Graves County Economic Development

05/28/2026

📈 What’s New at GCED?

The latest edition of ON TARGET, GCED’s bi-monthly newsletter, is here — featuring workforce wins, new business growth, project updates, and the partnerships helping move Graves County forward.

From student career programs to economic development momentum, there’s a lot happening across our community.

👉 Click the link below to catch up on the latest GCED news and updates.

https://conta.cc/4nIXopV

Email from Graves County Economic Development The Bi-monthly Graves County Economic Development Update May & June 2026 | Issue 17 The Graves County Economic Development Update Welcome to ON TARGET, Gr

05/07/2026

⚡ Usher, Inc. Inspires Future Electrical Professionals at ATC

Upper-level electricity students at the Mayfield/Graves County ATC recently heard firsthand about the growing opportunities in the electrical trade from Dale Usher and Brian Webb of Usher, Inc. through the Power in Partnership program.

From apprenticeship pathways to major upcoming projects in the region, students learned how the skills they’re building today can lead to strong careers close to home.

Even more meaningful, Dale Usher once sat in the very same classroom as an ATC student himself making this visit a full-circle moment and a powerful example of local success.

👏 Thank you to Usher, Inc. for continuing to invest in students and workforce development in Graves County.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development Usher Projects a Bright Future for Electrical Students Usher Projects a Bright Future for Electrical Students Dale Usher and Brian Webb from Usher, Inc. r

05/06/2026

🎥 New Video Highlights Internship Fair Connecting Students to Future Careers

GCED has released a new video capturing the energy and impact of the recent Community Connections Internship Fair, where more than 400 local high school juniors connected with 28 area businesses to explore career opportunities.

Students from Mayfield and Graves County schools met with employers, shared resumes, and learned about internships, summer jobs, and future career pathways, all while building valuable community connections. Events like this help students gain real-world experience and strengthen the workforce pipeline for Graves County’s future.

👏 Thank you to the many businesses, educators, and partners who invested in our students and made this event possible.

👉 Click the link below to watch the video and read the full story.
Video Credit: Lamb Film Co.

https://conta.cc/4tcHa9k

Email from Graves County Economic Development New Video Captures Internship Fair Opening Doors to Future Careers Ambition Meets Opportunity: New Video Captures Internship Fair Opening Doors to Future

05/01/2026

🏗️ $2 Million Investment Expands Opportunity in Graves County

Graves County Economic Development has been awarded a $2 million KPDI grant to support the construction of two new spec buildings in Mayfield creating ready-to-go space for business growth and expansion.

In partnership with Youngblood Excavating & Contracting, LLC and supported by The Murray Bank, this project will strengthen industrial development, attract new investment, and create jobs for local families. Strategically located with room to grow, these facilities position Graves County to compete for new industry and long-term economic success.

🚧 Another major step forward in building a stronger future for our community.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

https://conta.cc/47TXVyk

Email from Graves County Economic Development GCED is pleased to announce it has received a $2 million grant from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative. Graves County Economic Development Receiv

04/29/2026

📊 ATC Students Explore Careers in Governmental Accounting

Accounting students at the Mayfield/Graves County ATC recently gained a new perspective on the field through a Power in Partnership visit from Purchase Area Development District Finance Director Alana Champion.

From governmental accounting to auditing and the future impact of AI, students explored career paths they may not have previously considered while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.

Even more meaningful, Champion is an ATC graduate herself, showing students what’s possible right here at home.

👏 We’re grateful to our partners who invest in students and help expand their view of future opportunities.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.
https://conta.cc/4221Iq3

Email from Graves County Economic Development ATC Accounting Students Explore Governmental Accounting with PADD ATC Accounting Students Explore Governmental Accounting with PADD Accounting for govern

04/23/2026

📢 New ON TARGET newsletter just dropped!

Graves County Economic Development’s bi-monthly update highlights recent events, project updates, last year’s accomplishments, and what’s ahead for our community.

Take a look at the latest edition and stay connected to the progress happening across Graves County.

👉 Read it here:

Email from Graves County Economic Development The Bi-monthly Graves County Economic Development Update March & April 2026 | Issue 16 The Graves County Economic Development Update Welcome to ON TARGET,

04/22/2026

☕ Plant Managers Learn About Local Resources & Support

GCED’s recent Plant Managers Roundtable brought local industry leaders together to learn more about the services offered by the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce and the Graves County Health Department.

From business advocacy and networking opportunities to public health programs and community services, attendees gained valuable insight into resources that support both employers and the broader community.

These roundtables continue to provide a space for connection, collaboration, and practical information that strengthens businesses across Graves County.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development Plant Managers Learn About Chamber of Commerce and Health Department Services Plant Managers Learn About Chamber of Commerce and Health Department Service

04/20/2026

Graves County Economic Development was proud to partner with the Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce, Graves County Schools, Mayfield Independent Schools-Official, and the Mayfield/Graves County ATC to host the first ever Community Connections Internship Fair this past Friday!

This event is a meaningful opportunity to connect 400 of our local students with businesses across Graves County helping them explore career pathways, gain real-world experience, and build relationships right here in our community.

A special thank you to our incredible partners who help make events like this possible. Your continued support plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of our workforce.

We are also grateful for the many businesses and organizations who participated and invested their time in our students:
Dairyman’s Supply
Mayfield Graves County YMCA
Stor-Mor Outdoor Products
City of Mayfield
WoodmenLife
Whippoorwill Manor
FNB Bank
Mako Farms
Kyle Smith Design
Air Evac Lifeteam #108
Graves County Extension Office
Paducah Electrical JATC
Heartland Capital Investments
KHEAA
Mercy Health
First Choice Farm & Lawn
Usher, Inc.
Precast Product Solutions
Purchase Area Development District
Mayfield Fire Department
Graves County Economic Development
Wilson & Toombs, PLLC
Walker Womack Agency
Mayfield Electric & Water Systems
Youngblood’s Excavating and Contracting
Power Truss
WKRECC
WYMC Radio

Your willingness to engage with students and share your expertise makes a lasting impact. We look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships that support workforce development and create opportunities for our community’s future.

Stay tuned for a full video recap of this event and be on the lookout for information on opportunities for next year’s event!

04/17/2026

🐄 Students Explore Careers in Animal Science

Through the Community Connections program, local high school students recently got a hands-on look at careers in animal science — visiting Murray State University’s Equine Center, Riley Livestock, and hearing from a local veterinarian.

From livestock management to veterinary medicine, students explored the many pathways available in this essential industry and learned how education and real-world experience connect to future careers.

Experiences like this help students discover opportunities right here in our region — and envision their future in fields that support our local economy.

👉 Click the link below to read the full story.

Email from Graves County Economic Development April 2026 Community Connections Field Trip for Students Interested in Animal Science Focuses on Related Careers and Education Needed to Succeed On April

04/16/2026

🕯️ GCED Welcomes Premier Candle US Corp. to Graves County

Graves County Economic Development is excited to welcome Premier Candle US Corp. following its recent acquisition of Mayfield Consumer Products — a longtime leader in candle and home fragrance manufacturing in our community.

This transition builds on a strong local legacy while opening the door for continued growth, investment, and opportunity in Graves County.

We look forward to supporting Premier Candle as it strengthens operations and contributes to ongoing economic momentum in our region.

✨ A new chapter begins for an industry that has long been part of Mayfield’s story.

👉 Click the link below to read the full announcement.

https://conta.cc/4dIXb2

Email from Graves County Economic Development Graves County Economic Development Welcomes Premier Candle US Corp. Graves County Economic Development (GCED) is excited to welcome Premier Candle US Corp