In recognition of International Women’s Day, the women at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company could not be more proud to announce their national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Additionally, they have been granted a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification. Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese specializes in producing hand-crafted, artisan cheeses and distributes its growing product line throughout the US and internationally.
“As co-owners and co-leaders, my sisters and I are so proud to have met the rigorous criteria of WBENC to become a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, and thankful to the organization for all they do to support women-owned businesses,” said Jill Giacomini Basch, CMO. “WBENC certification will open sales opportunities with government and institutional organizations that have diversity and inclusion purchasing policies. More importantly, the certification highlights our commitment to diversity, employee empowerment and progressive policies toward inclusion.”
“Our focus is to create a work environment that supports women with work life balance, strong leadership and opportunities for growth. As a family business, we contribute to the economy and our local community with a woman’s perspective on enhancing personal and professional development. We care about the big things and little things in life, understanding that women wear many hats. Over 55% of our workforce are women and we lead by example.” — Lynn Giacomini Stray, COO
“We are also especially proud to be in the good company of other WBENC-certified businesses and we look forward to being active participants in the organization by contributing to the support of other businesses led by women. Our inclusion in this group honors the legacy of strong women in our family history that pushed us to become the leaders that we are today.” — Diana Giacomini Hagan, CFO
WBENC’s national standard of certification is a meticulous process that includes an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.
By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs.
About Point Reyes Cheese Farmstead Cheese Company:
In 1959, Bob and Dean Giacomini established their successful dairy farm just north of Point Reyes Station in Marin County, CA. In 2000, together with their daughters, the family began making hand-crafted cheese on the farm with milk from their own herd of Holsteins. In 2010, now 100% Women-Owned by sisters Diana, Lynn and Jill, they opened The Fork, a culinary and educational center offering farm-to-table educational experiences for both consumers and the trade. In 2018 the company expanded to Petaluma, with the opening of a second creamery, warehouse and distribution center. The Point Reyes product line consisting of Toma, TomaTruffle, TomaProvence, TomaRashi, Bay Blue, Gouda and Original Blue, is available nationally at independent cheese shops and specialty grocers, at the Fork, local-area farmers’ markets and online at www.pointreyescheese.com.
To learn more about Point Reyes Cheese Farmstead Cheese Company, please visit www.pointreyescheese.com.
About WBENC:
Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 13,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and over 300 Corporate Members. More than 1,000 corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands as well as many states, cities, and other entities accept WBENC Certification. For more information, visit www.wbenc.org.
