The 2017 annual Community Service Awards & Installation Dinner, the premier business event for the Ceres Chamber of Commerce, is highlighted by the recognition of outstanding members in the Ceres community who have made extraordinary contributions in service. It also represents the changing-of-the-guard of the Chamber's key volunteer leaders.

Since 1969, the Ceres Chamber of Commerce has recognized individuals for their service to the community; business and civic attainment on a local, state, national or international level; leadership; awareness of the needs of others; and distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to Ceres, their industry or organization.

"We are fortunate to honor the many individuals and businesses that support and serve our community in various ways," said Chamber President Renee Ledbetter. "These individuals contribute, not for the glory, but for the love of their community. Sometimes we hear about people who are doing good things in our community and sometimes those individuals go unnoticed. We truly want to honor and thank them for their service."

Once again, the Chamber is seeking nominations of citizens and businesses for the following categories:

• Distinguished Service;

• Volunteer of the Year;

• Business of the Year;

• Downtown Business of the Year;

• Citizen of the Year;

• Young Citizen of the Year;

• and Legacy, which honors individuals and/or businesses that have contributed through service, support or volunteer efforts to the Ceres community for more than 40 years.

Nominations may be made online at cereschamber.com or at the Ceres Chamber office, 2904 Fourth Street in downtown Ceres, until Dec. 16. All nominees will be invited to the Chamber's 48th annual banquet scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Ceres Community Center. Tickets are $40 per person. Sponsorship tables seating eight also may be purchased for $350 and includes complimentary wine and sponsor recognition during the event.

To purchase tickets or to sponsor a table, contact the Chamber at 537-2601, purchase tickets online at CeresChamber.com, or email info@cereschamber.com.

For more information about this or other upcoming events, visit the Chamber's website at www.cereschamber.com.