April 2026 Alliance Newsletter

GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

Make Kokomo your July Fourth destination

Downtown Kokomo is celebrating Independence Day with a special edition of First Friday — this time on Saturday. Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on July 4, bringing all the familiar favorites with family-friendly activities and a festive, patriotic twist.

The celebration doesn’t stop there. In partnership with the Kokomo Creek Chubs, the afternoon will lead into an evening of baseball and fireworks at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.

A highlight of the day will be a veterans walk from downtown to the stadium, creating a meaningful transition between the block party and the game. The Kokomo Fire Department will help mark the moment, displaying a large American flag between fire trucks along the route.

It’s a full day of community, celebration, and hometown pride — all right here in downtown Kokomo.

Check out all that Kokomo has to offer this summer in celebration of America's 250th anniversary

Sold out but still sweet: Join us as a volunteer

It’s official, the Kokomo Strawberry Festival is a community favorite. Vendor and Artsapalooza Art Market spots are already full for the 28th annual event, happening Friday, June 5, 2026 in downtown Kokomo.

The festival draws thousands each year for strawberry shortcake, live music, artisan goods, and family-friendly fun.

There’s still a way to be part of it. Volunteers are needed to help bring the day to life, from serving shortcake to supporting festival activities. It’s a hands-on way to be part of one of Kokomo’s sweetest traditions.

Get registered as a volunteer here

Downtown comes alive again for First Friday, and this month is bursting with creativity, community, and hands-on fun. From interactive art activities and live demonstrations to music, food, and family-friendly experiences, you’ll find something around every corner of the Courthouse Square and beyond.

Whether you’re making your own masterpiece, browsing unique handmade goods, or just soaking up the energy, it’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend. The family-friendly fun runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with those 21+ being invited to stick around for First Friday After Hours at downtown’s nightlife hot spots.

Check out everything planned for a fun evening in downtown by clicking here

INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK

Canva focus continues with Linked to the Future series

Ready to build on your Canva skills? This follow-up to Canva 101 focuses on turning templates into polished, on-brand designs that reflect your business or organization.

Led by Misty Knisely, manager of marketing and communication for the Alliance, this hands-on session will cover customizing templates, making smart design choices, and creating consistent, professional-looking materials. Strong design helps you build trust, strengthen your brand, and communicate more effectively with your audience.

Basic Canva knowledge is recommended. Bring a laptop, your logo file, and brand colors if you have them — we’ll help you get everything set up.

The Linked to the Future series is a growing platform of entrepreneur-focused education, support, and resource-building programs aimed at strengthening Kokomo’s small business community.

Get registered for Canva 201 here.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE DRIVE

Fuel small business, spark big impact

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, driving job creation, innovation, and community growth. But for many entrepreneurs, access to funding is the biggest hurdle to success.

The Drive, a “Shark Tank”-style business pitch competition, changes that by awarding $10,000 to a promising small businesses in Howard County.

This award gives them the boosts they need to launch or expand. Sponsoring this competition isn’t just philanthropy — it’s an investment in the long-term economic success of our region.

When small businesses thrive, they create jobs, attract more investment, and strengthen the entire business ecosystem. Your support helps build a stronger local economy, one business at a time.

Learn more at greaterkokomo.com/thedrive or contact Caitlin Sheets via email here

Founder Forum keeps conversations going for entreprenuers

Founder Forum continues to bring together entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and innovators from across Howard County for real, honest conversations about what it takes to run and grow a business.

These casual monthly meetups create space to share challenges, celebrate wins, and learn from others who are in the same boat. It’s a simple idea with real impact — helping entrepreneurs stay connected, supported, and inspired.

Born out of the Linked to the Future masterclass series, Founder Forum continues through a partnership between Inventrek Tech Park and Vision Studio, keeping momentum strong for the local startup community.

The next meeting is Thursday, May 7, from noon to 1 p.m. at Vision Studio.

Get details here

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to a free, hands-on QuickBooks and Bookkeeping Essentials Workshop happening in Kokomo on April 30 - May 1. Hosted by Inventrek Tech Park, this 2-day training is designed to build confidence and practical skills in managing business finances — whether you're just starting out or looking to streamline your current process.

Learn how to:

• Set up and use QuickBooks effectively

• Handle day-to-day and month-end bookkeeping tasks

• Understand financial statements to make better decisions

Participants should bring a laptop or tablet with a keyboard for optimal engagement.

Click here to register

This no-cost workshop is made possible through Indiana’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance program.

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU

HCAC Softball Championship coming May 7-9

Kokomo will host the NCAA Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) 2026 Baseball and Softball Championships on May 7-10.

Six college teams will play each at Kokomo Municipal Stadium and Kokomo High School Softball Stadium with games on Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Saturday games will be held at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. with an if-necessary game on Sunday.

The public is invited to come out and watch the games. General admission tickets will be sold at the gates for $10 with a 50% discount offered for all Howard County residents.

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is assisting with hotel room blocks and hospitality support for both tournaments. Learn more about the HCAC here.

Visitors Bureau welcomes new sales manager

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is excited to welcome Sam Beckom as its new sales manager, strengthening efforts to bring more sporting events and tournaments to the community.

Beckom brings deep roots in Kokomo’s sports scene, with experience working alongside organizations like the Kokomo Jackrabbits and Bobkats. His background in event production, sponsorships, and community engagement makes him a strong advocate for showcasing Kokomo’s venues and assets to event organizers.

His work will help continue building Kokomo’s reputation as a destination for competitive events — driving visitor traffic, supporting local businesses, and creating more opportunities for the community to engage with high-level athletics.

A fresh look for VisitKokomo.org

Exploring Kokomo just got easier. The newly refreshed VisitKokomo.org is designed to help visitors and locals alike discover what makes our community special.

From places to eat and stay to events, attractions, and hidden gems, the updated site brings everything together in one place. It’s not just for out-of-town guests — residents can use it to find new things to do and make the most of what’s right here at home.

Whether you’re planning a visit or just looking for something new, VisitKokomo.org is your go-to guide.

Community calendar moves to new home

Our online community events calendar has a new home. You can now find upcoming Kokomo-area events, festivals and activities at events.visitkokomo.org.

The calendar is maintained by the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau as a free resource to help residents and visitors discover what’s happening across Kokomo and Howard County. By gathering events in one place, it helps local organizations promote their activities while making it easier for people to explore the community and support local events.

Be sure to update your bookmarks and stay connected with everything happening in Kokomo.

Check it out here

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tee up for connection at the Chamber Golf Classic

The Kokomo Chamber Annual Golf Classic returns to Chippendale Golf Course for a day of networking, friendly competition, and fun on the green.

This event brings together local business and community leaders, creating space to build relationships and strengthen connections that support a thriving business community.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for businesses looking to get involved. Sponsors can host a staffed hole, connect directly with participants, and showcase their brand in a fun, interactive setting — all while supporting the Chamber’s work in the community.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Courtney Butler at cbutler@greaterkokomo.com

Interested in volunteering? Click here

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Join us in celebrating members' milestones!

• Frontline Pest Management: 4:30-5 p.m. Thursday, April 30 Details

• Blye's Bridal Loft: 4-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 Details

• Amazing Thai: Noon-12:30 p.m. Monday, May 4 Details

• CFD Companies: 4:30-5 p.m. Thursday, May 14 Details

• Kokomo Family YMCA's Camp Tycony Adventure Course:
Noon-12:30 p.m. Monday, May 18 Details

KOKOMO CONFERENCE CENTER

A bright glimpse of what's to come

Construction on the Downtown Kokomo Conference Center is moving closer to the finish line — and now, there’s something new to see from the outside.

A stunning 17-foot-tall chandelier has been installed in the main lobby, offering passers-by a first real glimpse of the modern, welcoming space taking shape inside. It’s a small preview of the design and experience future visitors can expect.

As progress continues, moments like this highlight what’s ahead: a space built to host events, attract visitors, and add new energy to downtown Kokomo.

Learn more

Internship opportunities available at conference center

Looking to gain real world experience in hospitality, food and beverage or event operations? The Kokomo Conference Center offers internship opportunities where you can learn from industry professionals and help bring memorable events to life.

Start building your career while being part of a dynamic team in the heart of downtown Kokomo.

See the available positions here