(This article was
submitted by Ron Whitney, Executive Director of IRTA.)
There is no question that 2011 was a very good year for the
International Reciprocal Trade Association. We have enjoyed a number
of triumphs and successes, however, along with these achievements,
2011 presented substantial challenges as well. Most notably, in May
we lost our dear friend and greatly revered president and leader,
David Wallach.
Although we lost his daily guidance, IRTA has not lost his vision
nor the momentum achieved by his guidance. David believed it was
IRTA�s unequivocal destiny, as the world organization for the modern
trade and barter industry, to enlighten businesses across the globe
to the profit producing benefits that the barter industry provides.
He realized that by utilizing the non-productive assets of excess
inventory and/or capacity, our industry will undoubtedly raise the
standard of living for everyone.
The
IRTA Global Board of Directors is proud to report the many
highlights of 2011:
�
IRTA
membership grew over 20% both in North America and globally. This
growth was achieved during the most difficult economic climate the
world has faced in many years.
�
The 2011
IRTA convention was a huge success! Held in a luxurious
four-and-a-half star all-inclusive resort in Mexico, this convention
saw record breaking attendance and included a number of highly
informative and educational seminars that were praised universally
by the attendees.
�
Thanks to
the very active Membership and Universal Currency Committees, both
IRTA and UC exceeded revenue projections for the year.
�
The Global
Board worked diligently and developed a �Conflict of Interest�
section for the organization�s bylaws.
�
IRTA has
committed funds for the implementation of an aggressive and
multi-faceted social media program that we look forward to seeing
develop in the coming year.
�
The Global
Board wrote and passed a new, tougher, and clearer �Code of Ethics
and Conduct� for the organization.
�
IRTA
Executive Director Ron Whitney, attended the roll-out of the City of
London�s study, �Capacity Trade and Credit,� and through Mr.
Whitney, helped contribute to the research in the study�s
developmental stage.
�
IRTA
retained a new public relations consultant in anticipation of
substantially increasing industry recognition in the press
worldwide.
�
Universal
Currency set an all-time annual trading record, as well as a record
setting number of trade exchange participants.
�
IRTA
worked meticulously to keep in close contact with the U.S. Attorney
General and the IRS in regards to the Liberty Dollars verdict.
Executive Director Ron Whitney was proactive in preventing any harm
from coming to the modern trade and barter industry. In order to
increase awareness, IRTA issued a press release on this matter.
�
The IRTA
library has archived a number of informative materials, dating back
to 1979, concerning the industry and the organization. This
considerable collection has always been available to current IRTA
members for their use within their organization, but was made more
accessible via a new tab on the IRTA web site.
In
closing, the association would like to take the opportunity to thank
all of our current and future members for their contribution in
making 2011 a record-setting year for IRTA and UC. The organization
as a whole has shown exceptional growth and strong financials which
support future growth for all members.
We
have seen an improving environment that we anticipate will encourage
many more businesses to utilize barter as a part of their business
plan. There have been a growing number of start-up trade and barter
groups, as well. This growth is encouraging to us, however, we are
concerned that the new exchange operators will not understand the
challenges they will face and the resources they will need to obtain
in order to achieve profitability.
In
order to prevent potential challenges, IRTA welcomes trade
exchanges, corporate trade organizations, and community currencies
to affiliate with IRTA and the �Code of Ethics & Conduct� of its
members. IRTA wishes to share its accumulated knowledge from model
contracts to accounting standards with all participants of the
industry.
Mr.
Whitney is confident that new members will quickly learn what our
current IRTA members already know: IRTA is not an expense nor a
cost, but rather an investment in their business, that pays
significant financial and professional dividends.
For
more information
click here.
