Superior Court Judge Samuel D. Ozborn was at a loss for words as he was presented with the 2013 R.O. Arnold Award, one of the most prestigious local awards, at the chamber's annual meeting Thursday night.

The Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, where awards were presented to individuals and businesses who have shown their dedication to the community.

John and Angi Beszborn, owners of Burllritos, were given the new Emerging Business Award.

Baxter International was awarded the Deal of the Year award for its 2012 announcement to build its manufacturing plant, which is set to hire around 1,500 full-time workers by 2018, in Covington.

Bradley and Martha Stewart, owners of Bradley's Barbecue, received the Dick James Small Business Award, and Scott Willis won the Spirit of Excellence.

For more on the Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, read the Sun., January 20 edition of The News.