August 2025 Alliance Newsletter | | Downtown Kokomo is in full bloom
— thanks to the dedication of many | | |
Downtown Kokomo is bursting with color this summer, thanks to the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association bringing together volunteers to plant over 1,000 flower baskets and sidewalk gardens.
Their collective efforts brighten our streets and create a welcoming atmosphere for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Discover more about this inspiring initiative and how you can get involved at greaterkokomo.com/kkb.
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GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
| | Own a piece of Kokomo's public art | |
The art from this year’s Artist Alley exhibit is now available for purchase. This is a great chance to own a piece of Kokomo’s vibrant public art while supporting these talented artists.
To purchase art or learn more, visit or contact Artworks Gallery at 765-459-4579 or kokomoartassociation2014@gmail.com. You can check out Artist Alley in the alleyway next to Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. in downtown Kokomo.
Looking ahead, a fresh new exhibit will open in September with an artist reception during First Friday — marking the next chapter in downtown’s creative revitalization.
Artist Alley is a vibrant outdoor art gallery and revitalization project created through a partnership between the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association and the Kokomo Art Association. This initiative transforms a once-forgotten alley into a dynamic space showcasing murals and sculptures that celebrate our community’s creativity and heritage.
Learn more about Artist Alley here.
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GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU
| | Area guides available for businesses | | |
Here’s something you might not know: Businesses and organizations can pick up stacks of the Kokomo Area Guide — free of charge — to share with customers, clients, new hires, or guests.
Created by the Kokomo Visitors Bureau, the guide is more than a resource for things to see and do. It helps visitors make the most of their time here and encourages residents to take pride in their hometown. That positive image matters. Visitor spending has a ripple effect because it supports local businesses and fuels our economy.
To get copies for your business, click here to email Sherry Matlock, manager of the Visitors Bureau.
| | Updated downtown attraction map available | | |
Our popular Downtown Kokomo Attraction Map has been refreshed with the latest shops, restaurants, public art, and points of interest. A digital copy is available here for your convenience, and printed maps are available at both Kokomo Visitor Centers — inside Inventrek Technology Park and the downtown branch of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library.
The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance creates and maintains these maps to help visitors and residents alike explore and enjoy all that downtown has to offer. By making it easier for people to discover local businesses, attractions, and events, we help strengthen our community’s economy and keep Kokomo’s vibrant core thriving.
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INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK
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The Fresh Fix Cafe fuels innovation at Inventrek
Inventrek Tech Park is pleased to announce the opening of Fresh Fix Cafe, a new small business offering flavored coffees, fountain beverages, and fresh salads within the Inventrek facility at 700 E. Firmin St.
This addition reflects Inventrek’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship while providing valuable amenities to its tenants, including students and faculty at Purdue University Kokomo.
Fresh Fix Cafe operates Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering convenient access to quality refreshments within the building. The restaurant is open to the public.
Learn more about The Fresh Fix Cafe here.
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Finalists gear up for The Drive competition
The 2025 finalists of The Drive, a business pitch competition powered by Inventrek Tech Park, have their business plans finished and are preparing to take the stage on Oct. 9 at Ivy Tech Kokomo's Hingst Hall. The finalists are currently working with Alliance staff to craft their business pitches and build their presentations.
While the contest is the culminating event of this Inventrek program, it is only the final step of the journey that finalists undergo. With the help of the Alliance, finalists are able to expand their knowledge, establish new connections, and discover ways to take their business to the next level in the months leading up to the competition.
Learn more about The Drive here.
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GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Nominations now 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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State of the City with
Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore
Thursday, Oct. 2 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bel Air Events
Join the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce for our next Business Matters Luncheon, featuring one of the year’s most anticipated presentations — the State of the City address from Mayor Tyler Moore.
This annual event gives business and community leaders a firsthand look at where Kokomo stands today, what we’ve accomplished over the past year, and what’s on the horizon.
From economic development and infrastructure to public safety and quality-of-life projects, you’ll gain valuable insights into the initiatives shaping our city’s future.
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Friday, Sept. 12 | 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Coffee Junkiez
Join us for a relaxed morning of conversation, coffee, and community as Mayor Tyler Moore shares updates and answers your questions during our free, public Quarterly Coffee & Conversations event.
Register here
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Friday, Oct. 17 | 8:30-10 a.m.
Inventrek
A free, casual networking event where Chamber members can connect, share ideas, and learn how to make the most of their membership.
Register here
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Join us in celebrating our members' milestones!
We will be hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for these local businesses:
• Elara Caring Hospice: Wednesday, August 20 • 10:30 a.m. Full details here
• Morrow Construction: Wednesday, August 27 • 9 a.m. Full details here
• The Shannonhouse Initiative: Thursday, August 28 • 4 p.m. Full details here
• Unique Creations by Joe: Tuesday, September 2 • 10:30 a.m. Full details here
• Goodwill: Tuesday, September 9 • 10:30 a.m. Full details here
• CASA of Howard County: Tuesday, September 16 • 11 a.m. Full details here
| | The 2 Mortgage Guys take August spotlight | | |
The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize The 2 Mortgage Guys as our August Small Business of the Month! Join us as we celebrate this outstanding local business with networking, light refreshments, and a special award presentation.
You can help support local small businesses through the Chamber
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.
A big thank you to our program sponsors: Budget Blinds and Today’s the Day Coaching & Hypnosis for their continued support!
Click here to nominate a small business!
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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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