Newton Medical Center CEO Jim Weadick was honored with the R.O. Arnold Award at Thursday’s night chamber annual meeting for his lifetime of community service to Newton County.

 The Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting Thursday at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and officials handed out annual awards and introduced new Chamber Chairwoman Michelle Bryant Johnson.

 Weadick was given one of the most prestigious local awards because of the breadth and depth of his community involvement during the past 30-plus years, said Chamber President Hunter Hall, who noted the hospital has played a significant role in making Newton County a regional hub for industry and business.

 Honda of Conyers Owner Jay Jaynes was given the new Emerging Business Award for doubling his car sales numbers during the depressed economy. Hall said Jaynes increased marketing and become more active in a time when many businesses were pulling back.

 Japanese brake manufacturer Nisshinbo was awarded the Deal of the Year award for its 2011 expansion, which added significant equipment and dozens of jobs. Nisshinbo used the Georgia Quick Start program through Georgia Piedmont College to hire its workers.

 Chris and Teri Haler, the owners of Current Events Productions, received the Dick James Small Business Award, and Mike Petroff with Bizzy Bee Exterminators won the Spirit of Excellence.