July 2025 Alliance Newsletter

Helping entrepreneurs take the next step


Big ideas deserve big support — and that’s exactly what we’re offering with Level Up Business Branding.


Thanks to funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Community Collaboration Fund, this 12-month initiative gives small businesses in Howard County access to top-notch, professional marketing help.


We’ve teamed up with Vision Studio, a creative agency and new strategic partner at Inventrek Tech Park, to deliver hands-on, custom branding support. If you're chosen to participate, you'll get expert guidance to help define your brand, expand your reach, and grow with confidence.


Learn more about the program here.


Know a business that could use a marketing boost?


Apply or nominate them using this quick form. We’ll select one to two businesses each month through July 2026. Don’t miss your chance to get in!

Are you eligible?


To be considered for the Level Up Business Branding program, businesses must:


• Based in Howard County

• Have fewer than 100 employees

• Be operational or very near launch

• Demonstrate market potential and a readiness to grow

• Lack internal marketing staff or resources

• Be involved in local entrepreneurial programming or be willing to become engaged

Take a look inside the Kokomo Conference Center

New details have been added to the Kokomo Conference Center website, including interior floor plans and early design visuals that offer a first look at what’s ahead for this one-of-a-kind venue.


From spacious ballrooms to flexible meeting rooms and a layout built for collaboration, you can now explore how the space will function and flow. The updated site also reveals a sneak peek at one of the most unique features of the facility — an automotive heritage gallery honoring Kokomo’s pioneering role in America’s car culture.


Whether you're planning an event or just curious about what's coming to downtown Kokomo, now’s the perfect time to take a virtual step inside.


See for yourself by clicking here!

GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
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First Friday returns in August with 'Get Schooled'

After a successful Strawberry Festival and 4th of July holiday break, First Fridays will return to downtown Kokomo starting Aug. 1. Themed as "Get Schooled," it will celebrate the end of summer break and the start of the new school year.


Guests are encouraged to don their school's attire or colors and head downtown to learn about art, Kokomo, and other interesting subjects. In addition, visitors can explore downtown's shopping and dining scene.


Learn more about First Fridays here.

Get involved with First Fridays!


Engage the community by participating each month!


Tell us your plans to participate here.


Want to host a themed activity, but don't know where to start? We can help with that!


Find ideas for themed activities here.


Looking for a place to set up your booth? Partner with a downtown business to secure your spot!


Connect with a business here.

Have a say in the future of downtown Kokomo

The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association is making it easier than ever for residents and business owners to help shape — and celebrate — our city center.


With our new Community Engagement Platform, you can:


Share ideas: Got a vision for new public art, streetscape upgrades, or placemaking projects? Let us know.


Report concerns: Whether it’s a maintenance issue, lighting problem, or storefront in need of care, we’re on it.


Celebrate successes: Give a shoutout to a beautifully restored building or a local business doing great things.


Whether you're suggesting something new, pointing out what needs work, or highlighting what’s already great — we’re listening.


Click here to share your input and stay involved!

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU
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Kokomo plays host to national event

Kokomo is once again stepping onto the national stage as a co-host of the 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS), a prestigious youth softball tournament. Games are held in Kokomo at Championship Park and Kokomo High School, along with Grand Park in Westfield. 


In 2024, Kokomo successfully co-hosted the 16U-18U divisions, welcoming over 2,000 attendees from across the country. This year, the community will take an even bigger role by hosting all age divisions, creating an even greater opportunity to showcase our city and drive local visitor travel.


The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau played a key role in securing the event for Kokomo. The CVB has also been on-site during the tournament to help ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for players, families, and fans alike. These types of engagements not only enhance Kokomo’s reputation as a sports-friendly destination, but they also deliver meaningful economic impact.


Tournaments like the AFCS bring significant overnight stays, fill local restaurants, and generate a ripple effect that benefits hotels, shops, attractions, and more. It’s the kind of activity that keeps our economy moving and introduces new visitors to everything Kokomo has to offer.


Adding to the momentum, the 18U Tier 1 Championship Games will be broadcast live on ESPN+ on July 26 and 27, putting a national spotlight on both the athletes and our community. These games will be played at Kokomo High School softball stadium, and games are free admission and open to the public.

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

INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK
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New partnership aims to help businesses grow


Inventrek Tech Park is now partnering with The Wyman Group to lease available space at our innovation-driven facility on East Firmin Street. Whether you're in the market for a private office or an entire wing, we have flexible options to fit your needs — and it’s more than just square footage.


Inventrek isn’t just a place to work — it’s a place to grow. As part of our business incubator program, tenants gain access to a built-in network of resources designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and growing companies. That includes on-site support, business development services, connections to local and state programs, and a collaborative environment tailored for innovation.


If you’re ready to take the next step for your business, check out the listing here or contact The Wyman Group for a tour.


Let’s build something great — together.

Empowering healthy choices ... and small businesses


As a tenant of Inventrek Tech Park and the 2023 winner of its business pitch competition, The Wellness Garden is exactly the kind of small business we’re proud to support: mission-driven, community-minded, and growing.


Earlier this month, owner Margaret Johnson hosted her popular Label Reading Class at Inventrek — part of her commitment to helping people live healthier, more informed lives. The class teaches attendees how to decode food labels, spot harmful ingredients like artificial dyes and preservatives, and make better choices at the grocery store.


Inventrek provides not just office space, but a platform for businesses like The Wellness Garden to expand their reach, grow their audience, and make a real impact. This is just one example of how we’re supporting entrepreneurs and helping them connect with the community in meaningful ways.


Interested in learning more or attending a future class? Keep up with this great tenant here.

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Business on the green:

Chamber Golf Classic brings members together

Who says networking has to happen in a meeting room?


The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce took it to the fairway on June 18 for the annual Chamber Golf Classic — proving once again that some of the best connections are made outdoors, club in hand.


Held at the Kokomo Country Club, this year’s event was a huge success with a sellout crowd of 128 golfers and 26 generous sponsors. Members spent the day building new relationships, strengthening existing ones, and simply enjoying a great day of golf and camaraderie.


A special thank you goes to Berry Comm, proud sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. Your continued support helps make this event a standout tradition.


The Golf Classic is more than a fun day on the course — it’s a chance for the business community to come together, connect, and grow in a relaxed, meaningful way.

State of the City: Your chance to hear first-hand what's ahead for Kokomo

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.


It’s also a great opportunity to network with fellow professionals and local officials in a relaxed, informative setting.


Let’s talk business, community, and the future of Kokomo. We’ll see you there!


Space is limited so purchase your tickets today! $30 for members and $35 for non-members


Click here to register

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Holly's Package Store

Thursday, August 7 | 4-6 p.m.

119 W. Main St., Greentown


Help us celebrate a major milestone and welcome Holly’s Package Store to the Chamber with a special Business After Hours and ribbon cutting — marking 45 years of local legacy with networking, charcuterie, and tastings from regional favorites like West Fork Whiskey, Moon Drop Distillery, and Backbone Bourbon Company.

8:30-10 a.m. Aug. 15 at 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

7:30-8:30 a.m. Sept. 12 at 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

Join us in celebrating our members' milestones!


We will be hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for these local businesses:


MJW Mortgage: Tuesday, July 29 • 10:30 a.m. Full details here


Vision Studio: Thursday, July 31 • 4 p.m. Full details here


The Fresh Fix Cafe: Wednesday, August 13 • 4 p.m. Full details here


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

See all upcoming Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce events here


The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize The Wyman Group as our July 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 give 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!


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

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

Lori Dukes

President & CEO

Office Manager


Madi Cardenas

Membership Development

Jason Youngman

Facilities Manager

Caitlin Sheets

Economic Development

Convention &
Visitors Bureau

Misty Knisely

Marketing & Communications

Madeline Sinnamon

Marketing & Communications

Casie Braden

Office Administrator and Inventrek Support

Downtown Association & Creative Placemaking
Chamber of Commerce
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