[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 181 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE GREG NORRIS ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2018

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Greg Norris on 
the occasion of his retirement as Probate Judge for Monroe County, 
Alabama. Throughout his career, Judge Norris displayed deep devotion to 
Monroe County, where he has had an immeasurable impact on economic 
development and quality of life improvements.
  Locally educated at Alabama Southern Community College, and then at 
Troy University, Judge Norris has a rich understanding of what matters 
to the people of Southwest Alabama and how to improve the local 
economy. Judge Norris began his term in office as Probate Judge in 
2006. From the start, he was dedicated to the cause of Monroe County's 
economic future. In his role, Judge Norris also served as the Chairman 
of the Monroe County Commission, allowing him to provide an even 
greater service to the community.
  During his term in office, Judge Norris created a renewed emphasis on 
serving the people of our area. He digitized all deed and marriage 
records, created an online renewal process for tags and driver's 
licenses, and oversaw 22 fair elections in the county.
  As Chairman of the Monroe County Commission, he was able to secure 
roughly $33,000,000 in federal and state funds for the betterment of 
Monroe County. This included funds for road and bridge projects, 
airport improvement projects, a VA outpatient clinic, and many other 
projects that impacted the lives of countless residents.
  His economic development achievements speak for themselves: the 
unemployment rate dropped from well over 20 percent during the 
recession to less than 6 percent today, he created the Monroeville/
Monroe County Economic Development Authority, brought critical new 
businesses to the community, and oversaw 6 industry expansions.
  Judge Norris is also involved in the Kiwanis Club, Pilots for Christ, 
member of the first Leadership Now class of Monroe County, served on 
the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Delta Regional Authority 
Delta Leadership Institute Class of 2014-15, and the Association of 
County Commissions of Alabama.
  In his free time, Judge Norris serves as a Sunday School teacher and 
Deacon at Excel Baptist Church. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and 
spending time with his wife, Terry, two children, and six 
grandchildren.
  From the start, Judge Norris made a name for himself in reshaping the 
modern economy in Monroe County. Monroe County is better off thanks to 
his service, guidance, and direction.
  On behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District and the United 
States House of Representatives, we honor Judge Norris for his 
incredible service and simply say: thank you.

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