The Fall of 2007 marks 20 years since a group of prepress business owners and managers first conceived the idea of an association that would work together for a common cause. Initially, that cause was to counteract the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The founding objective of the Association was “to develop an awareness of Ontario as a world centre for Graphic Arts”. The plan was to lobby the Government for funds for marketing Ontario prepress services in the U.S.
Further goals included:
•The exchange of information between member companies
•Education and training of employees
•Establish business standards with suppliers
•Exchange credit information
•Offer technical and business seminars
The 16 founding companies were Bergman Graphics, Bomac Batten, Colourgraph Reproductions, Colour Technologies, Franklin Tuckey Offset, Graphic Tradehouse, Graphitech, H & S Reliance, Jenmar Colour Separations, Leshar Studios, PBC Litho, Scanograph, SD Graphics, SE Graphics, SQS Inc., and Superior Engravers.
Of these 16 companies, only PBC continues to operate under its original moniker. By 1989 membership had grown to 31 companies—and of that additional group, only Legg Brothers remains. Karl Schmed, one of our founders and the former owner of SQS, remains an active Board Member. Over the past 20 years, DIA membership has grown to 50 member companies—quite a feat when you consider the acquisitions and mergers that have seen 29 of our 31 oldest member companies disappear!
Since our mid-eighties beginning, the Association—originally known at the Ontario PrePress Association—has evolved and changed. It was also rechristened the “Digital Imaging Association” (DIA) to better reflect the focus of our membership. The goals at the heart of the DIA are:
•The exchange of information between member companies
•Technical and business informational sessions
On Wednesday October 17, members gathered to celebrate the DIA’s history and our Ontarian heritage by touring The Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum in Queenston—celebrating history with history. Participants were also treated to a tour of the Chateau des Charmes winery and a superb dinner at The Queenston Heights Restaurant.
Much like the DIA, it was truly a unique Ontario experience.
