The Ceres Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations of citizens and businesses for a number of categories, including the “Distinguished Service,” or Citizen of the Year award for its upcoming banquet.

Chamber officials are keeping their fingers crossed that the state won’t resort to shutting down gatherings in 2022 like in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus.

Winners will be honored at the 2021 annual Community Service Awards & Installation Dinner, highlighted by the recognition of outstanding members in the Ceres community who have made extraordinary contributions in service. The event is set for Friday evening, Jan. 28 at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street.

“This event is one of the most exciting events for the Chamber as we celebrate and honor individuals and businesses that serve our community in various ways,” said Renee Ledbetter, the Chamber’s executive director. “We often hear of the great work that some of our residents or business owners are doing after-the-fact. If you know someone who is doing incredible things for the Ceres community, then we want to hear from you.”

Award categories include “Distinguished Service Award,” “Citizen of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award,” “Volunteer of the Year,” “Large Business of the Year,” “Small Business of the Year,” and “Young Citizen of the Year.” The “Chamber Legacy Award” 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 mailed to the Ceres Chamber at 2904 Fourth Street in Ceres, now until Friday, Jan. 7.

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.

Nominees will be invited to attend the dinner. More information will come later about ticket prices, said Ledbetter.

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

Past Citizens of the Year have included Scott Siegel, Bud Runyan, Ken Lane, Becki Nicholes, Sharon Caruso, Richard McKay, Phil Reynders, Stan Sinclear, Lisa Mantarro Moore, Kim Chapman, Rocky Fisher, Adrian Condit, Shirley Davis, Helen Marchy, Gus Pallios, Grant Lucas, Mildred Lucas, Walt Hanline, Jake Dillon, George Costa, Ruth Jorgensen, Virginia Parks, Gene Welsh, Caryl Fowler, Art McRae, Fran Welsh, George Edgerly and others.