News

GCED marked its Skybox Partners Luncheon with a $2 million KPDI grant announcement, a review of the year's project highlights, and plans for new spec buildings, housing, and infrastructure across Graves County.

On National Ag Day 2026, Graves County Economic Development celebrates the outsized role of agriculture in the local economy, noting that the county's farms cover more than a quarter-million acres and generate approximately half a billion dollars in annual revenue.

The Hickory Industrial Park expansion is making significant progress, with a 500,000-square-foot pre-graded pad, a new connector road, and a sewer lift station completed, as the next phase prepares to extend water, gas, electric, and fiber services along Hickory Road.

At its annual Targeted Business & Industry Awards dinner, Graves County Economic Development recognized 15 companies for investments totaling more than $26 million and the addition of 132 new jobs and 70 contract positions in Mayfield and Graves County.

Graves County Economic Development, with support from the Tennessee Valley Authority, released a new video promoting the Hickory Industrial Park's latest $3.5 million expansion — a pre-graded, build-ready site with direct highway access just four miles from I-69.

At the 2025 Skybox Partners Luncheon, Graves County Economic Development reported a strong fiscal year highlighted by 50 new acres added to the Hickory Industrial Park, a new spec building, a completed makerspace, and 77 new jobs added to existing businesses.

At the August Plant Managers Roundtable, representatives from CASA of Graves County, Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet, and United Way of Western Kentucky spoke to local business leaders about how community service and nonprofit partnerships strengthen both businesses and the community.

The City of Mayfield, Graves County, and community partners gathered to celebrate the arrival of the first three participants in the MakeMyMove remote worker relocation program, which had attracted more than 400 applicants and generated over 150,000 impressions online.

The City of Mayfield and Graves County launched a pilot remote worker attraction program with MakeMyMove, offering incentives to bring five new remote-working households to a community still rebuilding after the devastating EF4 tornado of December 2021.

The Delta Regional Authority named 33 community leaders as fellows of the 2022 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy, including participants from Graves County, for a nine-month program focused on regional economic development challenges and solutions.

Graves County Economic Development introduced Jason Lemle as its new president, succeeding Ryan Drane after seven years of leadership. Lemle brings experience in business attraction, marketing, and workforce development from his prior role with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

GCED has received a $20,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation to support workforce development and business growth efforts across Graves County.

GCED's Plant Manager's Roundtable featured WKCTC Workforce Solutions director Ashley Burns, who outlined customized training programs already underway in Graves County — including employer-funded courses at Premier Candle and a welding program at the Graves County Jail. Premier Candle's HR Manager Wade Dinkins, initially skeptical, called the program flexible and highly specific to his company's needs.

GCED has been awarded a $2 million KPDI grant to construct two 60,000-square-foot speculative buildings in Mayfield's Grace Commercial Park in partnership with Youngblood Excavating & Contracting Company.

Graves County Economic Development welcomes Premier Candle US Corp., which acquired Mayfield Consumer Products on April 2, 2026, continuing the area's legacy in candle and home fragrance manufacturing.

Mayfield Consumer Products is investing $3.25 million to expand its Hickory Industrial Park production facility, adding a 63,000-square-foot warehouse and approximately 14 new positions to meet growing customer demand for its candle and home fragrance products.

PRCO America, Inc. became the first local manufacturer to utilize the Foreign Trade Zone designation at the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority, allowing the company to defer duties on imported materials and reinforcing the region's strong transportation network.

At the February Plant Managers Roundtable, local business leaders heard from workforce board representatives about wage reimbursement for new hires and from DEVsource Technology Solutions about practical applications of artificial intelligence in business operations.

At the December Plant Managers Roundtable, Kentucky legislators previewed the 2026 state legislative session and sought business leader input on workforce issues, while employment professionals offered guidance on managing contract employees.

At the June Plant Managers Roundtable, the Mayfield Police Department and Graves County Sheriff's Office briefed local business leaders on workplace violence statistics and prevention strategies, followed by details on a regional transportation survey.

At the April Plant Managers Roundtable, Graves County business leaders received an update on the state and federal legislative session from State Representative Kim Holloway and field representatives from the offices of Sen. Mitch McConnell and Congressman James Comer.

At the February Plant Managers Roundtable, local business leaders received updates from Graves County Commissioner Tyler Goodman on county projects, heard from the Chamber of Commerce, and learned about a new public-private housing initiative.

The Community Connections program organized a field trip for 18 Graves County High School students to explore local healthcare career opportunities, with visits to the Graves County Health Department, Baptist Health, and the Mayfield Fire Department.

Joe Venice, Director of Sales and Marketing at Mid-America Machine Inc., visited ATC machine tool students through the Power in Partnership program to discuss the rewards of a machining career, including opportunities to travel the world as a compressor service technician.

Mayfield Electric & Water Systems linemen Geoffrey Beck and Drake Oliver visited ATC advanced electricity students through the Power in Partnership program, sharing their daily work experience and offering practical advice for students pursuing careers in the electrical field.

Adams Construction Owner Barry McDonald returned to the ATC classroom where he studied architectural drawing more than 50 years ago, sharing his journey from student to business owner with current carpentry students as part of the Power in Partnership program.

Representatives from Universal Compressor Solutions visited ATC machine tool students through the Power in Partnership program to explain the centrifugal compressor industry, the precision skills required, and how students can prepare for careers in this specialized field.

ATC accounting students visited local banks and financial institutions as part of a Power in Partnership field trip, gaining firsthand insight into accounting career opportunities and beginning to build professional relationships with local business leaders.