Today the Burlington-Northern Sante Fe Railroad Co. operates the railroad terminal located in downtown Thayer. Train crews from Thayer switch with other crews from Springfield and take the trains on south to Memphis. Much of the region's economy is still based on the railroad payroll. Local businesses now include curtain manufacturing, lumber milling and sales of consumer products and services. Thayer is the largest city within Oregon County and has great labor potential.
Residents possess strong work ethics and work diligently to produce top quality.
The community leadership is constantly seeking businesses in manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, processing, warehouse operations, wholesale distribution and mining operations. Because the entire region of Oregon County has been designated as an Economically Deprived area some assistance and exemptions are available to businesses that create new jobs within the guidelines of the Commission Resolution. The area is abundantly rich in natural resources provided by the land and is rich in intangible resources of integrity, ability, skills and courtesy within the people of the towns. The people have a will to work, to do their best, and to treat one another with dignity and respect.