Alliance celebrates community milestones at annual awards dinner
Annual celebration recognizes local businesses, organizations and individuals
KOKOMO, Ind. (Nov. 6, 2026) – The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance celebrated a year of significant community progress at its 112th Annual Celebration and Awards Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 5. Held for the first time at the newly opened Kokomo Conference Center, the event brought together 450 community and business leaders to recognize the individuals, businesses and organizations whose contributions continue to strengthen Kokomo and Howard County.
The evening’s theme, “Milestones: Celebrating Defining Moments,” was particularly fitting as community leaders gathered inside one of Greater Kokomo’s most significant recent economic development projects.
Alliance President & CEO Lori Dukes reflected on the opening of the Kokomo Conference Center and adjoining Hilton Garden Inn, a project more than a decade in the making.
“We’re opening this hotel and conference center at a time when our community is positioned to take full advantage of what they offer,” Dukes said. “We now have the ability to attract new visitors, host larger gatherings, support downtown businesses and generate economic activity that previously may have gone elsewhere.”
Dukes also highlighted the Alliance’s accomplishments throughout 2026, including a record-setting Strawberry Festival, growing Chamber membership, expanded support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and continued growth in sports tourism. Three sporting events supported by the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau alone generated more than $3.1 million in economic impact for the community.
“And while this project may be the most visible milestone of the year, they’re far from our only accomplishments,” Dukes said. “Our future won’t be defined by one project, one event or even one successful year. It will be shaped by the continued work of people and organizations coming together, investing in our community and building on the progress we’ve made.”
Alliance Board Chair Amy Pate also reflected on the conference center’s completion, recognizing the extensive work of Alliance staff in helping bring the project to life while continuing to carry out the organization’s economic development, business support, tourism and downtown initiatives.
“This wasn’t an outside consulting team. This was the Alliance staff,” Pate said. “Together, they provided an extraordinary amount of professional expertise and project support in-house, reducing the need for outside services and helping protect taxpayer dollars.”
The Alliance presented awards across multiple categories, recognizing outstanding contributions to the community:
• Economic Impact Award: Merrell Bros. was recognized for its continued investment in Howard County and its expansion that will more than double its manufacturing and administrative office footprint, creating new high-wage opportunities for the local workforce.
• Downtown Champion Award: Alec Downing was honored for his dedication to downtown Kokomo through volunteer service, event planning and community involvement.
• F.I.R.S.T.S. Award: Sharing the award this year are City of Kokomo, Howard County government, SSG Hotels, the Greater Kokomo Alliance and the Howard County Convention and Visitors Commission. They were collectively recognized for their efforts to bring the Kokomo Conference Center to fruition, creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
• Small Business of the Year: Elsewhen Technology was recognized for its significant business growth, creation of local jobs and support of nonprofits with technology services and refurbished computers. Also, Elsewhen installed the data cabling infrastructure at the new Kokomo Conference Center.
• Large Business of the Year: Huston Electric was honored for its continued business expansion, workforce development and charitable contributions, including an annual golf outing that has raised more than $150,000 for local nonprofits in recent years.
• Businessperson of the Year: Marty Losch was recognized for leading Haynes International’s largest capital expansion which is expected to increase production capacity and create more than 100 new jobs.
• Volunteer of the Year: This year, two volunteers were honored. Lindsay Ousley was recognized for her longstanding leadership and service through the Chamber, Women’s Business Council and community organizations. and Lisa Collins was honored for her generosity, advocacy and personal commitment to supporting local businesses, organizations and individuals in need.
• Impact Award: Carver Community Center was recognized for its programs supporting children and families through athletics, education, mentoring, arts and wellness, along with its continued efforts to expand opportunities for local youth.
• Elizabeth Foster Award: Shannon Spencer was honored for her leadership in empowering women and supporting local nonprofits. Her contributions include bringing 100+ People Who Care to Howard County, an initiative that has provided thousands of dollars in quarterly funding to community organizations since 2025.
• Ambassador of the Year Award: Maggie King was recognized for her exceptional commitment to the Chamber through member recruitment and retention, ribbon cuttings, business support and volunteer service throughout the community.
The 112th Annual Celebration and Awards Dinner was presented with the support of generous sponsors, including Community First Bank of Indiana, BerryComm, Chariot Automotive Group, Community Howard Regional Health, First Farmers Bank and Trust, Jane Pauley Community Health Center and Stellantis.