U.S. Rep. Howard Coble has received the prestigious 2012 Award for Distinguished Public Service from the North Carolina Chamber.

During the N.C. Chamber’s 70th annual meeting Wednesday in Durham, Chamber President and CEO Lew Ebert said Coble was being honored for more than 40 years of public service to the state.

Coble was introduced to the crowd by his longtime friend, George Little, of Southern Pines, and the owner of George W. Little and Associates. Little told the N.C. Chamber audience that Coble was an excellent choice for the public service award because he is a leader in Washington in the fields of intellectual property and transportation.

In accepting his award, Coble thanked all of the chambers of commerce for the roles they play.

“From the local chambers of commerce, to the North Carolina Chamber, to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, these groups play important roles in their respective communities,” Coble said, “while also providing leadership on business-related issues. I also want to commend my congressional staff, both in North Carolina and Washington, for assisting me in providing outstanding constituent service throughout the Sixth District of North Carolina. I am honored to receive this award from the North Carolina Chamber.”