Current News From International Reciprocal Trade Association
Gary Field of
NuBarter in Savannah (GA) and his energetic team did a superb job of
hosting this year�s recent IRTA �U� Conference, that the Tuesday
Report covered in September, which highlighted new challenges
faced by exchange owners and shed new light on existing ones. The
speaker line-up made it an intense two-day educational program.
There were new
faces from new places as this year�s attendees were from ten
countries, representing both the commercial barter industry and
complimentary currency systems.
The IRTA
Business Meeting covered a variety of topics. . .
Financials:
IRTA Treasurer Harold Rice reported that the budget is on target and
the IRTA financials are in sound shape. He attributed this largely
due to the accurate forecasting and excellent financial management
from Krista Vardabash, former Executive Director.
Resignation:
Krista Vardabash announced her resignation as IRTA Executive
Director effective 10/1/07, after seven years of meritorious service
to the commercial barter industry. Krista anticipates working and
remaining within the industry.
Appointments: The IRTA
Global Board of Directors appointed Ron Whitney to the position of
IRTA Executive Director. Ron will focus on membership growth and
development, revenue generators, education, and member relations. He
brings a fresh perspective and value to the association. As a former
trade exchange owner, he understands the many challenges and intends
to create more definable membership benefits.
Ethics:
IRTA currently has one ethics complaint outstanding. The Ethics
Committee reported on the current complaint.
Elections:
Open Board seats were filled by Ian Jones of BarterXchange and Gary
Field of NuBarter. Richard Logie and David Wallach were re-elected
to the Board. The new IRTA Global Board of Directors elected David
Wallach as President, Michael Mercier as Vice President, Harold Rice
as Treasurer, and Ian Jones as Secretary.
New
programs: IRTA Operation
Outreach and the IRPAC program were identified as definable IRTA
membership benefits, therefore receiving top priority for 2008.
Universal
Currency: The UC trade
volume, currently at 4.1 million, has already exceeded last year�s
3.8 million at this time. More importantly, attention was called to
the relationships forged with other UC members, the growing
membership, and the overall increased currency value.
It was also
decided that UC will soon have an international currency conversion
piece built into the GETS system it utilizes. The company�s
financials are in good shape and are strengthening each year.
Other news and
events:
The IRTA Global
Board is looking for members to participate in the newly formed
Statistics Committees. If you would like to be involved, please
e-mail Dave Wallach at
dwallach@sfoutdoortv.com.
IRTA members
are allowed one full dedicated page on the IRTA web site containing
company description. Membership also authorizes one to have the
verifiable IRTA logo on your firm�s web site. (For full details on
how to submit your one page description or to obtain information on
the verifiable logo, please e-mail Jennifer Ashworth at jen@irta.com.)
The IRTA web
site committee has recommended many positive changes to make the
site more user friendly, enhance the membership directory, and
provide more news and educational materials.
Those wanting
additional information or having questions are invited to e-mail Ron
Whitney (ron@irta.com) or Jennifer
Ashworth (jen@irta.com) or phone
them at the IRTA office (585) 424- 2940.