GCED Hosts 2026 Skybox Partners Luncheon

June 30, 2026 -

More than 90 supporters gathered in Mayfield on June 25 for Graves County Economic Development's (GCED) Skybox Partners Luncheon, an annual event that recognizes GCED contributors, celebrates the past year's accomplishments, and shares a vision for the year ahead.

"We are grateful to our investors, partners, elected officials, and community leaders for your continued support and commitment to the future of Graves County," said GCED President Jason Lemle. "Your investment makes it possible for us to support local businesses, pursue new opportunities, and strengthen our community."

Graves County Commissioner Tyler Goodman and Mayfield City Council Member Jodie Hansen welcomed guests and shared their insights on the value of economic development.

"Nothing in life worth doing is easy," said Goodman. "Progress won't come without obstacles, but it will come. That's why it's important for Graves County to support GCED -- to help us keep moving past those obstacles."

"We are seeing momentum across our city," said Hansen. "These major investments represent more than buildings, they represent confidence in Mayfield's future. As we restore functions lost in 2021, we are creating a strong foundation for economic growth."

"The city's partnership with GCED plays a vital role as we move toward a future defined by resilience, investment, opportunity, and optimism," she added.

The luncheon's keynote speaker was Keanu Murphy, a partner in Mayfield-based Trifecta Real Estate and a member of the GCED Board of Directors. Murphy shared insights from his research demonstrating that retail development and housing are vital next steps for Graves County's continuing success and that quality of life investments are key.

"Over the past four years, we have brought new manufacturing jobs to Graves County and we are ready to continue that focus with our investments in infrastructure, facilities, and workforce readiness," said Murphy. "But we are falling behind our neighbors in adding new families and giving up critical dollars to restaurants and shops in McCracken and Calloway counties."

He explained that those issues are interconnected. "We are not building new homes at comparable rates and we don't have the available housing stock to attract homebuyers. Those negative numbers on growth and economic impact make us less attractive to franchises and retail developers," said Murphy. "That's a cycle we need to break."

Murphy also discussed the role of parks, walking trails, sports facilities, local theater, and outdoor sports like hunting and fishing. "Data show that these are very important, both to the people who live here now and to attract new residents," he explained. "We need to be investing in these things and putting incentives out to encourage others to join us in those investments."

Lemle brought the program to a close with an overview of GCED highlights from the past year and plan for the year ahead.

Highlights include:

• Completion of a 150,000-square-foot spec building made possible by an $890,670 investment from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI), and a public/private partnership with Waldrop and Waldrop LLC (largest spec building project ever accomplished in Graves County);
• Securing a $2 million grant from KPDI to construct two additional 60,000-square-foot spec buildings on a property off Key Bottom Road in partnership with Youngblood Excavating & Contracting Company;
• Completion of a brand new 500,000-square-foot, pre-graded building site;
• Continuing success with GCED's student workforce development programs Power in Partnership and Community Connections that build relationships among students and employers and help students find a path to local career success;
• Hosting the County's first Internship Fair to help high school juniors connect with employment opportunities;
• GCED released three new videos highlighting workforce development programs;

Lemle announced the following plans for the year ahead:

• Completion of new highway access to the Hickory Industrial Park with work set to begin in July;
• Construction of the two new spec buildings off Key Bottom Road;
• Development of a 120-home community and related infrastructure on the Holland Property along U.S. Highway 45, in partnership with the City of Mayfield, Graves County, WK&T and various private developers;
• Development of an outdoor recreational area adjacent to the Downtown Farmers Market and SkillRise270, in partnership with the Mayfield Kentucky industrial Development Authority;
• Introduction of a new, updated GCED website;
• Continuation of social media marketing with Lamb Film Company;
• Production of five new marketing videos;

"This is an ambitious set of goals for GCED and its supporters," said Lemle. "But we firmly believe this is the time for big steps. Projects underway in McCracken County are expected to drive significant growth and, with these investments, Graves County we will be in a prime position to offer attractive, affordable alternatives for the companies that come to the area to support those projects and to the new families they bring as well."

This is GCED's fourth KPDI grant since the program was funded in 2022. Previous grants were used to develop and expand the Hickory Industrial Park.

About Graves County Economic Development

Graves County Economic Development began in 1981, becoming the driving force behind expansion and development opportunities in the community. It continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to grow in Graves County. Forty-four industrial businesses in Graves County employ more than 2,700 people in the community.