"I want to thank you again for putting on a great conference in Dallas. I saw a lot of relationships being made, and a lot of business getting done. Not only for me, but for just about everyone else that attended."  Barry Cohen, BCL Soft

"Ron, you did an amazing job at that convention and just to let you know, people could not stop talking about you and how much good you are doing for UC and IRTA.  I enjoyed myself and met some great people, I am really glad I went!  Thanks again" Matt Hepworth, Atlantic Barter

"I enjoyed the Dallas convention and congratulate you on a fine show!"  Kenn Flemmons, Southern Barter.

"I just wanted to say thank you for hosting a wonderful convention for IRTA last week. The Dallas Magnolia Hotel was the perfect venue. The staff was impressive and the hotel was impeccable. Everyone had a wonderful time."  Kim Strabley, IMS

"Thank you Ron for inviting me to such wonderful gathering, my head is still spinning with new barter ideas."  Sergio Lub

On October 1 2009 over 100 Modern Trade and Barter industry members from all parts of the world converged upon the beautiful Magnolia Hotel in Dallas Texas to attend the historic 30^th IRTA Legends of Barter convention. Barter industry representatives came from Singapore, Turkey, Russia, Brazil, France, Poland and North America to celebrate the past, gain information, form business relationships and plan for the future. “The fact that so many traveled so far to be here and participate” declared IRTA Executive Director Ron Whitney “emphasizes the world wide acceptance of the Modern Trade and Barter process that capitalizes business and creates additional employment within our economies.”

Barter Hall of Famer and CEO of Active International the world’s largest Corporate Barter Company Alan Elkin lead off the Convention by introducing the keynote speaker Paul Suplizio. Paul was an IRTA founder and its first Executive Director he was primarily responsible for obtaining legal recognition for the trade credit with US tax authorities that provides the very foundation of the Modern Trade and Barter industry. His keynote address focused on and encouraged the industry to create a platform that would provide one card access to all of the world’s commercial barter exchanges.

The keynote address was followed with introductions of all present and the annual business meeting. During his State of IRTA speech IRTA President David Wallach said “It is my pleasure to report to you that IRTA is excellent condition and is continuing a 30 year tradition of providing substantial programs and services to all sectors of the Modern Trade and Barter Industry.” IRTA Treasurer Mary Ellen Rosinski found IRTA in exceptional financial condition with cash on hand and with no debts either trade or cash.

The remainder of the first day was filled with various educational seminars and panels. Subjects included a panel discussion on “The future of Universal Currency” led by Scott Whitmore; a “Seminar on Sales Techniques” chaired by Gary Field; a session “Positioning your Exchange in a Recessionary Marketplace” moderated by Harold Rice and a “Broker Training Session” hosted by Lisa Mullen and Elizabeth Powell. That evening attendees enjoyed past friendships and made new connections in the relaxed atmosphere of a delicious Hawaiian Luau sponsored by Annette Riggs of Community Connect Trade located in Boulder Colorado USA.

Thomas Greco Community Currency guru and author of “The End of Money and the Future of Civilization” was the lead off speaker on Saturday morning with his presentation “The Next Big Leap in Cashless Trading.” His presentation chronicled the current economic meltdown and the important role the modern trade and barter industry will play in transcending the current economic system. “I was very impressed with Tom’s presentation” commented Michael Mercier IRTA Vice President “the content was extremely informative and he delivered his message in a very clear and understandable way.”

The afternoon was filled with seminars and training sessions including; “Certified Trade Broker Training”; “Maximizing your Barter Company’s Growth” presented by Creg Esh; “Using New Internet Networking Techniques in Barter” hosted by Jason Richards Bizx and Sam Waltz Jr. Sam Waltz & Assoc. LLC; “The IRS & TIN Matching Issues” led by IRTA Executive Director Ron Whitney;” The Community Currency Movement and how it can help your Barter Exchange;” Moderated by Annette Riggs with Thomas Greco. “I found all of the conference seminars and panel discussions very informative;” offered Dariusz Brzozowiec of BCI Poland “I will go home with a good education”

Later that day the ITRA Global Board of Directors welcomed newly elected Board Members Maximilien Urso of Efficio, Paris France and Annette Riggs of Community Connect Trade Bolder Colorado U.S.A. David Wallach was re-elected President and Michael Mercier was re-elected Vice President of the IRTA Global Board of Directors.

The Board resolved to continue Operation Outreach, by forming a speaker’s bureau, creating a co-operative industry advertizing campaign and developing lesson plans and syllabuses for courses presentation in economic departments of business schools universities and colleges.

Saturday evening and everyone in attendance is looking forward to the Awards Dinner. This festive semi formal event was held in the Pegasus Ballroom a perfect place to meet the Legends of Barter, honor those receiving awards, and party and dance the evening away. The event was sponsored by the Allan Hackel Group a Corporate Barter company located in Boston, Massachusetts.

As dessert was served IRTA executive director opened the Awards ceremony portion of the program and began calling up those to be honored. Those honored with Awards are as follows:

Best Broadcasted Video News Interview for 2009

• 1^st Place                 IRTA accepted for all IRTA Members
• 2^nd place   tie          Badger Barter
• 2^nd place   tie          Active International
• 3^rd Place                 Bizx

These videos will shortly be available on the new ITRA web site.

Ambassador Awards those receiving this Award have served the Association by using their influence to increase IRTA membership.

• Bruce Kamm, Virtual Barter
• Catherine & Barry Cohen, BCL/Soft
• Phillip Dimitrox, XO
• Debbie Lombardi, BBU
• 
  

UC Broker of the Year:  Given each year to the most Responsive and active UC Member Broker

• Dea Shipp, Bizx

IRTA Outstanding Achievement Award: For excellent co-operation the area media and public relations with other members of the Modern Trade and Barter Industry

• Gary Field, NuBarter Savannah, Georgia U.S.A.

IRTA Paul St. Martin Distinguished Service Award: this is the highest honor ITRA can bestow upon an IRTA Member and is awarded for exceptional service that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

This year we have two very deserving honorees.

Dr. Oi Kum Lee   
BarterXchange Pte Ltd.

Singapore

Dr. Lee has worked tirelessly and diligently to educate and build awareness of IRTA and the Modern Trade and Barter industry the in the Pan Asian area of the world and instill the values standards and potential to create employment that is inherent to the industry

Allan Hackel

The Allan Hackel Organization

Boston Mass. U.S.A

Allan who has been in business since 1954 and is considered the “founding father” of the corporate barter industry and is credited with the invention of the accounts receivable concept that is to this day basic principle of a Corporate Barter Transaction; He holds the coveted Barter Hall of Fame Award and has received almost every Award this industry has to offer. He continues to work every day and functions as the hands on CEO of his Corporate Barter Company that is the oldest privately owned barter company in the world.

Before his death in 2002 Paul St Martin worked with Allan for 18 years and was one of Allan’s closest friends. Therefore it is most appropriate that at this time the IRTA Global Board of Directors bestow this Award upon him.

The Barter Hall of Fame is the highest honor the Modern Trade and Barter
Industry can bestow. The honor recognizes individuals of the highest professional character and ethical conduct who are regarded as indisputable
leaders of the Modern Trade and Barter Industry.

An inductee must have a minimum of ten years of continuous Industry service and have made recognizable and specific contributions to the Industry as a whole.

Don began his Barter Industry career in1984. He has received two IRTA Outstanding Achievement Awards; a NATE Gary Monkman Memorial Award. Served 10 years on the NATE Board 2 terms as NATE President and presently serves on the IRTA Global Board of Directors. Don participated as a founding member of the NATE BANC currency system; he has recently served as a spokesman and ambassador for the Modern Trade and Barter industry to several media outlets and investor conferences.

IRTA In The News Links:

New York Times:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123482445928394833.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/business/smallbusiness/13BARTER.html?scp=1&sq=barter%20IRTA&st=cse

Reuters:

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS242064+29-Jan-2009+BW20090129

Businessweek:

www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_64/s0804021853506.htm

Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/13/AR2009031303035.html

Entrepreneur:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/interstitial/Ent_Interstitial.aspx?URL=/tradejournals/article/183550815.html

FoxBusiness:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/small-business/credit-tight-try-bartering/

Virginia Pilot

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/05/ill-trade-ya-barter-companies-thrive-economy-reels