The business lobbying group the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has given Rep. Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh) a “Spirit of Enterprise Award” for his work during the 112th Congress.

A Chamber of Commerce press release noted that Owens was given the award for “his support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies during the second session of the 112th Congress.”

Owens says that job creation and economic development are among his highest priorities.

“There is much work ahead to build on the progress we’ve made over the past few years, but I remain optimistic that a commitment to bipartisanship and a fact-based approach to the problems we face can help spur growth and development across the district.”

Votes for the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia and passage of a multi-year transportation bill were among the actions the lobbying organization included in their legislative scorecard of Owens.

“In the face of high-stakes politics and difficult choices, Congressman Owens provided America’s job creators with a strong voice in Congress,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “This award recognizes Congressman Owens for consistently demonstrating his support for pro-growth policies.”

Roughly 300 of the 435 members of the House and Senate received the award from the U.S. Chamber, which is consistently among the most active lobbying organizations in Washington.

Owens represents New York’s 21st Congressional District, which extends just north of Albany up to Lake Champlain and west to Lake Ontario.

A complete list of the 2012 Spirit of Enterprise recipients is available at www.uschamber.com/soe.