August 18 | Downtown Suffolk Business Advisory Council
Presented by Tom Powell, The Addison Group
Good afternoon,
My name is Tom Powell, and I’m honored to be with you today, not only as a longtime business owner in Suffolk, but as a newly selected member of the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) Class of 2025.
The Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, led by the Virginia Rural Center, is a highly selective leadership development program designed to support, equip, and empower emerging leaders who are committed to revitalizing rural communities across the Commonwealth. As part of the program, each participant must complete a Community Impact Project that makes a tangible difference in their region.
My Community Impact Project
I have chosen to align my Community Impact Project with the newly proposed WATCH Initiative — Welcome Arts, Talent, Culture, and History — a vision to develop a designated Arts and Cultural District in Downtown Suffolk.
With more than 30 years of experience in marketing and communications in Suffolk, I will contribute to this initiative by building a comprehensive communication platform, starting with the development of a brand-new website. This platform will be an in-kind donation from my firm, The Addison Group, and is valued between $8,000–$10,000.
The purpose of this digital platform
Promote awareness and participation in the WATCH initiative
Highlight cultural and artistic events, local businesses, and historic assets
Serve as a communication hub for stakeholders, residents, and potential funders
Support ongoing public relations, grant writing, and tourism development
What We’re Asking
The only request for funding from this council is to support the ongoing operational costs (approximately $850) associated with the website, including:
Hosting and domain renewals
SSL certification and security
Technical updates and monitoring
Performance reporting and basic support
These recurring fees are modest but essential to keeping the platform running and effective. The WATCH initiative committee will provide all content to be used on the website for distribution.
Added Value Through VRLI
Each VRLI Community Impact Project—including this one—will be professionally documented through a VRLI-produced video, which will be made available as a press release and for public view. This video will:
Tell the story of the WATCH initiative’s early development
Showcase the people and places involved in the cultural district
Serve as a promotional tool for public engagement, media coverage, and funding opportunities
This added visibility amplifies the value of our project and highlights Suffolk as a proactive, creative, and collaborative rural community.
Why It Matters
According to studies, the presence of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, social cohesion, and economic vibrancy. By supporting the WATCH initiative, we’re not just adding beauty—we’re building momentum for job creation, tourism, and community pride.
This is our chance to show what’s possible when culture and communication come together.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome your questions and look forward to collaborating.
Respectfully,
Tom Powell
Founder & Creative Director
The Addison Group
Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, Class of 2025