Legislators offered managers a look ahead at the 2026 Kentucky State Legislative Session and employment professionals shared recommendations for the most effective way to manage contract employees at the Plant Managers Roundtable Breakfast hosted by Graves County Economic Development on Dec. 16 in Mayfield.
Kentucky State Senator Jason Howell and Kentucky State Representative Kimberly Holloway both asked attendees for input. “Is there anything the legislature can do to address your workforce issues?” said Sen Howell.
Rep. Holloway noted that she welcomes feedback from her constituents and distributed a survey for roundtable participants to complete and return ahead of the session. “Most of the bills I filed last session were the direct result of issues raised by voters,” she said.
Sen. Howell said the legislature would be focusing on more work-ready issues in the session in hopes of addressing Kentucky’s shortfall in workforce participation when compared to federal averages. Rep. Holloway said she would also be focused on bills relating to the agriculture industry.
One attendee said Graves County lacks people with skilled trades experience for the compressor industry, especially machinists. “It’s a challenge to recruit kids into machining,” he explained. The manager said he is addressing the problem with an internal training program but noted that requires a significant investment with no promise of long-term return.
There was discussion of the pros and cons of “second-chance” programs to help felons return to the workforce and how the legislature might be able to support those programs. Attendees also discussed potential for internships/externships with job training programs offered by regional jails.
John Anderson, owner, Temps Plus, works with several local businesses to supply contract employees. He told the managers that the first two weeks with a contract employee are the most important and encouraged personal engagement from the direct supervisor and getting the new employee up to speed. “New employees quit the manager rather than the company,” Anderson said.
Jake Milam, Express Employment Professionals, echoed the emphasis on building a good relationship with contract employees, just as you would with permanent hires. He also urged managers to facilitate a good relationship with the staffing agency. “We need more information on what’s not working earlier,” said Milam. “Trust us to do our job.”
Anderson also warned attendees to be alert for fake resumes, fake employment inquiries, and resumes written by AI (artificial intelligence). These are becoming commonplace, with scammers seeking to establish access to a company by responding to employment postings.
“We appreciate Senator Howell, Representative Holloway, John Anderson and Jake Milam speaking at the breakfast today and sharing their knowledge and experience with our plant managers,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “These roundtables are a great way for these leaders to meet with a range of experts that can provide practical solutions to common issues and concerns.”
The next GCED Plant Managers Roundtable Breakfast will be held in February 2026.