September 29, 2026
Local high school students considering careers in business and marketing left their classrooms and ventured out into the business world on Sept. 17 to meet with professionals in those fields and take part in various hands-on activities as part of the Community Connections program, coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
The 30 students visited MRCOOL, FNB Bank, the Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce, and Mayfield-Graves County Tourism. FNB also sponsored lunch, where staff from Froggy 103.7/Forever Communications shared information with the group. Each business provided staff members who explained what their organization does, how they contribute, their specific job responsibilities, and the education and experience needed to qualify for their current roles.
GCED partners with Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools, the City of Mayfield, the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the West Kentucky Workforce Board to offer the program that helps students learn more about local career opportunities and build relationships that could pave the way for future internships, job shadowing, and other employment experiences.
"It was a great way to kick off our new year of Community Connections," said Eric Walker, community education director for both Mayfield and Graves County schools. "The marketing field was well represented throughout the day. MRCOOL has a huge team that involves writers, videographers, graphic designers, testers, salespeople, and others that market their products all over the country and around the world. So, for our students to hear from these professionals and learn about the work they do really started the day off on a high note."
"Every stage of the Community Connections trip offered a unique view of the field," Walker added. "From FNB's activity that challenged students to find the best ways to market their services to different demographics, Forever Communications selling radio and digital advertising in a fast-changing media industry, to our chamber of commerce and tourism commission marketing our community to businesses and travelers. Across the board, the message was clear: In today's world, marketing touches everything we see, hear and do."
Bonnie Clymer, Chief Marketing Officer, MRCOOL®, said their marketing team was energized by the opportunity to share information and career experiences with the students during the Community Connections event. "It reminded us why this work matters beyond the metrics."
"The students asked great questions, and they challenged us to explain what we do in real terms," she added. "That's exactly the kind of thinking this industry needs. Programs like this give us a chance to show the next generation that a career in marketing isn't something you have to leave home to find. It's right here."
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hickory, Kentucky, MRCOOL is an innovator in the HVAC industry, dedicated to revolutionizing home climate control through its "Comfort Made Simple" philosophy. As the creator of the only true MRCOOL DIY® ductless heating and cooling system, MRCOOL leads the market by removing obstacles for homeowners and changing what's possible in HVAC. MRCOOL is a licensee of JOI Holding LLC.
MRCOOL's team spans engineering, customer support, operations, marketing, and executive leadership, all working toward the same goal. They make comfort simple for homeowners.
After leaving MRCOOL, the group headed to FNB in downtown Mayfield where Brooke Wiles, VP and Chief Marketing Officer, had arranged a fun and informative program.
"Community Connections gives us a great opportunity to show students what careers in banking and marketing can look like right here in their own community," said Wiles. "We enjoyed sharing some of the financial fundamentals behind what we do at FNB, as well as giving students a behind-the-scenes look at how our Marketing Team takes an idea from strategy to execution."
"The highlight for us was watching the students put that knowledge into action by developing and presenting their own marketing campaigns," Wiles added. "They brought creativity, thoughtful strategy, and great ideas to the table. We're proud to partner with Community Connections on a program that connects local students with real-world career experiences and introduces them to opportunities available right here at home."
FNB Bank, founded in 1875, is one of the oldest banks in the state of Kentucky with assets exceeding $740 million. FNB ranks among the highest in the nation in safety and soundness and has earned three consecutive 'Outstanding' ratings for the Community Reinvestment Act by the FDIC. FNB is a five-time 'Best Places to Work in Kentucky' Small Business Category Award Winner. The bank currently has ten locations in Graves, McCracken, Calloway, Trigg, and Marshall County. FNB is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.
During lunch, Froggy 103.7/Forever Communications gave students a firsthand look at the exciting world of radio marketing and advertising. Julie Nelson, aka Jessica Rabbit, Marketing Consultant and On-Air Talent, said, "Our goal was to show these students that a career in marketing is much more than just selling. It's about creativity, communication, building relationships, understanding people, and helping businesses grow. We helped them realize they are already marketers with what they decide to wear, convincing friends to go somewhere to eat, or what movie to see. We also encouraged them to explore the many career opportunities available in marketing, and to see how their own talents and interests can become part of a rewarding career."
Froggy 103.7 and Forever Communications are part of the radio, advertising, and digital marketing industry. The company helps businesses and organizations reach customers through radio advertising, digital advertising, social media, websites, and other marketing services. Careers within the company include broadcasting, sales, marketing, graphic design, social media, content creation, technology, and business operations.
The group finished their day learning about the Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce and Mayfield-Graves County Tourism, two agencies devoted to supporting the local economy.
"This was a great opportunity to show students what the Chamber does and how we support, connect, and advocate for our local business community," said Katie Beth McCord, the Chamber's Executive Director. "We want students to understand the role businesses play in our community and the many opportunities available to them right here in Mayfield and Graves County."
The Chamber supports businesses and helps strengthen the Mayfield-Graves County business community. The Chamber works with local businesses through networking, events, marketing, education, advocacy, and business development programs. Its work includes event planning, marketing and communications, membership services, community outreach, and business support.
Mayfield-Graves County Tourism promotes Mayfield and Graves County as a place to visit, stay, shop, eat, and explore. The organization helps promote local attractions, restaurants, shops, events, outdoor activities, history, and other experiences throughout the community. Its work includes marketing, social media, graphic design, event promotion, visitor services, website management, community partnerships, and tourism development.
"Thank you to each of the businesses and organizations who helped make Community Connection's business and marketing visits such a great success," said GCED President Jason Lemle. "Each of these businesses took the time to carefully prepare and to interact thoughtfully with the students. The activities they planned sparked ideas and helped students see themselves in these roles. I'm excited about the capable workforce we're building together and look forward to the many contributions these kids will make as they step up to lead our local business and industry in the future."
Community Connections visits continue throughout the school year.
