NATE MTB PROFILES

NATE Honors First Brokers To Achieve MTB Certification

As the premier barter association, NATE has established standards that provide guidelines for the highest level of professionalism in the barter industry. NATE’s newest accreditation is the Master Trade Broker (MTB) certification and is based on knowledge, experience, and participation for CTB's wishing to achieve additional certification.
Criteria for achieving NATE’s MTB Certification was recently completed in 2004 by Donna Burlingham, Debby Merchant, Kim Strabley and Linda Zibell - who were all honored at The NATE 20th Annual Awards Banquet at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
Join us in congratulating them on their hard work and achievements in the barter industry.

DONNA BURLINGHAM, MTB

Being in the Barter industry for eleven years, we have seen the barter opportunities increase considerably. We have watched companies grow by using their barter. We have a client that started as a member in 1993 in a mini warehouse building signs, now they have 4 locations. What could be a better example of using barter to build your business?

I was introduced to trade with only 100 members to broker. In the beginning, we all wore many hats — brokering, selling, collections, marketing and more. My biggest enjoyment is to help a member see the value of their trade and the many opportunities trade provides. My appreciation and enjoyment in the barter industry has been greatly inspired by NATE through the educational and training seminars I’ve attended. The first convention I attended was a broker training in Atlanta 1996, where I received training in matching services and products to our members. Later, I achieved my CTB and in 2004 I earned my MTB. These achievements have proven to enrich my brokering skills and the relationships with our members. Thank you NATE.

DEBBY MERCHANT, MTB

Debby has been employed at Gulf Coast Trade Exchange, Pensacola, Florida, for over 15 years. After receiving the CTB designation in 1995, she recently qualified to be one of NATE’s first MTB’s. Debby states her involvement in the barter industry, as well as NATE has been a blessing in her life --- personally and professionally. During this time, she has made friends around the USA and has become one of an elite barter group called “The Barter Babes” who plan an annual vacation together. She has even continued friendships with brokers who have left the industry. In addition, barter has been important in family life by enhancing her lifestyle. Debby also loves to cook for her family including three grandchildren --- Cole, Madison, and Cameron --- who have become her number one hobby!

KIM STRABLEY, MTB

Kim Strabley MTB has been with International Monetary Systems since July of 1993. Her roles have included receptionist, broker and travel broker. Kim received her CTB in May of 1997 and her MTB in October of 2004. As the Director of the Travel and Reciprocal Divisions, she oversees 4 full time travel brokers. The 2005 convention will be her 11th, plus there were several regionals. She has been a panelist, moderator, round table leader and check in person numerous times at NATE events. Kim also leads the CTB class and administers the CTB test on behalf of NATE. Hobbies include, traveling, scuba diving, skiing, boating, biking, watching the children at karate or baseball, reading and teaching piano and flute.

LINDA ZIBELL, MTB

Linda has worked as a Trade Broker for 24 years, and recently became one of only FOUR Master Trade Brokers (MTB) in the U.S. She became involved in barter when she was engaged in finding home services contractors for herself. Barter has turned into a lifelong opportunity, where Linda has met thousands of people and been involved in their personal and business lives. On the personal side, Linda enjoys spending time with her 19 month old Weimaraner puppy, taking pictures, flower gardening and of course traveling with her barter buddies!