The Ceres Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Man, Woman and Business of the Year for its 33rd Annual Agribusiness Awards Luncheon, set for Thursday, May 17, at Diamond Bar Arena. Nominations are also sought to recognize an ag industry leader with the Grant Lucas Memorial Award.

Each year, this event raises money to fund high school scholarships for students with aspirations of upper education in the agriculture industry. A Chamber scholarship sub-committee reviews applications and selects high school recipients based on grades and contributions to ag-related activities in and after school. Scholarship recipients each receive a $500 agriculture scholarship from the Chamber.

The winners of the scholarships and community awards are announced during the luncheon.

This year's event keynote address on ag-related crimes will be given by Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department Rural Crimes Detective Adam Basmajian.

"The Chamber is again grateful to Shane and Kim Parson, owners of Diamond Bar Arena, for once again hosting this annual event," said Chamber President Juan Romo. "By doing so allows the Chamber to keep costs down and helps in raising more money for future scholarships."

The students are recognized for their work in all areas of agricultural studies, some including their help in maintaining the 6.5-acre Ceres Agriculture Center offered by the Ceres Unified School District. Students working at the Ag Center are in charge of planting, tending and harvesting row crops, fruits and vegetables for the district's child nutrition school lunch program.

The annual luncheon serves as the main fundraiser for the Chamber's ag-related scholarships given to Ceres High School and Central Valley High School students each year. Tickets for the event are $20 and may be purchased in the Chamber office; on the Chamber's website - CeresChamber.com; or by phone at 537-2601. Full table rates are also available. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Numerous contributions are made to bring this event to fruition, including meat and beans donated by Diamond Bar Arena, barbecue prepared by the Ceres Lions Club, water by the Varni Brothers Corporation, décor by Addy's Boutique and salad by the ag students of Ceres.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and information may be found on the Chamber's website at www.CeresChamber.com. For more information call the Chamber at 537-2601.