June 2025 Alliance Newsletter | |
Kokomo featured in Fox59's 'Your Hometown' series
The FOX59 news team spent the day in downtown Kokomo during the 2025 Strawberry Festival, highlighting what makes our community special. From local businesses and vibrant arts to the people who bring energy and heart to our city, the coverage captured the true spirit of Kokomo.
The Alliance played a key role in coordinating the visit, helping FOX59 connect with community members and events to ensure an authentic and impactful representation of our hometown.
This statewide feature reached tens of thousands of viewers, providing a powerful celebration of our community’s momentum, creativity, and growth. Whether you’re a longtime resident or discovering Kokomo for the first time, it’s exciting to see our city shine on such a big stage.
Watch the coverage here.
| | Major milestone for downtown conference center | | |
We recently celebrated a significant step forward in the development of the Kokomo Conference Center! Community leaders, project partners, and stakeholders came together to sign the final structural beam — a powerful symbol of the collaboration and shared vision behind this transformative project.
The Kokomo Conference Center, scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, represents a major investment in our region’s future, poised to become a premier destination for events, innovation, and community connection.
The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance and the Visitors Bureau played key roles in advancing the project and fostering partnerships that made this milestone possible. We thank everyone who contributed to bringing this vision to life and look forward to the impact the center will have on our community.
Learn more about the project here
| | Conference Center launches official website | | | | |
We’re excited to announce the launch of the official website for the Kokomo Conference Center!
The new site offers a comprehensive look at the coming downtown venue, including details about event spaces, amenities, and the unique features that will make this center a standout destination in the region.
Whether you’re an event planner, exhibitor, or visitor, the website is your go-to source for the latest news and updates as we move closer to our 2026 opening.
Click here to explore this amazing space and get information on hosting your future event!
| |
GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
| | Volunteers help keep downtown blooming | | |
The 2025 campaign kicked off April 3 with flower basket planting at Lybrook Landscaping. More than 60 volunteers from all over the community gathered to plant 1,112 flower baskets and 1,664 flower pots for sidewalk gardens, parks, and alleyways.
The flowers did not stop with the baskets! Beautification efforts resumed in May as volunteers gathered for annual planting at the City Hall Gazebo on May 10, and they planted the downtown container and alley gardens on May 15.
Learn more about the Keep Kokomo Beautiful program here!
| |
GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU
| |
Attracting visitors for summer happenings
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is your go-to source for all things summer — from splashing at Kokomo Beach to car shows, festivals, and free concerts. The Visit Kokomo Summer Fun Guide is packed with ways to enjoy the season and make unforgettable memories right here in Kokomo.
Helping residents rediscover and enjoy their own community is a key part of the Visitors Bureau’s mission to support local experiences and strengthen pride of place.
Click here to view the Summer Fun Guide.
| |
INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK
| | Drive finalists share their stories | | |
While preparing to pitch their ideas in October, finalists in The Drive, a business pitch competition powered by Inventrek Tech Park, shared their experiences as business owners and members of the community.
This is part of the Alliance’s mission to share the story of local entrepreneurs who will soon inspire others to launch strong, sustainable businesses right here in Kokomo and Howard County.
| | |
Becoming a parent shifted owner and founder Adrean Lamberg’s perspective about the ingredients in everyday products like candles and cosmetics. This led her to launch Brix and Co. Candles, a handcrafted candle brand inspired by clean living, self-care, and creating cozy spaces.
She hand-pours candles and wax melts using natural materials, which helps her highlight her passion to create something beautiful and comforting. She is able to share both her creativity and her mission with the community by selling her products at events such as the Samaritan Caregiver’s Chocolate Celebration, One Church’s Jingle Mingle Market, IU Kokomo Fall Festival, and Kokomo Farmers Market.
| |
| Heritage Kingdom Children's Boutique | | |
Owner and founder Kayla Sager’s journey into children’s clothing began with a personal challenge: finding high-quality, fashionable outfits for her son’s sensitive skin.
Guided by faith, family, and a desire to be unique, Sager established Heritage Kingdom Children’s Boutique to offer children’s clothing featuring sustainable and durable fabrics and original designs. She has showcased her business at many festivals, markets, and events across the region, including the Kokomo Strawberry Festival.
Outside of the business, Sager refers families in need to local resources such as the Kokomo Rescue Mission, WIC, and Family and Social Services Association. Additionally, she is an active member of the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce.
| |
| |
After graduating high school, owners Ethan Hasting Mason Kaiser wanted to start a company where they could lead and shape its direction and be able to serve the community.
With a little help from Hasting's father and the power of word-of-mouth, he began his window cleaning venture and built professional relationships along the way. Since then, The Squee Gees has expanded to offer services such as pressure washing, solar panel cleaning, outdoor light installation, and gutter maintenance for both businesses and residential clients.
Committed to giving back, The Squee Gees actively participates in the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce, supports local events like the Howard County Fair, and helps distribute food to families in need during the holiday season.
| |
| The Drive, a 'Shark Tank'-style competition, will be on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Ivy Tech Hingst Hall. There's no cost to attend and it is open to the public. Details here | | |
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! Learn more or schedule a tour by calling 765-457-2000 or emailing Michelle Reed.
| |
GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
| | WBC Leadership Conference draws crowd | | |
The Chamber's Women’s Business Council hosted its annual Women in Business Leadership Conference on May 14, welcoming over 200 attendees for a day of insight, inspiration, and connection.
This signature event brought together women from a wide range of industries and career stages to learn from dynamic speakers, share experiences, and explore new strategies for professional and personal growth. With sessions focused on leadership development, authenticity, overcoming obstacles, and owning your voice, the conference created a powerful space for empowerment and community.
The success of this year’s event reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for our membership to lead, grow, and thrive right here in Kokomo.
| | State of the City address coming Oct. 2 | | |
Join the Chamber for our next Business Matters Luncheon, featuring the highly anticipated State of the City address. This annual event provides an invaluable opportunity for business and community leaders to hear directly from Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore about the current state of Kokomo, key accomplishments from the past year, and strategic plans for the future.
Gain insights on economic development, infrastructure, public safety, and quality-of-life initiatives that impact the business environment in our city. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with fellow professionals and local officials during this informative and engaging luncheon.
Space is limited so purchase your tickets today! $30 for members and $35 for non-members
Click here to register
| | |
Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting: Solidarity Community FCU
Tuesday, June 24 | 5-7 p.m.
201 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo
Join us as we celebrate
their newly renovated credit union!
| |  | |
Make the most of
your Chamber membership!
Friday, June 27 | 8:30-10 a.m.
700 E. Firmin St, Kokomo
Join us at Inventrek to learn how to gain the maximum benefit of your membership.
| |
Join us in celebrating our members' milestones!
We will be hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for these local businesses:
• Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Josh Maggard Agency: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, at 2705 S. Berkley Road, Suite 4E, Kokomo. Full details here
• EH Esthetics: 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 at 504 S. Berkley Road, Kokomo. Full details here
• Larison Media: 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at 210 W. Walnut St., Kokomo. The ribbon cutting will be part of a Business After Hours event. Full details here
| | |
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
| | | | |
