Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) will participate in a panel discussion surrounding the issues of Regional Economic Development & Quality of Life during the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission hearings that will take place in Memphis November 15-16, 2006. The hearings and tours will also be held in New York City.
Norris’ presentation, “Regional Imperatives: Opportunities for Intergovernmental innovation in Intermodal Logistics and Economic Development,” focuses on the impact of global and national trends on our regional economy and the quality of life for the citizens of the Memphis region. It explores the role of surface transportation in creating jobs and investment in our region’s communities, and addresses the need to improve mass transit and promote alternative energy. Other presenters besides Norris include Matt Kisber, Tennessee Commissioner of Economic Development; Neely Mallory, President of Mallory Alexander; and Keith Ingram, Vice Chairman of the Memphis Regional Logistics Council.
Norris, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, has led efforts to restore transportation funding slated for cuts by the State earlier this year. He also chairs the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee of the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference. He represents the West Tennessee counties of Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale and Dyer in the Tennessee Senate, and is an attorney practicing in the Memphis and Nashville offices of Adams and Reese. He is a 1980 graduate of the University of Denver College of Law, and is a member of several organizations including the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association and Transportation Lawyers Association.