May 2025 Alliance Newsletter

Construction is making good progress at the site of the Downtown Kokomo Conference Center and Hilton Garden Inn.

PROGRESS IN MOTION

DOWNTOWN KOKOMO CONFERENCE CENTER TAKING SHAPE

Construction is well underway at the future site of the Kokomo Conference Center and adjoining Hilton Garden Inn, located at the corner of Superior and Union streets in downtown Kokomo.

This transformative project is designed to fuel economic growth, attract visitors, and create new opportunities for local businesses — perfectly aligned with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance’s mission to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Alliance staff remain closely involved, meeting weekly with the construction team and actively fine-tuning every detail of the interior design to ensure the space reflects local pride and maximizes functionality.

Learn more about the project here

Bridging the language gap in local healthcare

As part of the Alliance’s Korean Soft Landing initiative— designed to help Kokomo smoothly welcome and integrate new Korean residents — the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance has developed bilingual communication cards for use by area medical personnel.

These pocket-sized tools feature key medical phrases in English and Korean, helping first responders for our community hospitals provide effective, compassionate immediate care even when language is a barrier.

It’s one more way the Alliance is working to support a thriving, inclusive community as Kokomo grows through global investment, including the $6 billion StarPlus Energy project.

Click here to learn more about the KSL initiative

Strawberry Festival returns to sweeten downtown Kokomo

Kokomo’s favorite summer tradition is back! The 2025 Strawberry Festival will take over downtown Kokomo on Friday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., marking the city’s official start to the season.

Guests can enjoy strawberry shortcake piled high with whipped cream and ice cream, shop handmade goods at the Artsapalooza Art Market, enjoy live music throughout the day, and soak up the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that makes this one of the community’s most beloved events.

The Strawberry Festival is a Greater Kokomo Downtown Association event that raises funds for downtown revitalization efforts.

Click here to learn more about this year's event!

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT/CEO

The annual Strawberry Festival is one of Kokomo’s most beloved traditions — and it just keeps getting sweeter. What began as a simple community event has grown tremendously in recent years, expanding its footprint and welcoming more guests, more fun, and more flavor each summer.

This year marks a record-breaking milestone, with 185 vendors participating — our largest number yet. The festival continues to grow not only in scale, but also in spirit. In recent years, we’ve added new features like the Artsapalooza Art Market, which showcases local and regional artists and has grown right alongside the rest of the event.

It’s clear that excitement for the Strawberry Festival runs deep. Local businesses are creating festival-exclusive strawberry-themed items, and more and more attendees are showing up decked out in strawberry-inspired attire. So much so that we introduced the Strawberry Royalty tradition last year, where our Strawberry King hands out sashes to those most festively dressed.

While the strawberry shortcake is still the star of the show, we hope visitors will do more than grab dessert and go. We encourage everyone to linger a little longer to take in the live music, explore the vendor booths, enjoy the art market, and spend time appreciating all that our revitalized downtown has to offer. The festival is a celebration not just of strawberries, but of the vibrant city center we’ve worked hard to build over the past decade.

And we’re not done yet. Our vision is to see this festival continue to grow so much that one day its reach will extend all the way to the Kokomo Conference Center, currently under construction just down Superior Street.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Chamber and the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. See you at the Strawberry Festival!

Lori Dukes,

President and CEO, Greater Kokomo Alliance

Sponsorship opportunities available

From supporting local businesses and energizing downtown to building strong connections and empowering entrepreneurs, Alliance initiatives shape the future of our community.

And it all starts with you. Your support fuels Kokomo’s success, and now is your chance to get involved in some of the most exciting and influential events of the year. Explore our sponsorship guide to see how you can elevate your business while making a meaningful impact.

View sponsorship opportunities here

GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

Volunteers needed for downtown planting days

Join the Keep Kokomo Beautiful campaign and make a lasting impact on our community! We are looking for volunteers for two upcoming planting days.

• Annual planting day: Saturday, May 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the City Hall Gazebo, 100 S. Union St., Kokomo. Sign up here

• Container/alley planting: Wednesday, May 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Courthouse Square at the corner of Main and Sycamore streets. Sign up here

Whether you're part of a business team, advocacy group, or just want to lend a hand as an individual or family, your help is needed! Sign up today and be a part of keeping Kokomo beautiful. Together, we grow!

Learn more about the Keep Kokomo Beautiful program here!

Join the Sidewalk Garden Club

New in 2025 is the Sidewalk Garden Club, where businesses and organizations can adopt a sidewalk garden along several walkways in downtown Kokomo. Contributors can display their pride for the heart of their community through their sponsorship.

Each sponsor will have a metal plaque displayed in one of the gardens for the whole season. This investment will support purchasing plant stock for the Keep Kokomo Beautiful campaign, planting it, and administering volunteer engagement.

Learn more about this Greater Kokomo Downtown Association initiative here

First Friday celebrates art and community connections in May

The May 2 First Friday invited the Kokomo community to get creative with its returning “Art Task” theme. Visitors of all ages explored downtown, stopping at local businesses, organizations, and artist stations to participate in hands-on art projects and enjoy live entertainment, shopping, and dining along the way.

First Friday will be back on Friday, June 6, as part of the 2025 Strawberry Festival — a full-day celebration that brings art, music, food, and fun to the heart of downtown.

First Friday will then pause for July and return August 1 with the back-to-school-themed event, “Get Schooled.”

Learn more about First Friday here

Stay connected to First Friday

Whether you’re a fan of the fun or looking to get involved behind the scenes, there are easy ways to stay in the loop with Kokomo’s First Friday events and other downtown happenings.

Want to attend?

Sign up for our free First Friday Highlights newsletter to get event details, themes, and tips delivered straight to your inbox each month — so you never miss out on what’s happening downtown.

Click here to subscribe to the event newsletter

Want to participate?

If you're a business, organization, or artist interested in hosting activities or engaging with the community during First Friday and other events, sign up for our Downtown Involvement newsletter for participation details and updates.

Click here to subscribe to the participation newsletter

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU

HCAC Baseball Championship returns to Kokomo

The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Baseball Championship returns to Kokomo Municipal Stadium May 8 to 11, bringing a NCAA Division III collegiate competition and a welcome boost to the local economy.

All six participating teams — from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio — will stay in local hotels, dine at area restaurants, and experience our vibrant community during the multi-day tournament.

Teams competing this year include:

Manchester University (North Manchester, IN)
Anderson University (Anderson, IN)
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute, IN)
Transylvania University (Lexington, KY)
Mount St. Joseph University (Cincinnati, OH)
Franklin College (Franklin, IN)

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is helping support the tournament by providing hotel accommodations and on-site hospitality for umpires, VIPs, and tournament staff — ensuring Kokomo continues to be a premier host for regional events like this one.

Head out to the ballgame!

Make plans to enjoy a weekend of championship baseball in the heart of downtown Kokomo!

Admission is $10 per person, per day (free for children 11 and under), with a special $5 rate for Howard County residents with valid ID.

Thursday, May 8

• 10 a.m.: Franklin vs. Rose-Hulman

• 1:15 p.m.: Mount St. Joseph vs. Transylvania

• 4:30 p.m.: Worst seeded winner from games 1 and 2 vs. Manchester

• 7:45 p.m.: Best seeded winner from games 1 and 2 vs. Anderson

Friday, May 9

Games at 10 a.m. and 1:15, 4:30 and 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, May 10

Games at 1 and 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 11

A game will be held if needed

For more information about the HCAC, click here.

Visit Kokomo highlights summer happenings

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is your go-to source for all things summer — from splashing at Kokomo Beach to car shows, festivals, and free concerts. The Visit Kokomo Summer Fun Guide is packed with ways to enjoy the season and make unforgettable memories right here in Kokomo.

Helping residents rediscover and enjoy their own community is a key part of the Visitors Bureau’s mission to support local experiences and strengthen pride of place.

Click here to view the Summer Fun Guide.

Travel journalist discovers Kokomo's hot spots

National travel writer and content creator Veronica "Hip Grandma" Bareman recently explored Kokomo, spotlighting some of our most vibrant local gems. Known for uncovering hidden treasures and bold flavors across the country, she featured Kokomo Opalescent Glass on her Hip Grandma Life blog — diving into the factory’s rich history and colorful craftsmanship.

She also shared her love for Kokomo’s local favorites like Popcorn Café and Radish Market & Café across her social media channels, giving her audience a taste of what makes our community unique.

Attracting this kind of positive, earned media coverage is a key part of the Visitors Bureau’s mission to boost local pride and continue putting Kokomo on the travel map.

Submit your community event!

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau compiles a complete list of events for Kokomo and Howard County monthly. To have your event included in our calendar, contact Sherry Matlock at 765-457-6802 or smatlock@visitkokomo.org.

You can also submit your listing online by visiting visitkokomo.org/submit-your-event

Check out the Community Calendar

INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK

The Drive finalists working on business plans, pitches

Finalists in The Drive, a business pitch competition powered by Inventrek Tech Park, are hard at work preparing to pitch their ideas this October. With guidance from Alliance staff, each finalist is developing a comprehensive business plan that will shape their final presentation and slide deck.

In recent weeks, participants have taken a deep dive into their financials — categorizing revenue and expenses, reviewing financial projections, and evaluating customer segments and marketing strategies.

This hands-on collaboration is a core part of the Alliance’s mission to support entrepreneurs and help launch strong, sustainable businesses right here in Kokomo and Howard County.

The Drive, a 'Shark Tank'-style competition, will be on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Ivy Tech Hingst Hall. There's no cost to attend and it is open to the public. Details here

At Inventrek Technology Park, you’ll find more than just office space — you’ll find a community focused on innovation and growth. As one of only 23 Certified Technology Parks in Indiana, Inventrek is designed to support startups and high-growth companies with the resources and connections they need to succeed.

Here, you’ll get more than four walls and a desk. Gain access to:

✅ The Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center for expert guidance

✅ Free conference rooms for meetings that matter

✅ High-speed internet, mailing services, built-in networking and so much more

Spaces are available now!

Don’t just rent an office! Join a thriving hub where businesses grow together.

Learn more or schedule a tour by calling 765-457-2000 or emailing Michelle Reed.

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Third House Sessions wrap up for 2025

With the 2025 Indiana General Assembly now adjourned, the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce hosted its final Third House Session of the season. State Representative Mike Karickhoff and State Senator Jim Buck joined us to discuss key legislation from the session and answer questions from the local business community.

Connecting our members with state lawmakers is a vital part of the Chamber’s mission to ensure the voice of business is heard in public policy decisions.

Click here to register

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Business After Hours: DSI Together with Bona Vista

Wednesday, May 28 | 4-6 p.m.

1221 S. Plate St.

Join us to celebrate DSI Together with Bona Vista's new art gallery. Network with local business leaders, enjoy refreshments, and explore the artwork on display.

Coffee and Conversations with Mayor Tyler Moore

Friday, June 13 | 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Zoe Cafe at Abundant Life Church

Grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast treat during this opportunity to network with Mayor Moore and other Chamber members. The mayor will take questions from the audience.

See all upcoming Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce events here

Join us in celebrating our members' milestones!

We will be hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for several local businesses in May:

• Budget Blinds of Kokomo 20th Anniversary: 4 p.m. Monday, May 12 in the Shared Drive at Inventrek Tech Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo. Full details here

• P.F. Hendricks and Co. 10th Anniversary: 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 at 101 N. Buckeye St., Kokomo. Full details here

• Jefferson Manor outdoor renovations: 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at 603 St. Joseph Drive, Kokomo. Full details here

You can help support local small businesses through the Chamber

The Small Business of the Month/Year Program (SBOM) is designed to recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Greater Kokomo Chamber businesses.

This monthly award highlights a small business and give them extra marketing exposure to aid in growing their business. The award season runs from January to November annually.

Click here to nominate a small business!