Cheese lovers around the country will celebrate America's artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses this October.

Denver, CO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/27/2013 -- The American Cheese Society (ACS) and cheese lovers around the country will celebrate the third annual American Cheese Month this October. American Cheese Month is a celebration of America's artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses and the farmers, cheesemakers, distributors, retailers, cheesemongers, chefs, and educators who bring them to the table.

American Cheese Month features special events and promotions in cities across the country. The goal of the month-long celebration is to raise awareness of the quality and diversity of American cheeses, as well as to increase support for family farms and traditional cheese production methods. Revenue from select October events will support the American Cheese Education Foundation, which provides educational opportunities and scholarships for cheesemakers.

Greg O'Neill, ACS President, says, "American Cheese Month is the perfect time to celebrate the amazing creations of culinary artisans from across North America. The American Cheese Society is excited to see consumers increasingly appreciative of the quality and craftsmanship they can find in cheeses from their own backyard; and they can now purchase them everywhere from farmers' markets and small specialty boutiques to the largest supermarkets and club stores. Perhaps even more exciting is watching the world take notice of American producers and their creative, award-winning products." Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has shown his support for American Cheese Month 2013 by issuing an official proclamation, and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has done the same.

American Cheese Month kicks off on October 1 with the American Cheese Month Passport Program. Customers are invited to purchase a passport at any participating retailer around the country for $10. The passport provides a discount ranging from 20-40% off a featured "cheese of the day" from October 1-31. Passports are valid at all participating retailers; the specific featured cheeses and discounts offered each day will vary by store. 100% of the proceeds from passport sales will benefit the American Cheese Education Foundation. For a full list of participating retailers, visit http://tinyurl.com/cheese-passports.

In ACS' home city of Denver, Colorado, ACS staff and volunteers will celebrate American Cheese Month by participating in the Great American Beer Festival®, where a selection of cheeses produced by ACS members will be sampled to thousands of guests alongside American craft beers.

Anyone with a passion for cheese is encouraged to participate in American Cheese Month. Visit www.americancheesemonth.org for an event calendar, plus ideas for industry members and enthusiasts to get involved. Cheese lovers can also network on the American Cheese Month Facebook page, and on Twitter (#AmCheeseMonth, @CheeseSociety).

American Cheese Month 2013 is presented with support from Gourmet Foods International/Atlanta Foods International. To learn more about partnership opportunities, or for information about holding your own American Cheese Month events and promotions, contact ACS: 720-328-2788 or info@cheesesociety.org.

About The American Cheese Society
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of farmstead, artisan and specialty cheeses produced in the Americas. At 1,500 members strong, ACS provides advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities for cheesemakers, retailers, enthusiasts, and extended industry. ACS strives to continually raise the quality and availability of cheese in the Americas.

Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts the foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition, which culminates in the "Festival of Cheese," a public event regularly featuring over 1,700 competition entries from throughout the Americas. For more information, visit http://www.cheesesociety.org.

About The American Cheese Education Foundation
The American Cheese Education (ACE) Foundation, the American Cheese Society's sister organization, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to educate people about the art and science of artisan and specialty cheese. The ACE Foundation is eligible for foundation and federal grants, and may receive tax-deductible donations from individuals or businesses in support of existing and new educational efforts. The ACE Foundation funds cheesemaker scholarships and supports other educational activities that are designed for members of the cheese community. Learn more at http://www.cheesefoundation.org.

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132 cheese professionals earn prestigious credential.

Denver, CO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/06/2013 -- Denver, CO (September 6, 2013) – One hundred thirty two (132) individuals passed the American Cheese Society's (ACS) 2013 Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam, which was held on July 31 in Madison, Wisconsin. This prestigious group includes cheese professionals from throughout the United States and Canada, bringing the total number of ACS Certified Cheese Professionals™ (ACS CCPs™) in North America to 253. For a complete directory of ACS CCPs, visit http://tinyurl.com/acs-ccps.

The Certified Cheese Professional Exam is the first and only exam of its kind. It was established to encourage high standards of comprehensive cheese knowledge and service for professionals in all areas of the industry. The exam was developed over an eight-year period with more than 100 industry experts working together with credential consultants Knapp International and software provider ExamSoft. The exam is based on the knowledge and skills required to successfully perform cheese-related tasks in jobs across the industry. Testing encompasses a broad range of topics including raw ingredients, the cheesemaking process, storing and handling cheese, selecting distributors, marketing and communicating about cheese, nutrition, and regulations and sanitation.

The 2013 class of ACS CCPs includes cheesemakers, retailers, distributors, restaurateurs, scientists, and academics. Each ACS CCP receives an official lapel pin, embroidered patch, and a certificate, along with the right to call themselves an ACS Certified Cheese Professional™ or ACS CCP™. ACS CCPs are required to demonstrate continued active participation and professional development within the industry to maintain their credentials, and they must recertify every three years.

"It is so gratifying to recognize this second class of Certified Cheese Professionals," says Nora Weiser, Executive Director of the American Cheese Society. "The knowledge and expertise they demonstrate shows a level of commitment and dedication that is truly commendable. They raise the bar not only for cheese professionals, but also for everyday consumers who benefit from the quality of service and expert guidance that ACS CCPs provide."

Applications are now being accepted for the next Certified Cheese Professional Exam, which will be held on July 29, 2014 in Sacramento, California. Cheese professionals who meet the eligibility requirements outlined on the ACS website are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the Certified Cheese Professional Exam, visit www.cheesesociety.org.

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