June
US Bank Supports GCED with $15,000 Grant
Graves County Economic Development (GCED) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $15,000 grant from U.S. Bank. The funding will be used in support of GCED’s mission to improve quality of life by helping retain and expand existing business and industry and attracting companies that invest in the community and provide good jobs.
“By supporting business development and building a dynamic workforce, U.S. Bank is investing in today and our future. We’re proud to work with organizations like Graves County Economic Development to help businesses prosper and build thriving communities,” said Jeffery Mills, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank.
U.S. Bank is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting change in communities. The bank does this through the Community Possible platform, including philanthropy, community investments and team member volunteerism.
Skybox Partner Luncheon Celebrates Achievements and Looks Ahead to Plans for Future Growth
At the 2025 Skybox Partners Luncheon, Graves County Economic Development (GCED) reported highlights of its 2024-2025 fiscal year accomplishments, including the addition of 50 acres to the Hickory Industrial Park, construction of a new spec building, completion of a new makerspace to support local entrepreneurs, construction of a 500,000 sq. ft., pre-graded pad, and 77 new jobs added to existing businesses.
About 95 guests attended the luncheon held June 10 at the Graves County Extension Office to celebrate these achievements and look ahead to GCED’s plans for the year ahead. They also heard from Terri Bradshaw, President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Economic Development (KAED) and met Nicole Kaletch, who has been selected as executive director of the makerspace project, now called SkillRise270.
“We’ve been working had to put the infrastructure in place that we need to recruit new business to Graves County,” said Lemle. “It’s a process, and we’re excited to start a new year with new assets—we have new property and a new facility to market and we have a new program to help local people with a dream become entrepreneurs.”
Workplace Violence and Transportation Highlights at Managers Roundtable Breakfast
The Mayfield Police Department and the Graves County Sheriff's Office briefed attendees at the June 26 Plant Managers Roundtable on workplace violence, sharing response best practices and encouraging managers to develop their own plans and consider employee training. Nationwide, there were 458 workplace fatalities due to homicide in 2023; Kentucky recorded 12 workplace homicides that same year. Jon Young, Transportation Planner for the Purchase Area Development District (PADD), also presented on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Major Freight Users and Major Traffic Generators statewide inventory.
Read More About Becoming a Skybox Partner
Workplace Violence and Transportation Highlights at Managers Roundtable Breakfast
When local managers plan their day, they worry about many things—costs, productivity, administrative issues, and more. It’s safe to say most aren’t thinking about losing their life, or the life of a valued employee, to workplace violence. Yet statistics tell us workplace violence is a growing concern and one managers must be prepared to face.
For example,
- In 2023, there were 100 workplace fatalities in Kentucky; among those, 12 were homicides.
- Nationwide, there were 458 workplace fatalities due to homicide in 2023.
To help local managers prepare, Graves County Economic Development (GCED) invited Mayfield Police Department (MPD) and the Graves County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) to brief attendees on workplace violence during the bi-monthly Plant Managers Roundtable meeting held June 26 at the Purchase Area Development District (PADD) office in Mayfield.
The agencies shared information about the best ways to respond to workplace violence and encouraged attendees to develop their own response plans and consider training for their employees.
Jon Young, Transportation Planner for the PADD, also shared information about the Major Freight Users (MFU) and Major Traffic Generators (MTG) inventory. This is a statewide inventory effort led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and coordinated regionally through PADD. Participation helps inform the Kentucky Freight Plan, identify key freight corridors, support traffic modeling, and guides infrastructure improvements.
Anyone with questions about the inventory should contact Jon Young at (270) 251-6126.
July
Community Connections
Community Connections is coordinated by GCED in partnership with Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools, the City of Mayfield, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the West Kentucky Workforce Board. Its goal is to help students learn about local career opportunities and build relationships that could lead to internships, job shadowing, and other opportunities.
Engineering Firms Map Careers for Local Students Through Community Connections
Graves County Economic Development (GCED) recently arranged for high school students from Graves County and Mayfield Independent schools who have expressed interest in engineering to visit local firms YEC, Inc. and BFW/Marcum Engineering as part of the Community Connections Program.
At YEC, students used blueprints and plans to find answers to questions in an activity setting. There were six different stations and YEC employees worked with students at each station to answer questions and provide assistance when needed.
“Thanks to all involved for sharing this group of engineering students with us,” said YEC President Brad Youngblood. “It was very encouraging to see such a large group of students invested in their careers and engaged in the manufacturing- and construction-related industries. Thank you for investing in our local youth and allowing our company to partner with GCED on these beneficial programs.”
“This was a great opportunity for kids to interact with employees on a personal level,” said Katie Beth McCord, Executive Director, Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce, who helped with the visit. “The students seemed to really enjoy the activity and being able to work on a ‘real world’ YEC project.”
At BFW/Marcum, the students heard from a panel of professional engineers who discussed the work they do, their education, previous work background and experience. They also shared insights on their favorite project, current assignments, and reviewed the projects in Mayfield they are currently supporting as part of the rebuild. Finally, the engineers offered advice on internships and networking in their respective fields.
“It's important for these students to realize they have a lot of opportunity right here in their backyard,” said John Stinnett, Director of Marketing & Community Engagement, BFW/Marcum Engineering. “We said, ‘Here's a potential path for you--here's what we do, here's how we got here, and here's how you can do it, too.’”
“This is great for us as a local company,” Stinnett added. “We hired over 50 people last year and we'll continue hiring engineering talent in the future. But it's also a win for these students. This collaboration between schools and industry is going to lead to a more productive community and make our entire community better."
“We are grateful to YEC and BFW/Marcum for being so generous with their time and expertise,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “This program is driving positive change for our community by inspiring young people to find rewarding careers here in Graves County, but it is only as good as the companies that participate. Our local businesses are exceptional partners for GCED.”
New Video Promotes Expansion of Hickory Industrial Park
Graves County Economic Development (GCED) has an exciting new video to promote the most recent expansion of the Hickory Industrial Park.
Sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the video highlights the “Keith Property,” a $3.5 million expansion of the Hickory Industrial Park, funded by state grants and federal dollars. The site features a pre-graded, build-ready site with utilities and direct access to Highway 45 and is located just four miles from Interstate-69.
“TVA is an outstanding partner and we are fortunate to have their support,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “TVA is helping us tell our story to a worldwide business audience and we are excited about this addition to our growing portfolio of digital marketing tools.”
"Partnering with local communities to foster economic growth is essential to TVA's mission,” said Emily Jones, TVA Regional Economic Development Consultant. “We are proud to support the proactive efforts by Graves County Economic Development to put this site in a more marketable position, and we look forward to future economic growth opportunities in the region."
Downtown Farmers Market Opens New Pavilion
With shoppers galore, an outstanding selection of vendors, and plenty of VIPs, the Downtown Farmers Market officially cut the ribbon on its new pavilion on July 19th.
The ribbon cutting represented the culmination of a years-long dream shared by a visionary group of leaders, who persisted in spite of many setbacks, including the 2021 tornado. Today the market proudly stands as a testament to their commitment to celebrating the agricultural heritage of Graves County and improving local access to fresh, healthy produce, foods and hand-made crafts.
The ribbon cutting focused on market supporters, including Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the City of Mayfield and the Graves County Extension Office.
Wade Farm Financial Services was the ribbon cutting sponsor. FNB, Mayfield Electric & Water Service, and His House provided giveaways.
The market is open every Saturday through October 25, 2025 from 7 a.m. to noon at the pavilion located at 101 West James Street in Mayfield.
August
Plant Managers’ Roundtable
The next Plant Managers' Roundtable meeting will be held on August 19th. This meeting will be focused on nonprofits and entail a presentation and discussion with groups from our area that are looking to connect with industry and community leaders.
For more information, contact GCED.
