On Nov. 10, 2022 the Graves County Economic Development held its annual Targeted Business and Industry Dinner to thank and award local business and industry leaders for their work and dedication to economic development in Graves County.
FNB Bank was the title sponsor for the dinner.
“We need to get all the businesses back downtown,” FNB Bank President Sally Hopkins said. “Let us help you. We have to look forward to what Mayfield can be.” Hopkins announced FNB Bank will be returning to the downtown area in late 2023 with both its main branch and operations center.
After opening remarks were given by GCED President Jason Lemle and GCED Board Chairman Brad Dame, the awards presentation began.
The Community Impact Award was presented by Lemle and awarded to the City of Mayfield and Graves County Fiscal Court. The award was accepted by Graves County Commissioner Tyler Goodman and Mayfield City Councilman Barry McDonald. This award is meant for recognizing a business for its outstanding contributions and service to Mayfield, Graves County, and its community members.
“They were tested on a level they never experienced before,” Lemle said. “They rose from the rubble to save friends, family, and neighbors until everyone was accounted for.”
The Business Excellence Award was sponsored by CFSB and presented by Kane McCord and awarded to Pilgrims Pride. This award recognizes an industry for its commitment and progressive actions towards the betterment of its team members and community in which it operates.
The Builder of the Year Award was presented by Darvin Towery and Independence Bank and awarded to Roger Dillingham, Artisan Contractors. This award recognizes a contractor, developer, or builder for their impact on the local economy through the construction, design and planning that improves the business environment for new and existing companies.
Dillingham said Artisan Contractors will be in business for years to come.
The Perseverance Award was presented by Josh Tubbs of TVA’s Government Relations and Emily Jones from TVA’s Economic Development Group and given to Mayfield Machine and Tool, World Tower Company, Mayfield Consumer Products, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Hutson Inc. This award is given for recognizing a business or industry for its commitment to the community after the devastating events of December 10.
Mayfield Graves County Area Technology Center was also awarded a $5000 check from TVA to support its mission of training technical trade students in the area.
The Icon Award was presented by Georgann Lookofsky and sponsored by West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative and awarded to the Dairyman’s Supply Company for recognizing an industry for its community support and achievements through generational ownership in Mayfield and Graves County.
“The company that will receive our Icon Award tonight is truly an institution here in Graves County. Its reputation is stellar. It sets the bar for outstanding customer service and commitment for excellence. It remains family owned and operated even as annual sales approach three-quarters of a $1 billion,” said Lookofsky.
Dairyman’s Supply Company has been in business since 1925 and has added multiple product lines over the past 97 years. It is now led by fifth generation family members.
President Greg Cook accepted the award on behalf of DSC. “Outside of our industry we kind of fly under the radar. We’re not in the retail space. We don’t deal with the public on a daily basis. We kind of do our own thing down there on 45 South,” said Cook.
“The GCED and other entities that go by different names over the last 97 years, the greatest gift that economic development has done for Mayfield, for Dairyman’s, is the people that work for Dairyman’s Supply Company. We have 19 people just here in Mayfield that have been employed with our business for 25 years or longer. They are all Mayfield or Graves County natives,” he said.
“We plan on being here many, many more years. We thank you very much,” said Cook.