The following is a press release we received from IRTA this morning:

2009 has proved to be a banner year for The International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA) according to IRTA Executive Director Ron Whitney. “We have surpassed all of the goals that were set for 2009 in the categories of New IRTA Members and Universal Currency Membership and transaction volume.”

During 2009 IRTA welcomed in 27 new members from all over the world they represent every sector of the Modern Trade and Barter industry including start ups and mature Commercial Barter Exchanges, Corporate Barter Companies and Community based systems.

The International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA) now in its 31st year provides global self regulation and the highest standards of operations for the 75 Modern Trade and Barter system operating companies that are members of the IRTA organization. Those 75 IRTA Members provide over 8 billion dollars in annual revenue and capitalization to their more then 200,000 worldwide business clients. During 2009 the IRTA Universal Currency UC platform cleared more that 5 million dollars in trade transactions and increased membership by 25%.

According to IRTA Universal Currency (UC) Committee Chairman Scott Whitmer; “UC is entering a new and exciting phase in its history. It is in its 12th year as a trade exchange clearinghouse currency and has established itself as the clear leader of Modern Trade and Barter industry Clearinghouse platforms. UC is positioned perfectly to reach new heights and truly bring the world’s traders together. We are looking forward to another excellent year in 2010”.

“This remarkable influx of new members into to IRTA and the Universal currency systems over the past two years has enhanced the organizations ability to accomplish our mission and provide additional benefits to all industry members”. offered IRTA President David Wallach.” The IRTA Global Board of Directors looks forward to 2010 and presenting creative and exciting new approaches in serving the Modern Trade and Barter Industry and will continue to offer the aggressive leadership role in the industry that our members expect of us.”

The mission of IRTA is to provide to all Industry Members with an ethically based global organization dedicated to the advancement of Modern Trade and Barter and other alternative capital systems, through the use of education, self regulation, high standards and government relations.

For more information www.irta.com, call Ron Whitney at 757-393-2292, or email ron@irta.com

barter, David Wallach, IRTA, Ron Whitney, Universal Currency