ATTLEBORO - It has been a noteworthy half century promoting and supporting local business and helping the communities of North Attleboro and Plainville.

About 150 people gathered Friday night for the 50th anniversary celebration of the North Attleborough & Plainville Chamber of Commerce at the chamber's annual meeting and recognition evening at Highland Country Club.

"Fifty years of anything is a terrific thing. I congratulate the chamber for its great success and its history," said state Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro. "It has a wonderful, wonderful history, and North Attleboro and Plainville are so much better off. You have helped so many businesses be successful."

State Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, also was present to recognize the chamber's golden anniversary.

"It really is a milestone for a chamber to make 50 years," said Ross, himself a Wrentham businessman. "The different things you do to help us," often during difficult economic times. "That is one thing we can't live without."

The two state representatives presented citations from the House to award recipients. Rob Howard of Eagle Appraisers of North Attleboro was handed the Chamber Person of the Year Award in the surprise award of the evening.

"We don't do it for the awards and recognition" but to help the chamber's businesses and towns, Howard said.

Other award recipients had previously been announced.

Achin's Garage of North Attleboro, which started back in 1919, received the Business of the Year Award.

"I can't say enough" about the business, Poirier said, quipping, "he's towed me a few times. I think everyone has used them at one time or another. We are so pleased they are still in business and still taking care of all of us and at the same time giving back to the community."

Thomas Secky of Secky's Insurance in Plainville was handed the Good Neighbor Award.

"You run a great business and you actively contribute to the Plainville community," Ross told Secky, calling him a leader in the community.

Poirier highlighted the sacrifices Secky has made juggling a small business and doing so much for the chamber and community. "You have contributed to the community in so many ways," Poirier said.

And Alan Greenfield of New World Realty of North Attleboro received the Ambassador of the Year Award. Greenfield told of first becoming involved with the chamber. "I was very impressed with the people I met. I thought what a great way for a person in business" to get involved in the business community. "I have thoroughly enjoyed it," Greenfield said, calling members friends.

New chamber President Fran O'Leary opened up the program with a year in review and later accepted a House citation for the anniversary. Earlier, the new chamber directors were installed.

Oreste "Rusty" D'Arconte, the incoming chamber chairman and publisher of The Sun Chronicle, presented an outlook for the coming calendar year.

Also part of the celebration of the chamber that dates back to 1958 were videos and a silent auction along with dinner and music.