In December, soulbrain MI, a tier one supplier for the electric vehicle industry, announced plans on Dec. 13 to establish operations in Kokomo, creating up to 75 new, high-wage jobs by the end of 2025.

The company, which is headquartered in Michigan and is a subsidiary of South Korea-based Soulbrain Holdings, will invest $75 million to construct and equip a 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on 22 acres at 2141 N. Touby Pike in Kokomo.

The project will be located in the industrial park, an initiative of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance in partnership with the City of Kokomo and Howard County. It will join StarPlus Energy, a joint venture of Stellantis and Samsung SDI that's making a $2.5 billion investment to construct an electric-vehicle battery plant.

“When the Alliance envisioned this industrial park, we could only dream that it would bring this level of economic prosperity,” said Alliance CEO & President Lori Dukes. “To see it become a reality, makes us excited for what the future holds for our community.”

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU

Whether it's spring, summer, autumn or winter, it's always festival season in Indiana. From seasonal celebrations to arts and music fairs, you're sure to make plenty of memories with your family and friends.

You can start planning your 2023 festival fun now by picking up a copy of the guide at either of the Greater Kokomo Visitor Bureau's Visitor Centers. You'll find them at Inventrek Tech Park and the Main Branch of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library.

At the visitor centers you'll also find local and state travel resources, such as Kokomo maps and attraction brochures, Indiana Travel Guide, Recreation Guide, and Indiana state maps. All information is free!

GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

A new mural has been installed in downtown Kokomo thanks to a state grant secured by the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association. “We Are Kokomo” features the artwork of Sienna Urbina, a local artist and graduate of Indiana University Kokomo’s New Media, Art and Technology Department.

The artwork conveys that a location is the reflection of the people who call it home.

“It expresses the idea that the identity of a place rests with the character of its people and not simply its geographic location,” said Susan Alexander, Manager of Downtown Initiatives for the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “That concept is at the heart of all the work we do in downtown Kokomo and why we strive to engage the public as much as possible in our revitalization mission.”

Painted on the north façade of the historic train depot on North Buckeye Street, it overlooks the outdoor seating of Sun King Brewery and the city’s pocket park.

INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK

In 2022 we awarded $10,000 in seed money to Heather Dame, a local entrepreneur growing her vegan restaurant, Lucky Lemon Bakery. Could you be the one claiming that seed money in 2023?

This year's competition will be 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. Details on joining the competition will be coming soon, but you can learn more about the event now by clicking here.

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce Manager Courtney Butler attended the Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) in January. This is a nonprofit professional development program hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. IOM is a 4-year commitment that will help participants learn valuable tools necessary to lead nonprofits and associations.

Courtney was also able to network with other Chambers around the nation. "I learned so much to take back to our organization that I would not have learned without this opportunity," she said of the experience.

Read more here.