Dear Alliance Stakeholders, Chamber Members and Partners,

A new year is upon us, bringing renewed goals, objectives and opportunities! On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors, thank you for your support in 2010 and your engagement during the transition occurring in our community.

As we wrap up the results in 2010, we are proud of our impacts on the community and the achievements. Our staff and volunteers were able to lead our organization to reach the majority of our 2010 plan of work, which was set by our 100 leaders in government, private business, health care and higher education. With respect to economic development, the year ended with a bang, seeing major investments and job stabilization commit-ments from our partners at Chrysler and Delphi. It is a testament to our community that key employers have committed investment and job retention here as our economic make up continues to re-evolve. The Alliance has developed an aggressive plan of work for 2011, adding enhanced and new programs and continuing to lead our business diversification strategy. We will leverage the new downtown businesses and infrastructure, strive to fill available real estate, and bring existing business programs to the community as identified by our Stakeholders and community.

The investment in our comprehensive website is already beginning to pay dividends, providing 3 new business leads by the end of 2010. In the midst of economic transition, we must be positioned well than our competitor communities to ensure that we have the best opportunity to attract new capital investment and jobs. It is an advantage to have Kokomo in the spotlight led by items such as the visit by the President and Vice President, proactive, responsible use of public investment and a community willing to move forward.

The Alliance was launched in the midst of much community transition. The automotive industry was in ques-tion, our national economy was struggling and unemployment had hit rock bottom. Over the last year we led the effort on efficiency and effectiveness, continuing to bring value to our stakeholders and partners. The Alli-ance promised that we will play a leadership role in business recruitment, retention, expansion and incubation. We are better positioned now than ever before to open our doors for new business investment. We are proud to lead in getting more opportuni-ties to attract new investment and jobs than ever before. We have responded to more than 250 opportunities thanks to our proactive marketing program, completed the 1st Shovel Ready site in Howard County, and added new programs and initiatives im-pacting economic development with less staff and budget than we had prior to our formation.

The Alliance will continue to lead in providing professional experience to local eco-nomic development, existing business programs and quality of place in Kokomo and Howard County. Best wishes for a great New Year!

From the President...

Business Link Newsletter January 2011

Jeb Conrad

President & CEO

Indiana Legislators

2011 THIRD HOUSE SESSIONS

Sponsored by: Local Government & Legislative Affairs Committee

Saturday, January 15thSaturday, January 15thSaturday, January 15thSaturday, January 15th

Saturday, February 19thSaturday, February 19thSaturday, February 19thSaturday, February 19th

Saturday, March 19thSaturday, March 19thSaturday, March 19thSaturday, March 19th

Saturday, April 16 Saturday, April 16 Saturday, April 16 Saturday, April 16 (tentative)

10:30 am to Noon 10:30 am to Noon 10:30 am to Noon 10:30 am to Noon

Ivy Tech Community College

1815 E. Morgan St.

This is your chance to hear from your legislators and to let your legisla-

tors hear from you! There is no cost to attend and no reservations are

required.

Page 2

Great Lakes

Home Health

Ms. Linda Morrow

3115 S Webster St.

Kokomo, IN 46902-3465

Phone: (765) 452-1411Fax:

(765) 452-3200

www.glhhs.com

HOME HEALTH CARE

SERVICES

Powell’s Lawn Care

& Snow Removal

Mr. David Powell

Home Based

Kokomo, IN 46902-3598

Phone: (765) 431-1223

LAWN/GARDEN SERVICES

SNOW REMOVAL

Windsor Estates

Health & Rehab Cen-

ter

Mr. Joshua Davis

429 W Lincoln Rd.

Kokomo, IN 46902-3598

Phone: (765) 453-5600

Fax: (765) 455-0110 www.windsorestateshrc.com

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

NURSING HOME

REHABILITATION SERVICES

New Chamber Members

December 1 to 31, 2010

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

STARTS IN FEBRUARY 2011!

Watch for details coming soon via email/fax!

Volunteers welcome to help on this Committee.

Donations and prizes welcomed.

Call Jennifer at 457-5301 extension 202

or email her at jhabig@greaterkokomo.com.

BUSINESS AFTER

HOURS…

Tuesday, March 8th

& Tuesday,

March 22nd

Watch for details!

Page 3 January 2011

11th Annual Red Hot and Wild 11th Annual Red Hot and Wild 11th Annual Red Hot and Wild 11th Annual Red Hot and Wild

Kokomo Chili CookKokomo Chili CookKokomo Chili CookKokomo Chili Cook----OffOffOffOff

Saturday, February 26thSaturday, February 26thSaturday, February 26thSaturday, February 26th

Kokomo Event CenterKokomo Event CenterKokomo Event CenterKokomo Event Center (1500 N Reed Road)

Plans are underway for this year’s Chili Cook-Off and the Committee is excited! There will be more fun for the adults and children! We would like to thank our Great Pepper Sponsors for this year: This community event offers our members a unique opportunity to promote their company to the entire community. This is a great marketing opportunity for corporate teams. You will have the opportunity to enter your favorite chili recipe in the Cook-Off. Even if you don’t want to cook, plan on coming to taste, vote and get hot in February. Sponsorship packages are available as follows (call for details): Red Hot Sponsor ($750) Habanera Pepper Sponsor ($500) Jalapeno Pepper Sponsor ($250) Cayenne Pepper Sponsor ($150) The cost to have a Chili Cook-Off Entry: Corporate Entry: $150 Clubs/Organizations Entry: $100 Individual Entry: $22 Individual Entry AND Judged CASI: $25 Vendor: $75 The event will open to the public at 1:00pm and conclude at 4:00pm. Advanced Tickets cost $5 and can be ordered online from our website at www.greaterkokomo.com, Chamber of Commerce tab, Events. Tickets at the Door cost $6.00.

Register online at:

www.greaterkokomo.com

BONA VISTA PROGRAMS, INC., Kokomo, Indiana

Bona Vista Programs is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which, for more than 50 years, has provided much needed

programs and services to our community. Bona Vista Programs, Inc. is committed to improving the quality of life for the children

and adults enrolled in our services. We are focused on identifying and implementing the best practices in the care and treatment

we provide, with a focus on finding positive options for the children and adults we serve. All staff members are dedicated to the

highest continuum of care for all persons served.

Bona Vista Programs continually strives to meet the needs of our commu-

nity. Bona Vista’s Early Childhood Services has many options for parents

and will work with parents to find the best fit for their child’s individual

needs. Bona Vista’s Early Childhood Services provides services to the com-

munity through the following programs: Early Head Start, Keys for Kids

Preschool, Kindergarten Readiness and Child Care Solutions. Research

shows that high quality early learning experiences prepare children for

future success in school, work and life. Birth through age three is the most

important time for growth and the human brain. A child’s brain develops

according to the child’s experience, which is why providing quality child

care is so important.

Bona Vista’s Early Head Start Program serves expectant mothers and children up to their third birthday. It is a federally

funded program designed to serve low income families. Early Head Start is dedicated to improving the quality of life for enrolled

families in Howard and Miami Counties. Early Head Start (EHS) is State Licensed and Nationally Accredited by the National

Association for the Education of Young Children. This means that EHS strives to maintain the highest quality early childhood

program. Early Head Start maintains these high standards through many avenues such as continually training and educating

staff and families.

Keys for Kids Preschool offers full and half day options

for children with or without disabilities. Keys for Kids Preschool

provides children with a computer lab, secured entrances, on-site

nurse, two large outdoor playgrounds as well as nutritious meals

and snacks. This preschool curriculum is based on a nationally-

recognized model that also encourages exploring current interests

of children in the program. Keys for Kids believes in preparing

children for success in their future education and instilling in them

a love for learning. Keys for Kids Preschool has achieved a Level 4

ranking from Indiana’s Paths to Quality, meaning that we provide

the highest level of professionalism in child care.

The Kindergarten Readiness program is dedi-

cated to providing a fun and educational, highly academic environment for children to learn and prepare for

Kindergarten. The Kindergarten Readiness program provides reinforcement of basic academic skills and touches on many

aspects that children will encounter in their first year of school. Focusing on the skills that children need to succeed in kindergar-

ten makes the transition to Kindergarten an easier one. The daily lessons will lay down a solid academic foundation for children

to excel in Kindergarten.

Child Care Solutions is a child care resource and referral service for a ten-county area. It serves parents, child care pro-

viders and employers. Child Care Solutions provides information on regulated child care options, preschool programs, family

support and much more. A resource library, training opportunities, staff workshops and assistance are available.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT...

Page 4

Indiana University Kokomo Indiana University Kokomo Indiana University Kokomo Indiana University Kokomo and the Indiana University Kokomo Alumni AssociationIndiana University Kokomo Alumni AssociationIndiana University Kokomo Alumni AssociationIndiana University Kokomo Alumni Association

presents the

Indiana University Singing Hoosiers in Concert!Indiana University Singing Hoosiers in Concert!Indiana University Singing Hoosiers in Concert!Indiana University Singing Hoosiers in Concert!

Join us as we welcome the Singing Hoosiers to Havens Auditorium! The Singing Hoosiers are America’s premier collegiate concert show choir. Under the director of Dr. Michael Schwartzkopf, the Singing Hoosiers will perform a variety of American popular music, jazz, and Broadway favorites with dazzling choreography, energy, and style. Founded in 1950, the group is celebrating its 60th anni-

versary year!

Saturday, January 29 at 7 p.m. Havens Auditorium on the

IU Kokomo Campus

Cost: Cost: Cost: Cost: IU Alumni Association members: $10 IU Alumni Association non-members: $15 Students: $5 Children 6 and under are free

Group ticket prices are also available. For information and to reserve your tickets, please contact the IU Kokomo Office of Alumni Relations at 765-455-9411, or via e-mail at: alumni@iuk.edu. Tickets may also be pur-chased online by visiting the IU Kokomo Alumni Associa-

tion website at: http://alumni.indiana.edu/iuk/

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS:

IN 2011...

• Are you planning a grand opening?

• Are you thinking of hosting a Business

After Hours?

• Thinking of becoming a volunteer on one

of our Committees?

Call Rhonda at 457-5301

PAYING INVOICES ONLINE

If you wish to view your company’s

open invoices with the Alliance or if you

wish to pay for an Alliance invoice

online, you may do so from the Alliance

website (www.greaterkokomo.com),

Chamber of Commerce tab, Member-

Only Portal. You will need your user-

name and password that was sent to

you from the Chamber.

If you do not have a username or pass-

word, please contact Cathy at the

Chamber at 457-5301 and she will be

able to issue you a new one.

Host Design, Host Design, Host Design, Host Design, owned by Patti owned by Patti owned by Patti owned by Patti Host, Host, Host, Host, 121 N. Wash-

ington St., won the sixth annual Down-town Holiday Window Decorating Contest sponsored by the Kokomo Downtown Association, a division

of Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance; Z92.5 Radio; and

the Kokomo Tribune.

The judging committee awarded points for originality, creativ-ity, overall theme, capturing the spirit of the season, and execution and technical aspects. Community First Bank, 201 W. Sycamore St., fin-ished second. Host Design received a free ad in the Kokomo Tribune

and a one-hour live remote by Z92.5

The other entries in the contest were: The Pointy Pencil, 106-108 N. Main St.; Sweet Poppin’s, 107 E. Sycamore St.; Hoops on the Square, 115 W. Sycamore St.; Timeless Pieces Ebay Shop, 200 N. Washington St.; Butcher, Ball, Lowry & Alter, 201 N. Buckeye St.; Sound of Music, 106 W. Walnut St.; Angie Meyers Design Studio, 104 W. Wal-nut St.; Granson Jewelers, 200 N. Main St.; STAR Financial Bank, 114 E. Walnut St.; YMCA, 200 N. Union St.; and Humphrey Printing, 315 N.

Main St.

Host Design wins window decorating contest

COOL TOOLS..

Gleanster - very nice looking research service that creates easy to scan research on successful marketing tactics such as how Top Performers

use Social Media Marketing.

10 Usability Crimes You Really Shouldn't Commit - Great article on little tweaks that will make

your web pages more user friendly.

Popscreen - Service that makes it very easy to discover videos that are trending before they become popular

GKEDA PRESIDENT’S DIAMOND CIRCLE:

Page 6 Newsletter Title

HOWARD COUNTY

JOB FAIR

Sponsored by

ResCare Workforce Services

IMPACT PROGRAM

KOKOMO-HOWARD COUNTY

PUBLIC LIBRARY

220 N Union St., Kokomo

Meeting Rooms A & B

January 14, 2011

11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS INCLUDING:

Ivy Tech, Indiana Wesleyan Univer-

sity, Steak N Shake, Fairmont Reha-

bilitation Center and More!

Bring Resumes &

A Great Attitude!

YOU ARE INVITED

TO ATTEND AN

OPEN HOUSE.

We believe it’s important to express

our appreciation for the opportunity to

help individuals in our community. In

that spirit, we invite you to join us for

our open house as we say “thank you”

to our clients, friends and community.

When: Thursday, January 27th,

2:00 pm—6:00 pm

Where: 186 Southway Blvd E,

Kokomo

RSVP: Call Debbie at 453-2479

Refreshments will be served!

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS:

Duke Energy and Progress En-ergy to Merge- Duke Energy and Progress Energy, Inc. announced that both companies' boards of directors have unanimously ap-proved a definitive merger agree-ment to combine the two compa-nies in a stock-for-stock transac-tion. The combined company, to be called Duke Energy, will be the country's largest utility, with: Ap-proximately $65 billion in enterprise value and $37 billion in market capitalization. Under the merger agreement, Progress Energy's shareholders will receive 2.6125 shares of common stock of Duke Energy in exchange for each share of Progress Energy common stock. The combined company will be headquartered in Charlotte and will maintain substantial operations in Raleigh. Customers will see no change in their current electric util-ity. The companies are targeting a closing by the end of 2011. More information is available at: www.duke-energy.com.