“It’s not surprising that Thompson & Bender’s extensive client list includes Westchester County Tourism & Film and the county’s Office of Economic Development. The three partners at this top advertising/ marketing/public-relations firm are quite possibly the county’s biggest cheerleaders, so selling its value comes naturally. (Geoff Thompson and Elizabeth Bracken- Thompson were raised here, while Dean Bender is a longtime resident.) Capitalizing on an expertise in all things Westchester, Thompson & Bender has become the local goto agency, billing some $6 million a year. “We understand the landscape; we have the connections,” says Bracken-Thompson, adding that the 16-employee company is active in surrounding counties, as well. In fact, it seems the firm has had a hand in promoting nearly every major development in the area, across all sectors, including business, real estate, retail, healthcare, education, and nonprofit. The Ritz- Carlton NY, Westchester in White Plains; The Westchester mall; New York-Presbyterian Hospital; and the Food Bank for Westchester are just a few of the clients Thompson & Bender has worked with during its 30 years. (The firm celebrates its milestone anniversary this year.) Such longevity comes from adapting to “monumental changes” in the industry, Bracken-Thompson claims. But despite new methodologies, such as social media, digital advertising, and sponsored content, she adds, “The essence of ‘the idea’ and good writing are still key.” The right words no doubt come easily, as all three partners are former newspaper employees. “Journalism is in our DNA,” says Bender. We naturally ask: “‘What’s the story here?’” —GR”
