August Plant Manager's Roundtable Breakfast Features Local Non-profits

Local business leaders attending Graves County Economic Development’s (GCED) August Plant Managers Roundtable Breakfast learned about three local non-profits that are helping improve the quality of life for the community.

“Experts agree that community service benefits business,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “From enhancing your brand, attracting and retaining talent, boosting employee morale, developing leadership skills, and fostering stronger local relationships, community service is good for business and makes our community stronger.”

Representatives with CASA of Graves County, Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet, and United Way of Western Kentucky spoke to attendees about the various services they provide and the ways they partner with local businesses through employee volunteer opportunities and fundraising.

CASA’s Kelly Cox, Volunteer Coordinator, and Nicole Kaletch, Board Member, explained that the mission of court appointed special advocates is to provide trained community volunteers to advocate on behalf of dependent, abused, and neglected children in our communities. Learn more about CASA’s role here.

“For many abused and neglected children, having a caring, consistent adult to listen and put the child’s best interests first can make all the difference,” said Cox. “CASA volunteers are there to change lives at the most challenging time in a child’s life.”

“Happy Feet” is a Kentucky-based non-profit working to remove one of the stumbling blocks to optimum school performance by providing new shoes to students identified as being in need by their Family Resource Youth Service Center Coordinator.

Amanda Rorer, Marketing Officer, First Kentucky Bank, coordinates the local program and shared details with Roundtable guests. “Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet is a nonprofit that provides quality footwear to underprivileged students in the Mayfield and Graves County school systems, helping remove barriers in the classroom— and with a donation of just $35 a pair, you can make a lasting difference in a child’s life while bringing a smile to their face,” said Rorer.

United Way of Western Kentucky Board Member Georgann Lookofsky talked about United Way’s role of raising and distributing funds to “partner agencies” across Western Kentucky. In Graves County, United Way helps fund the “backpack” supplemental food programs for students in Graves and Mayfield schools and services provided by the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center, Red Cross – Western Kentucky Chapter, Lifeline Recovery Center, Kentucky Legal Aid, CASA of Western Kentucky, and the “Fostering Potential” program at Camp Graves.

Mayfield’s Progress Rail is a loyal United Way supporter and Lookofsky asked Director of Operations Chris Jackson to discuss the Progress Rail employee campaign with the guests. He explained they have seen substantial growth after adding several fun activities for employees including an onsite breakfast, dunking booth and a cornhole tournament. Employees pay to participate, and all proceeds go to United Way. They offer payroll deduction and one-time donation options.

Last year, the Progress Rail United Way campaign raised more than $22,000. Progress Rail also participates in Project United, an annual day of service to benefit local organizations. They recently completed projects at Graves County Central Elementary and at New Beginnings for Women and Children. 

“United Way has a long history of good work in Western Kentucky,” explained Lookofsky. “We’re excited to be back in Graves County to support local non-profits, help identify community needs and work to identify solutions. Thanks to GCED for the opportunity to share our mission with these leaders.”

GCED will hold the next Plant Manager’s Roundtable in October. 

About Graves County Economic Development

Launched in 1981, Graves County Economic Development has become the driving force behind business expansion and development opportunities in the community. GCED continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to Graves County. We strive to make our community a better place to work, live and raise a family.