Graves County Economic Development

10/16/2026

Local Employers Help Shape the Future of Workforce Training

More than 40 representatives from Graves County’s manufacturing sector recently gathered for a GCED Industry Roundtable with West Kentucky Community & Technical College (WKCTC) to discuss the future of workforce education and training.

From strengthening foundational technical skills to expanding specialized training opportunities, local industry leaders shared valuable insights to help ensure WKCTC’s programs align with the evolving needs of area employers.

👏 Thank you to WKCTC and our local business and industry partners for working together to develop a skilled, prepared workforce and strengthen the future of economic growth in Graves County.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development More than 40 people representing Graves County’s manufacturing interests recently met with WKCTC's Workforce Solutions staff Graves County Employers Meet

10/14/2026

Rick’s Electric President Shares Career Advice with ATC Students

Power in Partnership continued at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center with a visit from Chris Grooms, President of Rick’s Electric, who met with upper-level electricity students to share his experience in the electrical industry.

From his personal journey as an electrician to leadership in the field, Grooms offered valuable insight into apprenticeship opportunities, career advancement, and the growing demand for skilled electricians.

👏 Thank you to Chris and Rick’s Electric for their continued support of Power in Partnership and for helping inspire the next generation of skilled professionals right here in Graves County.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development Grooms Visits ATC Electricity Class to Share Experience with Students Grooms Visits ATC Electricity Class to Share Experience with Students Chris Grooms,

10/06/2026

The Latest Edition of ON TARGET Is Here!

There’s plenty happening at GCED! The newest edition of ON TARGET highlights continued investment, job growth, workforce development, and partnerships helping move Graves County forward.

Inside, learn more about Freeman Automation’s plans for the Hickory Industrial Park, the latest Plant Manager’s Roundtable, and a busy start to the school year for Power in Partnership, including visits from MEWS, Progress Rail, HempWood® and Fran Bearing.

Plus, take a look at GCED’s latest video showcasing the impact Power in Partnership and Community Connections are having on hundreds of local students.
https://www.gravescountyed.com/media

👉 Click the link below to read the latest edition of ON TARGET and catch up on what’s happening at GCED!

https://conta.cc/46Rm7k9

Email from Graves County Economic Development The Bi-monthly Graves County Economic Development Update September & October 2026 | Issue 19 The Graves County Economic Development Update Welcome to ON T

10/01/2026

We’re grateful for strong community partners who invest in the future of Graves County!

West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (WKRECC) recently presented Graves County Economic Development with its annual $15,000 contribution to support our ongoing efforts to retain, expand and attract quality manufacturing, distribution and service industries to Graves County.

These funds will directly support GCED’s recruiting and marketing efforts as we continue working to bring new opportunities, investment and jobs to our community.

“Graves County Economic Development provides an essential service to Mayfield and Graves County. Solid economic development marketing and recruiting strategies are critical in bringing good employers to our community,” said WKRECC President & CEO David Smart. “West Kentucky RECC is proud to support the GCED staff as they strive to bring a better quality of life to Mayfield and Graves County.”

“WKRECC continues to be an invaluable partner in our economic development efforts. Their investment in GCED, along with the time, expertise and support their team provides throughout the year, plays an important role in helping us market Graves County and pursue new opportunities for our community. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to the growth of Graves County,” said GCED President Jason Lemle.

WKRECC also supports GCED through technical expertise and board leadership, with Ricky Binkley, WKRECC Planning & Applications Engineer, serving on the GCED Board of Directors.

Thank you to the entire WKRECC team for continuing to invest in Graves County and its future! We’re proud to have partners who share our commitment to building a stronger community and creating opportunities for the people who call it home.

Pictured is Pete Galloway, WKRECC Board Member, with Jason Lemle, GCED President and Ricky Binkley, GCED Chair and Manager of Engineering’s/ Power system

09/29/2026

📣 Students Explore Careers in Business & Marketing

Community Connections kicked off a new school year with 30 local students stepping outside the classroom to explore careers in business and marketing firsthand.

Through visits with MRCOOL, FNB Bank, Froggy 103.7!- The Best and Most Country!!/Forever Communications, Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce,Mayfield Graves County Tourism Commission, students discovered just how many career paths fall under the marketing umbrella from sales and graphic design to broadcasting, content creation, banking, tourism, and more.

👏 Thank you to our local partners for investing their time, expertise, and creativity in helping students discover the opportunities available right here at home.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development September 2026 Community Connections Field Trip Showcases Careers in Business/Marketing Local high school students considering careers in business and mar

09/24/2026

Carpentry Students Explore Innovation with HempWood

Power in Partnership continued at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center with a visit from HempWood founder Greg Wilson, who introduced upper-level carpentry students to an innovative Kentucky-made building material being used in projects around the world.

Students learned how construction, manufacturing, and even mathematics come together to create new materials and opportunities — while hearing firsthand about the importance of adapting as industries and technologies evolve.

👏 Thank you to Greg and HempWood for sharing their expertise and helping our students see what’s possible in the future of skilled trades.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development Company Founder Introduces Carpentry Students to HempWood® Company Founder Introduces Carpentry Students to HempWood® Greg Wilson, founder of HempWood®, a

09/22/2026

⚙️Machine Tool Students Connect with Fran Bearing

Power in Partnership continued at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center with a visit from Fran Bearing Co., giving second-year machine tool students a closer look at careers in advanced manufacturing.

Students explored specialized parts manufactured right here in Mayfield while learning how the skills they’re developing in the classroom can translate directly into local career opportunities after graduation.

👏 Thank you to Fran Bearing Co. and Alex Cunningham for investing time in our students and helping GCED and the ATC build a skilled workforce for the future.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development Technical School’s Machine Tool Students Meet with Staff from Fran Bearing Company Technical School’s Machine Tool Students Meet with Staff from Fran Bear

09/17/2026

Your next location is here.

Progress is taking shape on two new speculative buildings in Mayfield and is expected to be completed by q1 2027, adding even more opportunity for businesses looking to locate, expand and invest in Graves County.

Each facility will offer 62,500 square feet with the ability to expand up to 100,000 square feet to meet future tenant needs. Located on 16.2 acres off Key Bottom Road, the site is less than a quarter mile from U.S. Highway 45, less than two miles from Interstate 69 and will be fully served with utilities available at the property line.

Made possible through a $2 million Kentucky Product Development Initiative grant and a partnership between GCED and Youngblood Excavating & Contracting Company, these buildings are being built with the future in mind.

More space. More opportunity. More reasons to grow in Graves County.

09/15/2026

🧑‍🏭 Progress Rail Employees Share Career Advice with ATC Students

Power in Partnership continued with a visit from Progress Rail employees, who met with second-year welding and machining students at the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center.

Students learned about career opportunities at Progress Rail, the skills employers are looking for, and what to expect during the hiring process, giving them a firsthand look at how their classroom training can lead to rewarding careers right here at home.

👏 Thank you to Progress Rail for continuing to invest in our students and helping GCED and the ATC build the next generation of Graves County’s workforce.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development Progress Rail Employees Share Career Advice with ATC Welding Students Progress Rail Employees Share Career Advice with ATC Welding Students Last week empl

09/04/2026

⚡ Power in Partnership Kicks Off a New School Year

GCED and the Mayfield-Graves Area Technology Center kicked off the third year of Power in Partnership with a visit from Mayfield Electric & Water Systems linemen Geoffrey Beck and Rex Coleman.

Students in the ATC’s upper-level electricity class heard firsthand about careers in the electrical trades, the importance of safety and problem-solving, and the training and skills needed to turn their classroom experience into a rewarding career.

👏 Thank you to MEWS and all of our local business partners who continue to invest their time and expertise in the next generation of Graves County’s workforce.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development Power in Partnership Kicks Off New School Year with Linemen from Mayfield Electric & Water Power in Partnership Kicks Off New School Year with Linemen fr