History of ISDA

The concept of the ISDA dealer network was first conceived in October of 1977. A committee, together with Counsel recommended a stock cooperative buying corporation as the best organizational structure to handle the vendor activities of the dealer network. On April 11, 1978, an organization known as Office Systems Equipment Cooperative or OSEC was officially incorporated in the District of Columbia with five members of the re-organizational committee becoming the incorporators. Stock in OSEC was purchased by 86 Dealers at a cost of $1,050.00 each. Shareholders capital contribution amounted to $90,300.00.

During the year 1981, the ISDA trade association acquired the Office Systems Equipment Cooperative, and the name of the cooperative changed to ISDA. The purpose of the ISDA Network is to function on behalf of its Members by securing arrangements with vendors that will be beneficial to the dealers and to provide support activities to the Dealer network by which the dealer can improve their business operation(s). Today there are 40+ shareholders of the ISDA, each Member is an owner.

In the beginning, Kardex Systems was the lead Business Partner of the ISDA, and the sole Business Partner specifically mentioned in our by-laws. Today, The Association has partnered with over 40 industry-leading manufacturers to bring exceptional quality products, service, and solutions to our clients.

Moving forward, the ISDA continues to host our Annual Shareholders Meeting – an exclusive event which gives our Business Partners and Members face-to-face access – drive sales in our Member’s local markets, and provide excellent sales training in addition to developing strong marketing and social media campaigns and tools. We are preparing for the future, continuing to add strong Business Partners for and welcoming new Dealers to our Association!