April 2025 Alliance Newsletter | | KEI Director of Communications Arius Derr poses for a photo with the staff of the Greater Kokomo Alliance at Inventrek Tech Park. | Alliance staff welcomes Korea delegation | |
In April, the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance welcomed representatives from the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) during their recent visit to Kokomo. KEI is a leading Washington, D.C.-based policy and research organization dedicated to strengthening the economic and strategic relationship between the United States and South Korea.
Their visit focused on exploring the growing impact of South Korean foreign direct investment, including the more than $6 billion StarPlus Energy electric vehicle battery plants. While in Kokomo, KEI’s delegation, led by Director of Communications Arius Derr, met with Alliance staff, local elected officials, and community partners to better understand how international investment is shaping the future of cities like Kokomo.
By connecting with the Alliance, KEI gained firsthand insight into our community’s evolving economic landscape, and their interest signals just how significant Kokomo’s role has become in the broader story of U.S.-Korea economic collaboration.
| | Kokomo Conference Center featured on Fox59 | | |
Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau Manager Sherry Matlock recently joined Fox59 News on-site at the future home of the downtown Kokomo hotel and conference center to talk about the project’s progress.
These media opportunities help the Alliance emphasize why this development matters and the benefits it will bring to our community. The project will increase visitor spending in our community, support local businesses, and position Kokomo as a regional destination for meetings and events.
Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore was also interviewed, highlighting the city's investment in growth and momentum.
Watch the Fox59 report here
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PBS television series puts national spotlight on Kokomo
Kokomo is in the national spotlight thanks to an episode of John McGivern’s Main Streets, a PBS television series that explores unique communities across the Midwest. The episode, which aired in March, brought national attention to Kokomo’s rich history, thriving small businesses, and creative energy.
The episode can be viewed online at GreaterKokomo.com/MainStreets.
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau played a key role in making this opportunity a reality. Alliance staff hosted the production crew during their August 2024 visit, coordinated site tours, connected producers with community representatives, and ensured Kokomo’s story was shared in the best possible light. The result is a compelling look at the people and places that make Kokomo special — from Haynes International and Kokomo Opalescent Glass to our vibrant downtown and growing food scene.
To celebrate the feature, the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association hosted a community viewing party at SUTE Korean BBQ House on April 8. The event brought residents together to see Kokomo showcased on the national stage.
This exposure will give viewers across the country a reason to visit and experience Kokomo for themselves.
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GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
| | GET INVOLVED IN KOKOMO'S BIGGEST SUMMER TRADITION! | | |
The Strawberry Festival in downtown Kokomo is one of our community’s most beloved events, bringing thousands of people downtown for a day of sweet treats, live entertainment, and local fun.
Looking to be part of the excitement? Opportunities are still available for sponsorships, vendors, and volunteers — but deadlines are approaching fast!
Don’t miss your chance to showcase your business, connect with the community, and be part of this signature event.
Click here to find your sweet spot for involvement!
| | Local spirit grows with flower-planting event | |
On April 3, more than 60 volunteers planted thousands of flowers that will adorn downtown gardens and light poles throughout our community this summer. As part of the Keep Kokomo Beautiful initiative, volunteers planted 1,112 flower baskets and 1,664 flower pots.
Keep Kokomo Beautiful is in its 11th year and has enjoyed tremendous community support since its beginning. At its core, this Greater Kokomo Downtown Association initiative isn’t about flowers. These planting events and the resulting beautiful blooms this summer aim to nurture a sense of pride among residents, empowering them to take ownership over the community and its future.
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Two more chances to volunteer!
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, 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!
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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.
| | | During the April First Friday event — themed Go Green — several downtown locations hosted eco-friendly and nature-based activities to celebrate Earth Month. | | First Friday moves toward more sustainability | | |
The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association is making First Fridays more sustainable by reducing single-use paper materials and introducing digital alternatives. Beginning with First Friday April, attendees now access event details through their phones instead of paper handouts.
By scanning a QR code displayed at several prominent locations in downtown, including the four corners of the Courthouse Square, visitors can view a mobile-friendly digital list of participating businesses and event details on the First Friday website.
Additionally, the signage posted throughout downtown and at participating businesses will be reused each month, making the event more environmentally friendly on an ongoing basis. These updates make it easier for guests to navigate the event while cutting down on unnecessary paper waste.
| | Unleash your creativity at First Friday in May! | |
GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU
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Visitors Bureau publishes updated area guides
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau has released its updated area guide, packed with everything you need to explore our community, including restaurants, shopping, attractions, and must-do experiences.
More than just a map, this guide is a key tool for showcasing what makes Kokomo a great place to visit and live. By making it easily accessible at hotels, local hotspots, and select Indiana rest stops, we’re ensuring that visitors and residents alike can discover all our community has to offer.
You can view the guide online here
| | | Kokomo featured in Indianapolis Monthly | | |
Kokomo is being featured in Indianapolis Monthly’s annual Destination Dining issue, shining a spotlight on several local eateries and our growing international food scene — including new Korean restaurants that are adding global flavor to downtown.
The feature was made possible through the work of the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau. Manager Sherry Matlock and fellow Alliance staff hosted the writer and collaborated with the magazine’s production team to ensure an authentic and compelling representation of Kokomo.
Securing this kind of earned media is a key role the Visitors Bureau plays in promoting the community, including through its annual participation in travel writer events across the region.
View the entire issue here
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INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK
| | From pitch to reality: Drive winner celebrates new shop | | |
The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the downtown opening of Back Woods Trading Co., a business inspired by a love of the outdoors and elevated through the support of the Alliance’s Drive pitch competition.
Owner Luke Talley took home the 2024 Drive title and put his $10,000 seed funding to work, transforming Back Woods Trading Co. from an online shop into a brick-and-mortar destination in the heart of Kokomo. The shop features custom and branded accessories and gifts inspired by camping, fishing, and the great outdoors.
In addition to laser engraving personalized designs, Back Woods offers hands-on creative experiences. Customers can craft their own custom candle with a branded leather tag or take part in an interactive leathercrafting session — making the store not just a place to shop, but a place to create.
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Brix & Co. specializes in homemade candles and wax melts that are made with environmentally friendly ingredients.
Its candles and wax melts are created with non-toxic soy wax and fragrances free of harmful chemicals. Brix & Co. has served as a vendor for local and regional events.
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Heritage Kingdom Children’s Boutique specializes in clothes for infants, toddlers, and younger children in a wide array of playful patterns.
What makes the shop unique is that all the designs featured on the clothes are designed in-house and made exclusively for Heritage Kingdom Children’s Boutique.
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The Squee Gees specializes in window cleaning, pressure washing, solar panel cleaning, and gutter maintenance for businesses and homes alike.
The company’s determination and attention to detail enables them to provide high-quality service and establish meaningful connections with clients.
| | The Drive, a 'Shark Tank'-style competition, will be 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9
at Ivy Tech Hingst Hall. There's no cost to attend and it is open to the public. | | Still looking for a place to launch? | | |
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!
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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.
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GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Beyond the Bottom Line: Unlocking Business Value and Future
10-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 15
Inventrek Tech Park, Conference Room 2A
Join us for an interactive workshop on understanding the value of your business, bridging financial gaps, and smoothly transitioning to your next chapter.
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State of the County with Howard County Commissioners
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Bel Air Events
Join County Commissioners Jack Dodd, Brad Bray and Jeff Lipinski for the 2025 State of the County address, discussing 2024 achievements and 2025 goals.
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Join us in celebrating our members' milestones!
We will be hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for several local businesses in April:
• Tiptop Car Wash: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 at 2435 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo. Full details here
• Becoming Your Best with Jenny Lytle, RN: 4-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, in The Shared Drive at Inventrek Tech Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo. Full details here
• Simple Radiance Medical Spa: 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 at 208 W. Jefferson St. Unit C, Suite B, Kokomo. Full details here
• Budget Blinds: 4-4:30 p.m. Monday, May 12 in the Shared Drive at Inventrek Tech Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo. Full details here
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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!
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Be part of Kokomo's growth! 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
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Connect with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance inside Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo.
Downtown/Chamber: 765-457-5301
Inventrek Tech Park/Economic
Development: 765-457-2000
Visitors Bureau: 765-457-6802
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