Page 42 - Demo

40reallocated to other things, that area, although beautiful, became less attractive to folks because the jobs weren%u2019t there in abundance,%u201d she said, %u201cbut it%u2019s seeing a resurgence, you almost wouldn%u2019t recognize it now.%u201d%u201cHaving lived in the north, south, east and west of the State of Florida, I have an appreciation for the uniqueness of how South Florida differs from other parts of the state,%u201d she said.She highlighted her ability to see different community perspectives, having also served a homeowner%u2019s association president. Norris-Weeks has also served on several Broward County Boards to include Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Henderson Behavioral Health and the Community Foundation of Broward. She is the Chair of Invest Fort Lauderdale, an organization initially spearheaded by the City of Fort Lauderdale with a mission to reduce poverty, create jobs and support small business development. Years of Meaningful Chamber InvolvementNorris-Weeks has been involved with the Chamber for a number of years and has chaired both its Government Affairs Council and its biannual Washington Summit, which brings together Chamber leaders for a foray to the nation%u2019s capitalto meet with elected and appointed federal government officials and discuss issues of importance to South Florida. She has moderated Chamber political panels, served as a speaker for Chamber events and has worked with the Business First committee, a committee designed to retain and expand business throughout the Fort Lauderdale area. %u201cI don%u2019t feel like it%u2019s just me,%u201d she said. %u201cThe Chamber leadership works nicely together. My contributions will not bejust my contributions, but also those of the other leaders of the Chamber who have worked so diligently for years. I see the membership increasing and I see engagement increasing.%u201d%u201cPost COVID,%u201d she said, %u201cChamber members are looking for opportunities to engage, build their businesses and meet other people. Many of us are choosing to have this communityof friends who are also fellow business leaders. I enjoy membership very much and enjoy the work that we do to build a better region.%u201d%u201cMy year is going to be about enjoying the membership experience and doing things that are going to be fun,%u201d she said.Special Feature continuedThe Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell, PLLC law firm team. Seated, left-to-right: Partners Michelle Austin Pamies, Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Norman C. Powell.