Celebrating Milestones: Celebrating Defining Moments, the 112th Annual Celebration and Awards Dinner recognized the businesses, organizations and individuals whose leadership, innovation and service continue to shape Kokomo and Howard County.
The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance welcomed 450 community and business leaders to the newly opened Kokomo Conference Center for an evening celebrating community progress and achievement. Held for the first time at the new venue, the event marked a milestone of its own while recognizing the people and organizations making a difference across Greater Kokomo.
Presented by Community First Bank of Indiana, the evening featured networking, dinner and the presentation of annual awards honoring outstanding contributions to business, community leadership, volunteer service and economic development. The celebration also highlighted the Alliance’s accomplishments throughout 2026 and the continued partnerships driving Kokomo and Howard County forward.
Our 2026 annual award winners
Economic Impact Award
Merrell Bros.
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.
F.I.R.S.T.S. Award
Kokomo Conference Center Partners
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.
IMPACT Nonprofit Award
Carver Community Center
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.
Finalists
Family Service Association
Kokomo Family YMCA
Volunteer of the Year
Lindsay Ousley & Lisa Collins
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.
Finalists
George Mast
Shannon Spencer
Small Business of the Year
Elsewhen Technology
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.
Finalists
Right Path Physical Therapy & Performance Academy
The Hardie Group
Large Business of the Year
Huston Electric
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.
Finalists
Bullpen Tournaments
Haynes International
Downtown Champion Award
Alec Downing
Alec Downing was honored for his dedication to downtown Kokomo through volunteer service, event planning and community involvement.
Elizabeth Foster Award
Shannon Spencer
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.
Finalists
Laura Cardwell
Lisa Collins
Businessperson of the Year
Marty Losch
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.
Finalists
Abbee Summers
Derek McMichael
Kim LaFollette
Ambassador of the Year
Maggie King
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.
Finalists
Bill Rees
Kasey Vincent
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
Title Sponsor
Cocktail Mixer Sponsor
Alliance Ally Sponsors
Business Champion Sponsor
Recognizing Those Who’ve Led the Way
Our past award winners represent the best of what makes our community strong — visionary business leaders, dedicated volunteers, impactful nonprofits, and innovative educators and entrepreneurs. Their stories reflect the values we champion: progress, service, and a commitment to building a better future. Take a look back at some of the exceptional honorees who’ve helped shape Kokomo through their hard work, leadership, and community spirit.
2025 winners
Large Business of the Year: Chariot Automotive Group
Small Business of the Year: Palmer’s Jewelry
Ambassador of the Year: Julie Keb, STAR Financial Bank
Volunteer of the Year: Josh Walden, Comcast Advertising
Businessperson of the Year: Ethan Heicher, Ivy Tech Community College
Economic Impact Award: Community First Bank of Indiana
F.I.R.S.T.S. Award: Craig Severns
Downtown Champion Award: Kristin and Tim Boor, Bohemian Tattoo Club and Bohemian Events & Entertainment
IMPACT Nonprofit Award: Kokomo Rescue Mission
Elizabeth Foster Award: Kasey Vincent, Stage Consulting Group
2024 winners
Large Business of the Year: Trilogy Health Services
Small Business of the Year: CrossFit Kokomo
Ambassador of the Year: George Mast, Community Howard Regional Health
Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Colins, MetroNet Business Fiber
Businessperson of the Year: Michael Shor, Haynes International
Economic Impact Award: SSG Hotels
F.I.R.S.T.S. Award: Kokomo School Corp.
Downtown Champion Award: Lainey Schroer, Community First Bank of Indiana
IMPACT Nonprofit Award: Samaritan Caregivers
Elizabeth Foster Award: Julie Smith, Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo
2023 winners
Economic Impact: Ivy Tech Community College of Kokomo
Downtown Champion: Cheryl Sullivan with the Kokomo Art Association
FIRSTS Award: Bullpen Tournaments
Small Business of the Year: Krystal Ruble State Farm
Large Business of the Year: Community First Bank of Indiana
Businessperson of the Year: Brandon Bishop
Ambassador of the Year: John Fansler
Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Beasley
Impact Award: Kokomo Urban Outreach
2023 Elizabeth Foster: Joni Delon