Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Thompson Shoes

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Thompson Shoes of Delaware County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“The entire team at Thompson Shoes has a proven track record of supplying reliable shoes, prioritizing excellent customer service, and dedicating themselves to helping shoppers find the right fit,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “I want to congratulate Thompson Shoes on 65 years of providing footwear to folks in Manchester as well as their ongoing efforts to give back to the Delaware County community.”

Brothers Gary and Keith Thompson founded Thompson Shoes in 1958. The Manchester location marked the first of nine shoe stores owned by the brothers and business partners. The store offers a variety of athletic shoes, dress shoes, and boots as well as socks and personalized shoe sizing services. Over the years, the business has transitioned ownership several times from the Thompson brothers to Tracy Bessey and then to its current owners, Todd and Shelly Schrader. Today, Thompson Shoes is actively involved in the Delaware County community by supporting students and athletic programs in the Maquoketa Valley, West Delaware, and Edgewood-Colesburg school districts, hosting the Move for Mimosas races, and sponsoring the Hero Hustle event.

Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

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