TORONTO—The Ontario Printing Industries Association (OPIA) and the British Columbia Printing & Imaging Association (BCPIA) are now set to offer resources from the U.S.-based Printing Industries of America (PIA).

OPIA president Tracey Preston said the board of directors voted last Thursday to become an affiliate of the PIA. "Through us paying some dues to PIA, we are now a gateway to some of their services, for Canadian printing members," said Preston. The BCPIA voted to adopt a similar relationship in July.

The PIA previously reached the Canadian industry through an association with the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA). After ending its relationship with the CPIA, the PIA approached organizations including the OPIA and BCPIA and pitched the idea last April of joining as affiliates to continue offering PIA resources, including economic and HR reports, to Canada.

Marilynn Knoch, executive director of BCPIA, said BCPIA will also be handling the administration of PIA affiliations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The OPIA will handle eastern and central Canada, said Preston.

The arrangement will not affect either organization's relationship with the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL), another American organization. Both will continue to offer NAPL resources to members, such as NAPL's economic forecasts.