IRTA Introduces Legends Of Barter Award

In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the International Reciprocal Trade Association and in order to recognize certain extraordinary individuals that have served the Modern Trade and Barter Industry since 1979, the IRTA Global Board of Directors has authorized the Legends of Barter Award.

This award will be presented to industry members that meet the award criteria during the IRTA Convention that will be held October 1 through October 3, 2009, in Dallas (TX). The Legends of Barter Award is an honor that recognizes those Modern Trade and Barter Industry members who have served and helped to shape and define the Industry over a period of ten or more years from 1979 to 2009 through positive and identifiable actions. This is an industry wide award and includes individuals from all industry sectors, including commercial barter, corporate barter and the community currency movement.

Honorees need not be IRTA members, current Industry members or present at the IRTA Convention to receive this Award. Therefore listed below in alphabetical order the following individuals are hereby recognized for their extraordinary efforts during the past thirty years in shaping and defining the Modern Trade and Barter Industry.

Here below the prizes in the Community Currency field:

Edgar S. Cahn — Community Currency 1980-2009

Authored “No More Throw Away People” and “Time Dollars.” Created the concept of Time Dollars and founded TimeBanks USA, a local tax-exempt currency which is designed to validate and reward the work performed by volunteers and the disadvantaged in local communities.

Thomas Greco — Community Currency 1987-2009

As an economist, professor and author, he writes and consults on monetary exchange alternatives, including private credit clearing systems, complementary and local currency. Has authored three books: “New Money for Healthy Communities,” “Money and Debt: A Solution to the Global Crisis” and his latest, “The End of Money and the Future of Civilization.” Has made several presentations during IRTA conventions and is active worldwide working with and developing Community Currency systems.

Bernard Lietaer — Community Currency (over 25 years of service)

Has twice been a speaker at IRTA Conventions. An economist author and professor; authored “The Future of Money” and the forthcoming “Of Human Wealth.” He is credited with coining the phrase “complementary currency” and has worked with leaders of the sector to further the use of Community Currency.

Michael Linton — Community Currency 1983-2009

IRTA convention speaker; founded LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) a community oriented trading platform that allows its members to manage their own parallel currency system. Today there are thousands of LETS communities worldwide.

Sergio Lub — Community Currency 1980-2009

Keynote speaker in 2002 at the First International Community Currency Conference in Koriyama, Japan. Created the Friendly Favors Living Directory Network, which is being used by over 100 organizations and is interconnecting 50,000+ people in 150+ countries. Has traveled worldwide with Thomas Greco on behalf of the Community Currency movement.

Annette Riggs — Commercial Barter & Community Currency 1981-2009

Began her career with 10 years experience in the commercial barter sector. She transitioned into the community currency sector; now operates a commercial barter exchange in Bolder, Colorado; has presented Community Currency seminars during both the 2008 and 2009 IRTA conventions. She is an educator and valued speaker who is contributing her unique vision and commitment to both the Community Currency and Commercial Barter segments of the Modern Trade and Barter industry.