Buddy’s welcomed to Kokomo
Also, Ivy Tech invites employers to expo; KUO holds annual celebration
The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce recently rolled out the red carpet for one of its newest members, Buddy’s Home Furnishings. The chamber welcomed the rent-to-own store to the community with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 25.
“We’re really excited to have Buddy’s here,” said Madi Cardenas, the Chamber’s Membership Development Specialist.
Buddy’s is the largest rent-to-own home furnishings company in the U.S., with more than 330 locations nationwide. At the Kokomo store, located behind Applebee’s in the Southway Plaza, customers can lease name-brand furniture, appliances, electronics, computers, and more with flexible payment options, with weekly or monthly terms.
Buddy’s also offers six months same as cash and a lifetime reinstatement program. And of course, the many home furnishings, appliances, and electronics can be purchased outright.
“We want to create a different experience for our customers in Kokomo,” said Denny Broens, co-owner of the Kokomo franchise.
Broens explained that he and his team are willing to match any competitor’s price on the items they offer, and the items available are not limited to the Kokomo storeroom and sales floor. By visiting www.buddyrents.com, customers can order thousands of items and have them delivered to the Kokomo Buddy‘s location.
Buddy’s Home Furnishings, 3714 S. Reed Road, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Ivy Tech invites employers to expo
The annual Cass County College & Career Expo, designed to open doors to the future for area high school and college students as well as the general public, is set for 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Logansport High School’s Berry Bowl.
Area employers are invited to participate to promote current job openings and internship opportunities as well as talk with students about the skills needed to secure a position with their organization.
New to the Expo will be small group meetings between high school students and representatives of colleges and area employers to meet requirements under Indiana House Bill HEA-1002.
Under the bill, starting this school year, all junior and senior students in Indiana are required to meet with employers or college admission representatives to cover future career and educational opportunities. The Career Discovery Meetings are set up for five students to meet in a small group for 30 minutes. These meetings will be conducted at the beginning of the Expo, giving business leaders an opportunity to meet with these students.
The state requires each entity that wants to participate in the Career Discovery Meetings to complete a brief interest form to meet with the students. More information on the bill and how to prepare for the meetings can be found on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website.
Employers interested in participating should contact Suzanne Dillman, associate director of enrollment services and admissions for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo service area, by email at sdillman@ivytech.edu or by telephone at 574-398-6090.
Representatives from colleges and universities across the state also will be on hand to discuss the career and educational opportunities they offer. Event sponsors include the Logansport/Cass County Chamber of Commerce, Logansport High School and Ivy Tech Community College.
The event will be targeted at 10th- to 12th-grade students from Logansport High School and the Century Career Center and students and alumni from Ivy Tech as well as the general public. Chamber members have been invited to participate along with employers who work with Ivy Tech in recruiting new employees.
For more information and registration materials, contact Dillman by email at sdillman@ivytech.edu or by telephone at 574-398-6090.
KUO holds annual celebration
On Wed., March 5, Kokomo Urban Outreach (KUO) gathered for its annual UP™ Program Celebration, a special evening that brought together parents, guardians, and nearly 200 kids from both the UP™ Program and Mini UP™.
This year, the event took place in the new KUO building at 830 S. Main St., a space that will soon become its permanent home. The sanctuary at Main St. United Methodist Church in Kokomo, which seats 700, was filled with energy and excitement as KUO celebrated the achievements of the incredible youth.
“As we look ahead to the big move in the next year, we are also excited to transition our Mini UP™ program into our old building, giving our youngest participants a dedicated space to grow and thrive,” stated Heidi Pruitt, KUO’s Director of Communications.
During the celebration, KUO handed out some special awards. The "Nothin' Gonna Stop Us" award was given to the kids who overcome challenges to attend the UP™ Program. Whether traveling by trolley, walking across town, or riding their bikes, these young participants show that nothing will stand in their way when it comes to learning and growing.
Mr. Gene's Generosity Award, named in honor of major donor and supporter Gene Kostrewa was awarded to kids who demonstrate a willingness to help others and contribute positively to their peers and program.
One of the most moving parts of the evening was the open mic session, where kids had the chance to share what the UP™ Program means to them. Pruitt reflected on the heartfelt stories shared by the students.
“Hearing the kids speak about their experiences and how UP™ has impacted them was truly inspiring,” said Pruitt. “Their words were a reminder of why we do what we do.”
As KUO continues UP -- Unleashing Potential, Passion, and Purpose in the youth of Howard County -- the celebration was a testament to the dedication of the kids, the support of their families, and the strength of the community.