October 2025 Alliance Newsletter | |
INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK
| | Heritage Kingdom Children's Boutique wins
The Drive Competition 2025 | |
Kayla Sager, owner and founder of Heritage Kingdom Children’s Boutique (HKCB), took home the $10,000 grand prize at this year’s The Drive business pitch competition on Oct. 9.
Sager plans to use the funds to expand her wholesale market, grow her ready-to-ship inventory, and invest in professional product photography to support continued growth.
Powered by Inventrek Tech Park, The Drive gives local entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and compete for funding to take their businesses to the next level. This "Shark Tank"-style program highlights the region’s growing spirit of innovation and the resources available to help small businesses thrive.
Click here to learn more about the initiative
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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.
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. The event is free and open to the public.
Click here to learn more about the event
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GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU
| | New skyline taking shape in downtown Kokomo | | Stay in the know as the project comes to life!
Follow the Kokomo Conference Center on social media for construction updates, sneak peeks, and announcements as we count down to opening day. | | Kokomo’s tourism growth featured in Tribune Progress edition | | |
The Kokomo Tribune’s annual Progress edition spotlighted the continued growth and momentum in our community — including exciting developments in tourism.
In the article, Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau Manager Sherry Matlock shared how the new Kokomo Conference Center is becoming a cornerstone of downtown’s long-term vision, blending modern amenities with local heritage to create a true destination experience.
She also noted the project’s potential to drive increased visitor spending and community pride as Kokomo’s next chapter takes shape.
Read the article here
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GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
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Halloween comes early to downtown Kokomo
On Friday, Oct 3, the community gathered in downtown Kokomo for one of the most popular First Friday events of the year: Masquerade.
Guests of all ages donned their favorite costumes and enjoyed trick-or-treating and Halloween-themed activities hosted by local businesses, organizations, and artists.
Learn more about First Fridays here.
| | | GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | |
Mayor shares city update at packed Chamber event
More than 215 community and business leaders attended the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City luncheon at Bel Air Events, sponsored by IU Kokomo School of Business.
During his address, Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore highlighted a year of growth and momentum — from downtown’s new conference center and expanding housing options to new amenities across city parks. He also announced the return of Prospect League baseball and confirmed that Chick-fil-A has officially broken ground in Kokomo.
Events like this give Chamber members access to city leadership, helping strengthen collaboration and keep the business community informed on projects that shape Kokomo’s future.
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October Small Business
of the Month reception
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4-4:30 p.m.
1215 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo
Join us as we celebrate October’s Small Business of the Month. Enjoy networking, light refreshments, and a short award presentation recognizing one of Kokomo’s outstanding local businesses.
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Member Meet Up Breakfast
Friday, Oct. 17 | 8:30-10 a.m.
Shared Drive at Inventrek Tech Park
Jump-start your morning with this great way to connect with fellow professionals, learn how to make the most of your Chamber membership, and gain insight into how the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance is driving community growth.
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Join us in celebrating our members' milestones!
We will be hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for these local businesses:
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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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