I want to drill into some of the stats collected from the National Community Survey that I discussed a couple of newsletters ago. Please indulge me as I look at three metrics from the survey conducted this spring: Downtown is a safe place (say 91% of respondents), overall quality of Dover’s business is considered good or excellent (by 75% of respondents), and ease of biking and walking downtown is trending upwards. 

It’s safe to say that a safe downtown is the foundation of a vibrant business community. After all, if people feel secure downtown, they are more likely to linger, explore, and spend money at local businesses. Safety builds confidence, and confidence fuels activity.

For businesses, a sense of security directly affects customer traffic and employee satisfaction. Shoppers want to know they can park, walk, and enjoy downtown without concern, while employees want to feel safe commuting to and from work. When those needs are met, businesses benefit from steady patronage, stronger employee retention, and positive word-of-mouth. A downtown known for safety becomes a destination, drawing in not only residents but also visitors from neighboring communities who are looking for a welcoming place to spend their time.

Safety also encourages investment. Entrepreneurs and developers are more likely to open shops, restaurants, and offices in areas where there is visible public safety, active community policing, and well-maintained streetscapes. This creates a cycle of growth —more businesses bring more people downtown, which in turn adds vitality and makes the area feel even safer through consistent activity.

The connection between safety and vibrancy is further strengthened by community events. Festivals, markets, and cultural gatherings thrive in safe environments. Families with children, older adults, and groups of friends all feel comfortable attending, and those events often translate into direct spending at downtown establishments.

Ultimately, safety is not just about reducing crime; it is about creating an atmosphere of trust and comfort. When downtown feels secure, it unlocks the full potential of business vibrancy — drawing crowds, encouraging investment, and building a lively, sustainable economic core that benefits the entire community.

Have a great week, 

Christopher G. Parker, AICP

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives

The therapists at Inner Truth Massage. From left, Tamar, Nancy, Andrea, Casey, Rae and Christine.

Inner Truth Massage Opens Dover Studio

By Reid Bickley,

Business Development Specialist

After 17 years in practice, Tamar Thomas, founder of Inner Truth Massage, has brought her thriving wellness business to Dover. Now located at 652 Central Ave. Unit H, Tamar and her team of highly experienced licensed massage therapists are proud to call Dover home, both personally and professionally.

“I bought my home here with my husband in 2018, and we’re raising our two children in this community,” she shared. “It was high time to live and work in the same place, and the move has been a welcome change for many of our longtime clients as well as our staff.”

The new space is quiet, handicap-accessible, and easy to access with on-site parking.

Tamar’s journey into massage began with a B.S. in Health Sciences and a personal commitment to mind-body wellness through nature, meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi.

Raised in northern New Hampshire, she recalls hiking in the White Mountains as her first meditative experience, one that planted the seed for her approach to massage therapy.

“Being on the table, in your body, in the present moment, can serve as a form of meditation,” she says. “The technical expertise of a therapist combined with that presence allows for deep healing.”

Inner Truth’s signature offering is a one-hour customized therapeutic massage tailored to each client’s needs. They also offer specialized sessions such as cupping, hot stone massage, sports therapy, and The Graston Technique. For new clients unsure where to start, Tamar suggests beginning with a standard 60-minute massage, or even a shorter chair session, to get a feel for the practice. Their prenatal massage offerings are among the most advanced in the area, with custom equipment and deep expertise that ensures both comfort and safety at all stages of pregnancy.

What sets Inner Truth apart is the caliber and longevity of its team. Each therapist is handpicked, highly trained, and brings years of experience to the table. Tamar emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative work culture and refers to her staff as integral to the practice’s success: “I realized I thrive more with a team than as a solo practitioner. It’s allowed us to help more people, and create a supportive workplace with excellent pay.”

As the business grows in Dover, Tamar is excited to build even more wellness connections in town. “Dover has it all, and we’re happy to be part of it.”

Inner Truth Massage's Dover studio is at 652 Central Ave.

Showcasing Local and Community Partnerships

The holiday season is full of opportunities for collaboration, and right now, partnerships can be one of the most powerful tools small businesses have. With shoppers being more intentional about where they spend, teaming up with other local businesses or community organizations helps everyone increase visibility, share audiences, and remind residents that supporting small means supporting neighbors. Use social media to spotlight these collaborations. Create posts featuring your partners’ products, services, or events alongside your own, and be sure to tag each other and use shared holiday hashtags. Even a simple Story repost can put your business in front of hundreds of new potential customers.

This is also the perfect time of year for creative cross-promotions. Think bundled gift sets, co-hosted pop-ups, charity drives, holiday stroll tie-ins, or restaurant + retail pairings. Nonprofits, arts groups, restaurants, wellness studios, and retail shops all have overlapping audiences looking for meaningful ways to celebrate the season. Showcasing these partnerships online builds goodwill, strengthens community identity, and provides fresh, engaging content without increasing your marketing budget.

In a season built around connection, collaboration stands out. Consumers want to support businesses that invest in community, and holiday partnerships make that support feel personal and purposeful.

Tip of the Week!

Choose one local business or nonprofit to collaborate with this month and highlight it on social media. Share a joint post, launch a shared promotion, or simply tag them with a sincere holiday shout-out. Partnerships don’t just grow your reach, they grow the entire community.

Question of the Week



The Office of Business Development seeks public feedback on topics related to our local business community.

This week, we want to know, What is something that Dover does well economically that we should protect or expand?

Let us know at https://polco.us/f8dg65.

Please note that if you don't already have an account with Polco, the city's polling system, you will be asked to create one. Responses are anonymous.

Last week we asked, "What barriers have you experienced in finding affordable healthcare?" Responses included significant increases in health insurance premiums, wait times, and being able easily price shop because hospitals/medical offices don't usually share price information for basic services.

Nebi Park Takes Shape: A Waterfront Transformation Update

In the latest episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jamie Stevens, project manager for Dover's waterfront development, about the significant progress made on the project over recent months. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at https://bit.ly/47ZTiCd.

Business Event Happenings 

Local Art Exhibition, The Residence at Silver Square, Nov. 21, 2-4 p.m.

100 Silver St. Enjoy an afternoon at this showcase featuring works from talented area artists. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served, with the opportunity to purchase art and support the local creative community. Free and open to the public.

Holiday Craft Fair, Riverside Rest Home, Friday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

276 County Farm Road. Riverside Rest Home’s annual Holiday Craft Fair returns with handmade décor, gifts, baked goods, plants, and the always-popular Game of Chance. Proceeds benefit the Resident Council Fund, which supports special programs for residents. The after-sale continues on Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donate Food for Free Woodman Museum Admission, Nov. 22-23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

182 Central Ave. The Woodman Museum offers free admission to visitors who donate nonperishable food for SnapBack Seacoast or the Dover Food Pantry, and those affected by the government shutdown. Saturday’s festivities include touch-a-trucks and free children’s books courtesy of the “Book Bug.”

Complete Listings

Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events.

Click here or on the calendar below to find more community events!

Click here to add your events to the community calendar.