2025 Community Connections - Marketing, Accounting, and Finance

Community Connections Links Students with Careers in Marketing, Accounting, and Finance

Whether local students see themselves working as financial planners, bankers, in corporate finance or in support roles like marketing, Graves County Economic Development (GCED) and its partners are helping them connect with those careers right here at home through the Community Connections Program. 

The program recently brought together about 20 students from Graves County High School who have chosen a finance pathway to visit local financial institutions that brought to life the opportunities available for employment right here in our hometown.

Students visited CFSB, FNB Bank, Heartland Capital Investments, US Bank, and Wade Farm Financial Services. Discussions were widely ranged and included topics such as personal, business and agriculture loans, financial marketing, rent-to-own, and more.

“Thank you to each Community Connection partner that spent their day investing in our students,” said Katie Beth McCord, Executive Director, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, and one of the Community Connection partners. “We truly live in one of the best communities, committed to supporting the future of our children!”

Community Connections is a career development program coordinated by GCED. In addition to the Chamber, partners include Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools, the City of Mayfield, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the West Kentucky Workforce Board. The goal is to help students learn more about local career opportunities and build relationships that could lead to internships, job shadowing and other career opportunities.

These student visits also provide a special opportunity for area businesses to invest in their future workforce.

“I loved the opportunity to talk with students and share my journey and insights,” said Amy Flint, Business Development Officer, CFSB Graves County Banking Center. “It's truly a privilege. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about shaping the future, one conversation at a time, and inspiring the next generation to follow their passions and make a meaningful impact on the world.”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our morning with GCHS students who have an interest in the marketing, finance, and business realms,” said Brooke Wiles, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, FNB Bank Inc. “The students were engaged, eager to learn, and presented well-thought-out marketing projects for the bank. Our goal was to give students a real-life perspective of a day in the life of a local marketing department, and they knocked it out of the park. We’re proud to be a Community Connections presenter and are confident we spoke to future business leaders.” 

“We were delighted to accommodate the students for the Community Connections program,” said Liz Romain, Executive/HR Assistant, Heartland Capital Investments, LLC. “They were wonderful students. It is so very important to allow our younger generation to explore their options for a career. We enjoyed having them and would love to have the Graves County students visit again in the future.”

“Teaching high school students, the value of saving and investing is crucial in preparing them for financial independence,” said Steven Elder, US Bank. “Integrating real world examples makes the lessons more impactful. And, introducing students to careers in finance – such as financial advising, accounting and banking leadership – can spark interest in lucrative and rewarding professions.”

“We enjoyed sharing about the different professions in our office with the accounting, finance, and marketing students from Graves County High School,” said Paige Stroud & Brooke Gee-Lowry, Wade Farm Financial Services. “It was such a pleasure to have them in our office!”

“We are really excited about the Community Connections Program,” said Jason Lemle, GCED President. “We have so many outstanding students and we want them to think of Graves County first when it comes to their career. This program opens doors for students and employers and long-term, it will help make Graves County stronger and more prosperous. Special thanks to our business partners for being so generous with their time and resources.” 

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.