September 2025 Alliance Newsletter | |
INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK
| | Fresh Fix Cafe steps into Level Up spotlight | | Learn how to define your story, strengthen
your image, and grow your business | | |
Entrepreneurs and small business professionals — are you ready to stand out? Join us for the next interactive Linked to the Future session as Vision Studio founder Ahmad McKinnie puts the focus on the power of personal branding.
At this session, you’ll learn how to share your story with confidence, build credibility, and create a professional image that supports business growth.
The session will be 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 in the auditorium at Inventrek Tech Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo. It is free and open to the public.
This workshop is part of the Linked to the Future series, which also includes the Level Up Business Branding program — both designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen their skills, expand their reach, and take the next step in their journey.
We’ll also introduce our newest initiative: the Founder Forum, a monthly peer group launching Nov. 5 that will give entrepreneurs a place to learn, share, and connect.
Don’t miss this chance to invest in yourself, strengthen your brand, and join a supportive network of peers.
Click here to learn more about the event
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The Drive competition returns Oct. 9
3 local entrepreneurs take the stage for a $10,000 prize from Inventrek Tech Park
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THE SQUEE GEES
Ethan Hasting & Mason Kaiser
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Window-cleaning venture that provides clients with the highest level of service, while focusing on honest, transparent relationships.
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HERITAGE KINGDOM CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE
Kayla Sager
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Offers original children’s clothing made with sustainable fabrics and shares its mission of faith and family
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BRIX & CO.
Adrean Lamberg
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Offers hand-poured candles and wax melts made from natural materials and sold at local markets and events
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GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
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Artist Alley’s 12th annual exhibit opens
Downtown’s outdoor public art gallery is back with fresh creativity
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Artist Alley is turning 12 — and it’s looking better than ever! During September’s First Friday: Art Walk, the Downtown Association and Kokomo Art Association unveiled the 2025-26 Artist Alley Exhibit.
This year’s collection features 15 pieces in all kinds of media — from acrylics and pastels to clay accents and sculpture. You’ll spot Marilyn Aleman’s "Field of Dreams," Dajanell Johnson’s "When I Thrive," and even a stone owl sculpture crafted by Amber LaPorte.
What started as a dark, forgotten alley has become a must-see stop on your downtown stroll — and a year-round gallery that proves just how much art can enliven a community.
Learn more about Artist Alley here.
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A brand new alley exhibit coming to downtown this fall
Bohemian Tattoo Club artists to bring new energy to downtown alleys
There’s even more art on the way. Back Alley is the next chapter in the “All Alleys Lead to Art” initiative, coming soon to the north façade of Beckley’s Office Equipment and Supplies at 112 S. Main St., Kokomo.
Want a sneak peek of what’s in store? You can preview the collection inside Bohemian Tattoo Club now through Sept. 25, before its official outdoor debut in October. The exhibit will feature bold oil and acrylic works from Bohemian Tattoo Club artists Timothy Boor, Max Egy, Chris Doyle, Matthew Davidson, Doug Burkmire, Cameron Fagan, and Jesilyn Shambarger. Bohemian is located at 206 N. Main St. in downtown Kokomo.
With Back Alley joining Artist Alley, Garden Alley, and Geek Alley, downtown Kokomo’s alleys are proving to be anything but overlooked. They’re turning into creative landmarks that make exploring downtown even more fun.
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September First Friday celebrates creativity
The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association invited the community to celebrate all things artsy with First Friday: Art Walk on Sept. 5.
Guests joined in on a scavenger hunt that led them through downtown’s vibrant art scene — solving a mystery along the way. The evening also featured community art projects, opportunities to meet local artists, and plenty of locally made treasures to shop. To top it off, several venues hosted live musicians, creating the perfect laid-back atmosphere for an art-filled night out.
Learn more about First Fridays here.
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Get involved with First Friday and engage the community each month! October is an amazing month to take part!
On Oct. 3, First Friday fans can don their favorite costume and discover Halloween tricks, tasty treats, and plenty of spooky surprises with First Friday: Masquerade.
Tell us your plans to participate here.
Need help with themed activity ideas? We can help with that! (Tip: handing out treats to guests for trick-or-treating is an easy place to start!) Find ideas here.
Looking for a place to set up your booth? Partner with a downtown business to secure your spot! Connect with a business here.
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GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU
| | Fall Fun Guide helps community celebrate the season | | |
Autumn is a special season in Kokomo, and the Visitors Bureau’s Fall Fun Guide helps you take it all in. The guide gathers local favorites like hayrides, pumpkin painting, corn mazes, and seasonal festivals into one easy place.
It’s a simple way for residents to discover what’s happening close to home and enjoy the traditions that make fall in our community unique.
By sharing these opportunities, the Visitors Bureau aims to not only help families make the most of the season but also support local farms, businesses, and events that make Kokomo such a vibrant place to live.
Check out the Kokomo Fall Fun Guide here
| | Visitors Bureau helps rock Kokomo all summer long | | |
All summer, the Kokomo Visitors Bureau has been working behind the scenes to promote the Kokomo Summer Concert Series — and now the season wraps up with one final, unforgettable night. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Performing Arts Pavilion at Foster Park will host Everclear, joined by Local H and Sponge, for a free community concert.
The concert series has been running since June. By promoting these events regionally and locally, the Visitors Bureau not only helps attract visitors to Kokomo but also shines a spotlight on the experiences available right here in our own backyard.
Free, family-friendly, and open to everyone, the concert series has become a highlight of Kokomo summers — offering both residents and guests a reason to gather, explore, and enjoy the best of what our community has to offer.
To learn more about the concert series here
| | | Conference center on track to open next summer | | |
Construction steams ahead, bookings underway, and website live
Construction is moving full speed ahead at the Kokomo Conference Center, and the project remains on track for its summer 2026 opening. With a modern design and flexible event spaces, the venue is already generating excitement as a future hub for conferences, trade shows, and more.
Behind the scenes, the sales team is in place and actively working on early bookings. The conference center’s new website is also live, featuring floor plans, planning resources, and booking information to help event organizers start mapping out their next big gathering in Kokomo.
Stay tuned as progress continues — and get ready to welcome a one-of-a-kind venue that will elevate Kokomo’s role as a destination for business and events.
The venue will be located on Superior Street between Union and Main streets in downtown Kokomo. To learn more about hosting your future event at the Kokomo Conference Center, visit KokomoConferenceCenter.com or contact a member of the sales team below.
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GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Young Professionals' Trivia Night
Thursday, Sept. 25 | 5:30-8 p.m.
Golf Up 31, 3200 Timber Valley Drive
Grab your smartest friends and join the Chamber’s Young Professionals Committee for an evening of brain-teasing fun, friendly competition, and great networking!
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State of the City
Thursday, Oct. 2 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bel Air Events
Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore will deliver his highly anticipated State of the City address, offering business and community leaders valuable insights into Kokomo’s progress.
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Nominations still open for annual awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the Alliance's 111th Annual Celebration and Awards Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bel Air Events.
Our most anticipated event of the year, the annual dinner recognizes the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose exemplary contributions have made a significant and lasting impact on Kokomo and Howard County. The evening will also reflect on notable achievements from the past year while honoring those who continue to shape the region’s future. This event typically sells out so get your tickets now!
Award categories include Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Impact Nonprofit Award, Businessperson of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and the Elizabeth Foster Award. Click here to make a nomination.
Tickets for the event are now available, and we invite all members of the community to join in celebrating these remarkable accomplishments.
Learn more about the event here.
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Join us in celebrating our members' milestones!
We will be hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for these local businesses:
CASA of Howard County
Tuesday, Sept. 16 • 11 a.m.
Details here
DSI's All Inclusive Outdoor Programming Space
Wednesday, Sept. 24 • 11 a.m.
Details here
Family Farm and Home
Thursday, Sept. 25 • 8 a.m.
Details here
Coffee Junkiez
Tuesday, Sept. 30 • 4:30 p.m.
Details here
True Realty
Tuesday, Oct. 7 • 11 a.m.
Details here
| | | Elsewhen Technology in spotlight for September | | |
The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Elsewhen Technology as our September Small Business of the Month! Join us as we celebrate this outstanding local business with networking, light refreshments, and a special award presentation from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 at 1429 S. Main St., Kokomo. Learn more about the event here
This monthly award highlights a small business and gives 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!
A big thank you to our program sponsors: Budget Blinds and Today’s the Day Coaching & Hypnosis for their continued support!
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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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Get involved with our initiatives and programs!
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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