December
Legislators and Staffing Experts Lead Plant Managers Roundtable
Legislators offered managers a look ahead at the 2026 Kentucky State Legislative Session and employment professionals shared recommendations for the most effective way to manage contract employees at the Plant Managers Roundtable Breakfast hosted by Graves County Economic Development on Dec. 16 in Mayfield.
Kentucky State Senator Jason Howell and Kentucky State Representative Kimberly Holloway both asked attendees for input. “Is there anything the legislature can do to address your workforce issues?” said Sen Howell.
Rep. Holloway noted that she welcomes feedback from her constituents and distributed a survey for roundtable participants to complete and return ahead of the session. “Most of the bills I filed last session were the direct result of issues raised by voters,” she said.
January
MakeMyMove Continues Bringing New Residents to Mayfield and Graves County
The MakeMyMove relocation program continues to pay dividends for Mayfield and Graves County, bringing two new full-time residents to the community in 2025, for a total of four* relocations since local leaders entered a partnership with the innovative online platform two years ago.
MakeMyMove connects remote workers who are considering relocation with communities offering support and incentives. Several other Kentucky communities also participate.
Sponsors include the City of Mayfield, Graves County Fiscal Court, Graves County Economic Development (GCED), the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, Graves County Health Department, Graves County Schools, Mayfield Independent Schools, WK&T, Barger Realty, Trifecta Real Estate, Mayfield Graves County YMCA, the Rotary Club of Mayfield, and the Mayfield-Graves County Tourism Commission.
*A previous report listed three relocations in 2024; the actual number is two.
February
GCED Visits Frankfort, KY
On February 19, Graves County Economic Development traveled to Frankfort to advocate for the continued growth and momentum of both Mayfield and Graves County. Trips like this strengthen relationships, align priorities, and ensure Graves County remains proactive in pursuing opportunities that support job creation, infrastructure development, and long-term economic vitality.
While in Frankfort, the team attended West Kentucky Thank You Night — an annual gathering that brings together state leaders and Western Kentucky communities to express appreciation for ongoing partnership, support, and investment across the region. Events like this reinforce the strong collaboration that fuels economic progress in our part of the Commonwealth.
President Jason Lemle met with Terri Bradshaw, President of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development. KAED leads the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, a statewide grant program focused on site development and readiness.
The team also visited with Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Deputy Commissioner Andy Luttner, along with Senior Project Managers Ashley Chilton and Brittany Cox. The Cabinet serves as the Commonwealth’s lead site selection organization, working to recruit new business and industry to Kentucky and support expansion of existing employers.
Other meetings included the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG), which, under the Office of the Governor, provides grant and loan assistance, and advises local governments on budgeting, personnel, and other relevant issues. They also facilitate CDBG grant programs that directly benefit Graves County.
GCED also attended the Kentucky Association of Counties reception alongside Graves County Commissioners Bubba Winfrey and Todd Hayden, and Graves County PVA Lee Martin — continuing important conversations about collaboration at every level of government.
GCED Celebrates Supporters at Skybox Partners Event
Celebrating the organizations that empower local economic development brought business leaders and local officials together for GCED’s Skybox Partners Celebration held Feb. 19 at CFSB in Mayfield.
About 110 guests attended, representing the partners whose financial support is critical to GCED’s continuing success in bolstering new and existing business and driving job creation.
GCED President Jason Lemle set the stage with his introductory remarks: “Each and every one of you have partnered with us and I want to thank you for everything. You make it possible for us to do what we do. Without your support and your constant communication, none of our accomplishments would be possible.”
Progress Update – Hickory Industrial Park
The Hickory Industrial Park expansion continues to make significant progress, representing an important investment in infrastructure and long-term economic development for Graves County.
Through the combined efforts of federal, state, and regional partners, the Hickory Industrial Park expansion remains on track for completion in 2026. Once complete, the project will enhance site readiness, expand infrastructure capacity, and position Graves County to attract new industrial investment — supporting job creation and long-term economic vitality for the region.
To date, the project includes the construction of a 500,000-square-foot, pre-graded pad, the development of a new connector road from Hickory Road to the rear of the industrial park, and the installation of a sewer lift station in preparation for the next phase of utility expansion scheduled for 2026.
The upcoming phase of the project will focus on extending critical infrastructure along Hickory Road, and Centech Drive, which includes water, sewer, natural gas, electric, and fiber services. Construction will also be completed on the connector linking Centech Drive to the newly-constructed road within the Hickory Industrial Park expansion area.
This project is supported in part through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Project Funding, secured with support from Congressman James Comer and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.
Other partners include the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
From Hiring to AI, Plant Managers Roundtable Offers Leaders Practical Guidance
The availability of wage reimbursement for training new hires was first on the agenda at the Plant Managers Roundtable Breakfast hosted by Graves County Economic Development on Feb. 26 in Mayfield, followed by an overview of artificial intelligence tools and how they are being incorporated into business applications.
Speakers were Mary Anne Medlock, Business Liaison, West Kentucky Workforce Development Board, and Mike Hopkins and Jeremy Blackford of DEVsource Technology Solutions.
Medlock said there are funds currently available through the Workforce Board to reimburse employers for training new hires that meet set criteria: “If you are hiring individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, and who are not in school or college, they may be eligible for on-the-job training wage reimbursement,” said Medlock.
The next GCED Plant Managers Roundtable Breakfast will be held in April.
Retired Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Graves Unveils Official Portrait
In a meaningful day for Graves County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, GCED President Jason Lemle recently joined Pat Biggs, and Michael and Lisa Crider for the special session of the Kentucky Supreme Court honoring retired Justice John William “Bill” Graves with the unveiling and dedication of his official portrait.
The portrait, painted by Mayfield artist Fred Biggs, will be permanently displayed among former justices at the Kentucky Supreme Court — a lasting tribute to Justice Graves’ eleven years of service representing the First Appellate District.
It’s especially meaningful to see a Graves County native honored at the highest level of Kentucky’s judiciary — and to have the portrait created by one of our own. Fred Biggs, a respected artist and Kentucky historian, generously donated his talents to create a likeness that reflects Justice Graves’ intellect, service, and character.
Power in Partnership
Power in Partnership is a student-focused program fostered by the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) and GCED that brings a wide range of professionals to the ATC classrooms to share their expertise and offer career advice.
Tech Students See Expertise in Action and Build Relationships with Area Companies
Students from the machine tools classes at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) visited six different local companies that use those tools as part of a Power in Partnership field trip on Oct. 29 coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
Machine tools are power-driven machines used to make manufactured parts in various ways that include cutting, boring, grinding, or shearing metals or other rigid materials.
The students toured Progress Rail, Fran Bearing, A.C.E. Compressor Services, Universal Compressor Solutions, Mayfield Consumer Products, and Centrifugal Technologies, Inc. At each location, employees demonstrated their machine tools, explained how they contribute to the final product, and answered student questions.
“It was an awesome day for our machine tool students,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “Students asked good questions about the companies and future employment possibilities. We thank Universal Compressor Solutions for providing lunch and branded swag for the students. Thanks to Graves County Economic Development for organizing the trip and collaborating with us on Power in Partnership!”
FNB's Tucker Demonstrates Successful Careers Can Begin with ATC Classes
Jessica Tucker, Vice President & Controller, FNB Bank Inc., and a former student at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC), recently visited the school’s accounting class to share her experience with students and emphasize the growing demand for accountants.
Tucker’s visit was part of the Power in Partnership Program, a collaboration between the ATC and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) that brings local professionals to the school to provide information about their daily tasks, pay/benefits, advancement/progression, training needed after high school, and other crucial details that help students understand and prepare for careers.
“Being able to speak to the accounting students at the ATC was an enjoyable part of my day,” said Tucker, “Since I began my career, the need for qualified individuals in the accounting field has grown tremendously. During my presentation, I discussed how my foundation in accounting began in the same school they are now attending. That foundation helped me as I continued my education at Murray State University and as I entered the workforce.”
Power in Partnership Offers “Full Circle” Moment for Barry McDonald
When Adams Construction Owner and President Barry McDonald recently visited the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) to speak with students in the advanced carpentry program, he did so in the same classroom where he studied architectural drawing more than 50 years ago, providing a “full circle” moment that served as a powerful example for students of where their technical skills can lead.
“It was encouraging to see the number of students participating in the advanced carpentry classes,” said McDonald. “They are the future workforce of our industry, and I hope I offered meaningful direction today."
Adams Construction, Inc. was founded by Bill Adams as a commercial and industrial contracting company. They have built a reputation for quality workmanship and have served many of their clients for more than 40 years. Today they handle commercial, industrial, and residential projects with values ranging from $100,000 to $20 million. The firm serves as a design/build contractor and also provides construction management services. McDonald, a graduate of Mayfield High School, joined the firm in 1985 and today is owner, president, and project manager.
MEWS Staff Bring Electrical Expertise and Experience to the Classroom
Mayfield Electric & Water Systems (MEWS) linemen Geoffrey Beck and Drake Oliver visited students in the advanced electricity class at the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) today to discuss what their jobs involve on a daily basis, what kinds of training and experience they have, and offered advice on how the students can prepare for careers in the electrical field.
“It’s great to see young people excited about pursuing careers in the electrical industry,” said MEWS Electric Operations Manager Clint Woodward “We offer practical advice about job opportunities, how they can take the next step with additional training or apprenticeships, and how to succeed once you land a job. As a municipal utility, MEWS is focused on service, and this is one more way to put that commitment into action.
Mayfield Electric & Water Systems is a publicly owned utility, governed by The Electric Plant Board-City of Mayfield, serving 5000 customers in the city of Mayfield. MEWS provides customers with high-quality electric, water, wastewater, and internet services at the lowest possible prices. They are one of 153 local power providers in the TVA network.
Mid-America Machine’s Joe Venice Leads Career Discussion for ATC Students
Joe Venice, Director of Sales and Marketing for Mid-America Machine Inc., recently visited the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) where he offered career advice to the upper-level machine tool students.
“It was a pleasure to visit with these fine young men and talk about all of the opportunities that they can explore right here in our hometown,’ said Venice. “The class was very engaged and the dialogue showed their interest in pursuing careers in machine tools and in the ever-growing air compressor industry here in Mayfield.”
Mayfield-based Mid-America Machine, Inc. is one of the world's largest manufacturers of aftermarket centrifugal air compressor parts and specializes in repairing parts for all leading compressor brands. They have been producing quality products and providing dependable service since 1987.
“Mid-America Machine is really generous with their time and we appreciate their contribution to the success of this student development program,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “Because of Joe Venice and the other local leaders who support us, we can actually show students what it means to have a great career here at home, doing important work, with companies that recognize and reward your efforts.”
Students Prepare for Careers in Healthcare with Help from Community Connections
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that healthcare employment will continue to grow for the next several years and the Community Connections program is helping make sure that students in Mayfield and Graves County are ready to step into those careers in the years ahead.
Community Connections recently organized a field trip for about 28 high school students from Graves County and Mayfield Independent schools who have expressed interest in careers in healthcare. The students visited Jackson Purchase Medical Center (JPMC) and the Graves County Health Department (GCHD) where they talked with staff, learned more about the broad scope of careers the facilities offer and started building relationships that may provide internships or other career-building opportunities in the future.
Community Connections is coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (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.
Health Science Field Trip Meant to Keep Future Caregivers Close to Home
For students who want to do meaningful, purpose-driven work in a high-demand field with job security, strong earning potential, flexibility, and the opportunity for professional growth, careers in healthcare are an ideal choice.
To demonstrate that potential locally, the Community Connections program recently organized a field trip for a group of 18 Graves County High School students so they could learn what it means to work in different healthcare segments. The students heard from Director Riley Beth Willett from the Graves County Health Department (GCHD), Baptist Health Business Development Director Reis Driver, and Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason.
“It was a pleasure speaking with the Graves County High School students about Baptist Health,” said Driver. “Their preparation for college and beyond is truly impressive, and the future is bright for both Graves County and West Kentucky. I’m genuinely excited to see all they will accomplish.”
Local Veterans Organizations Invest in the Future of Graves County Students
American Legion Post 26 Commander Joe Kimbel and Disabled American Veterans Post 106 Commander Ron Reavis recently presented $350 checks to GCED President Jason Lemle. The funds, generously donated by the veteran posts, will be used to cover meals for Graves County High School JROTC students during an upcoming spring field trip to Fort Campbell.
Also pictured are Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie Beth McCord, American Legion Post 26 Finance Officer Mike Long, and JROTC students.
Thank you to our veterans and community partners for supporting our students and helping connect them to future career pathways.
