Future of association bright as its history

To understand the future of the Oklahoma Press Association, you must look to its past. 
Since, 1906, OPA has been working on behalf of Oklahoma newspapers longer than we've been a state.
While its roots may be humble, today's Oklahoma Press Association is a strong, dynamic organization.
"The Oklahoma Press Association has a long and proud history," says Mark Thomas,  executive vice-president of the association. "It's that colorful, vibrant past which laid the foundation for our future."
Although it was several years before OPA hired its first manager, the association has been led by many legends of Oklahoma journalists.
These men and women built OPA from a mere social organization to a national leader among trade associations.
Over the years, OPA has worked to improve Oklahoma journalism and, in the process, contribute to our state's history.
In fact, the first long distance telephone call between Oklahoma and San Francisco was made by OPA officials on May 8, 1915. The 2,600 mile talk was made at the rate of $13.45 for the first three minutes and $4.15 for each additional minute.
While many other associations struggled to keep afloat during the Great Depression, OPA continued to serve its member newspapers.
"The years have been good to OPA, but they weren't always easy," said Thomas. "We've had our share of controversy and problems, yet we've continued to grow."
In 1961, the association moved into its current headquarters at 3601 North Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City. Constructed at an original cost of $285,000, OPA paid for its mortgage in four years and five months, instead of taking the full 10 years on the note.
OPA was only the second newspaper trade association in the country to own its own building.
Since that time, OPA has invested heavily in technology, and developed new and better ways to educate its member newspapers.
"In short, our best years are ahead," says Thomas. "We've come a long, long way. And we look forward to the future."