As one of the oldest trade exchanges in North America, NCE is the leading barter network in the St. Louis marketplace.

IMS Chairman, Don Mardak, stated, “We are extremely pleased to announce this acquisition of National Commercial Exchange. As founders of NCE, Richard Harris and his late brother Bruce created one of America’s finest trading systems with a strong barter currency. Richard is a past president of NATE, the National Association of Trade Exchanges and served several years on the association’s board of directors. He will be joining IMS to oversee the St. Louis operation and to help us develop a program for entering new markets.”

Richard Harris commented, “Don Mardak and the members of the IMS management team have been my friends for many years. We have been active reciprocal trading partners and have shared numerous enlightening and profitable experiences throughout our long relationship. This merger of our two fine companies should enable us to take barter to a new, higher level of excellence.”

The upcoming convention will be hosted by Arizona Trade Exchange.

More details at http://www.natebarter.com

“It’s quite an honor to be named president of NATE’s board of directors and to receive the Distinguished Service award,” said Oshry. “NATE is the premier barter association in the world. As president, I hope to do my part in continuing to enhance the value of NATE’s offerings for its members.”

According to the release, this year’s convention should be the biggest IRTA convention in over a decade and have more than 70 exchanges represented. The convention will feature renowned speakers, broker training/seminars, media trading, social networking seminars, latest technological developments, community currency programs and much more.

IRTA Member rates are freely offered to all NATE members. For more information see http://www.irta.com

This year’s convention is hosted by Green Apple Barter Services.

In a joint statement issued by NATE President Gary Oshry and IRTA President David Wallach they agreed “That the education and certification of the Trade Brokers that represent the Modern Trade and Barter Industry is a top priority for both associations. By collaborating on this vital project we usher in a welcomed spirit of cooperation and in the end we will offer a finished product that will be improved, standardized and utilized by the entire industry.“

Members of the joint committee include; Maurya Lane BBE, Gary Oshry NET and  President NATE, Richard Harris NCE, David Wallach President IRTA, Dr. Lee BXS, Mike Mercier Metro Trade, Kim Strabley IMS, Perry Constantinides BSI, Steve Acerra Fla. Barter, and Ron Whitney IRTA Executive Director.

“Our goal is to have this project completed by the first of October 2010,” said Committee Chairperson Kim Strabley, “We plan to offer CTB courses and testing on line so that we can more efficiently educate and certify our industries Trade Brokers.”

The Nate Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of enough Sales Genie lines for each member to have access for 2.5 hours per day.  We hope that you will utilize this, and find it a well deserved added benefit to your Nate affiliation.

Salesgenie.com is a provider of targeted online access to business and consumer sales lead data.

See more at http://natebarter.com/articlesdetail.asp?id=1617&pageno=

From the NATE website:

2010 Convention will be in New Orleans, LA hosted by Crescent City Trade. More information will follow.

Members of the National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE) came together October 25 – 27 in Las Vegas with a renewed spirit to get the organization relaunched with new vigor.

During the business meeting, the by-laws were changed to increase the NATE board from five to seven members. Maurya Lane of Barter Business Exchange and Kim Ames of TradeAmericanCard were elected to serve on the Board of Directors for three year terms.

The Board of Directors voted to extend the current officers of NATE through the 2010 annual convention.

President – Gary Oshry, New England Trade
Treasurer – Rachel Taylor, Alamo Barter
Secretary – Karen Welch, We Trade Network
Director – Ric Zampatti, The Barter Company
Director – Mary Nove, Executive One
Director – Maurya Lane, Barter Business Exchange
Director – Kim Ames, TradeAmericanCard

The BANC Board of Governors will consist of 5 members:

Ken Flemmons, Southern Barter Exchange
Gary Oshry, New England Trade
Rachel Taylor, Alamo Barter
Fred Detwiler, Trade First
Mary Ellen Rosinski, Tradesource – Arizona

The association membership voted to restructure the Ethics Committee.

Four NATE members will comprise the committee and be responsible to foster fair and equitable business practices among its members, as applicable under the NATE Bylaws and BANC Trading Rules & Procedures.

Paul Richardson, Arizona Trade Exchange
Don Mardak, IMS
Ric Zampatti, The Barter Company

BANC board representative (To be determined after first meeting of BANC Board of Governors.)

The following are representative comments by members attending the convention:

“I had a great time at the convention. I liked how you had everyone eating together at the restaurants. It gave me time to mingle and find out what is going on with each other and what is working for them.”

— Mark Tracy, American Commerce Exchange

“Thanks for putting on such a good show! It was fun, the food was good, the interaction was great, the attitudes were very positive.”

— Jeffrey Chamblin, Crescent City Trade

“Hey guys, nice job!”

— Joe Prince, Barter Depot

“Words cannot describe the effort and accomplishment Gary and Rachel have achieved in bringing NATE back to life. In my opinion, THE BEST convention ever! It was fun, everyone was relaxed, and actually enjoyed each others’ company. The staunch boring banquets rewarding and praising the ‘good ole boys’ are finally gone forever!”

— Tanya Galdamez, Crescent City Trade

“It was great to see some old faces who have not attended a NATE convention in years.”

— Ric Zampatti, The Barter Company

“So good to see everyone.”

— Kim Ames, TradeAmericanCard

“Great conference.”

— Kraig Bloom, New England Trade

“This convention brought back what I’ve always liked about NATE exchanges…helping each other. The (first day) was all about getting back to the basics, what has made the barter industry work well for thousands of our members. Congrats on a great convention and the ideas that came out of it!”

— Kenn Flemmons, Southern Barter Exchange

“The convention was a huge success.”

— Maurya Lane, Barter Business Exchange

“It was nice to see a lot of exchanges at the 25th Anniversary of NATE.”

— Mary Nove, Executive One

http://www.natebarter.com