Owners’ Testimonials

Jim Cassidy

Barter Partners, St. Joseph, Mich

Barter Partners is a relatively new trade exchange, since it’s entering its third year of operation in Southwestern Michigan and Northern Indiana. In this short time, we’ve established great NATE working relationships regionally in Chicagoland, Indianapolis, Lansing-GrandRapids, and Kalamazoo. Through our membership in the BANC, we’ve expanded our opportunities throughout the country from Ohio to Kansas to Montana to Arizona to California to Washington State and more. All along the way, Barter Partners has smoothly accomplished excellent transactions for our clients, plus we’ve been able to tap the experience and resources of many NATE members for help in our growth.  It is often pointed out and it is certainly true, that NATE is an organization whose members readily and enthusiastically share experiences, information and help to other members.  These are positive attributes that are particularly beneficial for a new exchange.  I strongly urge any trade exchange, whether they are start-ups or mature businesses, to investigate membership in NATE. The return on investment is invaluable

Karen Welch

We Trade Network Inc., Big Arm, Mont

I opened We Trade Network Inc., in April 2000. I value membership in the National Association of Trade Exchanges and the BANC because, as a remote location in Montana, we need trading partners. NATE provides a reliable way of dealing with other barter companies without the downside of reciprocal trade - companies going out of business, or not having what we can use. We've found markets for our products and services, and the BANC dollars earned are usable for quality products that our members need. Montana is a conservative area, and our members will normally not spend more than regular retail on trade. In the BANC, we find many products fairly priced.

Master Trade Broker Testimonials

Debby Merchant, MTB

Gulf Coast Trade Exchange

My motivation to attain the MTB designation resulted from the pride I knew would come from being one of the first MTB’s-- paving the way for others to follow. Fran and Bob Crumpton always encouraged me to learn everything about the barter industry, pushing me to reach new goals, and providing me with the opportunity to attend NATE’s regional and annual conventions. The knowledge and camaraderie gained during those meetings have helped me to excel while working with Gulf Coast Trade Exchange members, as well as other brokers across the U.S. Beginning as a broker with Gulf Coast Trade Exchange in 1989, I attended my first NATE convention in 1990. I have been a moderator and panelist for numerous seminars and roundtables. After receiving my CTB designation in April 1995, I worked to become one of the first four MTB’s in the barter industry in 2004. NATE, Gulf Coast Trade Exchange, and barter – all have changed my life! The most valuable, however, has been the forging of wonderful friendships that have become an important part of my life.  I thank Bob and Fran for this opportunity

Donna Burlingham

Continental Trade Exchange – Chattanooga

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 in 1996, where I received training in matching services and products to our members. Later, I achieved my Certified Trade Brokers designation, and last year my MTB. These achievements have proven to enrich my brokering skills and the relationships with our members