July 16, 2024
Graves County Economic Development (GCED) hosted its annual Skybox Partners Luncheon last Thursday to provide contributors with updates about economic development successes and upcoming plans. There were 74 attendees at the event.
Graves County Commissioner Tyler Goodman spoke on recent developments in Mayfield and Graves County, thanking the attendees for their support of GCED. "We're seeing many wins in our community, with the attraction of Osmundson, the Remote Worker Program, multiple business expansions, and more. Our local economy is ready for further growth and new opportunities for jobs and investment. Your partnership with GCED goes a long way to helping our community grow and prosper by making all these successes possible. We're glad to see you all here, thank you for your contribution to economic development."
Mayor Kathy O'Nan spoke of her appreciation for GCED and the partnership that helps grow business and industry throughout Mayfield and the community. "It's truly wonderful to see all these businesses and leaders attending this event supporting the efforts of our local economic development team as they seek to rebuild our community brick by brick with us. The opportunities and wins that will be highlighted today showcase the tremendous power of community collaboration and leadership throughout Mayfield. Thank you all for attending this event, and we look forward to your continued support for economic development."
GCED President Jason Lemle presented on GCED's activities, first providing an economic development update for the past year's successes. These included the award of $890,670 from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative for the construction of a 150,000 square foot speculative building, a recent partnership with the Area Technology Center (ATC) for the purchase of a CNC mill made possible by the TVA Workforce Invest grant, and over $10 million invested and over 50 new jobs from business expansions.
Lemle then spoke about plans for the upcoming year, including $3.2 million in grant funding for the Hickory Industrial Park expansion, case studies to highlight the successes of Graves County's industry and the benefits of doing business here, the upcoming Makerspace community project, and the Community Connections program in partnership with the ATC, Graves County Schools, and Mayfield Independent Schools. Community Connections will bring industry into schools and connect with juniors to help them learn about opportunities in the community and set up shadowing and internship relationships.
GCED Board Chairman Brad Dame made closing remarks recognizing the impact that the Skybox Partners have on economic development activities and encouraging attendees to work with the GCED team and board of directors.
"Everything that Jason presented is made possible through your support of GCED. Take pride in knowing that you all were part of each of these wins and opportunities. If you haven't worked with the GCED team yet, reach out to them. They can provide you with data and information that drives the decisions we make in business. The GCED board of directors is here to support economic development as well. If you have an idea, reach out to your directors."
We are so thankful for the continued support of our Skybox Partners that make all our economic development activities possible.
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. There are 44 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.
West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation has donated $15,000 to Graves County Economic Development to support its recruiting and marketing mission, continuing a partnership aimed at bringing quality employers and better job opportunities to Graves County.
