Subsequent to the unveiling of the company’s new proprietary transaction software, International Monetary Systems, Ltd. (OTCBB: ITNM) (Approx. Market Cap: US$ 6.8 Million), a business-to-business barter services company, carried out its first “cyber holiday season” initiative.

Upon launching the initiative, John Strabley, executive vice president of International Monetary, said, “This new online program, which was made possible through the implementation of our new software system, provides us with a much stronger platform as an e-tailer and has the potential to become one of the most successful promotions that we have ever done. IMS members already have a great advantage over their peers and competitors who are not involved in the trade exchange. Our clients can fulfill their holiday shopping needs without cash, but also are able to purchase everything at the wholesale cost of their own products. This powerful economic tool of barter helps them move their excess inventory, conserve their cash and be more profitable at the end of the year. Because of its success, we intend to expand our e-commerce platform in the coming year.” The initiative provided IMS members with a large selection of highly desirable items that are specifically offered only on the online marketplace. Each morning for the first twelve days of December, opt-in IMS clients received an emailed marketing announcement listing that day’s featured items, and an invitation to shop the entire inventory of online merchandise. Unlike traditional e-commerce sites, which are usually hosted by one retailer or are a collection of small sellers, the IMS marketplace lists products of more than 250 merchants whose average offerings total more than $48,000. On any given day, $12 to $15 million worth of products are available.

At last count, online sales volume was up more than 700% over the same period last year, and the company’s overall Internet traffic has also set new records. In addition, the program has attracted several of IMS’ corporate barter clients who are making significant purchases to satisfy their corporate holiday shopping needs. The highest volume of buying has been done on merchandise such as jewelry, electronics, household products and other gift items.

John Strabley, Executive Vice President of International Monetary Systems, said, “This new online program, which was made possible through the implementation of our new software system, provides us with a much stronger platform as an e-tailer and has the potential to become one of the most successful promotions that we have ever done. IMS members already have a great advantage over their peers and competitors who are not involved in the trade exchange. Our clients can fulfill their holiday shopping needs without cash, but also are able to purchase everything at the wholesale cost of their own products. This powerful economic tool of barter helps them move their excess inventory, conserve their cash and be more profitable at the end of the year. Because of its success, we intend to expand our e-commerce platform in the coming year.”

“The Twelve Days of Christmas,” provides IMS members with a large selection of highly desirable items that are specifically offered only on the online marketplace. Each morning for the first twelve days of December, opt-in IMS clients receive an emailed marketing announcement listing that day’s featured items, and an invitation to shop the entire inventory of merchandise now available online. Unlike traditional e-commerce sites, which are usually hosted by one retailer or are a collection of small sellers, the IMS marketplace currently lists products of more than 250 merchants whose average offerings total more than $48,000. On any given day, there are $12 million to $15 million worth of products available.

After just the first two days of implementation, online sales volume was up more than 700% over the same period last year, and the company’s overall Internet traffic has also set new records. In addition, the program has attracted several of IMS’ corporate barter clients who are making significant purchases to satisfy their corporate holiday shopping needs. The highest volume of buying has been done on merchandise such as jewelry, electronics, household products and other gift items.

About International Monetary Systems
Founded in 1985, International Monetary Systems (IMS) serves 23,000 cardholders in 50 North American markets. Based in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and managed by seasoned industry veterans, IMS is one of the largest publicly traded barter companies in the world. The company’s proprietary transaction clearing software enables businesses and individuals to trade goods and services online using an electronic currency known as trade dollars. The IMS network allows companies to create cost savings and connect to new customers by incorporating barter opportunities in their business models. Further information can be obtained at the company’s Web site at: www.imsbarter.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning our expected performance as described without limitation in comments about the company’s performance within the safe harbor provisions established under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered as an indication of our future performance. We believe that these potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the continuing development of successful marketing strategies for our concepts; our ability to increase revenues and sustain profitability; the availability of adequate working capital; our dependence both on key personnel, and the effect of changes in the overall economy and in technology. Statements in this release should be evaluated in light of these factors. These risk factors and other important factors that could affect our business and financial results are discussed in our periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Forms 10-K and Forms 10-Q, which are available at www.sec.gov. All information set forth in this release is as of December 6, 2010, and International Monetary Systems, Ltd. undertakes no duty to update this information.

The holiday expos are organized and hosted by the IMS offices that serve 50 major markets across North America. The events provide an excellent venue for IMS clients to spend their trade dollars and network with other local members. Don Mardak, CEO of International Monetary Systems, said, “The annual expo season is the most anticipated in our industry, particularly in light of the tough economy. During last year’s season, also in poor economic times, we set trade volume records. This year, we expect more members than ever before will be using their trade dollars to ease the strain on cash reserves for holiday gift buying.”

In the past, these holiday expos have generated considerable revenue and trade volume, and accounted for a significant part of the company’s fourth-quarter income. Following are the dates for the events:

  Saturday, October 16, 2010       --       Chicago, IL
  Tuesday, October 26, 2010        --       Hartford, CT
  Saturday, November 6, 2010       --       Milwaukee, WI
  Sunday, November 7, 2010         --       Reno, NV
  Tuesday, November 9, 2010        --       Columbus, OH
  Thursday, November 11, 2010      --       Rochester, NY
  Thursday, November 11, 2010      --       Chattanooga, TN
  Saturday, November 13, 2010      --       Wichita, KS
  Saturday, November 20, 2010      --       Denver, CO
  Sunday, November 21, 2010        --       Santa Clara, CA
  Sunday, December 5, 2010         --       Santa Rosa, CA
  Thursday, December 9, 2010       --       Las Vegas, NV

The shows are open to the public. To locate exact times and locations of each expo, you can click on the following link: http://www.imsbarter.com/expos

See the full story at http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/12/15/20091215biz-bonus1216-CP.html

The couple in the story have turned to barter. The wife turned to Craigslists.com where her ad joined dozens of other ads from people wanting to barter services or other items for Christmas presents.

“I’ll split wood. I’ll baby-sit.  I’ll clean house. My husband’s a mechanic.  He’ll work on cars,” she said.

Her hope? Get something in return that will give a smile to her kids faces.

Now, let’s insert a barter exchange in to the story. Same couple, same story. This time the husband, who has skills as a mechanic, joins a barter exchange in Dallas, doing extra work on weekends. If the exchange is worth anything, and we assume that it is, within a couple of weekends there would be enough trade built up to provide a nice Christmas for his family. Instead of wondering if his skills will produce anything, his broker would get on the phone, find people that need his services, and get them hooked up.

What I am finding in my constant barter research is that direct trades are still hard. It is still difficult to pair your wants with what someone else has and vice versa. In the upcoming week I will be doing a four part story pitting the best of the internet direct-trade sites against each other to see which is easiest and best at getting me what I want.

In the mean time, to all of the struggling parents out there, take an inventory of your skills, find a barter exchange to join, and use your skills to get Christmas.

You can read the full story in Dallas at http://cbs11tv.com/local/christmas.gift.barter.2.1346659.html

The business public is welcome to attend. New England Trade membership is NOT required. Trading up in New England
Since 1980, New England Trade has helped thousands of businesses gain a competitive edge by expanding their revenue and reach with barter. Restaurants, auto services, travel, retail stores, and professional business services such as accounting, legal and advertising/marketing are a sampling of the numerous clients who do business with New England Trade and each other. Maintaining offices at 926 Eastern Avenue in Malden, Mass., as well as 100 West Main Street in Hyannis for its Cape Cod branch (www.CapeCodTrade.com), New England Trade has become the largest barter organization in New England. The company is a founding member of the National Association of Trade Exchanges and a member of the International Reciprocal Trade Association, New England Trade manages more than $5-million in sales annually and has a staff of 10 people. New England Trade is operated by experienced, Certified Trade Brokers who know how to make barter work for business. The company is a long-standing member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce.

For additional information about New England Trade, please visit www.NewEnglandTrade.com or call 781-388-9200.

In lieu of cash Christmas bonuses, many member companies will give their trade credits to employees so they can attend the event and buy Christmas presents, he said.

About 600 members and employees are expected to attend.