Building bridges
for a global future
With billions in South Korean investment and thousands of new neighbors on the way, the Alliance’s Korean Soft Landing initiative is helping prepare the community for growth through cultural connection, business readiness, and international collaboration.
A model for global engagement
From bilingual resources and workforce training to high-level economic engagement, Kokomo’s strategic response is not just about embracing change — it’s about shaping it. Through the Korean Soft Landing initiative and related programs, the Alliance is ensuring that the community’s growth is built on a foundation of respect, collaboration, and global citizenship.
As new residents settle in, new partnerships form, and new ideas take root, Kokomo is proving that a small city can think — and thrive — on a global scale.
Creating a soft landing
As Kokomo, experiences rapid transformation through international investment, the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance has led the charge in preparing the community for a new chapter — one that includes an influx of Korean residents and businesses.
This global shift is driven largely by the development of two multibillion-dollar StarPlus Energy electric vehicle battery plants, a joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI. Together, these projects represent more than $6 billion in foreign direct investment and a wave of cultural change for the community.
Recognizing both the opportunity and the responsibility that come with such large-scale investment, the Alliance launched a multi-faceted Korean Soft Landing initiative to ensure a smooth transition for incoming Korean residents while equipping local businesses and institutions to welcome them with cultural competence and care.
“Inclusion and preparation are key to turning this growth into long-term success,” said Lori Dukes, president and CEO of the Alliance. “By creating a welcoming environment and embracing cultural understanding, we strengthen our economy and our community.”
Cultural education and business readiness
While the initiative is in its second year, one of the cornerstone efforts was the Korean Culture Business Training Series, supported by the Community Foundation of Howard County. These sessions provided local businesses with essential insights into South Korean corporate norms and practices. This knowledge will be critical for effective collaboration and partnership.
The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce also hosted a special cultural integration event at Indiana University Kokomo. Dr. Seung-kyung Kim, director of the Institute of Korean Studies at IU Bloomington, presented “Intercultural Understanding and Communication: South Korean Corporate Culture in the 21st Century.” Her presentation touched on Korean history, societal values, and corporate expectations — including insights into Samsung SDI’s workplace culture. The program drew strong attendance and can be viewed here for continued community learning.
All sessions of the Korean Culture Business Training Series were filmed for future reference courtesy of the Alliance and Moyars Consulting. The videos can be accessed through the playlist below.
Bridging language gaps in the medical field
To ensure preparedness beyond the boardroom, the Alliance developed bilingual medical communication cards for use by healthcare providers and first responders. These pocket-sized cards contain key medical phrases in English and Korean, allowing emergency responders to provide compassionate, effective service even when language barriers exist.
Welcoming new neighbors
While much of the work is focused on preparing Kokomo to receive new residents, the Alliance also developed resources to support those arriving from abroad. The new International Welcome Guide, available in both English and Korean at WelcomeToKokomo.com, offers practical information on American culture, documentation, work environments, and local amenities — helping newcomers feel more at home from the moment they arrive.
The Alliance’s International Welcome Guide is designed to work best on a mobile device, so that new residents can access useful information at their fingertips.
Providing an inviting visit
The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau extended this effort to the hospitality sector, offering Korean Culture Hospitality Training for hotels, attractions, and customer-facing partners. Led by Moyars Consulting, the sessions covered cultural customs, etiquette, and guest service expectations to help Kokomo’s tourism and hospitality professionals better serve international visitors.
Photo courtesy of the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI)
Photo courtesy of IUIndy
Initiatives in Kokomo capture national attention
Kokomo’s thoughtful, community-first approach to international growth has not gone unnoticed. In April 2025, the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) — a leading Washington, D.C.-based policy group — visited Kokomo to study the impact of South Korean investment on American communities.
During their visit, KEI representatives met with Alliance leaders, local officials, and regional stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of foreign direct investment and how communities can respond with resilience and inclusivity.
Additionally, in March 2025, Lori Dukes was invited to speak as a panelist at IUIndy’s Public-Private-Academia Partnerships in the Midwestern U.S. discussion. The event brought together leaders to explore collaboration opportunities that drive regional economic growth.
She was asked to present on the Alliance’s Korean Soft Landing Initiative.
Thank you to our sponsor, Community Foundation of Howard County
