October
Community Connections Helps Students Build Media Skills Network
Students from Graves County and Mayfield high schools recently spent the day outside the classroom and inside the wide world of media as part of the Community Connections Program coordinated by GCED and the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce.
The students, freshmen and sophomores who are in the media program at their school or have an interest in media, were introduced to the kinds of jobs available locally in the field and began fostering relationships with business leaders that could lead to future student internships and other professional opportunities.
“Media Day really highlighted the heart of what our Community Connections program is all about,” said Katie Beth McCord, Executive Director, Mayfield/Graves Co. Chamber of Commerce. “It was incredible to see students engaging directly with local companies, learning about potential careers, and forming real connections. Our local businesses continue to impress us with their commitment to investing in the next generation of our workforce and helping students see a future right here in Mayfield & Graves County.”
The day started with in Paducah where students experienced the opportunities offered through Sprocket, Inc. Sprocket's mission is to create, recruit, and grow scalable businesses for the innovation economy. The visit was hosted by Sprocket’s Program Director Maggie Choate.
They also visited the studios of WPSD-TV where students saw the “behind the scenes” work needed to produce a local news broadcast.
After returning to Mayfield, students met with Kyle Smith, Kyle Smith Design, a local company providing high-quality graphic and website design and featuring advertising, copywriting, marketing, and graphic design experience.
Next, they explored visual arts with Austin Lamb, owner of Lamb Film Company, who discussed his work in video production, photography, and social media management.
All the hosts complimented the students’ attention and preparedness. Thanks to all the companies who support Community Connections.
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.
Fran Bearing's Cunningham Meets with ATC's Machine/Tool Students
Alex Cunningham from Fran Bearing Co. recently offered upper-level machine-tool students at Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center an overview of the key role machinists play at Fran Bearing as part of the Power in Partnership Program coordinated by GCED.
Alex talked with students about the company's history and growth and pointed out how the skills the students are learning in their ATC classes relate to what Fran Bearing is looking for in new hires. Cunningham also brought parts the company produces and showed the students videos of those parts being put to work in industrial settings.
“Fran Bearing Co. is proud to be part of this program and to invest in students that will soon be part of the local workforce,” said Cunningham. “As a small manufacturer in a highly-specialized field, every employee of Fran Bearing Co. is critical to our success. The ATC is an important resource for local businesses and we appreciate the opportunity to help guide these students as they prepare for their future.”
Fran Bearing Co, established in Mayfield in 1986, has been a leading manufacturer of quality components specifically designed for centrifugal air compressors, catering to a global network of qualified compressor service companies. Specializing in products like inlet guide vane valves, labyrinth seals, and oil film bearings, Fran Bearing Co. emphasizes quality and reliability and is committed to serving the needs of the air compressor industry through innovative and dependable solutions.
“We thank Alex for taking the time to speak to our students,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “And we appreciate Graves County Economic Development for collaborating with us on Power in Partnership.”
Smith Shows ATC Students How Carpentry Skills Can Build a Business
Brad Smith from Smith Home and Design recently met with upper-level carpentry students at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) as part of the Power in Partnership Program coordinated by GCED.
Smith shared not only practical skills, but also his personal experience of building a successful business by following his passion for music and discovering a love for woodworking.
Smith, a retired Kentucky State Police Officer, has a lifelong love of music and plays guitar. “As a musician, I was fascinated by the process of building guitars and that led to an appreciation for woodworking,” Smith explained. “Once I learned those skills, I started building furniture, which led to private commissions and later to starting my own business, Smith Home and Design. I enjoyed meeting the students and sharing my story. I want them to know that the skills they are learning now can be life-changing. Building on this base, they can become true craftsmen, and that is a ticket to a successful and satisfying profession.”
Located in Mayfield, KY, Smith Home and Design opened in Nov. 2024. They offer kitchen and bath cabinets to fit every budget, as well as custom-built cabinets, granite, quartz, and marble and a great selection of cabinet hardware and backsplash tile.
Local Accountants Share Career Advice with Students through Power in Partnership Program
Laura Clifford, CPA, President and Partner at Fox & Company CPAs, Inc., and Megan Vinson, a Tax Accountant with Fox & Company, recently visited students in the upper-level accounting class at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) as part of the Power in Partnership Program coordinated by GCED.
The presentation focused on the work that CPAs perform, how to prepare for the CPA exam, and the excellent accounting program available at Murray State University.
“Speaking with the accounting students about our firm and the career opportunities available to CPAs is helpful for the students and our industry,” said Clifford, “They are still trying to figure out their college majors and future plans. We want them to understand what this path could look like and how accounting could fit into other career paths as well.”
Fox & Company CPAs, a full-service Certified Public Accounting firm, was founded in Mayfield in 1995 by Johanna Fox Turner. The firm was an early adopter of accounting technology and paperless storage, which not only enhanced security and efficiency, but also enabled virtual, seamless relationships with clients across the United States and beyond.
“Thanks to Laura and Megan for taking time to invest in our students,” said Josh Heisner, Principal, Mayfield/Graves ATC. “We also appreciate Graves County Economic Development for collaborating with us on Power in Partnership.”
Carpentry Students Build a Framework for Future Careers
Students in the upper-level Carpentry Program at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) recently spent the day visiting local companies to learn more about career options in the lumber and wood manufacturing industry as part of the Power in Partnership program coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
“It was a great day for our upper-level carpentry students,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “The Power in Partnership field trip took them to Goodman Lumber & Flooring, Kendor Wood, Power Truss, and Dairyman's Supply Company where they learned more about these local companies and discussed job opportunities. We send a special thanks to Dairyman's Supply for providing lunch and appreciate Graves County Economic Development for collaborating with us on Power in Partnership.”
“It was great to have such a large group of carpentry students at our facility,” said Gregory Cook, Purchasing & Sales Manager for Dairyman’s Supply. “There is a growing need for employees in this vital sector, and, as I told the students, because of that need, they are coming in at a perfect time in the industry. We at DSC are huge fans of the Power in Partnership program. It’s very important for our high school students to know about employment opportunities right in their own backyard.”
ATC Students Explore Accounting Careers During Local Business Tour
Accounting is a career that opens many doors in the business world, and several local companies recently welcomed students from the accounting class at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) to demonstrate how the students can build rewarding careers based on their interest in numbers.
The visit was coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED) as part of its “Power in Partnership” program, a collaboration with the ATC intended to educate students about career opportunities and inspire interest in local career options.
"We are so thankful to have community partners like those in our local banks,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “Everyone was so inviting to our students, and they all touched on different aspects of banking, accounting, and even business etiquette, and were ready to speak with students one-to-one or answer any questions they might have. In addition to the banks, WKRECC gave our students a tour of their facility and demonstrated how their accounting stems more from work orders than ledgers. Combined, these visits made for an incredibly valuable experience for our students as they look ahead to future careers."
“CFSB was proud to play a part in the Power in Partnership accounting day,” said Matt Scoggins, Graves County Market President, CFSB. “We realize that these students are the next generation that will soon be entering the work force. It is our hope that days like this will develop a stronger interest for these students in the accounting field and make them aware of the many opportunities that Mayfield and Graves County have to offer.”
GCED Welcomes New Board Members and Officers
GCED recently celebrated the service of our board members and welcomed new members and officers.
Congratulations to Ricky Binkley who will continue as Chairman, Matt Scoggins who has moved up as the new Vice Chair of the board, and Ward Morgan who has assumed the role of Secretary/Treasurer.
Two long-time board members have stepped down. Dave Anderson who has served the board as a member-at-large since 2013 and whose term expired at the end of September, and Sally Hopkins who has filled FNB Bank's board position since 2021, who has retired. Sam Mahan has stepped into that seat. Thank you, Sally, and Dave, for your service to GCED and this community.
GCED is also proud to welcome new members Brad Power, Josh Heisner, and Sam Mahan. Their first board meeting was on November 19.
GCED relies on the dedicated community leaders who fill our Board of Directors to provide the support and oversight that is essential to our continuing success. We are grateful for their service and leadership.
November
GCED Celebrates “Made In” Manufacturing Growth
Local business and community leaders gathered to celebrate investments of more than $26 million and the addition of 132 new jobs and 70 new contract positions at the annual Targeted Business & Industry Awards dinner hosted by GCED on Nov. 20.
A highlight of the event was a new video celebrating manufacturing excellence in Graves County.
Fifteen companies accepted awards in categories including Business Growth, Builder of the Year, Business Excellence, Community Impact, Newcomer of the Year, and Icon of the Year.
The Icon Award went to Kendor Wood, recognizing their 40-year history of success as a manufacturer of cabinet doors for the wholesale market.
Other award recipients include:
- Industry Growth Awards – Mayfield Consumer Products, Universal Compressor Solutions, Progress Rail, Power Truss, Ingrams, Kendor Wood, J.U. Kevil Foundation, ACE Compressor, and Pilgrims Mayfield.
- Newcomer of the Year Awards – State38 LLC and BotanyBay Cannabis.
- Business Excellence Awards – Pilgrims Mayfield and Progress Rail.
- Community Impact Awards – Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center and Pilgrims Mayfield.
- Builder of the Year Award – LEEP42.
The annual TB&I dinner serves as a milestone event showcasing the successful collaboration among business and industry, economic development, and local government that facilitates new economic opportunities and supports growth among existing business and industry in Graves County.
Partner Spotlight: WKCTC Workforce Solutions and Mayfield Consumer Products
At West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Workforce Solutions is all about connecting education and industry across Western Kentucky. Our goal is simple. We help local businesses grow by providing customized training, professional development, and hands-on learning that meet real workforce needs. Whether it’s safety, leadership, technical skills, or technology training, our focus is on helping employers invest in their people and strengthen their teams.
One of the best examples of that mission in action is our partnership with Mayfield Consumer Products, a longtime leader in local manufacturing. Working with them has been such a great reminder of what can happen when business and education truly work together. Partnerships like this help retain great people, support our local economy, and grow the businesses that keep Western Kentucky strong.
This collaboration started last spring when we came together with Mayfield Consumer Products’ departmental managers for an open conversation. Instead of showing up with a list of programs, we listened. Each manager shared their unique needs, and we talked through what training already existed and what we could customize to meet their needs, goals, and timelines.
From that meeting, we created a tailored training menu that outlined each need, the best training solution, how long it would take, and the cost. Their leadership team was then able to set priorities, and together we built an ongoing training plan focused on continuous improvement. That plan includes safety compliance, upskilling for current employees, and new skill development to support growth.
A big part of making partnerships like this possible is the KCTCS TRAINS program. TRAINS is a statewide initiative that helps Kentucky businesses offset the cost of training their employees through Workforce Solutions. It offers high-quality, customized training at a reduced rate, with the state covering 75% of the cost of the training leaving the employer to cover 25% training cost and a 10% administration fee.
The impact of this partnership has been both practical and inspiring.
“It’s inspiring to see our team return from training not just with new skills, but with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in their work.” — David Boyd, Production Manager
“Seeing the progress firsthand reminds us that when we invest in our people, we strengthen everything we do as a company.” — Melissa Davis, Quality Manager
After a successful first round of training, the program is gearing up to launch again in January 2026, kicking off another great year of partnership, growth, and shared success.
This collaboration is exactly what Workforce Solutions is designed to do. We’re proud to work alongside companies like Mayfield Consumer Products that are investing in their people, growing their businesses, and helping Graves County continue to thrive.
Interested in learning how Workforce Solutions and KCTCS TRAINS funding can support your business? Reach out: Email: Ashley.burns@kctcs.edu Office: 270-534-3335
