MEMBERSHIP
Cheesemaker | Dairy Producer
- Open to commercial producers with Milk Plant license or Milk Handlers.
- Must submit copy of milk plant license or Milk Handlers License before final approval of application.
- This member class has voting rights.
- Annual membership dues $100 for one member | $200 for up to 2 members | Additional members may be added $50 per membership
Trade Professional
- Open to all trade and licensed producers and professional affiliates including but not limited to distributors, retailers, brokers, chefs, educators, consultants, or businesses in similar fields.
- This member class has voting rights.
- Annual membership dues $100 for one member | $200 for up to 2 members | Additional members may be added $50 per membership
Cheese Lover | Turophile
- Open to cheese lovers, home cheesemakers and cheese supporters.
- This member class does not have voting rights and is not eligible to hold a board position.
- Annual membership dues $60 for 1 member
Professional Cheese Monger
- Open to all professional cheese mongers working in a cheese shop.
- Proof of current employment is required before final approval of application.
- This member class has voting rights.
- Annual membership dues $50 for 1 member
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
There are 4 categories of membership, Cheesemaker/Dairy Producer, Trade Professional, Professional Cheese Monger and Turophile.
Representation for cheesemakers and trade members on our website, in promotional materials, and at events which the Guild hosts or participates in.
A subscription to our weekly member news for first-hand information about equipment for sale, job opportunities, internships, seminars, food safety rules updates, and important changes in the cheese community.
Exclusive access to special events and educational sessions at discounted member rates. Voting rights (i.e. By-law amendments, election of Board of Directors) for Cheesemaker, trade and Cheese Monger members
The ability to serve on the Board of Directors, join one of our committees, or work on special projects.
An invitation to attend the Annual Meeting with the full Guild membership.
Networking with a vibrant community that creates growth and ensures the quality of California’s artisan cheeses.
MEMBERSHIP FAQ
Membership in the Guild is available to anyone who cares about great cheese – whether you’re a professional working in the industry or a consumer passionate about California cheese. Membership is available to Cheesemakers, Trade members, and Enthusiasts.
If your company has purchased either a cheesemaker or trade Silver or Gold membership, you have a group membership. Group membership simply means that multiple membership seats where purchased as a bundle. The group is comprised of a single group sponsor as well as additional sponsored members. The group sponsor is the person who signed up the group for membership and is the primary point person for the membership. The group sponsor is also the person who renews the group membership in the Guild. During membership activation or renewal the group sponsor is provided a group code that can be used to sign up additional members to the group from their organization.
How do I use my group code?
If you are a sponsored member you will need a group code to activate your membership. Obtain the group code from the group sponsor of your organization. To activate your membership select “Our Members” from the menu then select “Become a Member/Renew.” From the Membership page, scroll down to where it says “Do you have a group code” and click on “click here to become a member.” On the next page, select the membership type of your organization (Silver or Gold) then enter the group code and click on “Apply”. Continue with entering your information on the page. When you are finished click on the “Submit and checkout” button.What If I want to remove or update a sponsored member from my group?
If there is someone in your group that shouldn’t be, please send an email to web@cacheeseguild.org providing information about the member that should be removed.Do group members need to renew membership? No, group members are renewed automatically when the sponsored member renews membership. Group members will not receive a reminder email to renew membership.
If your membership has not yet expired: If your membership is approaching its expiration date you should have received a reminder email with a link and instructions for renewing. If you did not get or cannot locate this reminder email you can still log in to renew. Log in to cacheeseguild.org. Upon logging in you will see your membership account page. If your membership is about to expire you will see a few links for: Change, Renew, and Cancel under “My Memberships.” Click on “Renew” and proceed with the onscreen instructions.
If your membership has expired: If your membership expiration date has past, no worries, your membership information is still on file with the Guild. Log in to cacheeseguild.org. Upon logging in you will see the ‘Memberships’ page. Select the membership type (Company, Corporate, Individual, or Enthusiast). On the next page your profile information will be pre-filled in for you. Make any changes here and then enter your payment type and billing information. Complete the check out process by clicking on the ‘submit and checkout’ button.
Sponsored members need not renew membership since their membership is renewed automatically when the group sponsor renews membership.
Yes, during checkout you have the option to pay by credit card or to pay by check. If you want to submit payment by check, select the option to pay by check and complete the checkout process. You will receive an email confirmation upon completing checkout. After checking out, mail your check payment to:
California Artisan Cheese Guild
P.O. Box 1052
Durham, CA 95938
Once your payment is received your membership will be activated.
If you need an invoice for membership renewal, please send an email to director@cacheeseguild.org
Have more questions? Get in touch, and we will be happy to help!