TILLAMOOK, Ore. – December 3, 2008 – The Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), formed as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1909, has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier makers of cheese, and invites every Tillamook cheese fan to join in celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2009.

Although its process has evolved, its cheddar recipe remains the same, and has been passed down for generations to the next dairy farmer to continue the essence of TCCA cheesemaking. TCCA is proud of its 100-year history and still exemplifies its valued traditions.

“We at TCCA have a great deal of pride in our history as a farmer-owned cooperative and in continuing to deliver quality dairy products to our customers,” said Harold Strunk, president and CEO of TCCA. “We are proud to celebrate our 100-year old traditions and are excited to share our anniversary products and events with our consumers.”

Tillamook cheese was on its way toward national recognition as early as 1904, when it won its first of many national prizes. The TCCA was formed as a dairy cooperative when ten small independent cheese plants in Tillamook County, Oregon joined together to form the Tillamook County Creamery Association. The co-operative grew out of the desire of a handful of farmers to ensure that the cheese produced in the area was of the absolute highest quality.

Throughout the years, TCCA has expanded its dairy product line to include ice cream, butter, sour cream and yogurt. While keeping up with current technologies, TCCA values heritage, emonstrated by the approximately 120 multi-generational farmers who make up the cooperative.

In anticipation of the 100th anniversary TCCA launched a new Web site TillamookFanClub.com that complements TillamookCheese.com and is an instrumental tool that allows them to continually engage its most loyal fans. TCCA also launched its first ever, online store where you now can purchase all of your favorite Tillamook Cheese products with one click of a button.

TCCA’s award-winning cheddar is made using a slow, artisan-style method, and is naturally aged for a minimum of 60 days for its medium cheddar and more than two years for its vintage white extra sharp in order to develop that perfect flavor and texture for which Tillamook cheese is prized. TCCA considers cheese-making an art form, and continues its 100-year age-old commitment to consistently producing high quality cheese. All Tillamook cheese is produced with milk from cows not supplemented with artificial growth hormones (rBST).

Several events are scheduled throughout 2009 to kick off TCCA’s celebration of its 100th anniversary, including:

o Tillamook Anniversary Kick-Off Open House: Tillamook, OR, February 6, 2009
o Special Limited Edition Anniversary Cheese: Tillamook, OR, February 6, 2009
o 100th Anniversary Celebration: Portland, OR, July 31, 2009
o 100th Anniversary Celebration: Tillamook, OR, August 1, 2009

Additional information about Tillamook’s 100th anniversary events is available at www.TillamookFanClub.com.

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About Tillamook County Creamery Association
The Tillamook County Creamery Association, formed as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1909, has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier makers of cheese. TCCA markets an extensive line of dairy products, including naturally aged cheddar and a variety of other cheeses, butter, premium ice cream, sour cream and yogurt. For more information visit its Web site: www.TillamookCheese.com.

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