Adams and Reese Special Counsel and Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, received the “Guardian of Small Business” award from the National Federation of Independent Business, Tennessee’s leading small business association. The NFIB recognized Norris for his stellar leadership on key reform efforts and the state budget.
NFIB made the announcement on June 12th at a reception for area legislators at Regions Bank in East Memphis. This is Norris’ second Guardian award. Norris received one of two Guardian awards, in addition to the NFIB also recognizning award recipient Steve McManus, House Chairman of the Insurance & Banking Committee.
“Mark Norris is an unwavering advocate for small business and free enterprise,” said Jim Brown, state director of NFIB/Tennessee. “Earlier this year, Senator Norris sponsored the most comprehensive workers’ comp reform bill in our state’s history, which our members greatly appreciate. We are very grateful for his expertise in working to balance the state budget, while carefully weighing the many issues our state debates. Mark Norris does a stellar job ensuring small businesses across Tennessee aren’t overburdened and overtaxed, which is empowering our state’s job creators.”
The NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, DC, and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business.
“Receiving NFIB’s Guardian award for the second time is indeed an honor,” said Norris, an NFIB member. “This recognition validates what we’ve been able to accomplish in recent years – lowering taxes, streamlining government and reducing burdens on business. While I’m happy about our recent successes, I believe our best years are ahead. I will continue to work to create a level playing field that enhances opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest their capital in the best state in which to own, operate and grow a business.”
Norris has served in the Tennessee Senate since 2000 and as Senate Majority Leader since 2007.
At the law firm of Adams and Reese, Norris has practiced law since 1980 and is Special Counsel with the firm in the Memphis and Nashville offices. First elected to the Senate in 2000 and as Majority Leader in 2007, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Dyer. Norris is currently a member of the following Senate Committees: Finance, Ways and Means; State and Local Government; Ethics; Veterans’ Affairs; Pensions and Insurance; and Workers’ Compensation Oversight. He is Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.
Norris has a diverse civil litigation and business practice. His commercial litigation caseload regularly includes products liability, petroleum marketing and franchise litigation, defense of professional liability claims, and condemnation/eminent domain cases He advises clients in crisis management and preventative measures to minimize risk and avoid the expense of litigation. He also appears before administrative, regulatory and municipal boards on behalf of a variety of clients in land use, permitting and zoning matters related to economic development.