC President Brad Youngblood. “They are special to me, as I am a product of these very same programs. In my opinion, we all should invest our time, support and resources in the ATC and similar vocational programs as they are the most valuable path to better our community.”
| |
|
HempWood Founder Shares Unique Perspective with ATC Students
Greg Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Murray-based HempWood, recently shared his unique perspective as a successful entrepreneur, inventor, and cutting-edge developer of earth-friendly, alternative construction materials with students in the upper-level carpentry class at the Mayfield/Graves County ATC.
"We're proud to support students in their ambition to learn technical skills to build careers and businesses in Kentucky and beyond," said Wilson. HempWood is an eco-friendly flooring alternative.
Wilson shared stories of his journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of increasing your value by finding a niche, and how his company works to continue minimizing its carbon footprint.
| |
|
Thanks to the following companies who have devoted time and resources to support ATC students in the 2025 semester:
• First Kentucky Bank
• HempWood
• J. Brewer Electric
• Jackson Purchase Medical Center
• Mid-America Machine, Inc.
• Power Truss
• Rick’s Electric
• Youngblood Excavating Company
| | |
KAED Collaboration Conference
The spring Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) Collaboration Conference will be held in Paducah this year for the first time. The Kentucky Association for Economic Development is the Commonwealth’s premier professional development provider, a meaningful partner in Kentucky’s economic development, an advocate for ethics in the profession, and the voice of practitioners for state and federal governmental affairs.
As a neighboring county we have been provided the opportunity to include images and information about existing industry in our area and highlight pictures of products they produce.
| | |
Seminar for Success
“AI for Small Business, Real Solutions for Real Businesses” is the title of the next Seminar for Success hosted by the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce on April 2. The seminar is presented by DevSource Technology Solutions. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
Women in Business Luncheon
The Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Women in Business Luncheon on April 29. The keynote speaker is Comedienne Lauren Lucille. Tickets are on sale now.
Please visit the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for additional upcoming community events.
| | | | | |
