Dear Alliance Stakeholders, Chamber Members and Partners,

I am proud to report that we are seeing positive results of the hard work so many of you have led in conjunction with our organization. The first quarter of 2011 is showing signs of recovery locally and we appreciate all of your commitments to the programs, initiatives and strategies The Alliance continues to lead.

The Alliance is leading the effort in our 3 focused operating areas: economic development, Chamber and existing business services and quality of place; to drive initiatives that will continue to position our existing businesses and attract new ones to our market.

On the economic development front, we are engaged with more prospects than ever before, competing for those who are interested in the assets our community has to offer and targeting those that we are well positioned for. The increase in activity is one indicator that shows improvement in our overall economy in 2011. This partnered with a declining unemployment rate and stabilization in major industries is additional leading indicators. Companies know that they will need to invest in their business to compete as the economy adjusts and we are dedicated to provide them with the best choice to land. We continue to develop additional strategies surrounding business development, which include building a medical device market strategy to "play" in that market and an international strategy to attract new jobs and investment to Kokomo and Howard County globally.

For our existing businesses, 2011 will be bringing you opportunities to participate in programs through our Chamber University. We have surveyed our stakeholders and developed a robust list of programs that we can bring to our community in partnership with higher education and other public and private partners. We are also committed to bringing business to business activities that allow for our local businesses to interact and learn about new products and services available locally.

We continue to see strides in playing a role with our quality of place area. We are excited about activities in our downtown, developing new opportunities at Inventrek Technology Park and strategizing about opportunities a new and current US 31 corridor will bring to our community. The Alliance is working closely with local government on a residential attraction strategy to package our story with access to programs to "sell" Kokomo and Howard County as a place to call home.

It is critical to have the leadership from our Advisory Councils, Staff, Alliance Board and volunteers, whose support and engagement impact the over 75 annual programs and initiatives that The Alliance leads each year. We are in a great position with many of our key audiences to bring new and exciting opportunities to our stakeholders and community. It is still a competitive world, but thanks to the leadership of our community, we are succeeding. The Alliance will continue to lead in providing professional experience to local economic development, existing business programs and quality of place in Kokomo and Howard County and we thank you for your support.

President & Ceo

Thursday, April 28, 2011

 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

329 West Rainbow Drive, Kokomo 
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Manpower Group recently announced the Central Indiana/Kokomo, Indiana as the recipient of the Manpower Power Award, recognizing outstanding performance in 2010 across the company's network of 4,000 office in 82 countries.

"The economic environment during 2010 brought challenges that changed the way many employers look at their businesses," said Nikki Worl, Branch Manager. "But, what hasn't changed is Manpower's mission to match individuals looking for meaningful work with employers looking for skilled, talented workers.  We are very proud that our hard work in this community was recognized with this award."

A prestigious annual recognition program for more than 45 years, the Manpower Power Award honors employees and operations for their financial achievements and positive representation of the Manpower brand and culture. The recipients must exhibit the company's vision, strategies, values and brand attributes; as well as provide exceptional contributions to Manpower's overall achievements for the fiscal year. Each winner will receive a commissioned sculpture by artist Rick Nicholson that serves as a permanent reminder and celebration of their great accomplishments in 2010.

Manpower has been a part of the Kokomo and Tipton community for over 30 years and currently serves several area businesses.  Manpower is an active member of the community with volunteering or donating to: We Care, United Way, Kokomo Urban Outreach, and local school Athletic programs.

learn more about manpower