POINT PLEASANT — A commitment to working together and taking responsibility to make a better county and state was celebrated during Wednesday’s 63rd Annual Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce Dinner.

This year’s event featured a West Virginia theme of blue and gold because Gov. Joe Manchin was the keynote speaker. He praised the area for its accomplishments and potential.

“I’ve been in the community all day looking at all the potential you have, and it is unbelievable,” he said.

Manchin also addressed items discussed during the recent legislative session and stressed the importance of working together in order to achieve progress within the state. He described bringing West Virginia citizens together as one of his most important objectives as governor.

“We are all West Virginians, and we have to work together,” Manchin said.

In addition, Manchin touched on the importance of completing the expansion of U.S. 35. According to Manchin, when he was elected governor, one of his major priorities was making U.S. 35 safer.

“I was looking for how we can keep our citizens safer,” he said. “One way or another we can make (U.S. 35) happen, but you’ve got to make it happen.”

Manchin also discussed the current economic situation and said he believes West Virginia will prevail through responsible decisions. He also emphasized the importance of the state to the rest of the country and described Mason County as being filled with potential, praising the county’s efforts in keeping community values in mind.

“(Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School) was designed with community in mind. Really what you’ve done through the school is pulling community together,” Manchin said. “We’ve seen potential in this county and opportunity for our state in this county ... I believe Mason County is going to be just fine.”

Prior to his speech, Manchin, along with State Sen. Mike Hall, Delegate Dale Martin and Delegate Troy Andes, presented the Mason County Convention and Visitors Bureau with a grant of $5,000.

The chamber’s annual awards also were presented, including the Past President’s Award, First Impression Awards, Community Service Award and an honorary award.

The Past President’s Award was presented to 2008 president Steve Cavender.

First Impression Awards were given to Richard Walker, CPA, for the most attractive new sign; Mason County Public Library, best landscape project; Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School Auditorium Committee, best community project; Tudor’s Biscuit World of Mason, best commercial development; Gallery at 409, outstanding downtown revitalization project; and Pleasant Valley Dialysis, best development project.

In addition, an honorary award was presented to American Electric Power for the company’s significant contributions in time and manpower to Mason County, and this year’s Community Service Award was given to Mason County Schools Superintendent Dr. Larry Parsons.

Marsha Smith, chamber executive director, said the dinner went very well and that she was pleased that Manchin outlined so many important aspects of the area.

“He touched on all the important points to Mason County and West Virginia,” she said.