Working with Thompson’s Director of Planning & Development and Economic Development Commission, it was decided to focus the strategy on promotion of the Downtown Mill Development District (DMRD) and Thompson Corridor Development District (TCDD). Within these districts, redevelopment and in-fill development surrounding Thompson’s historic mill buildings is considered essential to the Town’s plan for economic growth. This includes current plans by developers that will add almost 400 new residential rental units over the next 10 years.

Thompson is also home to over 500 small businesses, ranging from kitchen-table, mom-and-pop enterprises, to skilled tradesmen and light manufacturing. Additionally, Thompson has significant natural resources and excellent outdoor recreation activities that attract thousands of visitors to the Town each year. These destinations greatly enhance quality of life, as well as provide value for start-up outdoor recreation businesses and other leisure activities, including dining, shopping and lodging.

DKA developed the marketing plan with actionable, measurable strategies and tactics for the Town to implement toward achieving its business development goals. As part of the planning process, an initial business marketing brochure was created, which includes descriptive information, maps and statistics of the Town; business success stories; contacts for local and state government and business organizations; and an overview of the process to open, expand or relocate a business.