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Special Feature continued

The Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell, PLLC law firm team.
Seated, left-to-right: Partners Michelle Austin Pamies, Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Norman C. Powell.

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

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