In January 1904, a group of 80 stationers gathered in Chicago to lay the groundwork for a national association, the National Association of Stationers and Manufacturers, which was launched later that year. The 80 founding association members offered stationery and office equipment, including furniture.

Through the years, the association has focused on developing targeted industry research, publications, training and networking events for office products and office furniture dealers and their trading partners.

IOPFDA has provided the services that have helped our members serve the changing needs of the office. The growth of the association and its membership has mirrored the growth of the American office at large – from a steady increase in white collar employment to tremendous technological advancements over the years such as the typewriter, telephone and adding machine, and more recently, the computer.

Today, the association represents over 1,200 members including dealers, manufacturers, wholesalers, manufacturers representatives and industry service providers.