HISTORY

The Canadian Office Products Association is the leading representative of the nation's office product retailers and manufacturers. We provide our members with the programs and services that assist them in their day-to-day business, offering not only educational and networking opportunities, but also significant discounts on business expenditures.

During its history, the association has re-engineered itself to reflect the ever-changing needs of its members as well as the industry itself. Founded in 1933 as the Stationers' Guild of Canada Inc., the organization broadened its mandate in 1956 to become the Stationery and Office Equipment Guild of Canada Inc., and in 1968 evolved into what is today known as the Canadian Office Products Association.

Today, along with providing discount programs and delivering the industry's largest conference and networking events, COPA is heavily involved in developing research and training initiatives. Through those initiatives, COPA is able to supply the type of information members require to strategically position themselves within an ever-fluctuating market.

The association was incorporated in the Province of Ontario and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Members of COPA include businesses that sell products for the office to the end consumer (known as dealers), as well as firms that manufacture and/or distribute those products (known as suppliers and wholesalers). COPA also includes companies classed as manufacturers' sales agents.

As demonstrated throughout its history, COPA will continue to evolve as its members evolve. By tapping into the most up-to-date technology available, COPA pledges to provide members with current and essential services for meeting the changing demands of their customers.