The Ceres Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 56th annual Community Service Awards & Installation Dinner Banquet on Friday evening, Jan. 17 at the Ceres Community Center.

The banquet is the Chamber’s premier business event, highlighted by the recognition of outstanding members in the Ceres community who have made extraordinary contributions in service. It also serves as 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.

Once again, the Chamber will be honoring citizens and businesses for the following categories:

• Distinguished Service;

• Citizen of the Year;

• Young Citizen of the Year;

• Small Business of the Year;

• Large Business of the Year;

• Volunteer of the Year;

• Business of the Year;

• Legacy Award, 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 were due at the end of November and voting takes place through on Dec. 31. Nominees will be announced next week.

“Citizen of the Year” nominees are remaining under wraps, with the choice made by past recipients of that award.

All nominees will be invited to the Chamber’s banquet, which features a no-host bar, dessert, auction and 50/50 raffle. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and program to follow.

Tickets will be available at the Ceres Chamber office, 2904 Fourth Street in downtown Ceres or online through the Chamber website at www.cereschamberofcommerce.org.

For more information about this or other upcoming events, call the Chamber at (209) 537-2601 or visit the Chamber’s website at www.cereschamberofcommerce.org