Brazil asked India for more cattle embryos and semen that have improved the quality of its livestock greatly over the years.

India wanted Brazil to send soccer coaches to improve the quality of its football and possibly aim for a better chance of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup that, incidentally, Brazil will host.

Read more at http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110309/jsp/nation/story_13688552.jsp

While barter used to be seen as somehow countercultural, a rejection of the great impersonal forces of market capitalism, these days, in the same way pot has become mainstream, so has barter. It’s no longer a symbol of anything countercultural; instead, increasingly, it’s a part of the regular business landscape, a way for businesses large and small to find ways to dispose of excess inventory or to take advantage of excess time.

See the full story at http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1433741

WIS 10 in Columbia, South Carolina, reported on the activities of the Barter Company recently, along with some 50′s-esque video reminiscent of Leave It To Beaver that describes barter as a simple quid pro quo transaction. Indeed, the reporter actually says, “It might be a little dated, but when the times get tough, old tricks might be the best tricks.”

Can we convince the media somehow that barter is a 21st century concept involving complex software, online access, and fiscally intelligent operators who create real value for their members?

Improved Financials to top Meeting Agenda –(www.FinancialNewsUSA.com)– 05/20/2009 – International Monetary Systems, Ltd. (OTCBB: INLM), a worldwide leader in business-to-business barter services, today announced that it has scheduled its annual shareholder meeting for Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel. Shareholders of record on May 1, 2009 will be eligible to re-elect two directors, to ratify Webb & Co. P.A. as the Company’s auditors of its 2009 financial statements, and to vote on any other business that may be presented.
Attending shareholders will learn about various strategic initiatives that have improved current financial results as reflected in the company’s first-quarter 10-Q filing. Upper management will discuss infrastructure decisions that have provided cost-savings, recent media attention, marketing and sales initiatives, technology upgrades, and performance goals for the remainder of the year.

A Barter Way to Grow

When: Friday, November 20, 2009 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: 1100 S. Tryon St., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28203
Suggested Dress: Business Casual

Tony Holden is a 30 year barter veteran, according to the Synergy web site, https://www.synergystreettrade.net/

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

To confirm the ITEX rumor, I had a conversation with an ITEX broker who is a friend of mine and former competitor of mine, Tinamarie Fowler of the ITEX office in Ogden. Not only did she confirm the heresay I had received before, but went on to say, “It’s something corporate has been encouraging us to do for a couple of years. They want us to increase our membership quickly, and they tell us not to charge a sign up fee to make it easier for people to join.” Tinamarie, a five-year franchisee of ITEX, had formerly charged as much as $995 to join her franchise as a member.

WHAT YOU’LL PAY

Some exchanges charge new members up to $800 to join, although others have no advance fees. Most have monthly flat fees of $10 to $30 and, for each completed transaction, collect a cash commission of about 10% to 15%, which is either paid by one party or split between the buyer and seller.

More and more I am hearing from exchange owners who are charging less and less for their services. Is this an industry trend? Or is it a response to economic pressure? Perhaps exchange owners are valuing their service less than they did in the boom years? I’d love to hear what you think about this, and what you are currently charging your members.