The deadline is fast approaching to nominate an agriculture-related business for the "Agribusiness of the Year," award, which will be presented by the Ceres Chamber of Commerce at its annual Ag awards luncheon on Thursday, May 29.

Nomination forms may be found online at www.cereschamber.com. The deadline is Friday, May 9.

This is the first year the Chamber will be recognizing an agriculturally based business with this award. Each year, the Chamber recognizes an Agribusiness Man and Woman of the Year, as well as scholarship recipients from Ceres High School and Central Valley High School. All nominees will be invited to attend the luncheon.

"Agriculture is so much a part of who we are today," said Ceres Chamber President Renee Ledbetter. "We live and work in the bread basket of the world, so it's important to recognize the businesses that nourish us in so many ways."

Earlier this year, the Chamber recognized other businesses during its annual Installation & Awards Dinner, including Casey Moving Systems as Business of the Year, Alfonso's Mexican Grill for Downtown Business of the Year, and ER Vine received the Legacy Award for conducting business in Ceres for over 80 years.

Mike Wade, executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition, has been asked to be keynote speaker of the event. He has been asked to speak on the impacts the drought will have on California's economy.

Tickets to attend the annual luncheon are $20 per person and $25 after May 15th. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Event sponsors pay $250 to receive tickets for a table of 8 and a display table to market their products and services. Table sponsors receive tickets for a table of 8 for $160 and honorable mention at the event.

For more information about this event, visit the Chamber's website at cereschamber.com or call 537-2601.