January 2025 Alliance Newsletter

Korean Culture Business Training Series: Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication

The Alliance’s Korean Culture Business Training Series continued on January 15 with an insightful session on communication and professional interactions.

This session equipped participants with essential skills to engage effectively with Korean colleagues and clients, covering key cultural norms such as body language, hierarchy, professional etiquette, and subtle non-verbal cues. By understanding these nuances, attendees can foster stronger, more respectful business relationships.

With StarPlus Energy’s two electric-vehicle battery plants bringing a growing Korean presence to Kokomo, the Alliance remains dedicated to creating a welcoming and collaborative business environment. Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Howard County, this training series helps local professionals navigate cultural exchanges with confidence, supporting seamless integration and meaningful connections.

Missed a session? Click here to learn more about the series and access recordings of this and previous sessions.

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU

Travel magazine puts Kokomo in the spotlight

Kokomo is featured in the latest issue of the Travel IN magazine, thanks to the marketing efforts of the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau.

This statewide and beyond exposure not only highlights our community's attractions and events but also helps put Kokomo on the radar for travelers far and wide. Increased visibility means more visitors to our community, boosting local businesses, supporting jobs, and driving economic growth.

You can pick up a copy of the magazine at the Visitor Center inside Inventrek Tech Park or click here to view the publication online.

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

Check out the Community Calendar

GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

Artists sought for Artsapalooza Art Market at Strawberry Festival

The 27th Annual Strawberry Festival will be Friday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Kokomo. This Greater Kokomo Downtown Association event is again expected to attract 10,000 guests. The festival features strawberry shortcake and ice cream desserts for sale, over 150 booths, the juried Artsapalooza Art Market, live music, art making activities, free kids play areas, food vendors, craft beer and cocktails throughout the walkable downtown festival grounds, as well as free admission.

Artists in fine art and fine craft disciplines are invited to apply for inclusion in the Artsapalooza Art Market which will host up to 80 artists. Deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2025.

Learn more and apply here.

Click here for a printer-friendly 2025 calendar of monthly themes

Downtown Association gears up for 2025 First Fridays

On nine Fridays in 2025, the community will gather for this arts-based, open house tour of beautiful downtown Kokomo.

Each month features a theme with downtown venues catering their activities to the month’s theme. Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, family-friendly activities & more.

The fun of First Friday continues with First Friday After Hours. Dive into the downtown vibe with bars, pubs, live music, and a myriad of entertainment options for grown-up visitors.

Learn more about First Fridays here

INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK

Luke Talley, Back Woods Trading Co. founder and CEO, presents to the judges during the 2024 Drive competition. Talley was awarded $10,000 in seed money as winner of the competition.

2024 Drive winner to open shop in downtown

Back Woods Trading Co., whose founder and CEO Luke Talley is the 2024 winner of The Drive Competition, is set to open its first storefront at 102 N. Main St., nestled between Cook McDoogal's and MO Joe Coffee House. This exciting new addition to downtown Kokomo will feature a range of branded and custom leather-engraved products, alongside engaging workshops in leather crafting and candle making.

The opening of this storefront is a testament to the transformative impact of The Drive competition. Talley outlined his vision for an ideal location in the business plan he presented during the competition, and this property fit "almost word for word," he says. Now, that vision is becoming a reality, underscoring how The Drive competition helps entrepreneurs take actionable steps toward their dreams.

Back Woods Trading Co. is slated to welcome its first customers on Jan. 31, marking a significant milestone not only for the business but also for the downtown community it aims to serve.

Office space opportunities at Inventrek now available online

Inventrek Technology Park features space to lease for new and growing businesses in the technology industry and beyond. Discover what spaces are available on the Alliance's website here.

There are small and large spaces now available. Find out how you can become a tenant today by clicking here.

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chamber releases its 2025 calendar of events

The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce's 2025 calendar of events is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. From networking to professional development workshops and more, there’s something for everyone to engage with and strengthen not only their business but our community as a whole. Click here for a printer-friendly calendar.

Why should you attend Chamber events?

By attending Chamber events, you can

make connections and increase Chamber members’ awareness about the services your business provides.

For example, if you are a photographer and another business is looking for new staff headshots, you may quickly come to mind after a friendly conversation at a Chamber event!

CrossFit Kokomo owner Kevin Jewell is joined by Alliance President & CEO Lori Dukes (left) and Chamber Council's Krystal Ruble (right) at the 2024 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration.

CrossFit Kokomo named Small Business of the Year

For its contributions to the community, CrossFit Kokomo was named the Chamber's 2024 Small Business of the Year during the Greater Kokomo Alliance Annual Awards Celebration on November 7, 2024.

The small business was eligible for honor after being recognized as the Small Business of the Month in May 2024.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Third House Session

8-9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7

Kresge Auditorium, Indiana University Kokomo

State legislators will address current issues before the General Assembly that impact our community and businesses.

Learn more here

Annual Nonprofit Luncheon

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19

Elite Event Center, Kokomo

Nonprofit Connections, provides a platform for local nonprofits to showcase their mission and share their needs.

Click here to register

See all upcoming Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce events here

Schedule ribbon cuttings now!

Plan on hosting a grand opening in 2025?Will your business be celebrating an anniversary, new ownership, or an important milestone? Let us celebrate the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony!

Contact Madi here for more information.