The History of Dive Industry Association, Inc. (DIA)
by Gene Muchanski
Dive Industry Association, Inc. was founded in the Fall of 2000, in Carlsbad, California. Many Industry Professionals encouraged us to form a Trade Association that would be responsive to the needs of its Members. After a six month feasibility study to determine if the industry wanted, needed and would support a second trade association, it was decided to start Dive Industry Association. The Association was incorporated in the state of California on April 3, 2001. During the first year 15 Charter Members joined us and we started "Building a Better Industry, One Member at a Time."
From the very beginning, DIA was set up as an association that was Member centric. The Goals of the Association were established to: 1) Unite the industry to a common purpose and foster the spirit of cooperation. 2) Provide our Members with Business Tools that will help them be more professional, productive and profitable. 3) Generate maximum marketing exposure to help our Members reach their customers. 4) Increase business opportunities in the industry for our members.
During 2002, Dive industry Association added 45 more Charter Members and 12 of the original 15 Charter Members renewed for the year. DIA exhibited at the DEMA Show. DIA started publication of The Dive Industry Professional, our Association's monthly printed Newsletter. In November 2002, DIA's Office was moved to League City, Texas, SE of downtown Houston.
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