History
The Optimist Printers was established in 1906 as a weekly newspaper and job shop called The Dalles Optimist, with a subscription rate of $1.50 per year. The founding Owner / Publisher, Addison Bennett, described the origin of the paper in its first issue:
“It was simply born because I wanted to re-enter the newspaper field, and in looking around for a location, I selected The Dalles as the place apparently offering conditions the nearest my ideals.”
Addison Bennett sold The Dalles Optimist in 1932. In 1958 the weekly newspaper was sold to The Dalles Chronicle with the commercial printing portion of the business being renamed to The Optimist Printers. The Optimist Printers has changed ownership four times over the past 100 years but what hasn’t changed is its commitment to its service, quality of product and its dedication to its customers. Current owner Matt Herriges, has been here since 1981 and will continue to provide the community with the same commitment.
location
723 E. 3rd Street
The Dalles, OR 97058
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
7AM - 4PM (summer)
8AM - 5PM (winter)
Contact
(541) 296-2954
Our Team
Owners
Matt and Angie Herriges
Matt & Angie Herriges, owners since 2012, are both life long residents of The Dalles. Matt and Angie oversee the everyday operation of the shop as well as help with outside sales.
Matt has been in the Printing Industry since he was 16 years old and carries a vast knowledge of all things Printing. Angie helps with the Apparel and Customer Service as well as accounting for the business.
Matt and Angie enjoy spending time with their family when they are not working. Matt also is very active in the community, such as being on boards and volunteering his time when needed.
Pressroom Production
Mike Correa
Mike is the backbone of our pressroom. Mike has over 30 years of printing experience. He does the printing, both offset and letterpress, trimming, cutting, numbering, die cutting, along with running the prepress rip system. He does it all. In his spare time Mike enjoys fishing, camping and spending time with family and grandchildren.
Art Department
Courtney Kivett
After graduating from Sherman County Highscool, Courtney went on to receive her BA for Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Portland in 2016. She has been working with Optimist Printers as the lead designer since 2020.
Signs, Vehicle Graphics & Apparel
Matthew Allen
Matthew graduated from Goldendale High School, got a BFA in Graphic Design from Central Washington University in 2016 and started working for Optimist Printers in 2021.