Community Connections partners with local businesses to help students discover career options.
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 Graves County Economic Development (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.
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 helping students learn about local career opportunities and building relationships that could lead to internships, job shadowing and other opportunities.
“We are grateful to all these local business leaders who are willing to invest their time and expertise to help our students succeed,” said Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie Beth McCord. “These partnerships will pay dividends for the local economy in the years ahead.”
The two-day program began on January 30, with students from Graves County High School whose career pathways are Business with an E-Commerce Concentration and Business with a Management/Entrepreneurship Concentration visited the following:
Awardmasters, Inc., where staff member Clarke Waldrop told students about the retail business, which offers awards and gifts with an emphasis on personalization. Students also saw how awards are built and how a laser is used to customize gifts and awards.
Barger Realty, where Real Estate Broker Justin Suiter talked with students about being a broker, how commissions work and the education/training required to earn a realtor’s license.
Graves County Health Department, where Director Riley Beth Willett discussed how the health department works with businesses and the services the Health Department provides for the community.
Greer Neon Company, Inc., where owner Keith Crouch discussed the wide array of businesses Greer services and the range of products they offer, from neon and vinyl signs to signs made from plastic/acrylic. The students also toured the vinyl cutting room and saw the various equipment used to manufacture signs.
Majestic Pizza & Steakhouse, where owner/manager PJ Georgiou discussed owning a restaurant, the business side of food service, how to price menu items, and more.
Power Truss, where owners Brad and Neal Powers demonstrated how their locally-owned company services the construction industry with trusses and other building components. Students toured the facility and learned about the company’s state-of-the-art design equipment.
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., where staff member Clarke Waldrop told students about the retail business, which offers awards and gifts with an emphasis on personalization. Students also saw how awards are built and how a laser is used to customize gifts and awards.
Barger Realty, where Real Estate Broker Justin Suiter talked with students about being a broker, how commissions work and the education/training required to earn a realtor’s license.
Graves County Health Department, where Director Riley Beth Willett discussed how the health department works with businesses and the services the Health Department provides for the community.
Greer Neon Company, Inc., where owner Keith Crouch discussed the wide array of businesses Greer services and the range of products they offer, from neon and vinyl signs to signs made from plastic/acrylic. The students also toured the vinyl cutting room and saw the various equipment used to manufacture signs.
Jonah Brown Boutique/Gibson’s Pharmacy, where owners Sam and Brittney Brown discussed owning a pharmacy and the business side of pharmacy management, including inventory. Brittney discussed how the boutique began, how it grew, the challenge of buying inventory months in advance, forecasting trends, etc.
Majestic Pizza & Steakhouse, where owner/manager PJ Georgiou discussed owning a restaurant, the business side of food service, how to price menu items, and more.
Mother Goose Academy, where owner/manager Amanda Jones gave students a tour of the facility, discussed the services they provide, and the challenges and rewards that come with the childcare industry.
Special thanks to Power Truss for sponsoring lunch for students on both days of the program.
About The Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce
The Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a thriving business community by educating, advocating, supporting, and convening on behalf of local businesses. As a proactive partner in economic growth and community development, the Chamber works to create opportunities for success and connect businesses with the resources they need. Through innovative programs and strong partnerships, we are committed to making Mayfield and Graves County a vibrant place to live, work, and do business.
About Graves County Economic Development
Graves County Economic Development began in 1981, becoming the driving force behind expansion and development opportunities in the community. It continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to grow in Graves County. There are 44 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.
