C.I.A. was started by Frank Fleisher in 1999 as Canton Inventors Council with advice from an inventors group in Dayton, Ohio. The small group met casually without dues, to discuss their inventions and share idea-promotion experiences. Guest speakers provided variable specific knowledge. Meeting was held at Good Will Industries, several libraries and Cutler Real Estate. Today's attendance ranges 5-40, averaging approximately 15-20. The July meeting is historically a picnic, and December a potluck dinner party. In 2008 the name was changed to Canton Inventors Association.
