Briarcliff Manor PR Firm Turns 25

This month marks the 25th anniversary of Briarcliff Manor-based public relations firm Thompson & Bender.

The company, which stated its annual billings are more than $4 million, threw a bash for the occasion at 42 The Restaurant in White Plains on March 2.

According to a statement from the company, Founding principals Geoff Thompson and Dean Bender started the firm after 15-year careers as reporters and editors for Gannett.

Principal Liz Bracken-Thompson joined Thompson & Bender in 1990.

"It's amazing how much our business has changed," reflected Thompson. "When we stated the FAX was the most advanced technology yet."

During their 25 years, Thompson & Bender's "more than 125 clients" have included The Westchester mall; Trump Tower, Plaza and Park; Blythedale Children's Hospital and the Westchester County Office of Tourism.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Ken Jenkins and other regional politicians presented the three principals with proclamations congratulating them on the firm's success.

Other speakers included White Plains Mayor Tom Roach and Ken Jenkins, from the office of Congresswoman Nan Hayworth.

"Our goal was to be the experts, the leaders in the market we serve," said Thompson. "We know our market and we know it well. I think it's safe to say that we have accomplished that goal."