Graves County Economic Development traveled to Frankfort to advocate for the continued growth and momentum of both Mayfield and Graves County. These visits are an important part of ensuring our community remains connected at the state level and positioned for future opportunity.
While in Frankfort, the team attended West Kentucky Thank You Night — an annual gathering that brings together state leaders and Western Kentucky communities to express appreciation for ongoing partnership, support, and investment across the region. Events like this reinforce the strong collaboration that fuels economic progress in our part of the Commonwealth.
President Jason Lemle met with Terri Bradshaw, President of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development. KAED leads the Kentucky Product Development Initiative; a statewide grant program focused on site development and readiness. Graves County Economic Development has been honored to receive this competitive funding three times in the past four years — a testament to the strength of our local partnerships and preparation efforts. In addition to leading this initiative, KAED also serves as a strong advocate for economic development agencies across the Commonwealth, championing legislative priorities and advancing policies that support growth, competitiveness, and community development throughout Kentucky.
The team also visited with Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Deputy Commissioner Andy Luttner, along with Senior Project Managers Ashley Chilton and Brittany Cox. The Cabinet serves as the Commonwealth’s lead site selection organization, working to recruit new business and industry to Kentucky and support expansion of existing employers.
Additional meetings included time with the Kentucky Department for Local Government. The Kentucky Department for Local Government(DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities. They also facilitate CDBG grant programs that directly benefit Graves County and partners across the Commonwealth.
GCED also attended the Kentucky Association of Counties reception alongside Graves County Commissioners Bubba Winfrey and Todd Hayden, as well as PVA leadership Lee Martin — continuing important conversations about collaboration at every level of government.
Trips like this strengthen relationships, align priorities, and ensure Graves County remains proactive in pursuing opportunities that support job creation, infrastructure development, and long-term economic vitality.