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Mayfield, Kentucky - Today, Graves County Economic Development (GCED) announced that it was awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in training and education. “Graves County Economic Development is grateful to TVA for this commitment to workforce skills training for students in Graves County,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “A well-trained young workforce is necessary to help existing businesses grow and is key to attracting new prospects. The Workforce Invest Grant will supercharge our existing efforts to give students the skills necessary to thrive in today’s economy.” In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), along with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development needs. GCED’s Workforce Invest Grant will fund the purchase of new training equipment for the Community Connections Program, which links high school students with local career options through active partnerships with local employers. Students are exposed to a wide range of specialties by interacting with 45 different businesses and industries. Learning is both virtual and through hands-on participation in internships, job shadowing, and mentorship. Community Connections is coordinated by GCED and supported by Graves County Schools, Mayfield Independent Schools, the Mayfield/Graves Area Technology Center (ATC), the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, and the West Kentucky Workforce Board. “GCED is especially grateful to all the local businesses who share their time and expertise to provide learning opportunities for our students,” said Lemle. "Our schools are where our workforce develops. With these tools, the opportunities for learning and growing skills really takes off. It absolutely provides the right steps to set our students on a path for success," said Eric Walker, Community Education Director, Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools. "We want to thank Jason Lemle and Graves County Economic Development for continuing to boost opportunities for our students and TVA for recognizing that our students are the future of this area,” said Josh Heisner, Principal, Mayfield/Graves ATC. “This grant makes it possible for the ATC to purchase equipment that will allow our students to learn new skills which, in turn, will make them more marketable to employers. We are very excited to put these funds to work for our students." The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified workforce to meet current and future market demands. “TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also fulfilling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for TVA. “Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors. Over the last four years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 40 communities with a combined investment of $6 million.
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About TVA The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse and cleanest energy systems – which includes nuclear, hydro, solar, gas and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future. About VisionFirst Advisors VisionFirst Advisors has established itself as a go-to firm in the economic development consulting field with a variety of clients from 40+ states and six Fortune 500 companies. With a customer-driven approach, our team acts seamlessly as an extension of our client’s team to develop strategy, solve problems and deliver results while mitigating risks and barriers. We know that no two projects are the same and our approach is tailored to each of our clients. Learn more at visionfirstadvisors.com. About Graves County Economic Development Founded in 1981, Graves County Economic Development has become the driving force behind business expansion and development opportunities in Graves County. GCED 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.
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