In April, the Edina Chamber of Commerce recognized Michelle Norton as its volunteer of the year, an honor that’s been around for nearly half a century. Chamber president Lori Syverson noted Norton’s dedication to the issues she cares about, as well as chamber projects that benefit the community. For her first volunteer effort, Norton chose Taste of Edina, the chamber’s largest fundraising event. “Michelle wants to jump in with both feet,” Syverson says. “Give her the most difficult task and she’ll take it on.”
In April, the Edina Chamber of Commerce recognized Michelle Norton as its volunteer of the year, an honor that’s been around for nearly half a century. Chamber president Lori Syverson noted Norton’s dedication to the issues she cares about, as well as chamber projects that benefit the community. For her first volunteer effort, Norton chose Taste of Edina, the chamber’s largest fundraising event. “Michelle wants to jump in with both feet,” Syverson says. “Give her the most difficult task and she’ll take it on.”
While Norton is not an Edina resident, she got involved with the chamber after her practice, Resolution Chiropractic, found a home in Edina in 2013. Norton recalls her desire to connect to the community as the strongest driver in joining the chamber, “I figured if I opened my business in Edina, I should be involved,” says Norton.Norton’s knowledge of the business world and long-term vision jumpstarted her membership in the chamber, Syverson says. “She reaches across different demographics. She works well with our experienced members and can also mentor young members as they enter the chamber.”
In addition to volunteering with the chamber, Norton also dedicates time to working with the Alzheimer’s Association. “I think it says a lot about Michelle’s personality,” Syverson says. “It doesn’t make a difference who she’s working with or how large that organization is. We’re always comfortable to have Michelle represent the chamber. She’s a relationship-builder.”
She’s built those relationships as a chiropractor, a career she pursued as a former athlete. “I had played sports my entire life,” Norton says. “I knew I wanted to do something in that field.” What began as a career path quickly grew into a one-woman chiropractic practice with a wide variety of clients. “Now I do preventative care with a whole range of people,” Norton says. “I see weekend warriors, people who want to work in their yards and play with their kids.”
As summer comes to a close, Norton has no doubt seen her fair share of injuries among her patients, but that’s what got her into the field in the first place. It’s clear she has one mission.
“I just want to help people,” Norton says. And teamed up with the chamber, it seems she’ll do just that.
Michelle Norton’s tips for wellness
- Stay hydrated but avoid sugary juices.
- Set a reminder on your phone to get up and move every hour.
- Sleep well. Allow your body’s healing mechanisms to work with a full night’s sleep.
- Get active with the change of seasons. Adopt new indoor/outdoor activities with the change of seasons.
- Start small. Wellness begins with small choices; don’t get overwhelmed by large commitments.
