December 2025 Alliance Newsletter | |
INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK
| | Canva 101: The Absolute Beginner's Guide | | |
If you’ve ever opened Canva and immediately closed it, this session is for you. This workshop is designed specifically for true beginners who need help with the basics. We're talking logging in, finding templates, making simple edits, saving designs, and downloading finished graphics.
Alliance Manager of Marketing & Communications Misty Knisely will walk participants through Canva step-by-step in a no-pressure, hands-on environment. No design experience or tech skills are needed. Bring your laptop if you can and follow along as we cover everything slowly and clearly.
When: 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Inventrek Auditorium
Who should attend: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to feel more confident creating simple content for their business.
Join us and leave with practical, beginner-friendly skills you can put to use immediately. There is no cost but advance reservation is required. Register here
| | Level Up Business Branding applications still open! | | Vision Studio to host January Founder Forum meeting | |
The January session of the Founder Forum will be noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Vision Studio, 1320 W. Markland Ave. There is no cost to attend this meeting.
This monthly gathering brings together local entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and founders for open discussion, peer problem-solving, and the exchange of practical insights.
Designed to support Kokomo’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, the forum offers a space to share challenges, discuss opportunities, and learn from fellow founders. Participation is free and open to anyone currently operating or developing a business.
Learn more about January's meeting here
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GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU
| | Kokomo featured in 2026 Indiana Travel Guide | | |
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is participating in the 2026 Indiana Travel Guide, a statewide publication with a circulation of more than 400,000 and distribution across major Midwest markets and over 600 locations throughout Indiana.
The guide reaches potential travelers through city magazines in Cincinnati, Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago, Columbus and Cleveland, as well as through visitor centers, attractions, hotels, restaurants and rest areas across the state. Its broad reach makes it a key resource for individuals planning trips and exploring new destinations.
Participation in this publication supports the Visitors Bureau’s mission to place reliable, accessible information about Kokomo in front of prospective visitors. By maintaining a presence in widely used travel-planning tools, the bureau helps ensure that travelers are aware of Kokomo’s amenities, attractions and experiences when considering their next visit.
The 2026 guide represents one of several channels used to increase visibility for the community and encourage travel to Kokomo.
| | Be a community ambassador this holiday season | | |
The holidays bring more than celebrations — they bring visitors. As friends and family make their way to Kokomo for holiday visits, it’s a perfect opportunity for all of us to serve as community ambassadors and share what makes our city a great place to live, work and explore.
Whether you’re taking guests out to enjoy local dining, shopping downtown, visiting our unique attractions or attending one of our many seasonal events, your enthusiasm helps shape their experience. Even simple, positive conversations about Kokomo can leave a lasting impression. Those impressions go home with your visitors and influence how they view our community long after the holidays end.
If you’re looking for ideas on where to go and what to do, the Christmas in Kokomo Guide is a great place to start. Presented by the Visitors Bureau, this guide features holiday activities, family-friendly events, festive lights, local shops and more — everything you need to help your guests experience the best of Kokomo.
This season, let’s show our visitors the warmth, creativity and pride that define our community. Your voice and hospitality make a difference.
Find all the holiday happenings at VisitKokomo.org/ChristmasinKokomo.
| | Midwest Meetings magazine features Kokomo | | |
The Kokomo Conference Center is included in the latest issue of Midwest Meetings magazine, providing regional event planners with an early look at the venue ahead of its summer 2026 opening. The feature highlights the center’s flexible event spaces and its role in supporting conferences, weddings, trade shows, and community events in downtown Kokomo. Booking is currently open for 2026 and beyond.
You can read the issue online. (Hint: You'll find Kokomo on pages 78-79)
Learn more or explore booking opportunities at KokomoConferenceCenter.com.
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Join the Kokomo Conference Center team
The Kokomo Conference Center is now hiring for a variety of positions as it prepares to open in summer 2026. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic new venue hosting conferences, weddings, trade shows, and community events in downtown Kokomo.
Explore available positions and apply online at KokomoConferenceCenter.com/careers.
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Spreading the word about the Kokomo Conference Center
The Kokomo Conference Center has brochures highlighting facility features, meeting spaces, and event capabilities. Businesses and organizations can request copies for their offices or clients.
To arrange delivery, visit the contact page: kokomoconferencecenter.com/contact-kcc.
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GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
| | Downtown window contest announces winner | |
The holiday spirit is shining bright downtown! Eleven businesses dressed up their storefronts for this year’s Downtown Window Decorating Contest, and community voting wrapped up with more than 1,300 votes. Congratulations to Barlow’s Barbershop, this year’s winner!
A big thank-you to Kokomo Opalescent Glass and Back Woods Trading Co. for providing the handcrafted prizes that make this tradition such a special part of the season.
| | GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | | WBC Holiday Luncheon brings members together | | |
The Women’s Business Council closed out the year on Dec. 2 with its annual Holiday Luncheon, sponsored by Ascension St. Vincent. The event brought together more than 200 members and guests for an afternoon focused on connection, professional growth and seasonal celebration.
Attendees had the opportunity to visit a curated vendor market featuring Eclectic Me, Not Your Grandpa’s Old Fashioned, Olive Tree Boutique, Jefferson House of Flowers, Live Well 360, Kokomo Urban Outreach, The Wellness Garden, Cross America and Secondhand Stories. Lunch was provided by The Love Bug.
The program included “Fuel Your Fire: Self-Care Secrets for Successful Women,” with speakers Lisa Owens, Lydia Capps and Emily Boyle sharing practical strategies for maintaining well-being while pursuing professional success.
The luncheon served as a strong finish to the WBC’s year, highlighting both the council’s commitment to supporting women in business and the value of creating space for meaningful connection.
Learn more about the Women's Business Council here
| | Creating a successful 2026 starts right now! | | |
Our 2026 Chamber event calendar and sponsorship opportunities are now live, offering a full year of networking, learning, and community engagement. From signature programs to business-building connections, there are plenty of ways to elevate your visibility and make meaningful relationships in the year ahead.
Explore the events and sponsorship options today to secure the opportunities that best fit your goals and set your business up for a strong start in 2026.
| | MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
GET MORE INVOLVED BY JOINING A CHAMBER COMMITTEE TODAY! | | |
Our Chamber committees are where relationships grow and leadership happens.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, build professional skills, or make a difference in our business community, there’s a place for you at the table.
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AMBASSADORS
A committed team of
volunteers, actively supporting ribbon cuttings, events, and community outreach throughout the year.
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WOMEN'S BUSINESS COUNCIL
Engage in leadership programs, networking luncheons, and signature events that empower women in business.
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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
Connecting in dynamic, social settings through popular gatherings that blend fun with meaningful networking.
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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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