ZZest Receives the American Cheese Society’s

“Certified Cheese Professional”

Rochester, MN (September 4, 2012) – ZZest Market & Cafe announces that LeeAnn Zubay is among the first class of American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professionals™ (ACS CCPs™). LeeAnn is part of an elite group of 121 individuals who passed the inaugural Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam, which was held on August 1 in Raleigh, N.C. This prestigious group consists of cheese professionals from across the United States and Canada. For a full list of ACS CCPs™, please visit http://www.cheesesociety.org/events-education/acs-certified-cheese-professionals/.

The Certified Cheese Professional Exam™ is the first exam of its kind. It was established by the American Cheese Society 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.

“I applaud the efforts of all those who displayed their cheese industry knowledge by passing this exam,” says Nora Weiser, ACS Executive Director. “The expertise of ACS CCPs™ not only elevates the industry, but also designates for consumers that a highly skilled and reliable cheese resource is available to them.”

LeeAnn will receive the right to use the title ACS Certified Cheese Professional™ (or ACS CCP™). All ACS CCPs™ will be required to demonstrate continued active participation within the cheese industry and continued professional development to maintain this credential, and will be required to recertify every three years.

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