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Parson receives top ag honor from Chamber
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Shane Parson, a local almond growner and the owner of Diamond Bar Arena outside of Ceres, was named "Outstanding Agribusiness Man of the Year" at Thursday's 25th annual Ceres Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Luncheon.

Parson has generously loaned the use of his time and facilities for local organizations. He made possible the Medieval Nights fundraiser to benefit the athletic booster clubs of Ceres and Central Valley high schools. He's also assisted in the Feast of Fools fundraiser and donates to the Ceres Chamber ag scholarship fund. He has given use of his arena for children with disabilities.

Presentation of the award was given by county Supervisor Jim DeMartini who was last year's recipient. DeMartini called Parson a "great person who gives back to this community very tirelessly and donates a lot of money to charity."

"He truly fits the term, 'multi-tasker,'" said DeMartini. "He has a deep love for livestock and finds himself dealing in orchard commodities."

Parson is an almond broker and processor, and part owner in Rockstar Limosine Services, S&M Tack, California West Coast Horsemen newsletter and owns Diamond Bar Arena.

"I'm just here to help out," said Parson in accepting his award.

Oakland born Parson graduated from Los Banos High School and attended Merced Junior College. Since moving to Ceres 10 years ago, Parson has been quite community involved and is currently Ceres Chamber of Commerce president. Parson chaired the 2010 Ceres Street Faire, is a Central Valley High School Business Partner and volunteers as a board member of the Central California Child Services. He also belongs to the Kiwanis Club, the Mid-Valley Saddle Club, the San Joaquin Paint Horse Club, California State Horseman's Club and the California Range Riders.

Held at the Stanislaus County Agricultural Center west of Ceres, the luncheon featured a brief presentation on the Central Valley High School FFA program. Scholarships were doled out to Ceres High School students Brooke N. Seegrist and Bastiaan Weststeyn.