IRTA GLOBAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTS DAVID WALLACH IRTA PRESIDENT EMERITUS

On March 1st, 2011, IRTA was saddened to receive the resignation (below) of our beloved President, David Wallach. 

Dear fellow IRTA Global Board of Director Members,
Over the past thirty years the advancement of Modern Trade and Barter industry has been both my vocation and avocation. I have had the pleasure of serving the industry while establishing lifelong relationships with some of the most talented and dedicated individuals that exist within the business, financial and academic communities.

In October of 2009 you elected me to a second two year term as President of the IRTA Global Board of Directors. At that time we discussed the possibility that I might not be able complete the term of office because of the insidious life threatening disease that I was diagnosed with in 2005. It now appears that my condition has somewhat degraded and this will affect my abilities to perform the tasks and duties of IRTA President at an acceptable level.

At this point in time I will need all of my mental and spiritual energy directed toward further survival of this disease. Presently I am receiving a new chemotherapy drug and have and will take, every opportunity to continue this wonderful life that I have had the privilege to experience.
Therefore effective immediately I hereby resign both as President and as a Member of the IRTA Global Board of Directors. I will of course be fully available to assist in the transition of leadership.
The future is bright and IRTA is in excellent condition. The organization contains exceptional leadership and we have in place the proven services of our superb IRTA Executive Director Ron Whitney.

Nothing but love,
David Wallach, President, IRTA Global Board of Directors

In recognition of David Wallach's extraordinary efforts on behalf of IRTA, the IRTA Global Board of Directors unanimously voted to name David Wallach "President Emeritus" of IRTA.  This prestigious lifetime "President Emeritus" honor is only given to those select individuals who have earned the title based on their exemplary service to IRTA, and whose advice and counsel is still needed within IRTA.  David Wallach is the first person in the history of IRTA to be given the President Emeritus title.

“We at IRTA can say with absolute certainty that IRTA has never had, and most likely never will have again, a President as passionate, hard working and devoted as Dave Wallach.” stated Ron Whitney IRTA executive Director. “He has unselfishly given thousands of hours of his time to IRTA, and was instrumental in growing IRTA's membership, strengthening IRTA financially and spearheading numerous new and innovative programs for the benefit of the modern trade and barter industry.”  

The IRTA Global Board of Directors resolution passed unanimously, it reads as follows:
"Now, be it resolved, that in recognition of, and respect for, the extraordinary contributions that David Wallach has made to IRTA, as a member, a Global Board Director and as IRTA's President, that David Wallach be named as "President Emeritus" of IRTA effective March 2, 2011, and that such "President Emeritus" designation be a lifetime appointment.  The current IRTA Global Board, Officers, Executive Director, staff and members sincerely thank David Wallach for his outstanding achievements on behalf of IRTA and the Modern Trade and Barter Industry and acknowledge the incredible positive impact he has made on the industry."

IRTA's Vice President, Michael Mercier stepped into the IRTA President's position effective March 2, 2011 and Perry Constantinides was elected as Vice President on March 15th, 2011 to fill the open VP position.

IRTA and the entire Modern Trade and Barter Industry wish David Wallach a speedy recovery, and congratulate him on his IRTA President Emeritus appointment.