August
Freeman Automation Brings Investment and Jobs to Hickory Industrial Park
GCED is proud to welcome Freeman Automation, LLC, to the Hickory Industrial Park. Freeman plans to build a 4,000 square-foot facility and expect to add 10 new positions, bringing their total number of jobs to 20 over the life of the project. Freeman Automation manufactures electrical control panels for industrial machinery.
See the full news release here.
Septmeber
Managers Roundtable Features Camp Graves
GCED’s latest Plant Manager’s Roundtable featured an overview of Camp Graves, a local non-profit that serves the community by providing temporary housing and supportive services for survivors of disasters and those who have been displaced by circumstances beyond their control.
See the full news release here.
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.
Latest Video Captures Success of GCED’s Student Programs
GCED’s latest video production offers a look back at the success of the Power in Partnership and Community Connections student workforce development programs over the 2025/2026 school year.
Power in Partnership brought people from 18 different businesses to the Mayfield-Graves County ATC, to meet with more than 360 students.
Community Connections made it possible for about 200 students to participate in one of six career-shadowing visits arranged around healthcare, media, military service, architecture/real estate, and animal science.
See the full news release here.
MEWS Linemen Capture Student Attention with Storm Experience
Power in Partnership recently opened the 2026-2027 school year with a visit from Mayfield Electric & Water Services Linemen Geoffrey Beck and Rex Coleman to the ATC's upper-level electricity class. The linemen captured the class's attention with details about recent storm recovery work.
See the full news release here.
Progress Rail Employees Share Career Advice with ATC Welding Students
Employees from Progress Rail Services recently visited the ATC to meet with second-year welding and machining students. Justin Clapp, Matthew Lancaster, and Vicki Morgan talked with the class about job opportunities at Progress Rail and the skills assessments that are part of the hiring process.
See the full news release here.
Company Founder Introduces Carpentry Students to HempWood®
As part of the Power in Partnership Program, Greg Wilson, founder of HempWood®, a Murray-based company that produces flooring and lumber products from industrial hemp, recently met with upper-level carpentry students from the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center to discuss his company and how HempWood® is featured in construction projects around the world.
See the full news release here.
Technical School’s Machine Tool Students Meet with Staff from Fran Bearing Company
Power in Partnership also recently brought Alex Cunningham, Chief Financial Officer for Fran Bearing Co., to the ATC to meet with second-year machine tool students and share information about the specialized parts they manufacture and help students connect how the skills they are learning now relate to what Fran Bearing looks for in new hires.
Events at Time of Publication
Chamber Business & Industry Breakfast Blender, sponsored by GCED — Tuesday, October 13, doors open 7:00 AM, program 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, Graves County Extension Services, 4200 Hwy. 45 N., Mayfield, KY 42066. To attend, call 270.247.6101.
Nonprofit Board Training Course — Wednesday, October 21, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Mayfield/Graves County Public Library Community Room. Hosted by the MGC Chamber & SkillRise 270. Call 270.247.6101 for information.
Targeted Business & Industry Dinner — Thursday, November 12. Reach out to Patricia at 270.247.0626 or patricia@gravescountyed.com for more details.
